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  <channel>
    <title>Photos on Tracking information about the Russian War against Ukraine</title>
    <link>https://benborges.xyz/categories/photos/</link>
    <description></description>
    
    <language>en</language>
    
    <lastBuildDate>Wed, 11 Mar 2026 08:31:29 +0100</lastBuildDate>
    
    <item>
      <title>General Staff: Russia has lost 1,275,980 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/11/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 11 Mar 2026 08:31:29 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/11/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/c2732433f2.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;General Staff: Russia has lost 1,275,980 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The number includes 990 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-losses-1-275-980-troops-in-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>Moscow&#39;s own assessments reveal staggering losses in Ukraine, intelligence suggests</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/11/moscows-own-assessments-reveal-staggering.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 11 Mar 2026 04:44:27 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/11/moscows-own-assessments-reveal-staggering.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/650821526-4179457212304623-2037760485064003588-n.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Moscow&#39;s own assessments reveal staggering losses in Ukraine, intelligence suggests&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Kremlin&#39;s own classified assessments estimate that 1,315,000 Russian soldiers have been killed and wounded on the battlefield since the start of Russia&#39;s full-scale of Ukraine in February 2022, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on March 10, citing Ukrainian intelligence reports.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/62-killed-38-wounded-moscows-own-assessments-reveal-staggering-losses-in-ukraine-intelligence-suggests/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>Russia committed crimes against humanity through deportation of Ukrainian children, UN inquiry finds</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/11/russia-committed-crimes-against-humanity.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 11 Mar 2026 02:17:25 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/11/russia-committed-crimes-against-humanity.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/f404588dae.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia committed crimes against humanity through deportation of Ukrainian children, UN inquiry finds&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The forced deportation and transfer of Ukrainian children by Russia throughout its full-scale war in Ukraine amounts to crimes against humanity, a United Nations (UN) investigation published on March 10 found.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-committed-crimes-against-humanity-through-deportation-of-ukrainian-children-un-inquiry-finds/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>This BALLISTIC MISSILE attacks MOSCOW! Ukraine conducts FINAL missile tests #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/11/this-ballistic-missile-attacks-moscow.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:30:04 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/11/this-ballistic-missile-attacks-moscow.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/ad04767fba.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;This BALLISTIC MISSILE attacks MOSCOW! Ukraine conducts FINAL missile tests #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/9yDkBvHqXgk&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>Ukrainian FP-9 ballistics ready to strike! 800 km range – MOSCOW is now within reach!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/11/ukrainian-fp-ballistics-ready-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:01:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/11/ukrainian-fp-ballistics-ready-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/67053191f2.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian FP-9 ballistics ready to strike! 800 km range – MOSCOW is now within reach!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHTgUDIYVJU&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>Ukraine hits military targets in Russian-occupied Donetsk Oblast, video shows</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/10/ukraine-hits-military-targets-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 23:51:51 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/10/ukraine-hits-military-targets-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/screenshot-2026-03-10-at-6-30-44-pm.png&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine hits military targets in Russian-occupied Donetsk Oblast, video shows&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukraine&#39;s Special Operations Forces (SSO) released video footage on March 10 showing strikes on military facilities in Russian-occupied Donetsk oblast.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-hits-russian-occupied-donetsk/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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    <item>
      <title>Double DETONATION in occupied DONETSK: UAV warehouse destroyed #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/10/double-detonation-in-occupied-donetsk.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 23:30:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/10/double-detonation-in-occupied-donetsk.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/9de91f6ccf.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Double DETONATION in occupied DONETSK: UAV warehouse destroyed #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/i1AwLyOLXkI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>FRONTLINE SENSATION: AFU liberate over 400 sq km and clear rear areas near Hulyaipole!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/10/frontline-sensation-afu-liberate-over.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 23:01:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/10/frontline-sensation-afu-liberate-over.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/7609b22b07.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;FRONTLINE SENSATION: AFU liberate over 400 sq km and clear rear areas near Hulyaipole!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLCSF-RHFBA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>Russia denies sharing intelligence with Iran on U.S. military assets, Witkoff says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/10/russia-denies-sharing-intelligence-with.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 21:42:57 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/10/russia-denies-sharing-intelligence-with.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2265208022.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia denies sharing intelligence with Iran on U.S. military assets, Witkoff says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russia has denied allegations that it has shared intelligence with Iran on U.S. military assets in the Middle East, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff said March 10.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-denies-sharing-intelligence-with-iran-witkoff-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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    <item>
      <title>Chief designer of FIRE POINT: We will test our BALLISTICS on the &amp;amp;quot;NEIGHBOR&amp;amp;quot;! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/10/chief-designer-of-fire-point.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 20:30:12 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/10/chief-designer-of-fire-point.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/d9bcff7ab7.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Chief designer of FIRE POINT: We will test our BALLISTICS on the &amp;quot;NEIGHBOR&amp;quot;! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/nt5_wA8V5tU&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>Ukraine war latest: Saudi Arabia prepping &#39;huge deal&#39; for Ukrainian weapons amid Iranian drone threat</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/10/ukraine-war-latest-saudi-arabia.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 20:10:50 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/10/ukraine-war-latest-saudi-arabia.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2198282232-1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest: Saudi Arabia prepping &#39;huge deal&#39; for Ukrainian weapons amid Iranian drone threat&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Key developments on March 10:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Saudi Arabia prepping &#39;huge deal&#39; for Ukrainian weapons amid Iranian drone threat&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Ukraine strikes missile control systems plant in Russia&#39;s Bryansk Oblast, Zelensky says&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Ukraine retakes most Russian-held areas in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast after weeks of counterattacks&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Ukraine to get 35 Patriot&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-2026-03-10/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>US officials ask &#39;What does Putin have on Trump?&#39; over downplayed Russian intel to Iran</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/10/us-officials-ask-what-does.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 20:03:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/10/us-officials-ask-what-does.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-1000100034.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;US officials ask &#39;What does Putin have on Trump?&#39; over downplayed Russian intel to Iran&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;U.S. President Donald Trump and his administration have downplayed reports that Russia has been providing intelligence to Iran used to target American forces, drawing frustration from U.S. officials who spoke with the Kyiv Independent.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The reaction comes amid &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-reportedly-provides-iran-intelligence/&#34;&gt;reports&lt;/a&gt; that Moscow has shared with Tehran information on the&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/us-officials-express-fury-over-russian-intelligence-to-iran-downplaying/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>CHEAPER than ATACMS, FASTER than ISKANDER: Fire Point chief designer reveals FP-7 and FP-9 secrets!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/10/cheaper-than-atacms-faster-than.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 20:00:20 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/10/cheaper-than-atacms-faster-than.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/c15af9733b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;CHEAPER than ATACMS, FASTER than ISKANDER: Fire Point chief designer reveals FP-7 and FP-9 secrets!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBetlFQzwuM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>UKRAINE is now a security donor in the MIDDLE EAST, – Zelenskyy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/10/ukraine-is-now-a-security.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 19:51:37 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/10/ukraine-is-now-a-security.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/9b5add7da3.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;UKRAINE is now a security donor in the MIDDLE EAST, – Zelenskyy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/P8-JkhCEYdk&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>Ukrainians heading to SHOOT DOWN &amp;amp;quot;SHAHEDS&amp;amp;quot; over the PERSIAN GULF #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/10/ukrainians-heading-to-shoot-down.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 19:31:20 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/10/ukrainians-heading-to-shoot-down.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/fa9bfe4e09.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainians heading to SHOOT DOWN &amp;quot;SHAHEDS&amp;quot; over the PERSIAN GULF #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/xczTC0qABbs&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>Ukraine strikes missile control systems plant in Russia&#39;s Bryansk Oblast, Zelensky says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/10/ukraine-strikes-missile-control-systems.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 19:24:39 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/10/ukraine-strikes-missile-control-systems.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/screenshot-2026-03-10-at-8-18-11-pm.png&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine strikes missile control systems plant in Russia&#39;s Bryansk Oblast, Zelensky says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Zelensky said Ukrainian forces struck a plant in Russia&#39;s Bryansk Oblast that manufactures control systems for Russian missiles. The facility, identified as Kremniy El, is one of Russia&#39;s largest microelectronics producers.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-strikes-missile-control-systems-plant-in-russias-bryansk-zelensky-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>Ukrainian Navy grounds occupier aircraft in Crimea, while Ukrainian UAVs save UAE from Iran!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/10/ukrainian-navy-grounds-occupier-aircraft.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 19:00:32 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/10/ukrainian-navy-grounds-occupier-aircraft.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/444e0d4c4d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian Navy grounds occupier aircraft in Crimea, while Ukrainian UAVs save UAE from Iran!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwBLj4hAF3c&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>Fact Check: Video Does NOT Show American Oil Tanker Struck By Iran, Burning In Strait Of Hormuz</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/10/fact-check-video-does-not.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 18:44:29 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/10/fact-check-video-does-not.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;Does a video show an American oil tanker struck by Iran and burning in the Strait of Hormuz? No, that&#39;s not true: The video shows the aftermath of a collision between two oil tankers, neither owned by the United States, in the Gulf of Oman, east of the strait. The video is from the summer of 2025, predating the Middle East conflict that began in 2026.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The claim appeared in &lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/hippyygoat/status/2029754345575555376&#34;&gt;a post&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260310163022/https://x.com/hippyygoat/status/2029754345575555376&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) on X on March 5, 2026. It read:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;American oil tanker struck by Iran!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;An oil tanker is ablaze in the Strait of Hormuz&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This is what the post looked like on X at the time of writing:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;Tanker.jpg&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/tanker.jpg&#34; width=&#34;320&#34; height=&#34;560&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: post by @hippyygoat on X.com.)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Conflict in the Middle East&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The United States and Israel launched a military operation against Iran on Feb. 28, 2026, which killed its supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in an airstrike on his compound in Tehran. Iran has responded with drone and missile strikes against the U.S. and allied targets across the Middle East.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Original video&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.google.com/search?vsrid=CNaa2fSW-vrUWBACGAEiJGMwN2E5NWFiLTYzNDktNGM2My1iZDRlLTAxMDdhZjNjMDlmOTIGIgJkeigeOOjKj5XilZMD&amp;vsint=CAIqDAoCCAcSAggKGAEgATojChYNAAAAPxUAAAA_HQAAgD8lAACAPzABEMACGLAEJQAAgD8&amp;udm=26&amp;lns_mode=un&amp;source=lns.web.gisbubb&amp;vsdim=320,560&amp;gsessionid=RG5Y0nVlzM_R3Q2m52reYnEitf2Si_8wGbADWhsmv6nOfqkAsyfEHA&amp;lsessionid=jZnwd62maVA05xhkPRoD_FzPe7xKAERQe3wLuqC5s0bVbI0gSRYuzQ&amp;lns_surface=26&amp;authuser=0&amp;lns_vfs=e&amp;qsubts=1773160659870&amp;biw=1746&amp;bih=818&amp;hl=en&#34;&gt;reverse image search&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260310163820/https://www.google.com/search?vsrid=CNaa2fSW-vrUWBACGAEiJGMwN2E5NWFiLTYzNDktNGM2My1iZDRlLTAxMDdhZjNjMDlmOTIGIgJkeigeOOjKj5XilZMD&amp;vsint=CAIqDAoCCAcSAggKGAEgATojChYNAAAAPxUAAAA_HQAAgD8lAACAPzABEMACGLAEJQAAgD8&amp;udm=26&amp;lns_mode=un&amp;source=lns.web.gisbubb&amp;vsdim=320,560&amp;gsessionid=RG5Y0nVlzM_R3Q2m52reYnEitf2Si_8wGbADWhsmv6nOfqkAsyfEHA&amp;lsessionid=jZnwd62maVA05xhkPRoD_FzPe7xKAERQe3wLuqC5s0bVbI0gSRYuzQ&amp;lns_surface=26&amp;authuser=0&amp;lns_vfs=e&amp;qsubts=1773160659870&amp;biw=1746&amp;bih=818&amp;hl=en&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) on Google Images found that the video comes from a collision on June 17, 2025, in the Gulf of Oman, just off the coast of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) near the Strait of Hormuz. The &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.lloydslist.com/LL1153881/Tankers-collide-in-Strait-of-Hormuz&#34;&gt;crash&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260310173710/https://www.lloydslist.com/LL1153881/Tankers-collide-in-Strait-of-Hormuz&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) involved two oil tankers, the Adalynn and the Front Eagle.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.yahoo.com/news/dark-fleet-tanker-collision-sparks-144948229.html&#34;&gt;video of the fire&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260310170235/https://www.yahoo.com/news/dark-fleet-tanker-collision-sparks-144948229.html&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) shot by the UAE Coast Guard was widely shared across &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=2ee0536efbb2070e&amp;lns_surface=26&amp;authuser=0&amp;hl=en&amp;sxsrf=ANbL-n4-B9qcxAONoxj-yibwgOPhvvpWSA:1773162284191&amp;udm=48&amp;vsrid=CNaa2fSW-vrUWBACGAEiJGMwN2E5NWFiLTYzNDktNGM2My1iZDRlLTAxMDdhZjNjMDlmOTIGIgJkeigeOOjKj5XilZMD&amp;vsint=CAIqDAoCCAcSAggKGAEgATojChYNAAAAPxUAAAA_HQAAgD8lAACAPzABEMACGLAEJQAAgD8&amp;lns_mode=un&amp;source=lns.web.gisbubb&amp;vsdim=320,560&amp;gsessionid=RG5Y0nVlzM_R3Q2m52reYnEitf2Si_8wGbADWhsmv6nOfqkAsyfEHA&amp;lsessionid=jZnwd62maVA05xhkPRoD_FzPe7xKAERQe3wLuqC5s0bVbI0gSRYuzQ&amp;vsrid=CNaa2fSW-vrUWBACGAEiJDk3ZTQ3YmZjLTQyOGQtNDRmZC05NjU0LTQ4MWYzMDZkZjIyYjIGIgJkeigeOOjKj5XilZMDUAA&amp;q=&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiO-M-g6JWTAxVrmO4BHTNhCqkQs6gLegQIEBAB&amp;biw=1746&amp;bih=818&amp;dpr=1.1&#34;&gt;social media&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260310170619/https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=2ee0536efbb2070e&amp;lns_surface=26&amp;authuser=0&amp;hl=en&amp;sxsrf=ANbL-n4-B9qcxAONoxj-yibwgOPhvvpWSA:1773162284191&amp;udm=48&amp;vsrid=CNaa2fSW-vrUWBACGAEiJGMwN2E5NWFiLTYzNDktNGM2My1iZDRlLTAxMDdhZjNjMDlmOTIGIgJkeigeOOjKj5XilZMD&amp;vsint=CAIqDAoCCAcSAggKGAEgATojChYNAAAAPxUAAAA_HQAAgD8lAACAPzABEMACGLAEJQAAgD8&amp;lns_mode=un&amp;source=lns.web.gisbubb&amp;vsdim=320,560&amp;gsessionid=RG5Y0nVlzM_R3Q2m52reYnEitf2Si_8wGbADWhsmv6nOfqkAsyfEHA&amp;lsessionid=jZnwd62maVA05xhkPRoD_FzPe7xKAERQe3wLuqC5s0bVbI0gSRYuzQ&amp;vsrid=CNaa2fSW-vrUWBACGAEiJDk3ZTQ3YmZjLTQyOGQtNDRmZC05NjU0LTQ4MWYzMDZkZjIyYjIGIgJkeigeOOjKj5XilZMDUAA&amp;q=&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiO-M-g6JWTAxVrmO4BHTNhCqkQs6gLegQIEBAB&amp;biw=1746&amp;bih=818&amp;dpr=1.1&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) at the time:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote data-sanitized-class=&#34;twitter-tweet&#34;&gt;
&lt;p lang=&#34;en&#34; dir=&#34;ltr&#34;&gt;The Dark Fleet tanker Adalynn is engulfed in flames in the Gulf of Oman after a collision with another tanker, the MV Front Eagle.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;The point of impact is ablaze, with large sections of the ship&#39;s superstructure burning intensely.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;All 24 crew members aboard Adalynn have been... &lt;a href=&#34;https://t.co/wStsmd5Ei8&#34;&gt;pic.twitter.com/wStsmd5Ei8&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
-- Neha Khanna (@nehakhanna_07) &lt;a href=&#34;https://twitter.com/nehakhanna_07/status/1934980974351450336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&#34;&gt;June 17, 2025&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://hoax-alert.leadstories.com/2026/03/fact-check-video-does-not-show-american-oil-tanker-struck-by-iran-burning-in-strait-of-hormuz.html&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Oil prices surpass $100 a barrel for first time since Russia&#39;s 2022 invasion of Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/09/oil-prices-surpass-a-barrel.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2026 04:22:58 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/09/oil-prices-surpass-a-barrel.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2264994487.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Oil prices surpass $100 a barrel for first time since Russia&#39;s 2022 invasion of Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Brent futures, the global benchmark for oil prices, increased 16% on March 8, near to $108 a barrel. Prices last reached this level in 2022, when Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/oil-prices-surpass-100-a-barrel-for-first-time-since-russias-2022-invasion-of-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Zelensky shares new update on liberated Ukrainian territory, says Kyiv &#39;more positive&#39; than at end of 2025</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/09/zelensky-shares-new-update-on.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2026 01:57:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/09/zelensky-shares-new-update-on.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/9145a8a681.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky shares new update on liberated Ukrainian territory, says Kyiv &#39;more positive&#39; than at end of 2025&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukrainian forces have liberated up to 435 kilometers of Russian-occupied territory in the country&#39;s south, thwarting Moscow&#39;s efforts to mount a southern offensive, President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed on March 8.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-shares-new-update-on-liberated-ukrainian-territory-says-kyiv-more-positive-than-at-end-of-2025/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Slovakia to block EU loan Ukraine if Orban loses Hungarian election, Fico says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/09/slovakia-to-block-eu-loan.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2026 00:36:32 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/09/slovakia-to-block-eu-loan.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2232749085.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Slovakia to block EU loan Ukraine if Orban loses Hungarian election, Fico says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;The main message will be that Slovakia is ready to take over the baton from Hungary if necessary,&#34; Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said on March 8.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/slovakia-to-block-eu-loan-ukraine-if-orban-loses-hungarian-election-fico-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Iran names new Supreme Leader</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/08/iran-names-new-supreme-leader.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 22:37:23 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/08/iran-names-new-supreme-leader.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-1243265431.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Iran names new Supreme Leader&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Hard-line cleric Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been chosen as Iran&#39;s next Supreme Leader, the country&#39;s state media announced on March 8.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/slain-ayatollahs-son-mojtaba-khamenei-named-irans-next-supreme-leader/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Fox News called Ukrainian drones American, but now praises the invention #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/08/fox-news-called-ukrainian-drones.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 21:30:03 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/08/fox-news-called-ukrainian-drones.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/ad189d90fe.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Fox News called Ukrainian drones American, but now praises the invention #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/DsJFYDZYXaw&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russian offensive COMPLETELY FAILED – Ukraine responds with DRONE STRIKES</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/08/russian-offensive-completely-failed-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 21:00:20 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/08/russian-offensive-completely-failed-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/206cfb5ffd.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian offensive COMPLETELY FAILED – Ukraine responds with DRONE STRIKES&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Umwf6gCUWaY&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Search and rescue operation goes on after Russian missile kills at least 11, including 2 children, in Kharkiv </title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/08/search-and-rescue-operation-goes.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 20:59:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/08/search-and-rescue-operation-goes.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width=&#34;1900&#34; height=&#34;1267&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/dsc07472-2-1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Five-story building in Kharkiv, half-destroyed and burning in the aftermath of Russian missile attack&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;UKRAINE, KHARKIV&lt;/strong&gt;, Mar. 7-8 — Emergency workers started their first shift at about 2:00 a.m. on Saturday. A Russian missile strike caused a huge fire, destroyed a big part of a five-storey building and buried, according to official data, at least 14 people underneath the rubble and flames. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;When we arrived in the neighbourhood in the morning, seven bodies had already been recovered, and the search and rescue teams worked amidst the remains of people’s apartments, surrounded by the rising smoke. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A man and a woman walk towards this apartment building’s yard, both pale. Mother and a son. I don’t manage to get their names. The son speaks for them both. “We don’t live here. Mother’s friend does,” he says. Their friend’s apartment is destroyed, and she doesn’t pick up her phone. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Hours later, I see the man looking inside one of the body bags, a police worker standing beside, both of their faces blank, giving away nothing. He disappeared right after. I didn’t manage to talk to him.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-heading&#34;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Pieces&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Anna doesn’t want to be filmed. She points right to where her flat should be, but isn’t, when I ask where she lived. She steps around the debris, kitchen towels and children’s toys and other things that made up her life. Looks for photos from her flat. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Anna has already found a pack of them. Some of them are darkened with soot from the fire, some wet — she holds them to her chest tightly. &lt;em&gt;These are my grandparents’&lt;/em&gt;, Anna shares, and shows me black-and-white photos. Goes on, &lt;em&gt;here’s my brother and &lt;/em&gt;I. Those are in color.    &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“On the night of the attack, my mom went to her brother’s, and my father was with me and my daughter on the outskirts of the city,” Anna says. “It’s lucky that we didn’t sleep here. (All that I have left) is documents for me and my child in my backpack. Nothing else.” &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Anna allows me to take a photo of her hands. She says she’s not sure anything will be alright after this attack. As she searches for more of her family photos, she sometimes stops — freezes — to look at the way her apartment building burns.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-heading&#34;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Testing ground &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A disgruntled man from the neighbouring apartment building shouts, refusing to talk, “what else is there to comment, except for that they’re fuckers?” &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Kateryna, a dentist’s assistant, clears up her office on the first floor of the building Russia hit. She lives nearby, so was herself a witness to the thundering explosions on the night of Mar. 7. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“A lot of buildings were damaged, a lot of people suffered. And it scares me that the fire still spreads,” she says. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;For hours, firefighters pour water onto the rubble, but the smoke still reaches the sky, stubborn. The World Central Kitchen’s volunteers feed people and give them water. A tent where emergency workers can warm up and rest is set up near the impact site. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“Judging by the blast wave, it was something really serious. Ballistics, that’s the main thing. It was a powerful strike,” Oleh Syniehubov, governor of Kharkiv oblast says as I ask about the type of weaponry Russia used. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The local prosecutor’s office later reports that, according to preliminary findings, it was Russia’s new subsonic missile, Izdelie-30 (&lt;em&gt;Изделие-30 in Russian or “Product-30” or “device” in English — ed&lt;/em&gt;). Izdelie carries a warhead with a weight up to 800 kg (1763 lb) that can be launched from the jet from over 1,500 km (932 miles). &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Ukrainian intelligence &lt;a href=&#34;https://t.me/DIUkraine/7931&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;released&lt;/a&gt; a 3D model of this new subsonic missile just a week ago. Manufactured in Russia, it carries foreign components from the USA, China, Switzerland, Netherlands, and Belarus. This is not the first time Russia tests its new weaponry on Kharkiv and Kharkiv region, the latter adjacent to the state border and encroached on by Russian troops from different sides.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-heading&#34;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Children&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;On Saturday, Mayor Terekhov said that search and rescue operations may continue for up to two days. As of 4:07 p.m. Sunday, there&#39;s information about at least 10 bodies recovered from under the rubble, two of which belonged to children. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Hordii, 9, was a member of a hockey team in Bila Tserkva, one of the cities in central Ukraine. He was killed alongside his mother, a primary school teacher. His team recalls the childhood joy with which he came to every class, calling him sincere and kind. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Lisa, &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.facebook.com/russiakills.in.ua/posts/pfbid02Q7C1MJdvDosSBbEMUyqE3248o5LenU6vB3RPdERtnrPfgsg2e31Mqenrw8m439o8l?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZbuJ3QJ_ov-UA2QUvXTjD3ggfPJKZ7QnvX1wh6wYwSuKs_eEl0QfLYOXSuC37NHmr5LINh5UQ5fN4fYZ51hC9uVW7ggm9uBxYvMZvhKSFlypJbHN2ZwWNS6jYzpUdW-zmOZpK83eUBxfpSbYXo6jw8JVgjRTNZZINDR4F_a44VgQA&amp;__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;13&lt;/a&gt;, trained as a naturalist in Kharkiv zoo. Russia killed her along with her mother and grandmother. Her teacher Euhen Kiosia &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.facebook.com/yevgen.kiosya/posts/pfbid0Z2QmnMxiQqGUB8DHx3e3sHGxsFGabb1NiBnUbsnp1usQisFCjB7ARdLVH7TUXDzZl?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZY-YkEnLGf2Vf79na5oKgfIPEL0jUgsupJtt22JhBktRIN5i3bDHC0xKWYcLmiMg05WWE_0HwIm3_JOPazhcyvRz-ijiFMl6D1A_eS8R1hlnsrkfAzpIYamy2rtEtDrg4F4sVYWbsl3dvauTwXkdWDzkoRNFXl-6JNktAW0iHkVHcE_h7Jf9GDtMAvfxUm3W2Y&amp;__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;wrote&lt;/a&gt; on his Facebook, “It seems that you understand that life in Kharkiv and many other cities is a deadly lottery of sorts. And, sooner or later, the time will come for many of your close people and for you, too. That&#39;s the reality of war. But it doesn’t lessen the pain you feel every time.” &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Maria Malevska, Ukrainian journalist, wrote on her Instagram that Lisa’s father is a soldier who serves on the Kupiansk axis. “He was left with nothing: has neither family, nor home.” &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Rescuers also found body fragments. It is currently unknown how many people they belong to, but Kharkiv mayor Ihor Terekhov reported on at least one. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-heading&#34;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Saved &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Apart from killing people, the Russian attack injured at least 16 people (according to the latest information) and damaged over 20 buildings — two years ago, Moscow &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/in-photos-russia-shelled-kharkiv-twice-this-night-injuring-up-to-51-people-and-killing-five/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;already hit one of those&lt;/a&gt;. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;One of the damaged buildings is the school — its windows blown out, books and papers scattered on the classroom floors. No one studies here — children in Kharkiv learn remotely or in the underground schools. The only ones who came to work on-site are the school’s administration. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Karina, the school’s deputy director, says she came to clean up here right after the attack. There’s a “point of invincibility” open here, a place where locals come to charge their phones and drink hot drinks when Russian attacks cut their electricity or heating. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“That’s the first thing we’ve cleaned,” Karina says. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Another building that was damaged is Natalia’s: the door is still stuck after the blast wave messed up its hinges. Natalia struggles to open it as her dog, Tibby, circles her legs. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;She was in the bathroom when the missile hit. There’s a hole in the wall to the bathroom, albeit small. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“It seems that someone is watching over me,” Nataliia says – there is a hole in the wall of her bathroom, albeit small, but she wasn’t injured. Things would be worse if she’d be in bed, she says. The blast wave threw the bricks right at where her head would be as she slept. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Nataliia’s mother, who’s 94 and has mobility issues, her two cats, and Tibby were also home when the Russian missile hit. No injuries, too — Nataliia responds to my colleague Daria&#39;s question — but emergency workers convinced Nataliia to get her mother to the hospital. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Here, in Nataliia’s flat, municipal workers have already boarded up the windows and cleared most of the dangerous debris. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;She plans to stay there — she doesn’t know who’ll host her and her three pets. “I will clean up. Do something. Live somehow,” Nataliia says. “Though all this means I won’t go mountain skiing in Bukovel (the &lt;em&gt;largest ski resort in Eastern Europe, located in Ukraine&lt;/em&gt;). I&#39;m gonna skip my 40th time there.” &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-heading&#34;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Day two&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;When I come to the impact the next morning, the fire is finally out. The smoke in the air is replaced by dust. The water firefighters used, mixed with icy slush, melted during the sunny morning, softened the ground, and made it sticky. I notice small greenery peaking out from where the large wheel tracks are imprinted into the soil. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Emergency workers throw the debris from the top of the damaged buildings. The one closest to the epicenter of the Russian attack looks as if its corner flat has been cut off by a giant sword. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Two yellow construction cranes pull large slabs of concrete, previously walls and floors and ceilings, down into the pile of stone below, allowing search-and-rescue operation — though, at this point, mostly search — to continue without risk. Three of them, lifted by one of the cranes to reach an inaccessible part of the building, grab for the unsteady surface when the platform moves close enough towards it. After sticking a landing, they disperse inside the mostly destroyed flats. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;With the fire gone, I get inside the building that was the epicenter of the attack, too. One of the rescuers on the break lets me borrow his helmet. He and his colleagues look tired. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The scale of destruction wrought by the Russian strike isn’t the only reason the operation lasts for this long. Each time there’s a risk of a new airstrike on Kharkiv, emergency workers stop and are supposed to go to the shelter. Russia often employs double-tap tactics — hits the first responders gathered at the impact site second, third time. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“Ballistics from Taganrog! Everyone get off the street!” &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This time, the missile Russia launches hits Lozova, a city in the south of Kharkiv region, according to monitoring channels. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A group of emergency workers goes to hide from the attack in school, but, as they enter, they laugh at the decision: the school doesn’t have a basement, and being on the first floor of an educational facility — a type of building Russia often targets — isn’t the best protection. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Still, they gather in the school’s “invincibility point.” Some of their co-workers are sleeping right there. As I’m writing this piece, it’s close to 00:00 on Mar. 10, and the search operation in Kyivskyi district of Kharkiv is still not finished.  &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-sanitized-class=&#34;has-background&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Hi, it’s Yana, author of this article. Me and my colleagues Liubov, Daria, and Serhii worked through the weekend to cover the consequences of this deadly Russian attack — thank you for reading this piece and caring about Kharkiv. If you want to support our on-the-ground reporting from the city, please consider a one-time&lt;/em&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://buymeacoffee.com/gwaramedia/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt; donation&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;em&gt; or &lt;/em&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://buymeacoffee.com/gwaramedia/membership&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;join our community&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;em&gt;.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-heading&#34;&gt;Read more&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;ul data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-list&#34;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/we-didnt-even-have-time-to-get-scared-kharkiv-recovers-after-another-overnight-russian-drone-missile-attack/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;“We didn’t even have time to get scared.”&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; Kharkiv recovers after another overnight Russian drone, missile attack  &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Kharkiv locals mourn those killed in Russia’s war against Ukraine as &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/kharkiv-locals-mourn-those-killed-in-russias-war-against-ukraine-as-the-5th-year-of-full-scale-invasion-begins/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;the 5th year of full-scale invasion begins&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The post &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/two-days-of-search-and-rescue-after-russian-missile-kills-at-least-11-including-2-children-in-kharkiv/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;Search and rescue operation goes on after Russian missile kills at least 11, including 2 children, in Kharkiv &lt;/a&gt; appeared first on &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;Gwara Media&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/two-days-of-search-and-rescue-after-russian-missile-kills-at-least-11-including-2-children-in-kharkiv/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Iranian drone that struck British air base contained Russian technology, Times reports</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/08/iranian-drone-that-struck-british.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 20:54:30 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/08/iranian-drone-that-struck-british.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/ca54235012.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Iranian drone that struck British air base contained Russian technology, Times reports&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;A drone that struck a U.K. air base in Akrotiri on the island of Cyprus on March 1 contained Russian technology, the Times reported March 7.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/iranian-drone-that-struck-british-airbase-contained-russian-technology-times-reports/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>They saw death up close: stories of heroes who survived the war | &amp;amp;quot;Targets&amp;amp;quot; film. Part 3</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/08/they-saw-death-up-close.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 20:00:33 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/08/they-saw-death-up-close.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2587e2bc5a.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;They saw death up close: stories of heroes who survived the war | &amp;quot;Targets&amp;quot; film. Part 3&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TD0uBgpM5qA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine&#39;s Shrike Fiber drone reportedly wins top place in Pentagon drone procurement program</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/08/ukraines-shrike-fiber-drone-reportedly.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 19:14:52 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/08/ukraines-shrike-fiber-drone-reportedly.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/afe8ad8e21.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine&#39;s Shrike Fiber drone reportedly wins top place in Pentagon drone procurement program&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukrainian company Sky Fall’s Shrike Fiber drone reportedly took first place in the Pentagon’s Drone Dominance selection in partnership with U.K.-based Skycutter, Defender Media reported March 7.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-shrike-fiber-drone-reportedly-wins-top-place-in-pentagon-drone-procurement-program/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Can Ukraine CHANGE the balance of power in the MIDDLE EAST? Defense against &amp;amp;quot;Shaheds&amp;amp;quot;</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/08/can-ukraine-change-the-balance.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 19:00:52 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/08/can-ukraine-change-the-balance.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/211caa4f48.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Can Ukraine CHANGE the balance of power in the MIDDLE EAST? Defense against &amp;quot;Shaheds&amp;quot;&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_E1qVBrpcA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>WHOA! IRAN UNDER ATTACK – RUSSIA IN PANIC! AFU reclaiming territories – real combat footage</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/08/whoa-iran-under-attack-russia.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 18:34:53 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/08/whoa-iran-under-attack-russia.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/a144049e7e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;WHOA! IRAN UNDER ATTACK – RUSSIA IN PANIC! AFU reclaiming territories – real combat footage&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m76D591yMvY&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>The Kremlin&#39;s tactic: to fight with numbers and the bodies of its own soldiers #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/08/the-kremlins-tactic-to-fight.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 18:30:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/08/the-kremlins-tactic-to-fight.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/517fff4c9b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;The Kremlin&#39;s tactic: to fight with numbers and the bodies of its own soldiers #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/a2No_DUGOa8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>After six years at the front, here is what nobody tells you about being a woman at war</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/08/after-six-years-at-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 18:06:08 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/08/after-six-years-at-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2260740526.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;After six years at the front, here is what nobody tells you about being a woman at war&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This May will mark six years since I put on a military uniform and began serving in the same marine infantry unit — first as a combat medic in a reconnaissance platoon, and now as a strike drone operator.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I have witnessed three distinct forms of &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/war/&#34;&gt;war&lt;/a&gt;: the forgotten trench&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/after-six-years-at-the-front-here-is-what-nobody-tells-you-about-being-a-woman-at-war/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Kremlin glorifies criminals: Putin&#39;s maniacs return from the front and spread fear across Russia</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/08/kremlin-glorifies-criminals-putins-maniacs.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 18:00:40 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/08/kremlin-glorifies-criminals-putins-maniacs.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/fc4eb79078.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Kremlin glorifies criminals: Putin&#39;s maniacs return from the front and spread fear across Russia&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWNAg_dm2wY&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest: Russian attack kills 11 in Kharkiv, including 2 children</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/08/ukraine-war-latest-russian-attack.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 17:36:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/08/ukraine-war-latest-russian-attack.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/photo-2026-03-07-08-30-04-3-2.webp&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest: Russian attack kills 11 in Kharkiv, including 2 children&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Key developments on March 7-8&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Russian attack kills 11 in Kharkiv, including 2 children&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Ukraine halts Russian offensive toward Zaporizhzhia, killing, injuring 300 Russian troops, HUR claims&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Ukraine hits Russian Shahed-type drone storage in Donetsk with SCALP, ATACMS missiles, military says&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;US supplying Ukraine-tested anti-drone systems to Middle East partners,&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-russian-attack-kills-11-in-kharkiv-including-2-children/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Strike against rescuers: fire truck destroyed in Dnipropetrovsk region #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/08/strike-against-rescuers-fire-truck.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 17:30:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/08/strike-against-rescuers-fire-truck.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/040cc9dd27.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Strike against rescuers: fire truck destroyed in Dnipropetrovsk region #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ujrgzDzcABg&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Fact Check: Video Showing Iranian &#39;Inflatable Building&#39; Originated On Parody Account -- Likely AI Generated</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/08/fact-check-video-showing-iranian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 16:55:17 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/08/fact-check-video-showing-iranian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;Did a video supposedly showing Iranians pumping air into an inflatable building to trick Americans into wasting ammunition originate from a serious news source? No, that&#39;s not true: The video, which had several glitches typical of AI-generated content, was published by an account that labels itself parody. In the first few frames the building appears to be deflating instead of inflating, and the arms of the men working the pumps disappear and appear between some of the frames.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The video appeared in &lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/ClimateWarrior7/status/2030363134993588438&#34;&gt;a post on X&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260308153928/https://x.com/ClimateWarrior7&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) published on March 7, 2026 with a description that read:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;America is wasting its ammunition on fake inflatable buildings.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In Iran, some cities consists of 95% inflatable buildings.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;They cannot be conquered.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This is the video in question:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote data-media-max-width=&#34;560&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;twitter-tweet&#34;&gt;
&lt;p lang=&#34;en&#34; dir=&#34;ltr&#34;&gt;America is wasting its ammunition on fake inflatable buildings.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;In Iran, some cities consists of 95% inflatable buildings.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;They cannot be conquered. &lt;a href=&#34;https://t.co/ygkC26Vw3L&#34;&gt;pic.twitter.com/ygkC26Vw3L&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
-- Climate Warrior🐬 #ClimateJustice🇵🇸🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈 (@ClimateWarrior7) &lt;a href=&#34;https://twitter.com/ClimateWarrior7/status/2030363134993588438?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&#34;&gt;March 7, 2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Here is the first frame of the video:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/paste-3498279.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1200&#34; height=&#34;675&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: post by @ClimateWarrior7 on X.com)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/ClimateWarrior7&#34;&gt;@ClimateWarrior7&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260308153928/https://x.com/ClimateWarrior7&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;), the account that posted the video on X, has a bio that reads:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Chris de Villiers, fighting for climate and gender justice. #FBPE&lt;br&gt;European. Transpalestinian. Neurodivergent.&lt;br&gt;Pronouns: clam/clamself&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Save the island of Ydorap&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The word &#34;Ydorap&#34; is &#34;parody&#34; spelled backwards.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The opening frames of the video can be seen glitching heavily, especially in the area showing the pump handles and the arms of the men:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;chrome-capture-2026-03-08.gif&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/chrome-capture-2026-03-08.gif&#34; width=&#34;369&#34; height=&#34;450&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Video source: detail from video in post by @ClimateWarrior7 on X.com)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This is typical of AI-generated footage.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://hoax-alert.leadstories.com/2026/03/fact-check-iran-inflatable-buildings.html&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Zelenskyy: Russia&#39;s war depends on Putin&#39;s oil earnings #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/08/zelenskyy-russias-war-depends-on.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 16:50:46 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/08/zelenskyy-russias-war-depends-on.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/d432c23573.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelenskyy: Russia&#39;s war depends on Putin&#39;s oil earnings #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/zB7Ku4XxCUQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russian attacks Ukraine kill 3, injure 20 in Ukraine over past day</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/08/russian-attacks-ukraine-kill-injure.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 16:50:35 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/08/russian-attacks-ukraine-kill-injure.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/df4784b16d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian attacks Ukraine kill 3, injure 20 in Ukraine over past day&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russia launched 117 drones, including Shahed-type unmanned aerial vehicles, and two Iskander-M ballistic missiles overnight, the Air Force reported.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-attacks-against-ukraine-kill-3-injure-20-over-past-day-2/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Zelenskyy: Netherlands working on tribunal for Russia&#39;s aggression #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/08/zelenskyy-netherlands-working-on-tribunal.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 16:25:09 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/08/zelenskyy-netherlands-working-on-tribunal.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/1715d392fd.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelenskyy: Netherlands working on tribunal for Russia&#39;s aggression #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/TMG3KwS2OLM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>New Dutch prime minister visits Kyiv two weeks after taking office</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/08/new-dutch-prime-minister-visits.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 15:25:17 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/08/new-dutch-prime-minister-visits.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gddxarzxqaash96.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;New Dutch prime minister visits Kyiv two weeks after taking office&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Zelensky said that he and the Dutch leader had discussed investments in arms production, its possible scope, and the licensing of weapons.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/new-dutch-prime-minister-visits-zelensky-kyiv-two-weeks-after-taking-office/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Putin wages war on CHILDREN &amp;amp;amp; RESCUERS! Russia launches cynical double strike on Ukrainian cities</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/08/putin-wages-war-on-children.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 15:02:30 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/08/putin-wages-war-on-children.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/50a58c73bf.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Putin wages war on CHILDREN &amp;amp; RESCUERS! Russia launches cynical double strike on Ukrainian cities&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_IefLhiCYg&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>The world isn’t ready for drone warfare | Ukraine This Week</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/08/the-world-isnt-ready-for.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 14:47:58 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/08/the-world-isnt-ready-for.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/img-3046.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;The world isn’t ready for drone warfare | Ukraine This Week&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;In the latest episode of Ukraine This Week, Anna Belokur examines how Russia and its allies have rapidly expanded the use of long-range attack drones — and why much of the world remains unprepared to defend against them.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/the-world-isnt-ready-for-drone-warfare-ukraine-this-week/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>&#39;No one thought we would get out alive&#39; — the audioguide memorializing one village&#39;s Russian occupation</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/08/no-one-thought-we-would.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 13:47:48 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/08/no-one-thought-we-would.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/ap22105680769361.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;No one thought we would get out alive&#39; — the audioguide memorializing one village&#39;s Russian occupation&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;YAHIDNE, CHERNIHIV OBLAST – The unkept school stands still, surrounded by pine and birch trees covered with melting snow. Shattered windows remain, and the voices emanating from the audioguide bear witness to the torment of the ordeal inflicted upon the villagers by Russian occupation.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Russian troops captured &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-visits-liberated-village-in-chernihiv-region-with-foreign-officials/&#34;&gt;Yahidne village&lt;/a&gt; in&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/audioguide-through-russian-occupation-of-yahidne-village-where-over-300-civilians-were-confined-in-school-basement/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russian drone strikes Ukrainian train with 200 passengers on board</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/08/russian-drone-strikes-ukrainian-train.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 13:45:16 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/08/russian-drone-strikes-ukrainian-train.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/ef2ed5f2ad.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian drone strikes Ukrainian train with 200 passengers on board&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Local authorities reported no injuries at the time, and passengers were redirected to their final stations.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-lancet-drone-strikes-ukrainian-train-with-200-passengers-on-board/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine condemns Russia&#39;s return to Venice Biennale, calling it &#39;normalization of genocidal policy&#39;</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/08/ukraine-condemns-russias-return-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 13:24:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/08/ukraine-condemns-russias-return-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-1832619289.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine condemns Russia&#39;s return to Venice Biennale, calling it &#39;normalization of genocidal policy&#39;&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;Adherence to the values of freedom, human dignity, and international law must be defining for the global artistic community, as must solidarity with the Ukrainian people whose culture is being targeted for destruction.&#34;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-condemns-russias-return-to-venice-biennale-calling-it-normalization-of-genocidal-policy/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>&#39;If they are, it&#39;s not doing much&#39; — Trump dismisses report on Russia helping Iran against US</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/08/if-they-are-its-not.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 11:37:32 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/08/if-they-are-its-not.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2192728860.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;If they are, it&#39;s not doing much&#39; — Trump dismisses report on Russia helping Iran against US&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;We don&#39;t know but it&#39;s not doing very well, if they are,&#34; Trump told journalists. &#34;It&#39;s not doing much, if you take a look at what&#39;s happened to Iran over the past week.&#34;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/if-they-are-its-not-doing-much-trump-dismisses-russia-aiding-iran-to-target-america/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>General Staff: Russia has lost 1,273,290 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/08/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 09:42:40 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/08/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2264171131.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;General Staff: Russia has lost 1,273,290 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Russia has lost around 1,273,290 troops in Ukraine since the beginning of its full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported on March 7.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The number includes 930 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;According to the&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/general-staff-russia-has-lost-1-273-290-troops-in-ukraine-since-feb-24-2022/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukrainian drones attack oil depot in Krasnodar Krai, Russia claims</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/08/ukrainian-drones-attack-oil-depot.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 09:33:48 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/08/ukrainian-drones-attack-oil-depot.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/6d75ae7939.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian drones attack oil depot in Krasnodar Krai, Russia claims&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russia&#39;s Defense Ministry claimed that it had shot down four Ukrainian drones over Krasnodar Krai overnight.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-drones-attack-oil-depot-in-krasnodar-krai-russia-claims/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Kyiv reports zero deaths from cold during energy crisis — but there&#39;s a catch</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/08/kyiv-reports-zero-deaths-from.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 08:22:34 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/08/kyiv-reports-zero-deaths-from.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2262745676.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Kyiv reports zero deaths from cold during energy crisis — but there&#39;s a catch&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Zero deaths linked to winter power or heating outages have been officially recorded in Kyiv, city authorities have said, despite months of severe cold caused by repeated Russian strikes on Ukraine&#39;s energy infrastructure.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainians-made-it-through-winter-zelensky-says/&#34;&gt;Ukraine emerges from winter&lt;/a&gt;, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on March 1 that Russia launched&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/kyiv-reports-zero-deaths-from-winter-outages-but-doubts-remain/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukraine&#39;s Oschadbank seeks return of vehicles, valuables seized in Hungary</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/08/ukraines-oschadbank-seeks-return-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 06:53:09 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/08/ukraines-oschadbank-seeks-return-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-1238715916.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine&#39;s Oschadbank seeks return of vehicles, valuables seized in Hungary&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukraine’s state-owned Oschadbank said on March 7 that it will pursue legal action to recover bank property still held in Hungary after the recent detention of its employees and armored vehicles.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-oschadbank-seeks-return-of-vehicles-valuables-seized-in-hungary/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>US supplying Ukraine-tested anti-drone systems to Middle East partners, WSJ reports</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/08/us-supplying-ukrainetested-antidrone-systems.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 01:02:43 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/08/us-supplying-ukrainetested-antidrone-systems.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/05a8992732.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;US supplying Ukraine-tested anti-drone systems to Middle East partners, WSJ reports&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The U.S. is supplying Ukraine-tested anti-drone systems to partners in the Middle East, The Wall Street Journal reported on March 7, highlighting growing international demand for Kyiv’s battlefield-proven technology capable of countering Iranian drone attacks.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/us-supplying-ukraine-tested-anti-drone-systems-to-middle-east-partners-wsj-reports/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ted Kronmiller: Russia won&#39;t have anywhere to sell its gas if the EU blocks the market #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/08/ted-kronmiller-russia-wont-have.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 00:00:08 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/08/ted-kronmiller-russia-wont-have.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/b0fa2ab2e6.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ted Kronmiller: Russia won&#39;t have anywhere to sell its gas if the EU blocks the market #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/72EAIVMTnzw&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ted Kronmiller: Congress &amp;amp;amp; the EU ready to put pressure on Russia, so why haven&#39;t they done it yet?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/07/ted-kronmiller-congress-ampamp-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 23:30:11 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/07/ted-kronmiller-congress-ampamp-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/0862da69ca.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ted Kronmiller: Congress &amp;amp; the EU ready to put pressure on Russia, so why haven&#39;t they done it yet?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/lDjSqe89394&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>&amp;amp;quot;The West must exploit Russia&#39;s vulnerabilities&amp;amp;quot; – Ted Kronmiller | Wrap-Up Analytics</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/07/ampquotthe-west-must-exploit-russias.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 23:00:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/07/ampquotthe-west-must-exploit-russias.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/c52a6c217c.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&amp;quot;The West must exploit Russia&#39;s vulnerabilities&amp;quot; – Ted Kronmiller | Wrap-Up Analytics&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4yC_te7BDI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Zelensky points to Russia-Iran coordination in drone strikes in Middle East</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/07/zelensky-points-to-russiairan-coordination.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 21:54:59 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/07/zelensky-points-to-russiairan-coordination.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/3d8acaf8762114438a686c3d3d3aa72c-1772909295-extra-large.png&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky points to Russia-Iran coordination in drone strikes in Middle East&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;President Volodymyr Zelensky said on March 7 that Russian components have been identified in Iranian-made drones used in attacks against the United States and countries in the Middle East, pointing to broader cooperation between Moscow and Tehran.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-iran-coordination-middle-east-zelensky-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russia-linked disinformation campaign targets Ukraine amid tensions with Hungary</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/07/204523.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 20:45:23 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/07/204523.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2169943770.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia-linked disinformation campaign targets Ukraine amid tensions with Hungary&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;A Russia-linked disinformation campaign has circulated artificial intelligence-generated images depicting the detention of Ukrainian bank employees by Hungarian authorities, fact-checking outlet Vastagbor reported March 7.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-disinformation-targets-ukraine-amid-hungary-tensions/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Zelenskyy: We deal with regimes not just linked, but existing thanks to each other #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/07/zelenskyy-we-deal-with-regimes.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 20:28:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/07/zelenskyy-we-deal-with-regimes.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/3699d1a2c9.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelenskyy: We deal with regimes not just linked, but existing thanks to each other #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/nwdyzCxcSr0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>They saw death up close: stories of heroes who survived the war | &amp;amp;quot;Targets&amp;amp;quot; film. Part 2</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/07/they-saw-death-up-close.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 20:00:23 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/07/they-saw-death-up-close.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/5817731764.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;They saw death up close: stories of heroes who survived the war | &amp;quot;Targets&amp;quot; film. Part 2&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYJbKdw2GV0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russia strikes energy and railways: Zelenskyy appeals to partners #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/07/russia-strikes-energy-and-railways.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 19:18:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/07/russia-strikes-energy-and-railways.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/77354a007b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia strikes energy and railways: Zelenskyy appeals to partners #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/CAEazFCuG6c&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>TRAGEDY IN KHARKIV – Russian missile STRIKES apartment building!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/07/tragedy-in-kharkiv-russian-missile.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 19:00:32 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/07/tragedy-in-kharkiv-russian-missile.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/04a5a3917b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;TRAGEDY IN KHARKIV – Russian missile STRIKES apartment building!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRtZqh0ptss&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>The Middle East on the brink of a major war: Iran refuses to negotiate #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/07/the-middle-east-on-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 17:30:04 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/07/the-middle-east-on-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/012740923d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;The Middle East on the brink of a major war: Iran refuses to negotiate #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/BmSAFGs9SSk&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>War engulfs the world! Kremlin may face unprecedented strike</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/07/war-engulfs-the-world-kremlin.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 17:00:23 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/07/war-engulfs-the-world-kremlin.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/b485504936.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;War engulfs the world! Kremlin may face unprecedented strike&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EegQ66gWBsM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine wins first 6 medals at Winter Paralympics, taking early lead</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/07/ukraine-wins-first-medals-at.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 16:30:27 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/07/ukraine-wins-first-medals-at.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2265252892.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine wins first 6 medals at Winter Paralympics, taking early lead&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;With three gold, two bronze, and one silver medal, Ukraine leads the overall medal standings.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-wins-first-6-medals-at-winter-paralympics-taking-early-lead/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Sweden intercepts sanctioned cargo ship en route to Russia in Baltic Sea</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/07/sweden-intercepts-sanctioned-cargo-ship.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 16:05:17 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/07/sweden-intercepts-sanctioned-cargo-ship.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/hcvtsr9auak9eil.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Sweden intercepts sanctioned cargo ship en route to Russia in Baltic Sea&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Vladyslav Vlasiuk, the Ukrainian president&#39;s commissioner for sanctions, said that the Caffa ship was traveling from Morocco to St. Petersburg, transporting grain. According to him, the vessel was previously involved in stealing grain from occupied Ukrainian territories.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/sweden-investigates-sanctioned-cargo-ship-en-route-to-russia-in-baltic-sea/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Russia back at Paralympics under national flag, its war veterans eye 2028 games</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/07/russia-back-at-paralympics-under.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 15:38:46 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/07/russia-back-at-paralympics-under.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2265143393.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia back at Paralympics under national flag, its war veterans eye 2028 games&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For the first time in 12 years, Russia will compete under its national flag at the 2026 Paralympic Games — a return that comes despite its ongoing all-out war against Ukraine and a pattern of doping scandals that led to the initial ban.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&#34;There is simply no justification for&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-returns-to-paralympics-its-war-veterans-are-eyeing-to-take-part/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Destruction, children under rubble, injured baby: Russia stages bloody night for Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/07/destruction-children-under-rubble-injured.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 15:05:14 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/07/destruction-children-under-rubble-injured.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/aa238df1b0.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Destruction, children under rubble, injured baby: Russia stages bloody night for Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMqUXFNjVh4&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>What&#39;s on at the Venice Biennale? Russian soft power</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/07/whats-on-at-the-venice.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 14:58:44 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/07/whats-on-at-the-venice.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/upd-gettyimages-2263973239.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;What&#39;s on at the Venice Biennale? Russian soft power&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In the fifth year of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, the Russian pavilion is set to return to the Venice Art Biennale with a “musical festival come to life” that serves as “a space for dialogue and exchange.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The pavilion was effectively canceled in&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/venice-biennale-welcomes-back-kremlin-soft-power-to-this-years-art-program/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>&#39;I’m only afraid of Belarus becoming part of Russia&#39; — released opposition activist Kalesnikava calls on Europe to re-engage with Lukashenko</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/07/im-only-afraid-of-belarus.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 14:03:20 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/07/im-only-afraid-of-belarus.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/upd-00002-maria-kalesnikava-02mar2026.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;I’m only afraid of Belarus becoming part of Russia&#39; — released opposition activist Kalesnikava calls on Europe to re-engage with Lukashenko&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A leader of the anti-government 2020 protests in Belarus, Maria Kalesnikava, reemerged from prison with a message that has polarized many: Europe must reengage with Belarus’s dictator, Alexander Lukashenko. Human lives, Europe’s security, and Belarus’ future are at stake, Kalesnikava argues.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;After suppressing nationwide protests&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/im-only-afraid-of-belarus-becoming-part-of-russia-released-opposition-activist-kalesnikava-calls-on-europe-to-re-engage-with-lukashenko/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine halts Russian offensive toward Zaporizhzhia, killing, injuring 300 Russian troops, HUR claims</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/07/ukraine-halts-russian-offensive-toward.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 13:29:34 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/07/ukraine-halts-russian-offensive-toward.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2217113758.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine halts Russian offensive toward Zaporizhzhia, killing, injuring 300 Russian troops, HUR claims&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The units of Ukraine&#39;s military intelligence and the Armed Forces have stopped Russia&#39;s advance toward the city of Zaporizhzhia as part of a three-month defensive operation in the country&#39;s south, HUR claimed on March 7.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-halts-russian-offensive-toward-zaporizhzhia-killing-injuring-300-russian-troops-hur-claims/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine hits Russian Shahed-type drone storage in Donetsk with SCALP, ATACMS missiles, military says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/07/ukraine-hits-russian-shahedtype-drone.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 11:47:30 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/07/ukraine-hits-russian-shahedtype-drone.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/-2026-03-07-123238.png&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine hits Russian Shahed-type drone storage in Donetsk with SCALP, ATACMS missiles, military says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukrainian forces targeted a Russian site used for the storage, preparation, and launch of Shahed-type drones with Western long-range missiles near the airport in occupied Donetsk, the General Staff reported on March 7.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-hits-russian-shahed-type-drone-storage-in-donetsk-with-scalp-atacms-missiles-military-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russian attacks against Ukraine kill 10, injure 40 over past day</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/07/russian-attacks-against-ukraine-kill.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 10:41:09 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/07/russian-attacks-against-ukraine-kill.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/photo-2026-03-07-08-50-36.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian attacks against Ukraine kill 10, injure 40 over past day&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russia launched 480 drones, including Shahed-type unmanned aerial vehicles, and 29 missiles, including hypersonic Zircon anti-ship missile and Iskander-M ballistic missiles, overnight, the Air Force reported.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-attacks-against-ukraine-kill-10-injure-40-including-children-over-past-day/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>A terrible night in Kharkiv: Russians brutally shelled the city #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/07/a-terrible-night-in-kharkiv.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 08:38:12 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/07/a-terrible-night-in-kharkiv.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/ee1347c187.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;A terrible night in Kharkiv: Russians brutally shelled the city #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/n9m2blyYlIg&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>General Staff: Russia has lost 1,272,360 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/07/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 08:12:49 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/07/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2260784902.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;General Staff: Russia has lost 1,272,360 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The number includes 1,010 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/general-staff-russia-has-lost-1-272-360-troops-in-ukraine-since-feb-24-2022/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>US considering lifting sanctions on Russian oil to ease global shortage, Treasury chief says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/07/us-considering-lifting-sanctions-on.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 01:34:58 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/07/us-considering-lifting-sanctions-on.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/5b628e4050.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;US considering lifting sanctions on Russian oil to ease global shortage, Treasury chief says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on March 6 that Washington is considering lifting some sanctions on Russian oil to address a global supply shortage linked to recent military operations in Iran.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/us-considering-lifting-sanctions-on-russian-oil-to-ease-global-shortage-treasury-chief-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Explosions rock Kyiv, other Ukrainian cities as Russia launches combined ballistic missile and drone attack overnight</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/07/explosions-rock-kyiv-other-ukrainian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 01:20:58 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/07/explosions-rock-kyiv-other-ukrainian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2257306851.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Explosions rock Kyiv, other Ukrainian cities as Russia launches combined ballistic missile and drone attack overnight&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russia attacked Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities with ballistic missiles and drones overnight on March 7, the Air Force reported.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-targets-kyiv-with-ballistic-missiles/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Fact Check: Peyton Manning, Dolly Parton, Denzel Washington Or Your Favorite Celebrity Did NOT Donate Millions To Support Funeral For Four U.S. Servicemen Killed In Kuwait -- Foreign Clickbait</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/07/fact-check-peyton-manning-dolly.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 00:53:44 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/07/fact-check-peyton-manning-dolly.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;Did Kevin Costner, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jared Goff, or any celebrities donate millions of dollars to support the funeral arrangements for four of the six U.S. servicemembers killed in a drone strike in Kuwait? No, that&#39;s not true: The false claim that at least 37 sports and entertainment celebs made such donations began spreading in Facebook posts hours after the U.S. Defense Department identified the dead servicemembers. It was created and distributed by a spam factory based in Vietnam that uses artificial intelligence tools to publish fake articles promoted by Facebook pages also managed from Vietnam.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The claim appeared on at least 37 Facebook fan pages managed from Vietnam, including in &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid02Kos2yNwLuuz5CzdxK1xeDxSGtXWrHs8pjvwrph8hagT1SKPV7BopMgwiZBAErbmRl&amp;id=61569304074781&amp;__cft__%5B0%5D=AZZy_AaCToVaPz56Qh3ocqihzyn59W0t34Pe_gcg7mtxOYNzLUOkteCYHeMtXN5W_YT883UtLSm_-Ac3QZ7iGq6OhYaN1wx7vim_sLxU6P3s5OCzATQRY4EiY4eN6keNc5qMCacID0B5I1F0Z2R_omT-VJ1aR3FSaxmm7yBZA8yCLw&amp;__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R&#34;&gt;a post&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260307003353/https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid02Kos2yNwLuuz5CzdxK1xeDxSGtXWrHs8pjvwrph8hagT1SKPV7BopMgwiZBAErbmRl&amp;id=61569304074781&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) shared by the &#34;The High Altitude Heroes&#34; page on March 4, 2026. The caption read:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;BREAKING NEWS: Denver Broncos legend Peyton Manning has donated $8.9 million from his recent earnings and activities to support the funeral arrangements for four of the six U.S. servicemen killed in a drone strike in Kuwait.&lt;br&gt;The donation will help cover funeral expenses for the fallen soldiers, while also supporting their families with future living costs, offering comfort during this time of grief as tensions in the region continue to rise. ❤️&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This is what the post looked like on Facebook at the time of writing:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid02Kos2yNwLuuz5CzdxK1xeDxSGtXWrHs8pjvwrph8hagT1SKPV7BopMgwiZBAErbmRl&amp;id=61569304074781&amp;__cft__%5B0%5D=AZZy_AaCToVaPz56Qh3ocqihzyn59W0t34Pe_gcg7mtxOYNzLUOkteCYHeMtXN5W_YT883UtLSm_-Ac3QZ7iGq6OhYaN1wx7vim_sLxU6P3s5OCzATQRY4EiY4eN6keNc5qMCacID0B5I1F0Z2R_omT-VJ1aR3FSaxmm7yBZA8yCLw&amp;__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R&#34;&gt; &lt;picture&gt; &lt;source data-srcset=&#34;https://leadstories.com/facebook_3498278.jpg&#34;&gt; &lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/0a1230d39b.svg&#34; width=&#34;560&#34; height=&#34;712&#34; alt=&#34;Facebook screenshot&#34;&gt; &lt;/picture&gt; &lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;i&gt;(Source: Facebook screenshot taken on Fri Mar 6 23:53:44 2026 UTC)&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://leadstories.com/Screenshot%202026-03-06%20155134.png&#34;&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;Screenshot 2026-03-06 155134.png&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/screenshot202026-03-0620155134-thumb-900x790-3180275.png&#34; width=&#34;900&#34; height=&#34;790&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: Lead Stories screenshot of The High Altitude Heroes Facebook page)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The post includes &lt;a href=&#34;https://news2.chavellenge.com/posts/breaking-news-denver-broncos-legend-peyton-manning-donated-89-million-dothuan123-team-bao&#34;&gt;a link &lt;/a&gt;(archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260307003454/https://news2.chavellenge.com/posts/breaking-news-denver-broncos-legend-peyton-manning-donated-89-million-dothuan123-team-bao&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) to an article that tells a fictional story, generated by artificial intelligence tools, that offers no sourcing.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A Facebook &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=%22%20to%20support%20the%20funeral%20arrangements%20for%20four%20of%20the%20six%20U.S.%20servicemen%22&#34;&gt;search&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260306125320/https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=%22%20to%20support%20the%20funeral%20arrangements%20for%20four%20of%20the%20six%20U.S.%20servicemen%22&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) for the phrase &#34;to support the funeral arrangements for four&#34; found nearly-identical posts making the claim about at least 37 different entertainment and sports celebrities, including:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Trace&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Adkins&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Josh&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Allen&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Nate&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Ament&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Andrea&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Bocelli&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Kylan&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Boswell&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Henry&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Cavill&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Kevin&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Costner&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Dale&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Earnhardt&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Jr&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Jared&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Goff&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Josh&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Groban&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Mark&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Gronowski&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Buddy&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Guy&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Jack&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Ham&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Lewis&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Hamilton&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Hannah&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Harper&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Keyshawn&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Hall&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;James&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Hetfield&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Jalen&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Hurts&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Tom&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Izzo&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Trevor&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Lawrence&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Jordan&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Love&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Yo-Yo&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Ma&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Post&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Malone&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Barry&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Manilow&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Peyton&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Manning&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Grant&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;McCasland&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Sean&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;McVay&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Randy&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Owen&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Dolly&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Parton&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Joel&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Quenneville&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Julian&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Sayin&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Geno&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Smith&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Rick&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Springfield&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Barbra&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Streisand&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Isa&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Torres&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Mark&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Wahlberg&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Denzel&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Washington&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://leadstories.com/leadstories_montage_1772822835101.png&#34;&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;leadstories_montage_1772822835101.png&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/leadstories-montage-1772822835101-thumb-900xauto-3180266.png&#34; width=&#34;900&#34; height=&#34;645&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The Facebook page hosting the Manning post, which is filled with similar AI slop posts, is controlled by eight managers in Vietnam, according to the Meta transparency data.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://leadstories.com/Screenshot%202026-03-06%20155156.png&#34;&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;Screenshot 2026-03-06 155156.png&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/screenshot202026-03-0620155156-thumb-900x403-3180277.png&#34; width=&#34;900&#34; height=&#34;403&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: Lead Stories screenshot of The High Altitude Heroes Facebook page)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;The&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;37&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; F&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;acebook&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;pages sharing the fake funeral donation posts include&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;American&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Baritone&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;,&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;American&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Football&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Fever&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;,&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Auburn&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Plains&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Hoops&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;,&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Backstreet&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Harmony&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;,&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Birds&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;of&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Prey&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;,&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Black&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Hole&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Chronicles&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;,&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Blue&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&amp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Sol&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Collective&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;,&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;College&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Hoops&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Nation&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;,&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Duval&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Dynasty&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;,&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Electric&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Heart&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Rock&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;,&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Frozen&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Skyline&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Hockey&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;,&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Garnet&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&amp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Gold&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Glory&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;,&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Hawkeye&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Honor&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;,&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Heavenly&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Voice&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Journey&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;,&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Lake&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Effect&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Legend&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;,&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Lambeau&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Lights&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;,&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Legend&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;News&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Desk&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;,&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Legendary&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;LH44&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;,&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Midnight&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Feelings&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;,&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Penn&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;State&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Insider&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;,&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Pure&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Electric&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Blues&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;,&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Raider&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Iron&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Legion&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;,&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Relentless&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Cinema&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;,&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Rocky&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Top&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Vols&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Family&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;,&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Rustic&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Music&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;,&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Sentimental&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Sounds&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;,&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;SevenDay&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Newsfeed&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;,&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Sound&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Break&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;,&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Spartan&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Nation&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;,&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Star&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Presence&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;,&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Storyteller&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;in&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Motion&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;,&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Strings&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Reborn&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;,&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Terrible&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Towel&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Triumph&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;,&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;The&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;High&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Altitude&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Heroes&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;,&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Trackside&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Insider&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;,&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Velvet&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Melodies&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;,&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Vocal&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Stormbringer&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This montage of the Meta transparency data for each page confirmed that all of them are managed primarily from Vietnam.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://leadstories.com/leadstories_collage_1772839822567.png&#34;&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;leadstories_collage_1772839822567.png&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/leadstories-collage-1772839822567-thumb-900xauto-3180268.png&#34; width=&#34;900&#34; height=&#34;771&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;The Vietnam connection is significant, since fact-checkers, including Lead Stories, have identified a major source of AI-generated false stories coming from a single operation based in that Southeast Asian country. You can see recent reporting and fact checks mentioning that country &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://leadstories.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-search.fcgi?IncludeBlogs=1&amp;search=Vietnam+AND+2025&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt;.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Lead Stories has published a primer -- or a prebunk -- on how to identify these kinds of fake posts originating from Vietnam. It&#39;s titled &#34;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://leadstories.com/analysis/2025/10/fact-check-prebunk-beware-of-fake-fan-pages-spreading-false-claims.html&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Prebunk: Beware Of Fake Fan Pages Spreading False Stories About Your Favorite Celebrities -- How To Spot &#39;Viet Spam&#39;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;span&gt;&#34;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://hoax-alert.leadstories.com/2026/03/fact-check-favorite-celebrity-did-not-donate-millions-to-support-funeral-for-us-servicemen-killed-in-kuwait.html&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine&#39;s General Staff confirms damage to two Russian Black Sea Fleet ships in Novorossiysk</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/06/ukraines-general-staff-confirms-damage.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 23:09:54 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/06/ukraines-general-staff-confirms-damage.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-1564922910.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine&#39;s General Staff confirms damage to two Russian Black Sea Fleet ships in Novorossiysk&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukraine’s General Staff of the Armed Forces confirmed that two Russian Black Sea Fleet frigates, Admiral Essen and Admiral Makarov, were damaged during a Ukrainian strike on the Russian naval base in Novorossiysk on March 2.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-general-staff-confirms-damage-to-two-russian-black-sea-fleet-ships-in-novorossiysk/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian shield for America: AFU experience will save the Middle East from Iranian killer drones</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/06/ukrainian-shield-for-america-afu.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 23:00:14 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/06/ukrainian-shield-for-america-afu.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/4504bda13f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian shield for America: AFU experience will save the Middle East from Iranian killer drones&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GK-2rOR8zMw&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Trump says that Ukraine &amp;amp;quot;has no cards.&amp;amp;quot; But is that really the case? #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/06/trump-says-that-ukraine-ampquothas.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 21:30:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/06/trump-says-that-ukraine-ampquothas.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/3991373b0f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Trump says that Ukraine &amp;quot;has no cards.&amp;quot; But is that really the case? #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/a-djn35S6Dw&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Orban KIDNAPS Ukrainian MONEY &amp;amp;amp; PEOPLE! Hungary is RUINING relations with Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/06/orban-kidnaps-ukrainian-money-ampamp.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 21:00:31 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/06/orban-kidnaps-ukrainian-money-ampamp.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/7201d2640c.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Orban KIDNAPS Ukrainian MONEY &amp;amp; PEOPLE! Hungary is RUINING relations with Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGr20Zz5XPo&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Iranian drones vs expensive systems: why classic air defense loses #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/06/iranian-drones-vs-expensive-systems.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 20:30:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/06/iranian-drones-vs-expensive-systems.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/fd64483f5e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Iranian drones vs expensive systems: why classic air defense loses #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/6XW18K3xSto&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>The Kyiv Independent’s War Crimes Investigations Unit marks 3 years</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/06/the-kyiv-independents-war-crimes.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 20:25:28 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/06/the-kyiv-independents-war-crimes.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/what-is-the-war-investigation-img-2.webp&#34; alt=&#34;The Kyiv Independent’s War Crimes Investigations Unit marks 3 years&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The War Crimes Investigations Unit of the Kyiv Independent marks its third anniversary today: three years of documenting, exposing, and investigating war crimes committed during Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.t&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/the-kyiv-independents-war-crimes-investigations-unit-marks-3-years/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Fact Check: Dennis Rodman Did NOT Fly To Tehran To Negotiate Peace, Iran Did NOT Agree To Meeting</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/06/fact-check-dennis-rodman-did.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 20:02:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/06/fact-check-dennis-rodman-did.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;Did Dennis Rodman fly to Tehran to negotiate peace, and did Iran agree to a meeting? No, that&#39;s not true: An online AI image detection tool rated the image as 100% likely to be AI-generated, and a separate analysis detected a SynthID watermark indicating it was created or modified by Google&#39;s AI models. The information originated on a Facebook page that bills itself as a satire page offering &#39;totally made-up&#39; entertainment.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The claim appeared as &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.facebook.com/TheDudeHumorReport/posts/dennis-rodman-flies-to-tehran-uninvited-to-negotiate-peace-iran-agrees-to-a-meet/1504734914344029/&#34;&gt;a post&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260306190359/https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1504734891010698&amp;set=a.227739995376867&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) on Facebook on March 4, 2026. It read:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;xdj266r x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs x126k92a&#34;&gt;
&lt;div dir=&#34;auto&#34;&gt;DENNIS RODMAN FLIES TO TEHRAN UNINVITED TO NEGOTIATE PEACE -- IRAN AGREES TO A MEETING, WHICH CONCERNS EVERYONE&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a&#34;&gt;
&lt;div dir=&#34;auto&#34;&gt;Chicago, IL -- Dennis Rodman, 64, boarded a flight to Tehran Tuesday without notifying the State Department, his management team, or anyone who might have asked questions, landing at 6 AM local time and telling reporters at the gate that he was &#39;here to do what governments can&#39;t do because they think too much.&#39;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div dir=&#34;auto&#34;&gt;The State Department issued a statement asking Americans to avoid the region. Rodman had already cleared customs.&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div dir=&#34;auto&#34;&gt;What happened next is the part that has everyone concerned.&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div dir=&#34;auto&#34;&gt;Iran agreed to meet with him. A senior foreign ministry official confirmed a meeting had been scheduled for Thursday at a location described as &#39;informal but official&#39; which diplomatic sources translated as &#39;they are genuinely curious and also nobody told them they could say no.&#39;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div dir=&#34;auto&#34;&gt;Rodman&#39;s stated diplomatic strategy includes:&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a&#34;&gt;
&lt;div dir=&#34;auto&#34;&gt;&#39;I am going to look them in the eye and tell them what I see. I have done this before. It worked.&#39;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div dir=&#34;auto&#34;&gt;&#39;I am not bringing an agenda. An agenda is what politicians bring. I am bringing Dennis.&#39;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div dir=&#34;auto&#34;&gt;&#39;I plan to be very direct, very honest, and probably very underdressed for the occasion&#39;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div dir=&#34;auto&#34;&gt;&#39;Kim Jong Un took my calls. These guys will too once they know I am serious.&#39;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div dir=&#34;auto&#34;&gt;&#39;I have a gift. It is a signed jersey. It is a good gift. It always works.&#39;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a&#34;&gt;
&lt;div dir=&#34;auto&#34;&gt;The State Department&#39;s concern level is described as &#39;high.&#39; Iran&#39;s curiosity level is described as the same.&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div dir=&#34;auto&#34;&gt;He flew to Tehran uninvited. They agreed to meet him.&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div dir=&#34;auto&#34;&gt;The jersey is signed. The State Department is making calls. Dennis is already there.&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a&#34;&gt;
&lt;div dir=&#34;auto&#34;&gt;&lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;html-span xdj266r x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak xexx8yu xyri2b x18d9i69 x1c1uobl x1hl2dhg x16tdsg8 x1vvkbs&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/funny?__eep__=6&amp;__cft__%5B0%5D=AZb2LWjFKUz_ze6EYV7yL7_yMF7zTg57xgIGaAzFTvmbA22qIlOURKiJcWxVAhQ7zwzKkWlWjKWxnwDc-MQuYlMJwZga6WYsLMXVPYarSQciVDnj2Bse6kN8h39JT5s_sb_XD3-je3xkF5Bmt1SwVeoEXNTzIb8dc4Unv7Xl2oMghA&amp;__tn__=*NK-R&#34; role=&#34;link&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x1ejq31n x18oe1m7 x1sy0etr xstzfhl x972fbf x10w94by x1qhh985 x14e42zd x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 x3ct3a4 xdj266r x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak xexx8yu xyri2b x18d9i69 x1c1uobl x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz xkrqix3 x1sur9pj x1fey0fg x1s688f&#34;&gt;#funny&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; &lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;html-span xdj266r x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak xexx8yu xyri2b x18d9i69 x1c1uobl x1hl2dhg x16tdsg8 x1vvkbs&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/comedy?__eep__=6&amp;__cft__%5B0%5D=AZb2LWjFKUz_ze6EYV7yL7_yMF7zTg57xgIGaAzFTvmbA22qIlOURKiJcWxVAhQ7zwzKkWlWjKWxnwDc-MQuYlMJwZga6WYsLMXVPYarSQciVDnj2Bse6kN8h39JT5s_sb_XD3-je3xkF5Bmt1SwVeoEXNTzIb8dc4Unv7Xl2oMghA&amp;__tn__=*NK-R&#34; role=&#34;link&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x1ejq31n x18oe1m7 x1sy0etr xstzfhl x972fbf x10w94by x1qhh985 x14e42zd x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 x3ct3a4 xdj266r x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak xexx8yu xyri2b x18d9i69 x1c1uobl x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz xkrqix3 x1sur9pj x1fey0fg x1s688f&#34;&gt;#comedy&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; &lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;html-span xdj266r x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak xexx8yu xyri2b x18d9i69 x1c1uobl x1hl2dhg x16tdsg8 x1vvkbs&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/fblifestyle?__eep__=6&amp;__cft__%5B0%5D=AZb2LWjFKUz_ze6EYV7yL7_yMF7zTg57xgIGaAzFTvmbA22qIlOURKiJcWxVAhQ7zwzKkWlWjKWxnwDc-MQuYlMJwZga6WYsLMXVPYarSQciVDnj2Bse6kN8h39JT5s_sb_XD3-je3xkF5Bmt1SwVeoEXNTzIb8dc4Unv7Xl2oMghA&amp;__tn__=*NK-R&#34; role=&#34;link&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x1ejq31n x18oe1m7 x1sy0etr xstzfhl x972fbf x10w94by x1qhh985 x14e42zd x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 x3ct3a4 xdj266r x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak xexx8yu xyri2b x18d9i69 x1c1uobl x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz xkrqix3 x1sur9pj x1fey0fg x1s688f&#34;&gt;#fblifestyle&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; &lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;html-span xdj266r x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak xexx8yu xyri2b x18d9i69 x1c1uobl x1hl2dhg x16tdsg8 x1vvkbs&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/satire?__eep__=6&amp;__cft__%5B0%5D=AZb2LWjFKUz_ze6EYV7yL7_yMF7zTg57xgIGaAzFTvmbA22qIlOURKiJcWxVAhQ7zwzKkWlWjKWxnwDc-MQuYlMJwZga6WYsLMXVPYarSQciVDnj2Bse6kN8h39JT5s_sb_XD3-je3xkF5Bmt1SwVeoEXNTzIb8dc4Unv7Xl2oMghA&amp;__tn__=*NK-R&#34; role=&#34;link&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x1ejq31n x18oe1m7 x1sy0etr xstzfhl x972fbf x10w94by x1qhh985 x14e42zd x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 x3ct3a4 xdj266r x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak xexx8yu xyri2b x18d9i69 x1c1uobl x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz xkrqix3 x1sur9pj x1fey0fg x1s688f&#34;&gt;#satire&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; &lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;html-span xdj266r x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak xexx8yu xyri2b x18d9i69 x1c1uobl x1hl2dhg x16tdsg8 x1vvkbs&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/forentertainmentonly?__eep__=6&amp;__cft__%5B0%5D=AZb2LWjFKUz_ze6EYV7yL7_yMF7zTg57xgIGaAzFTvmbA22qIlOURKiJcWxVAhQ7zwzKkWlWjKWxnwDc-MQuYlMJwZga6WYsLMXVPYarSQciVDnj2Bse6kN8h39JT5s_sb_XD3-je3xkF5Bmt1SwVeoEXNTzIb8dc4Unv7Xl2oMghA&amp;__tn__=*NK-R&#34; role=&#34;link&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x1ejq31n x18oe1m7 x1sy0etr xstzfhl x972fbf x10w94by x1qhh985 x14e42zd x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 x3ct3a4 xdj266r x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak xexx8yu xyri2b x18d9i69 x1c1uobl x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz xkrqix3 x1sur9pj x1fey0fg x1s688f&#34;&gt;#FORENTERTAINMENTONLY&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This is what the post looked like on Facebook at the time of writing:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;646911763_1504734894344031_4752757694265319269_n.jpg&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/646911763-1504734894344031-4752757694265319269-n.jpg&#34; width=&#34;600&#34; height=&#34;600&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: post by The Dude Humor Report on Facebook.)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Conflict in the Middle East&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The United States and Israel launched a military operation against Iran on Feb. 28, 2026, which killed Iran&#39;s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in an airstrike on his compound in Tehran. Iran has responded with drone and missile strikes against the U.S. and allied targets across the Middle East. There are no credible &lt;a href=&#34;https://news.google.com/search?q=Dennis%20Rodman%20Iran%20negotiate%20diplomacy&amp;hl=en-US&amp;gl=US&amp;ceid=US%3Aen&#34;&gt;reports&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260306175555/https://news.google.com/search?q=Dennis%20Rodman%20Iran%20negotiate%20diplomacy&amp;hl=en-US&amp;gl=US&amp;ceid=US%3Aen&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) of Rodman traveling to Tehran to negotiate with Iran.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Image analysis&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Lead Stories ran the image through &lt;a href=&#34;https://gemini.google.com/app/801cf78712642821?is_sa=1&amp;is_sa=1&amp;android-min-version=301356232&amp;ios-min-version=322.0&amp;campaign_id=bkws&amp;utm_source=sem&amp;utm_medium=paid-media&amp;utm_campaign=bkws&amp;pt=9008&amp;mt=8&amp;ct=p-growth-sem-bkws&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=20108148196&amp;gbraid=0AAAAApk5BhmEZQWgGnlWAfGZM1FsDgK8t&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAtfXMBhDzARIsAJ0jp3Bf5zkR8jhdaBiBzUx11kKT8hu0yxQjn4gWaMbMawPGBTpZyysR6jsaAtCNEALw_wcB&#34;&gt;Gemini&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260306180201/https://gemini.google.com/app/801cf78712642821?is_sa=1&amp;is_sa=1&amp;android-min-version=301356232&amp;ios-min-version=322.0&amp;campaign_id=bkws&amp;utm_source=sem&amp;utm_medium=paid-media&amp;utm_campaign=bkws&amp;pt=9008&amp;mt=8&amp;ct=p-growth-sem-bkws&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=20108148196&amp;gbraid=0AAAAApk5BhmEZQWgGnlWAfGZM1FsDgK8t&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAtfXMBhDzARIsAJ0jp3Bf5zkR8jhdaBiBzUx11kKT8hu0yxQjn4gWaMbMawPGBTpZyysR6jsaAtCNEALw_wcB&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;), Google&#39;s AI assistant. It reached these conclusions:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;p data-path-to-node=&#34;0&#34;&gt;Based on my analysis, this image was generated or edited using AI.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-path-to-node=&#34;1&#34;&gt;Several factors indicate this:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul data-path-to-node=&#34;2&#34;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;
&lt;p data-path-to-node=&#34;2,0,0&#34;&gt;&lt;b data-path-to-node=&#34;2,0,0&#34; data-index-in-node=&#34;0&#34;&gt;Digital Identification:&lt;/b&gt; My internal verification tools detected a SynthID watermark, which is a technology used to identify content created or modified by Google&#39;s AI models.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;
&lt;p data-path-to-node=&#34;2,1,0&#34;&gt;&lt;b data-path-to-node=&#34;2,1,0&#34; data-index-in-node=&#34;0&#34;&gt;Visual Artifacts:&lt;/b&gt; A close look at the image reveals details typical of AI generation, such as the unusual rendering of the fingers on the far left and the slightly distorted appearance of the hand holding the microphone on the right.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;
&lt;p data-path-to-node=&#34;2,2,0&#34;&gt;&lt;b data-path-to-node=&#34;2,2,0&#34; data-index-in-node=&#34;0&#34;&gt;Contextual Evidence:&lt;/b&gt; There are no credible news reports of Dennis Rodman traveling to Tehran to negotiate peace in 2026. While he is known for &#39;basketball diplomacy&#39; in North Korea, this specific scenario appears to be a fictional or satirical creation.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Separately, the Hive Moderation AI-Generated Content Detection &lt;a href=&#34;https://hivemoderation.com/ai-generated-content-detection&#34;&gt;tool&lt;/a&gt; concluded the image was 100% &#34;likely to be AI-generated&#34;:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;chrome_A9g0WnAMqT.png&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/chrome-a9g0wnamqt.png&#34; width=&#34;377&#34; height=&#34;318&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: Hive Moderation.)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Original source&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The post comes from The Dude Humor Report. The Facebook page bills itself as: &#34;Your daily dose of &#39;totally made-up&#39; entertainment. Where memes meet madness -- and the stories are just wild enough to almost be real.&#34;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This is what the page looked like on Facebook at the time of writing:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;chrome_SZVl9S9xNf.png&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/chrome-szvl9s9xnf.png&#34; width=&#34;908&#34; height=&#34;518&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: The Dude Humor Report on Facebook.)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The post also included these hashtags: &lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;html-span xdj266r x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak xexx8yu xyri2b x18d9i69 x1c1uobl x1hl2dhg x16tdsg8 x1vvkbs&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/funny?__eep__=6&amp;__cft__%5B0%5D=AZb2LWjFKUz_ze6EYV7yL7_yMF7zTg57xgIGaAzFTvmbA22qIlOURKiJcWxVAhQ7zwzKkWlWjKWxnwDc-MQuYlMJwZga6WYsLMXVPYarSQciVDnj2Bse6kN8h39JT5s_sb_XD3-je3xkF5Bmt1SwVeoEXNTzIb8dc4Unv7Xl2oMghA&amp;__tn__=*NK-R&#34; role=&#34;link&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x1ejq31n x18oe1m7 x1sy0etr xstzfhl x972fbf x10w94by x1qhh985 x14e42zd x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 x3ct3a4 xdj266r x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak xexx8yu xyri2b x18d9i69 x1c1uobl x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz xkrqix3 x1sur9pj x1fey0fg x1s688f&#34;&gt;#funny&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;html-span xdj266r x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak xexx8yu xyri2b x18d9i69 x1c1uobl x1hl2dhg x16tdsg8 x1vvkbs&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/comedy?__eep__=6&amp;__cft__%5B0%5D=AZb2LWjFKUz_ze6EYV7yL7_yMF7zTg57xgIGaAzFTvmbA22qIlOURKiJcWxVAhQ7zwzKkWlWjKWxnwDc-MQuYlMJwZga6WYsLMXVPYarSQciVDnj2Bse6kN8h39JT5s_sb_XD3-je3xkF5Bmt1SwVeoEXNTzIb8dc4Unv7Xl2oMghA&amp;__tn__=*NK-R&#34; role=&#34;link&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x1ejq31n x18oe1m7 x1sy0etr xstzfhl x972fbf x10w94by x1qhh985 x14e42zd x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 x3ct3a4 xdj266r x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak xexx8yu xyri2b x18d9i69 x1c1uobl x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz xkrqix3 x1sur9pj x1fey0fg x1s688f&#34;&gt;#comedy&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;html-span xdj266r x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak xexx8yu xyri2b x18d9i69 x1c1uobl x1hl2dhg x16tdsg8 x1vvkbs&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/fblifestyle?__eep__=6&amp;__cft__%5B0%5D=AZb2LWjFKUz_ze6EYV7yL7_yMF7zTg57xgIGaAzFTvmbA22qIlOURKiJcWxVAhQ7zwzKkWlWjKWxnwDc-MQuYlMJwZga6WYsLMXVPYarSQciVDnj2Bse6kN8h39JT5s_sb_XD3-je3xkF5Bmt1SwVeoEXNTzIb8dc4Unv7Xl2oMghA&amp;__tn__=*NK-R&#34; role=&#34;link&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x1ejq31n x18oe1m7 x1sy0etr xstzfhl x972fbf x10w94by x1qhh985 x14e42zd x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 x3ct3a4 xdj266r x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak xexx8yu xyri2b x18d9i69 x1c1uobl x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz xkrqix3 x1sur9pj x1fey0fg x1s688f&#34;&gt;#fblifestyle&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;html-span xdj266r x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak xexx8yu xyri2b x18d9i69 x1c1uobl x1hl2dhg x16tdsg8 x1vvkbs&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/satire?__eep__=6&amp;__cft__%5B0%5D=AZb2LWjFKUz_ze6EYV7yL7_yMF7zTg57xgIGaAzFTvmbA22qIlOURKiJcWxVAhQ7zwzKkWlWjKWxnwDc-MQuYlMJwZga6WYsLMXVPYarSQciVDnj2Bse6kN8h39JT5s_sb_XD3-je3xkF5Bmt1SwVeoEXNTzIb8dc4Unv7Xl2oMghA&amp;__tn__=*NK-R&#34; role=&#34;link&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x1ejq31n x18oe1m7 x1sy0etr xstzfhl x972fbf x10w94by x1qhh985 x14e42zd x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 x3ct3a4 xdj266r x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak xexx8yu xyri2b x18d9i69 x1c1uobl x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz xkrqix3 x1sur9pj x1fey0fg x1s688f&#34;&gt;#satire&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;html-span xdj266r x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak xexx8yu xyri2b x18d9i69 x1c1uobl x1hl2dhg x16tdsg8 x1vvkbs&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/forentertainmentonly?__eep__=6&amp;__cft__%5B0%5D=AZb2LWjFKUz_ze6EYV7yL7_yMF7zTg57xgIGaAzFTvmbA22qIlOURKiJcWxVAhQ7zwzKkWlWjKWxnwDc-MQuYlMJwZga6WYsLMXVPYarSQciVDnj2Bse6kN8h39JT5s_sb_XD3-je3xkF5Bmt1SwVeoEXNTzIb8dc4Unv7Xl2oMghA&amp;__tn__=*NK-R&#34; role=&#34;link&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x1ejq31n x18oe1m7 x1sy0etr xstzfhl x972fbf x10w94by x1qhh985 x14e42zd x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 x3ct3a4 xdj266r x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak xexx8yu xyri2b x18d9i69 x1c1uobl x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz xkrqix3 x1sur9pj x1fey0fg x1s688f&#34;&gt;#FORENTERTAINMENTONLY&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://hoax-alert.leadstories.com/2026/03/fact-check-dennis-rodman-did-not-fly-to-tehran-to-negotiate-peace-iran-did-not-agree-to-meeting.html&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>They saw death up close: stories of heroes who survived the war | &amp;amp;quot;Targets&amp;amp;quot; film. Part 1</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/06/they-saw-death-up-close.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 20:01:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/06/they-saw-death-up-close.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/1e3c51e73b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;They saw death up close: stories of heroes who survived the war | &amp;quot;Targets&amp;quot; film. Part 1&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqlkzrC6U7I&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Kyiv real estate gets 35 million euro wartime boost</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/06/kyiv-real-estate-gets-million.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 19:48:35 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/06/kyiv-real-estate-gets-million.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/ea5628303f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Kyiv real estate gets 35 million euro wartime boost&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) announced the program with Ukrainian real estate developer Stolitsa Group on March 6.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/kyiv-real-estate-gets-35-million-euro-wartime-boost/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>&#39;Russians preparing spring offensive&#39; — Zelensky visits Donetsk Oblast, meets commanders amid risk of new Russian push</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/06/russians-preparing-spring-offensive-zelensky.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 19:15:29 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/06/russians-preparing-spring-offensive-zelensky.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/e0c5019a6217124118fe6321d3f7045c-1772806158-extra-large.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;Russians preparing spring offensive&#39; — Zelensky visits Donetsk Oblast, meets commanders amid risk of new Russian push&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;The Russians are not abandoning the war, and here, in Donetsk Oblast, they are preparing an offensive for the spring,&#34; President Volodymyr Zelensky said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russians-preparing-offensive-for-spring-zelensky-visits-donetsk-oblast-meets-commanders-amid-risk-of-new-russian-push/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Pricey missiles won&#39;t help! US in SHOCK from Iranian drones, but Ukraine CAN DESTROY THEM!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/06/pricey-missiles-wont-help-us.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 19:00:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/06/pricey-missiles-wont-help-us.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/de2bd6bc01.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Pricey missiles won&#39;t help! US in SHOCK from Iranian drones, but Ukraine CAN DESTROY THEM!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kqe0gMAwzZE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Paralympic chief says injured Russian soldiers should be allowed to compete at future Games</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/06/paralympic-chief-says-injured-russian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 18:43:12 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/06/paralympic-chief-says-injured-russian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-477141199.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Paralympic chief says injured Russian soldiers should be allowed to compete at future Games&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;It doesn&#39;t matter to us what they have done in the past in the combat field,&#34; International Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/paralympic-chief-says-injured-russian-soldiers-should-be-allowed-to-compete/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Iran using RUSSIAN VERSION of &amp;amp;quot;SHAHEDS&amp;amp;quot;? Why is Russia avoiding DIRECT intervention in the war?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/06/iran-using-russian-version-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 18:30:16 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/06/iran-using-russian-version-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/e5e3a9fa94.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Iran using RUSSIAN VERSION of &amp;quot;SHAHEDS&amp;quot;? Why is Russia avoiding DIRECT intervention in the war?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-AwjqZrOhE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Zelenskyy awarded soldiers of the 12th Special Forces Brigade &amp;amp;quot;Azov&amp;amp;quot; in Donetsk region #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/06/zelenskyy-awarded-soldiers-of-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 18:20:55 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/06/zelenskyy-awarded-soldiers-of-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/eacaa720e5.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelenskyy awarded soldiers of the 12th Special Forces Brigade &amp;quot;Azov&amp;quot; in Donetsk region #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/9D9EdbcpVdg&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Fact Check: Video Does NOT Show Real American B-2 Bomber Shot Down, Being Paraded Through Streets In Iran</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/06/fact-check-video-does-not.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 18:20:43 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/06/fact-check-video-does-not.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;Does a video show a real American B-2 bomber after being shot down and being paraded through the streets in Iran? No, that&#39;s not true: An online AI images detection tool flagged the video as 100% likely to be AI-generated. A separate analysis found several hallmarks of AI-generated or digitally simulated content, including an aircraft whose scale does not match the real B-2 dimensions, lighting and compositing poorly integrated with the surrounding environment, and an unnatural appearance as the plane sits on the truck.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The claim appeared in &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=3762757737364380&#34;&gt;a post&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260306153204/https://www.facebook.com/congressfans/videos/3762757737364380/&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) on Facebook on March 5, 2026. It read:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;div dir=&#34;auto&#34;&gt;America&#39;s honor is being buried in a funeral procession. America&#39;s nose and honor are being paraded around on Iranian roads after shooting down the B-2 bomber. Iran has exorcised the ghosts of America and Israel, tearing their honor to shreds. &lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;html-span xexx8yu xyri2b x18d9i69 x1c1uobl x1hl2dhg x16tdsg8 x1vvkbs x3nfvp2 x1j61x8r x1fcty0u xdj266r xat24cr xm2jcoa x1mpyi22 xxymvpz xlup9mm x1kky2od&#34;&gt;&lt;img height=&#34;16&#34; width=&#34;16&#34; alt=&#34;💀&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/1f480.png&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;xz74otr x15mokao x1ga7v0g x16uus16 xbiv7yw&#34;&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;html-span xexx8yu xyri2b x18d9i69 x1c1uobl x1hl2dhg x16tdsg8 x1vvkbs x3nfvp2 x1j61x8r x1fcty0u xdj266r xat24cr xm2jcoa x1mpyi22 xxymvpz xlup9mm x1kky2od&#34;&gt;&lt;img height=&#34;16&#34; width=&#34;16&#34; alt=&#34;🤡&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/1f921.png&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;xz74otr x15mokao x1ga7v0g x16uus16 xbiv7yw&#34;&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;html-span xexx8yu xyri2b x18d9i69 x1c1uobl x1hl2dhg x16tdsg8 x1vvkbs x3nfvp2 x1j61x8r x1fcty0u xdj266r xat24cr xm2jcoa x1mpyi22 xxymvpz xlup9mm x1kky2od&#34;&gt;&lt;img height=&#34;16&#34; width=&#34;16&#34; alt=&#34;🇺🇸&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/1f1fa-1f1f8.png&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;xz74otr x15mokao x1ga7v0g x16uus16 xbiv7yw&#34;&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div dir=&#34;auto&#34;&gt;&lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;html-span xdj266r x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak xexx8yu xyri2b x18d9i69 x1c1uobl x1hl2dhg x16tdsg8 x1vvkbs&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.facebook.com/watch/hashtag/iranwar?__eep__=6%2F&amp;__tn__=*NK&#34; role=&#34;link&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x1ejq31n x18oe1m7 x1sy0etr xstzfhl x972fbf x10w94by x1qhh985 x14e42zd x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 x3ct3a4 xdj266r x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak xexx8yu xyri2b x18d9i69 x1c1uobl x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz xkrqix3 x1sur9pj xzsf02u x1s688f&#34;&gt;#IranWar&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; &lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;html-span xdj266r x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak xexx8yu xyri2b x18d9i69 x1c1uobl x1hl2dhg x16tdsg8 x1vvkbs&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.facebook.com/watch/hashtag/israel?__eep__=6%2F&amp;__tn__=*NK&#34; role=&#34;link&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x1ejq31n x18oe1m7 x1sy0etr xstzfhl x972fbf x10w94by x1qhh985 x14e42zd x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 x3ct3a4 xdj266r x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak xexx8yu xyri2b x18d9i69 x1c1uobl x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz xkrqix3 x1sur9pj xzsf02u x1s688f&#34;&gt;#Israel&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; &lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;html-span xdj266r x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak xexx8yu xyri2b x18d9i69 x1c1uobl x1hl2dhg x16tdsg8 x1vvkbs&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.facebook.com/watch/hashtag/iranisraelwar?__eep__=6%2F&amp;__tn__=*NK&#34; role=&#34;link&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x1ejq31n x18oe1m7 x1sy0etr xstzfhl x972fbf x10w94by x1qhh985 x14e42zd x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 x3ct3a4 xdj266r x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak xexx8yu xyri2b x18d9i69 x1c1uobl x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz xkrqix3 x1sur9pj xzsf02u x1s688f&#34;&gt;#IranIsraelWar&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This is what the post looked like on Facebook at the time of writing:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;646083466_902199329228906_620259862093002510_n.jpg&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/646083466-902199329228906-620259862093002510-n.jpg&#34; width=&#34;576&#34; height=&#34;1048&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: post by With INC on Facebook.)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Conflict in the Middle East&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The United States and Israel launched a military operation against Iran on Feb. 28, 2026, which killed Iran&#39;s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in an airstrike on his compound in Tehran. Iran has responded with drone and missile strikes against the U.S. and allied targets across the Middle East. There are no credible &lt;a href=&#34;https://news.google.com/search?q=B-2%20Bomber%20shot%20down&amp;hl=en-US&amp;gl=US&amp;ceid=US%3Aen&#34;&gt;reports&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260306161119/https://news.google.com/search?q=B-2%20Bomber%20shot%20down&amp;hl=en-US&amp;gl=US&amp;ceid=US%3Aen&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) of Iran shooting down an American B-2 bomber.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Video analysis&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Lead Stories ran the video through &lt;a href=&#34;https://gemini.google.com/app/24c228f9d7a2c3e6?is_sa=1&amp;is_sa=1&amp;android-min-version=301356232&amp;ios-min-version=322.0&amp;campaign_id=bkws&amp;utm_source=sem&amp;utm_medium=paid-media&amp;utm_campaign=bkws&amp;pt=9008&amp;mt=8&amp;ct=p-growth-sem-bkws&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=20108148196&amp;gbraid=0AAAAApk5BhmEZQWgGnlWAfGZM1FsDgK8t&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAtfXMBhDzARIsAJ0jp3Bf5zkR8jhdaBiBzUx11kKT8hu0yxQjn4gWaMbMawPGBTpZyysR6jsaAtCNEALw_wcB&#34;&gt;Gemini&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260306160141/https://gemini.google.com/app/24c228f9d7a2c3e6?is_sa=1&amp;is_sa=1&amp;android-min-version=301356232&amp;ios-min-version=322.0&amp;campaign_id=bkws&amp;utm_source=sem&amp;utm_medium=paid-media&amp;utm_campaign=bkws&amp;pt=9008&amp;mt=8&amp;ct=p-growth-sem-bkws&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=20108148196&amp;gbraid=0AAAAApk5BhmEZQWgGnlWAfGZM1FsDgK8t&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAtfXMBhDzARIsAJ0jp3Bf5zkR8jhdaBiBzUx11kKT8hu0yxQjn4gWaMbMawPGBTpZyysR6jsaAtCNEALw_wcB&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;), Google&#39;s AI assistant. It reached these conclusions:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;p data-path-to-node=&#34;0&#34;&gt;Based on a visual analysis and available information, the video you shared is &lt;b data-path-to-node=&#34;0&#34; data-index-in-node=&#34;78&#34;&gt;highly likely to be AI-generated or created using CGI (Computer-Generated Imagery).&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-path-to-node=&#34;1&#34;&gt;Here is a breakdown of why:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul data-path-to-node=&#34;2&#34;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;
&lt;p data-path-to-node=&#34;2,0,0&#34;&gt;&lt;b data-path-to-node=&#34;2,0,0&#34; data-index-in-node=&#34;0&#34;&gt;Size Discrepancy:&lt;/b&gt; The aircraft in the video is meant to resemble a U.S. B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, but its scale is incorrect. A real B-2 has a massive wingspan of 172 feet (52 meters). The object on the truck is far too small--roughly the width of two highway lanes--which would make it more like a small drone or a scaled-down model rather than a full-size bomber.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;
&lt;p data-path-to-node=&#34;2,1,0&#34;&gt;&lt;b data-path-to-node=&#34;2,1,0&#34; data-index-in-node=&#34;0&#34;&gt;Visual Inconsistencies:&lt;/b&gt; The way the aircraft sits on the truck and the lighting on its surface often appear slightly &#39;floaty&#39; or unnatural compared to the surrounding environment, which is a common characteristic of high-end AI video tools.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;
&lt;p data-path-to-node=&#34;2,2,0&#34;&gt;&lt;b data-path-to-node=&#34;2,2,0&#34; data-index-in-node=&#34;0&#34;&gt;Contextual Implausibility:&lt;/b&gt; Transporting a captured, multibillion-dollar stealth asset on an open flatbed truck through heavy civilian traffic in broad daylight is not standard military procedure for any nation. Such a find would typically be handled with extreme secrecy and heavy security. . . .&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;
&lt;p data-path-to-node=&#34;2,4,0&#34;&gt;&lt;b data-path-to-node=&#34;2,4,0&#34; data-index-in-node=&#34;0&#34;&gt;SynthID Detection:&lt;/b&gt; While our SynthID tool did not detect a Google-specific AI watermark, this does not mean the video is real; it simply means it wasn&#39;t made using Google&#39;s specific AI generation tools. Other advanced AI models (like Sora, Kling, or specialized CGI) do not carry this specific watermark.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p data-path-to-node=&#34;3&#34;&gt;&lt;b data-path-to-node=&#34;3&#34; data-index-in-node=&#34;0&#34;&gt;In summary:&lt;/b&gt; Given the physical inaccuracies and the context of known digital misinformation currently circulating, this video should be considered &lt;b data-path-to-node=&#34;3&#34; data-index-in-node=&#34;147&#34;&gt;synthetic or manipulated.&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Separately, the Hive Moderation AI-Generated Content Detection &lt;a href=&#34;https://hivemoderation.com/ai-generated-content-detection&#34;&gt;tool&lt;/a&gt; concluded the video was 100% &#34;likely to be AI-generated&#34;:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;chrome_cwH0pXXRuQ.png&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/chrome-cwh0pxxruq.png&#34; width=&#34;873&#34; height=&#34;353&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: Hive Moderation)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://hoax-alert.leadstories.com/2026/03/Fact-Check-Video-Does-NOT-Show-Real-American-B-2-Bomber-Shot-Down-Being-Paraded-Through-Streets-In-Iran.html&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>How Iran taught Russia to make deadly drones — and now pays the price</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/06/how-iran-taught-russia-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 17:27:30 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/06/how-iran-taught-russia-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/c5ec9f68c6.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;How Iran taught Russia to make deadly drones — and now pays the price&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRBGTHB8mj4&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russians won&#39;t give up war in Donetsk region, preparing offensive for spring,— Zelenskyy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/06/russians-wont-give-up-war.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 17:13:17 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/06/russians-wont-give-up-war.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/d4f18cc9ce.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russians won&#39;t give up war in Donetsk region, preparing offensive for spring,— Zelenskyy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Eyka2ne3R9c&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian exceptionalism</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/06/ukrainian-exceptionalism.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 17:05:31 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/06/ukrainian-exceptionalism.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2222743169.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian exceptionalism&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Americans like to believe they are exceptional — a pioneer nation born in revolution, animated by liberty, individual freedom, and committed to the democratic separation of powers. In the spring of 2022, at a refugee camp on the Polish-Ukrainian border, I began to suspect that this belief, while powerful, may&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-exceptionalism/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Stab in the back: How Orban is openly selling Europe to Putin! Why is the EU tolerating this?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/06/stab-in-the-back-how.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 17:01:27 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/06/stab-in-the-back-how.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/6621700697.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Stab in the back: How Orban is openly selling Europe to Putin! Why is the EU tolerating this?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZdXIhvfLAQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>EU, Hungarian opposition leader rebuke Zelensky over  remarks on Orban</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/06/eu-hungarian-opposition-leader-rebuke.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 16:55:55 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/06/eu-hungarian-opposition-leader-rebuke.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2242849536.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;EU, Hungarian opposition leader rebuke Zelensky over  remarks on Orban&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Peter Magyar, the leader of the Tisza Party, urged EU leadership to &#34;sever all ties with Ukraine until President Zelensky clarifies his words and apologizes to all Hungarian citizens for his statements.&#34;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/eu-hungarian-opposition-rebuke-zelensky-over-remarks-on-orban/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Budapest is holding Ukrainians and millions of dollars – Kyiv goes to court #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/06/budapest-is-holding-ukrainians-and.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 16:30:31 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/06/budapest-is-holding-ukrainians-and.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/4781bc0c5e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Budapest is holding Ukrainians and millions of dollars – Kyiv goes to court #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/YD1j1ar2nK8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Inside a Ukrainian prison for women who sided with Russia</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/06/inside-a-ukrainian-prison-for.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 16:21:33 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/06/inside-a-ukrainian-prison-for.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/womencollaborators-2-4-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Inside a Ukrainian prison for women who sided with Russia&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Since the beginning of Russia&#39;s full-scale invasion, Ukrainian courts have convicted thousands of people of collaboration and treason. The Kyiv Independent’s Kateryna Hodunova and Olena Zashko report from a penal colony in southeastern Ukraine that holds women who sided with Russia.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/inside-a-ukrainian-prison-for-women-who-sided-with-russia/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russia reportedly provides Iran intelligence used to target US forces in Middle East</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/06/russia-reportedly-provides-iran-intelligence.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 15:39:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/06/russia-reportedly-provides-iran-intelligence.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2263711844-1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia reportedly provides Iran intelligence used to target US forces in Middle East&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;One unnamed U.S. official described the support as &#34;comprehensive,&#34; the Washington Post reported.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-reportedly-provides-iran-intelligence/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>NEW SCANDAL! Orban is taking hostages — Ukrainians are being FORCIBLY DETAINED in Budapest!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/06/new-scandal-orban-is-taking.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 15:01:25 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/06/new-scandal-orban-is-taking.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/c78fb8bf93.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;NEW SCANDAL! Orban is taking hostages — Ukrainians are being FORCIBLY DETAINED in Budapest!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHjDL6bSLDM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Orban threatens to block key goods transit to Ukraine unless oil supplies resume</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/06/orban-threatens-to-block-key.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 14:40:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/06/orban-threatens-to-block-key.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/b1334cb257.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Orban threatens to block key goods transit to Ukraine unless oil supplies resume&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;We have stopped gasoline shipments to Ukraine, we are not delivering diesel either; we are still supplying electricity for now, and we will also stop the goods important to Ukraine that pass through Hungary,&#34; Orban said on Kossuth Radio.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/hungary-to-block-ukraine-transit-shipments-until-druzhba-oil-transit-resumes-orban-warns/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Postcards from Kherson, where Russian drones hunt Ukrainians every day</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/06/postcards-from-kherson-where-russian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 14:36:20 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/06/postcards-from-kherson-where-russian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/20251120-kherson-1337.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Postcards from Kherson, where Russian drones hunt Ukrainians every day&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;At the moment the grey mass of radio static gives way to a clear image on the drone detector screen, the hunter still seems deceptively far away. &lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Looking down on the central neighbourhood of &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/kherson-oblast/&#34;&gt;Kherson&lt;/a&gt; from a bird’s-eye view, it remains unclear where the Russian &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/drones/&#34;&gt;drone&lt;/a&gt; is coming&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/postcards-from-kherson-the-city-where-russian-drones-hunt-civilians-every-day/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine secures release of 300 POWs, 2 civilians in second stage of exchange with Russia</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/06/ukraine-secures-release-of-pows.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 13:41:12 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/06/ukraine-secures-release-of-pows.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2264300439.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine secures release of 300 POWs, 2 civilians in second stage of exchange with Russia&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The youngest freed serviceman is 26, captured at 22 in 2022, while the oldest is 60.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-secures-release-of-300-pows-2-civilians-in-second-stage-of-exchange-with-russia/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine&#39;s HUR releases video of strikes on Russian military assets in occupied Crimea</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/06/ukraines-hur-releases-video-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 13:10:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/06/ukraines-hur-releases-video-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/screenshot-2026-03-06-at-14-02-58.png&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine&#39;s HUR releases video of strikes on Russian military assets in occupied Crimea&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Among the reported targets were a Project 22460 patrol ship.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-hur-releases-video-of-strikes-on-russian-military-assets-in-occupied-crimea/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Audience development intern</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/06/audience-development-intern.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 13:09:26 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/06/audience-development-intern.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/40ee38d592.png&#34; alt=&#34;Audience development intern&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Kyiv Independent, Ukraine’s main English-language publication, is looking for an Audience development intern.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/audience-development-intern/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Second stage of prisoner exchange with Russia: 300 more Ukrainians – HOME #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/06/second-stage-of-prisoner-exchange.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 12:13:49 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/06/second-stage-of-prisoner-exchange.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/d20534d44d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Second stage of prisoner exchange with Russia: 300 more Ukrainians – HOME #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/GaHMJ_fe6M0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian drone blitz hits Russian aircraft repair plant in occupied Crimea, SBU says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/06/ukrainian-drone-blitz-hits-russian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 12:06:21 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/06/ukrainian-drone-blitz-hits-russian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/1000021925.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian drone blitz hits Russian aircraft repair plant in occupied Crimea, SBU says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The long-range drones hit the production workshops of the Yevpatoria Aircraft Repair Plant, located in western Crimea, as well as two Pantsir-S2 systems near a Russian military airfield in Dzhankoi, which sits in the peninsula&#39;s northeast, according to the SBU source.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-drones-hit-aircraft-repair-plant-2-russian-air-defense-systems-in-occupied-crimea-sbu-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Assistant Editor for National Desk</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/06/assistant-editor-for-national-desk.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 12:03:52 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/06/assistant-editor-for-national-desk.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/bc51148060.png&#34; alt=&#34;Assistant Editor for National Desk&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Kyiv Independent, Ukraine’s main English-language publication, is looking for an Assistant Editor for National Desk.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/assistant-editor-for-national-desk/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>At least 2 killed, 8 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine over the past day</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/06/at-least-killed-injured-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 11:16:15 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/06/at-least-killed-injured-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/image-2026-03-06-11-25-04.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;At least 2 killed, 8 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine over the past day&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russian forces launched 141 different types of drones against Ukraine overnight.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/at-least-2-killed-8-injured-in-russian-attacks-on-ukraine-over-the-past-day/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>General Staff: Russia has lost around 1,271,350 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/06/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 09:39:08 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/06/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/82a058c825.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;General Staff: Russia has lost around 1,271,350 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The number includes 950 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/general-staff-russia-has-lost-around-1-271-350-troops-in-ukraine-since-feb-24-2022/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia sending election operatives to Hungary to prop up Orban, media reports</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/06/russia-sending-election-operatives-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 09:19:21 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/06/russia-sending-election-operatives-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/26ba189357.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia sending election operatives to Hungary to prop up Orban, media reports&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Sergei Kiriyenko, a powerful Kremlin aide, has reportedly been tasked with overseeing the Russian operation in Hungary, applying the same set of methods deployed during Moscow-backed meddling in Moldova.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-sending-political-technologists-to-hungary-to-keep-orban-in-power-media-reports/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Reversing its position, US allows India to buy Russian oil</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/06/reversing-its-position-us-allows.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 04:28:46 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/06/reversing-its-position-us-allows.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2fd2ee9100.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Reversing its position, US allows India to buy Russian oil&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;To enable oil to keep flowing into the global market, the Treasury Department is issuing a temporary 30-day waiver to allow Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil,&#34; U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on March 5.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/us-allows-india-to-buy-russian-oil/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>EU ambassadors reject fast-track Ukraine accession plan</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/06/eu-ambassadors-reject-fasttrack-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 02:51:45 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/06/eu-ambassadors-reject-fasttrack-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2263990369.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;EU ambassadors reject fast-track Ukraine accession plan&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;EU ambassadors on March 5 pushed back against a proposal to fast-track Ukraine&#39;s entry into the European Union, rejecting a European Commission idea known as &#34;reverse enlargement,&#34; Politico reported.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/eu-reject-fast-track-ukraine-accession/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>&#39;Taking hostages and stealing money&#39; — Sybiha says Hungary detained Ukrainian banks employees with cash shipments</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/06/taking-hostages-and-stealing-money.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 01:48:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/06/taking-hostages-and-stealing-money.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/c5ee7e2e89.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;Taking hostages and stealing money&#39; — Sybiha says Hungary detained Ukrainian banks employees with cash shipments&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;We are talking about Hungary taking hostages and stealing money. If this is the “force” announced earlier today by Mr. Orban, then this is a force of a criminal gang. This is state terrorism and racketeering,&#34; Sybiha wrote in a statement on March 5.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/taking-hostages-and-stealing-money-sybiha-says-hungary-detained-ukrainian-banks-employees-with-cash-shipments/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Fox News mislabels Ukrainian Shahed-drone intercept footage as part of American ‘high-tech arsenal’ destroying Iranian drones</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/05/fox-news-mislabels-ukrainian-shaheddrone.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 22:24:55 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/05/fox-news-mislabels-ukrainian-shaheddrone.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/c15c6e9db2.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Fox News mislabels Ukrainian Shahed-drone intercept footage as part of American ‘high-tech arsenal’ destroying Iranian drones&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;U.S. media outlet Fox News aired footage of a Ukrainian interceptor drone destroying a Shahed-type drone but presented the video as showing American drones countering Iranian drones in the Middle East, Ukrainian drone manufacturer Wild Hornets said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/fox-news-mislabels-ukrainian-shahed-drone-intercept-footage-as-part-of-american-high-tech-arsenal-destroying-iranian-drones/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>US joins Russia, China in opposing IAEA resolution condemning attacks on Ukraine&#39;s energy infrastructure</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/05/us-joins-russia-china-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 21:31:08 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/05/us-joins-russia-china-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-1258715393.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;US joins Russia, China in opposing IAEA resolution condemning attacks on Ukraine&#39;s energy infrastructure&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The U.S. voted against a resolution condemning attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure during a meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors on March 5, joining Russia, China, and Niger in opposing the measure.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/us-joins-russia-china-in-opposing-iaea-resolution-condemning-attacks-on-ukraines-energy-infrastructure/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Pentagon: Shahed drones have become a serious problem for air defense  #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/05/pentagon-shahed-drones-have-become.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 21:30:17 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/05/pentagon-shahed-drones-have-become.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/56f81dea87.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Pentagon: Shahed drones have become a serious problem for air defense  #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/fqLaylxoGFA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Fact Check: Video Does NOT Show A Real Fire On Board U.S. Destroyer Or Aircraft Carrier</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/05/212420.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 21:24:20 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/05/212420.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;Does a video show a real fire on board a U.S. destroyer or aircraft carrier? No, that&#39;s not true: An online AI image detection tool rated the image as 100% likely to be AI-generated. A separate analysis found it has several hallmarks of AI-generated or digitally simulated content, such as unusually uniform smoke and fire, distorted aircraft shapes, unrealistic water-heat interaction and an overly smooth cinematic texture.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The claim appeared in &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/w2S6idMSIAc&#34;&gt;a video&lt;/a&gt; (archived here) on YouTube on March 2, 2026. Its description said:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;span dir=&#34;auto&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;style-scope yt-formatted-string&#34;&gt;Massive Fire Erupts Aboard U.S. Aircraft Carrier 🇺🇸⚓ &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/fyp/shorts&#34; dir=&#34;auto&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;yt-simple-endpoint style-scope yt-formatted-string&#34;&gt;#fyp&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span dir=&#34;auto&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;style-scope yt-formatted-string&#34;&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/shorts/shorts&#34; dir=&#34;auto&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;yt-simple-endpoint style-scope yt-formatted-string&#34;&gt;#shorts&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span dir=&#34;auto&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;style-scope yt-formatted-string&#34;&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/viral/shorts&#34; dir=&#34;auto&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;yt-simple-endpoint style-scope yt-formatted-string&#34;&gt;#viral&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span dir=&#34;auto&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;style-scope yt-formatted-string&#34;&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/trend/shorts&#34; dir=&#34;auto&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;yt-simple-endpoint style-scope yt-formatted-string&#34;&gt;#trend&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span dir=&#34;auto&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;style-scope yt-formatted-string&#34;&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/us/shorts&#34; dir=&#34;auto&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;yt-simple-endpoint style-scope yt-formatted-string&#34;&gt;#us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This is what the post looked like on YouTube at the time of writing:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;Carrier thumb.jpg&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/carrier20thumb.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1280&#34; height=&#34;720&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: post by @AlexaCristian on YouTube.com.)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Conflict in the Middle East&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The United States and Israel launched a military operation against Iran on Feb. 28, 2026, which killed Iran&#39;s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in an airstrike on his compound in Tehran. Iran has responded with drone and missile strikes against the U.S. and allied targets across the Middle East.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Video analysis&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Lead Stories ran the video through &lt;a href=&#34;https://gemini.google.com/app/c98ba42f29396976?is_sa=1&amp;is_sa=1&amp;android-min-version=301356232&amp;ios-min-version=322.0&amp;campaign_id=bkws&amp;utm_source=sem&amp;utm_medium=paid-media&amp;utm_campaign=bkws&amp;pt=9008&amp;mt=8&amp;ct=p-growth-sem-bkws&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=20108148196&amp;gbraid=0AAAAApk5BhmEZQWgGnlWAfGZM1FsDgK8t&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAtfXMBhDzARIsAJ0jp3Bf5zkR8jhdaBiBzUx11kKT8hu0yxQjn4gWaMbMawPGBTpZyysR6jsaAtCNEALw_wcB&#34;&gt;Gemini,&lt;/a&gt; Google&#39;s AI assistant. It reached these conclusions:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;p data-path-to-node=&#34;0&#34;&gt;Based on a technical and visual analysis, here is an assessment of the video:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 data-path-to-node=&#34;1&#34;&gt;Technical Detection&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;ul data-path-to-node=&#34;2&#34;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;
&lt;p data-path-to-node=&#34;2,0,0&#34;&gt;&lt;b data-path-to-node=&#34;2,0,0&#34; data-index-in-node=&#34;0&#34;&gt;SynthID:&lt;/b&gt; A check for the SynthID watermark indicates that this video was &lt;b data-path-to-node=&#34;2,0,0&#34; data-index-in-node=&#34;73&#34;&gt;not made with Google AI&lt;/b&gt;. However, this result does not rule out the use of other AI generation tools or digital manipulation software.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;h3 data-path-to-node=&#34;3&#34;&gt;Visual Analysis&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p data-path-to-node=&#34;4&#34;&gt;While the video is visually striking, several characteristics are common in AI-generated or digitally simulated content:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul data-path-to-node=&#34;5&#34;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;
&lt;p data-path-to-node=&#34;5,0,0&#34;&gt;&lt;b data-path-to-node=&#34;5,0,0&#34; data-index-in-node=&#34;0&#34;&gt;Uniformity of Elements:&lt;/b&gt; The smoke and fire appear highly uniform and &#34;fluid&#34; in a way that often characterizes AI models. In a real-world conflagration of this scale, smoke patterns are typically more chaotic and influenced by varying wind speeds at different altitudes.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;
&lt;p data-path-to-node=&#34;5,1,0&#34;&gt;&lt;b data-path-to-node=&#34;5,1,0&#34; data-index-in-node=&#34;0&#34;&gt;Structural Inconsistencies:&lt;/b&gt; Close inspection of the fighter jets on the deck shows some &#34;melting&#34; or distortion in their shapes, particularly where they meet the deck surface. The proportions of the ship&#39;s superstructure and the placement of antennas also appear slightly inconsistent with real-world naval architecture.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;
&lt;p data-path-to-node=&#34;5,2,0&#34;&gt;&lt;b data-path-to-node=&#34;5,2,0&#34; data-index-in-node=&#34;0&#34;&gt;Physics and Interaction:&lt;/b&gt; The way the water from the fire-fighting boat interacts with the intense heat and rising smoke lacks the complex spray patterns and steam generation usually seen in high-definition footage of real maritime fires.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;
&lt;p data-path-to-node=&#34;5,3,0&#34;&gt;&lt;b data-path-to-node=&#34;5,3,0&#34; data-index-in-node=&#34;0&#34;&gt;Visual Texture:&lt;/b&gt; The overall &#34;texture&#34; of the water and the ship&#39;s hull has a slightly smoothed, cinematic quality that is a hallmark of current high-end AI video generators.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Separately, the Hive Moderation AI-Generated Content Detection &lt;a href=&#34;https://hivemoderation.com/ai-generated-content-detection&#34;&gt;tool&lt;/a&gt; concluded the video was 100% &#34;likely to be AI-generated&#34;:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;chrome_RkFjC0ydsF.png&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/chrome-rkfjc0ydsf.png&#34; width=&#34;874&#34; height=&#34;352&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: hivemoderation.com)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://hoax-alert.leadstories.com/2026/03/fact-check-video-does-not-show-real-fire-on-board-us-destroyer-or-aircraft-carrier.html&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Is Ukraine saving America from &amp;amp;quot;Shaheds&amp;amp;quot;? Pentagon admits helplessness against Iranian drones</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/05/is-ukraine-saving-america-from.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 21:00:35 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/05/is-ukraine-saving-america-from.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/4b0fb19da7.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Is Ukraine saving America from &amp;quot;Shaheds&amp;quot;? Pentagon admits helplessness against Iranian drones&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2_IAwIUfps&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>&#39;Tinder for the labor market&#39; — How Ukraine is trying to fix a critical shortage</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/05/tinder-for-the-labor-market.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 20:56:55 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/05/tinder-for-the-labor-market.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/kse-proftech-26.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;Tinder for the labor market&#39; — How Ukraine is trying to fix a critical shortage&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Since Dmytro Volynets studied mechanical engineering at university over a decade ago, he&#39;s worked in retail, call centers, and on a warehouse floor.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Unable to join the army due to a spine injury, the 35-year-old has struggled to find a coherent career path related to his studies —&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tinder-for-the-labor-market-ukraine-eyes-its-next-generation-of-blue-collar-workers/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Kremlin&#39;s plans have failed – Donetsk region stands firm  #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/05/kremlins-plans-have-failed-donetsk.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 20:30:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/05/kremlins-plans-have-failed-donetsk.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/dfdfa3d532.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Kremlin&#39;s plans have failed – Donetsk region stands firm  #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/-JZe1YATXo0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest: 200 Ukrainian POWs return home in latest exchange, Zelensky says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/05/ukraine-war-latest-ukrainian-pows.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 20:23:35 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/05/ukraine-war-latest-ukrainian-pows.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/photo-2026-03-05-14-52-10.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest: 200 Ukrainian POWs return home in latest exchange, Zelensky says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ukraine has brought home 200 soldiers held in Russian captivity in the latest prisoners of war (POW) exchange on March 5, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed releasing 200 Ukrainian POWs in exchange for the same number of Russian soldiers captured by Ukraine, in a swap brokered&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-200-ukrainian-pows-return-home-in-latest-exchange-zelensky-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Fact Check: Video Does NOT Show U.S. Destroyer &#39;Attacked By Iranian Missiles&#39; Near Cyprus -- It&#39;s 2017 Damage From Ship Collision Near Japan</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/05/fact-check-video-does-not.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 20:18:44 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/05/fact-check-video-does-not.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;Does a video show an American destroyer that was damaged by Iranian missiles in Cypriot territory in the &lt;span data-sanitized-id=&#34;docs-internal-guid-976cde8b-7fff-191c-1a2a-76bd641bb00b&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Mediterranean&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;? No, that&#39;s not true: This footage is from 2017 and the damage pictured is not from a missile attack. The video clip shows the &lt;span&gt;USS&lt;em&gt; &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/span&gt;Fitzgerald, which was damaged when it collided with a container ship off the coast of Japan.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The mislabeled video appeared in &lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/rkmtimes/status/2029414852935204875&#34;&gt;a post&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260305153646/https://x.com/rkmtimes/status/2029414852935204875&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) published on X by @rkmtimes on March 4, 2026. The post was captioned:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;JUST IN🇮🇷❌🇨🇾🇺🇸🔥 An American Destroyer attacked by 4 Iranian missiles in Cyprus territories and Mediterranean Sea.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This is a screenshot from the 23-second video in the post:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://leadstories.com/damage.jpg&#34;&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;damage.jpg&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/damage-thumb-500x522-3180164.jpg&#34; width=&#34;500&#34; height=&#34;522&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: post by rkmtimes on x.com.)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Using Google Lens reverse image search and the &#34;visual matches&#34; feature (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260305173510/https://www.google.com/web/20260305173510/https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=286534660d0b6d5d&amp;lns_surface=26&amp;authuser=0&amp;hl=en&amp;udm=44&amp;vsrid=CPiGzdL8or-eBxACGAEiJGI0NWFlMzhmLTQ1ZGEtNDA1OC05NGYzLTMxMzM5YTk1YmE2ZTIGIgJkeigLOO-00deliZMD&amp;vsint=CAIqDAoCCAcSAggKGAEgATojChYNAAAAPxUAAAA_HQAAgD8lAACAPzABEMACGM4CJQAAgD8&amp;lns_mode=un&amp;source=lns.web.gsbubb&amp;vsdim=320,334&amp;gsessionid=ONa7pv-FqZDU3LmXhr5Ew94XEWwlA8JXcP46RCuK5etd3-Wmn66uZA&amp;lsessionid=EjCbbENp2pPT6IbwWMT5TO2W2bNz_lxPHdhNCPzv_U2MxaO1LmS_pw&amp;q=&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwixj9fXpYmTAxXWMUQIHcpiAGYQs6gLegQIERAB&amp;biw=2560&amp;bih=1145&amp;dpr=0.75&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;), Lead Stories confirmed this video shows damage to the USS Fitzgerald. A CBS Philadelphia News &lt;a href=&#34;https://youtu.be/_bFvZOLaW84?si=HkVZNTOfIc430A_S&amp;t=55&#34;&gt;video&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260305170328/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bFvZOLaW84&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) posted on YouTube on June 17, 2017, shows the same damaged portion of the ship (pictured below) with easily identifiable features matching the video posted on X.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://leadstories.com/6e2aa906d932230054be1cd5fb8f65e63a075884.jpg&#34;&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;channel3video.jpg&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/6e2aa906d932230054be1cd5fb8f65e63a075884-thumb-900xauto-3180170.jpg&#34; width=&#34;900&#34; height=&#34;506&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: post by CBS Philadelphia from youtube.com.)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/Pages/DCA17PM018.aspx&#34;&gt;report&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20240106010033/https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/Pages/DCA17PM018.aspx&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) from the National Transportation Safety Board describes the &lt;span&gt;2017 &lt;/span&gt;collision between the USS Fitzgerald and Philippine-flag container ship ACX Crystal &lt;span&gt;off Japan&#39;s Honshu Island&lt;/span&gt;:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;As the distance between the two ships continuously decreased, neither vessel radioed the other. Seconds before the collision, the watch officers attempted to maneuver the vessels to avoid impact, but the actions were too late, and the ships collided. Seven &lt;/span&gt;&lt;em&gt;Fitzgerald&lt;/em&gt;&lt;span&gt; crewmembers died in the accident, and three crewmembers suffered serious injuries. The destroyer sustained extensive damage to its forward starboard side. The &lt;/span&gt;&lt;em&gt;ACX Crystal&lt;/em&gt;&lt;span&gt; sustained damage to its bow; no injuries were reported.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A Google News &lt;a href=&#34;https://news.google.com/search?q=U.S.%20Navy%20Destroyer%20hit%20by%20missiles%20Cyprus&amp;hl=en-US&amp;gl=US&amp;ceid=US%3Aen&#34;&gt;search&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260305181122/https://news.google.com/search?q=U.S.%20Navy%20Destroyer%20hit%20by%20missiles%20Cyprus&amp;hl=en-US&amp;gl=US&amp;ceid=US%3Aen&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) for &#34;U.S. Navy Destroyer hit by missiles Cyprus&#34; returned no relevant results.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://hoax-alert.leadstories.com/2026/03/fact-check-video-does-not-show-us-destroyer-attacked-by-iranian-missiles-near-cyprus-its-2017-damage.html&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine exports electricity for first time since last year</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/05/ukraine-exports-electricity-for-first.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 20:14:25 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/05/ukraine-exports-electricity-for-first.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-1738786556.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine exports electricity for first time since last year&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukrenergo told the Kyiv Independent that Ukraine resumed electricity exports on March 5 for the first time since November 2025.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-exports-electricity-for-first-time-since-last-year/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Zelenskyy: We&#39;ll continue diplomacy when US partners work as agreed  #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/05/zelenskyy-well-continue-diplomacy-when.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 20:08:05 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/05/zelenskyy-well-continue-diplomacy-when.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/23e50c7055.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelenskyy: We&#39;ll continue diplomacy when US partners work as agreed  #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/GwxMaooLcHQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Kremlin&#39;s spring offensive canceled? AFU burns S-400, EW systems, and Russian occupiers</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/05/kremlins-spring-offensive-canceled-afu.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 20:00:21 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/05/kremlins-spring-offensive-canceled-afu.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/8df56ffb12.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Kremlin&#39;s spring offensive canceled? AFU burns S-400, EW systems, and Russian occupiers&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjIiCXpVnsM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine to provide US with &#39;necessary resources&#39; to counter Iranian drones, Zelensky says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/05/ukraine-to-provide-us-with.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 19:57:21 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/05/ukraine-to-provide-us-with.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/c5dce62ce3.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine to provide US with &#39;necessary resources&#39; to counter Iranian drones, Zelensky says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Zelensky&#39;s statement comes after the Financial Times reported on March 5, citing Ukrainain industry figures, that the Pentagon and at least one Gulf state are holding talks to purchase Ukrainian-made interceptors to counter Iranian drones.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-provides-us-with-necessary-resources-to-counter-shahed-drones-zelensky-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia&#39;s transfer of 2 Ukrainian POWs to Hungary a &#39;provocation,&#39; Ukraine says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/05/russias-transfer-of-ukrainian-pows.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 18:24:32 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/05/russias-transfer-of-ukrainian-pows.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/646208566-1445815607011728-5586393262732132996-n.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia&#39;s transfer of 2 Ukrainian POWs to Hungary a &#39;provocation,&#39; Ukraine says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Kyiv said it was an attempt to worsen Ukraine&#39;s relations with Hungary as part of Russia&#39;s hybrid aggression against Europe.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-condemns-russias-transfer-of-2-ukrainian-pows-to-hungary-as-gross-violation/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Fact Check: Photo Does NOT Show Real Israeli Pilot Named &#39;Halach Boome&#39; Who Took Out Ayatollah Khamenei</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/05/fact-check-photo-does-not.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 18:17:34 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/05/fact-check-photo-does-not.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;Does a photo show &#34;Halach Boome,&#34; a real pilot from the Israeli Air Force who took out Iran&#39;s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei? No, that&#39;s not true: An online detection tool rated the image as 100% likely to be AI-generated, and it contains a watermark from an AI image generator. Additionally, the name given to the supposed pilot appears to be inspired by a Hebrew phrase pronounced &#34;halakh boom,&#34; which means &#34;he went boom.&#34;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The claim appeared in &lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/DavidMKeyes/status/2029265988852592880&#34;&gt;a post&lt;/a&gt; (archived here) on X on March 4, 2026. It read:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;This is the pilot who took out Khamenei. His name is Halach Boome and he deserves to be recognized for the hero he is.&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This is what the post looked like on X at the time of writing:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;Israeli pilot Image.jpg&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/israeli20pilot20image.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1200&#34; height=&#34;1200&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: post by @DavidMKeyes on X.)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Conflict in the Middle East&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The United States and Israel launched a military operation against Iran on Feb. 28, 2026, which killed Khamenei in an airstrike on his compound in Tehran. Iran has responded with drone and missile strikes against the U.S. and allied targets across the Middle East.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Image analysis&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Lead Stories ran the image through &lt;a href=&#34;https://gemini.google.com/app/fdb414cfb3b9e6ad?is_sa=1&amp;is_sa=1&amp;android-min-version=301356232&amp;ios-min-version=322.0&amp;campaign_id=bkws&amp;utm_source=sem&amp;utm_medium=paid-media&amp;utm_campaign=bkws&amp;pt=9008&amp;mt=8&amp;ct=p-growth-sem-bkws&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=20108148196&amp;gbraid=0AAAAApk5BhmEZQWgGnlWAfGZM1FsDgK8t&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAtfXMBhDzARIsAJ0jp3Bf5zkR8jhdaBiBzUx11kKT8hu0yxQjn4gWaMbMawPGBTpZyysR6jsaAtCNEALw_wcB&#34;&gt;Gemini,&lt;/a&gt; Google&#39;s AI assistant. It reached these conclusions (archived here):&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;p data-path-to-node=&#34;0&#34;&gt;Based on a digital analysis, this image was &lt;b data-path-to-node=&#34;0&#34; data-index-in-node=&#34;44&#34;&gt;generated with Google AI&lt;/b&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-path-to-node=&#34;1&#34;&gt;The identification is confirmed by &lt;b data-path-to-node=&#34;1&#34; data-index-in-node=&#34;35&#34;&gt;SynthID&lt;/b&gt;, a tool developed by Google DeepMind that embeds a digital watermark into AI-generated images. This watermark is designed to be invisible to the human eye but can be detected by software to verify the image&#39;s origin.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-path-to-node=&#34;2&#34;&gt;Beyond the digital watermark, there are several visual &#39;telltales&#39; in the image that are common in AI-generated content:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul data-path-to-node=&#34;3&#34;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;
&lt;p data-path-to-node=&#34;3,0,0&#34;&gt;&lt;b data-path-to-node=&#34;3,0,0&#34; data-index-in-node=&#34;0&#34;&gt;Text Inconsistencies:&lt;/b&gt; The words &#34;ISRAELI AIR FORCE&#34; on the helmet and &#34;ISRAE&#34; on the flight suit are legible but have a slightly &#34;stamped-on&#34; appearance that doesn&#39;t perfectly match the curve and texture of the equipment.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;
&lt;p data-path-to-node=&#34;3,1,0&#34;&gt;&lt;b data-path-to-node=&#34;3,1,0&#34; data-index-in-node=&#34;0&#34;&gt;Lighting Mismatch:&lt;/b&gt; The reflection in the pilot&#39;s helmet visor shows a dramatic sunset or sunrise with clouds. However, the lighting on the pilot&#39;s face and the rest of the scene is very even and bright, which doesn&#39;t match the warm, directional light you would expect from the scene in the reflection.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;
&lt;p data-path-to-node=&#34;3,2,0&#34;&gt;&lt;b data-path-to-node=&#34;3,2,0&#34; data-index-in-node=&#34;0&#34;&gt;Anatomical Details:&lt;/b&gt; If you look closely at the pilot&#39;s hands holding the helmet, the fingers and the way they grip the edges are slightly blurred or blended, which is a common challenge for AI image generators.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;
&lt;p data-path-to-node=&#34;3,3,0&#34;&gt;&lt;b data-path-to-node=&#34;3,3,0&#34; data-index-in-node=&#34;0&#34;&gt;Background Elements:&lt;/b&gt; The blurred figure to the left and the structure of the aircraft in the background have &#34;mushy&#34; details and edges that are characteristic of how AI handles background depth.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The Hive Moderation AI-Generated Content Detection &lt;a href=&#34;https://hivemoderation.com/ai-generated-content-detection&#34;&gt;tool&lt;/a&gt; also concluded the image was 100% &#34;likely to be AI-generated&#34;:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;chrome_T4orUxKXIK.png&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/chrome-t4oruxkxik.png&#34; width=&#34;381&#34; height=&#34;318&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: hivemoderation.com)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;It&#39;s a pun&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The fake pilot&#39;s name, &#34;Halach Boome,&#34; is a play on the Hebrew phrase &lt;a href=&#34;https://translate.google.com/?sl=iw&amp;tl=en&amp;text=%D7%94%D7%9C%D7%9A%20%D7%91%D7%95%D6%BC%D7%9D%20%2F%20%D7%94%D7%9C%D7%9A%20%D7%91%D7%95%D7%9D&amp;op=translate&#34;&gt;הלך בום&lt;/a&gt; (halakh boom), which means &#34;he went boom&#34; or &#34;it went boom.&#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://hoax-alert.leadstories.com/2026/03/fact-check-photo-does-not-show-real-israeli-pilot-named-halach-boome-who-took-out-ayatollah-khamenei.html&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>FIRST CONVERSATION AFTER CAPTIVITY! Tears of loved ones... #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/05/first-conversation-after-captivity-tears.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 17:45:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/05/first-conversation-after-captivity-tears.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/4707a58b89.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;FIRST CONVERSATION AFTER CAPTIVITY! Tears of loved ones... #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/DlkFlSR2u6k&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>No shortcuts for Ukraine&#39;s EU accession, Dutch FM says. Reforms key to progress</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/05/no-shortcuts-for-ukraines-eu.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 17:42:12 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/05/no-shortcuts-for-ukraines-eu.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/9j6a14562.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;No shortcuts for Ukraine&#39;s EU accession, Dutch FM says. Reforms key to progress&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Two points remain high on Ukraine&#39;s agenda: surviving the Russian onslaught and joining the European Union.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;President Volodymyr Zelensky believes the two should be tied together, with his office proposing to engrave a set date for Ukraine&#39;s EU membership in a potential peace deal with Russia.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/no-shortcuts-for-ukraines-eu-accession-dutch-fm-says-reforms-key-to-progress/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>London court rejects extradition request for former Zelensky ally</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/05/london-court-rejects-extradition-request.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 17:30:45 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/05/london-court-rejects-extradition-request.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/screenshot-2024-08-26-at-18-03-44.png&#34; alt=&#34;London court rejects extradition request for former Zelensky ally&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Dmytruk has been charged with assaulting a soldier and a law enforcement officer in separate altercations.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/london-court-rejects-extradition-request-for-former-zelensky-ally/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Orban threatens force over oil dispute; Zelensky says Ukrainian army could &#39;speak&#39; to one EU funds blocker</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/05/orban-threatens-force-over-oil.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 17:28:55 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/05/orban-threatens-force-over-oil.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2264286910-1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Orban threatens force over oil dispute; Zelensky says Ukrainian army could &#39;speak&#39; to one EU funds blocker&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;President Volodymyr Zelensky said on March 5 he hopes the blocking of a 90 billion euro ($107 billion) European Union loan for Ukraine by &#34;one person&#34; will end, warning that otherwise he could give that individual&#39;s address to Ukraine&#39;s military.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-threatens-to-give-one-person-address-to-ukraines-military/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Europe must change laws to confiscate Russian oil, – Zelenskyy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/05/europe-must-change-laws-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 17:26:16 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/05/europe-must-change-laws-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/7f8abfaee2.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Europe must change laws to confiscate Russian oil, – Zelenskyy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/wnOPevJo4lw&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Strike on Russian warehouses: Ukrainian forces destroy ammunition and logistics in Donetsk region</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/05/strike-on-russian-warehouses-ukrainian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 17:09:16 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/05/strike-on-russian-warehouses-ukrainian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/7a3f294452.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Strike on Russian warehouses: Ukrainian forces destroy ammunition and logistics in Donetsk region&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ryh5yG-ybnQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Kremlin trap! Merz pressures Trump - Russia&#39;s economic catastrophe inevitable?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/05/kremlin-trap-merz-pressures-trump.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 17:00:37 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/05/kremlin-trap-merz-pressures-trump.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/04eeaa752d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Kremlin trap! Merz pressures Trump - Russia&#39;s economic catastrophe inevitable?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmgXz3KMnLg&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>French nuclear weapons revamp upsets Russia&#39;s calculus</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/05/french-nuclear-weapons-revamp-upsets.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 16:51:15 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/05/french-nuclear-weapons-revamp-upsets.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2263872867.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;French nuclear weapons revamp upsets Russia&#39;s calculus&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Caught between bellicose Russia and an unsteady U.S., Paris is expanding its nuclear arsenal and moving to strengthen European deterrence.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The EU&#39;s only nuclear power &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/macron-unveils-expansion-of-frances-nuclear-arsenal-opens-door-to-european-deterrence-cooperation/&#34;&gt;announced on March 2&lt;/a&gt; that it would increase the number of its warheads from roughly 290 to undisclosed levels — the first&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/french-nuclear-revamp-upsets-russias-calculus/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Zelenskyy: Russia loses up to 35,000 troops monthly #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/05/zelenskyy-russia-loses-up-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 16:43:40 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/05/zelenskyy-russia-loses-up-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/93ce93150b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelenskyy: Russia loses up to 35,000 troops monthly #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/dfQzc9hJHT8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>More Patriot missiles used in Middle East in 3 days than in Ukraine since 2022, Zelensky says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/05/more-patriot-missiles-used-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 16:30:23 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/05/more-patriot-missiles-used-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-1783196526.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;More Patriot missiles used in Middle East in 3 days than in Ukraine since 2022, Zelensky says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine is ready to provide drone interceptors in exchange for missiles, though he did not specify which countries could be involved.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/over-800-patriot-missiles-used-in-middle-east-in-3-days-more-than-ukraine-since-2022-zelensky-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Why Trump needs Ukraine to stop Iranian drones</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/05/why-trump-needs-ukraine-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 15:11:29 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/05/why-trump-needs-ukraine-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fe0b6333d-b.png&#34; alt=&#34;Why Trump needs Ukraine to stop Iranian drones&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!TIxZ!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F32010585-459b-4752-a81d-2cdaa48de39e_1500x500.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f32010585-4.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;485&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/32010585-459b-4752-a81d-2cdaa48de39e_1500x500.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:485,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:true,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor’s note:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;We’ve started a new Iran-focused sister-publication delivering real-time reporting on the war from neighboring Armenia and Iraq.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;If you’re interested in The Counteroffensive’s human-centered perspective on the ongoing conflict with Iran, subscribe now!&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.iranwar.news/&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Subscribe to Iran War Dispatches!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.iranwar.news/&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Subscribe to Iran War Dispatches!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Tip Jar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Tip Jar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Among dense trees, on the bank of the Dnipro River – the main artery through Kyiv – sits a ship.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;But instead of sailors, its crew is a group of judges who, once every two weeks, become air defense soldiers. This is no ordinary vessel. Instead of oars, it carries machine guns.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“They brought us here for the romance,” said Vitalii Zuiev, a Ukrainian supreme court judge, looking up at the starry sky above the city. “Look — there’ll be a river, a ship, we’ll have it all. But the Shaheds will be coming over the Dnipro, and you’ll be the ones meeting them.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;That night was unusually calm. Hardly any Shahed drones were flying over Ukraine, allowing air defense servicemen to catch their breath, if only for a moment.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Silence is a rarity for them.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In the last week, it has become rare in the Middle East as well. Just a few weeks after &lt;em&gt;The Counteroffensive &lt;/em&gt;visited the capital’s air defense positions, the world would be stunned by waves of deadly drones thousands of kilometers away from Ukraine.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Suddenly, other countries are asking Ukraine to stop them.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fe0b6333d-b.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/ca8e1010a2.png&#34; width=&#34;262&#34; height=&#34;349.3333333333333&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/e0b6333d-bc68-41df-b2f3-2a7a312b9a05_960x1280.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1280,&#34;width&#34;:960,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:262,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;The shooting down of the Shahed drones with machine guns. Photo provided to The Counteroffensive by Supreme Court Judge Yurii Chumak.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;After the U.S. and Israel launched a war on Saturday, Iran started imitating Russia’s tactic of combined mass strikes using Shahed drones and ballistic missiles. By deploying cheap, small drones, Iran is exhausting the air defense systems of the U.S. and other Middle Eastern countries, making interceptions by Western systems costly and inefficient.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This Wednesday Volodymyr Zelenskyy &lt;a href=&#34;https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official/18158&#34;&gt;said&lt;/a&gt; Ukraine will send its experts who specialize in shooting down Shahed drones to the Middle East. As the country which experienced the most extensive drone attacks in the world, Ukraine’s air defense managed to gain Shahed interception &lt;a href=&#34;https://suspilne.media/1240336-zelenskij-sili-ppo-zbivaut-majze-90-sahediv-akimi-rf-sonoci-atakue-ukrainu/&#34;&gt;rates&lt;/a&gt; of up to 90 percent.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The escalation in the Middle East has demonstrated that Ukraine is much more than a country in need of aid to repel Russian aggression. It is also an equal partner capable of its tremendous battlefield experience.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!rZo1!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F447da813-603f-4cda-9b50-2a7fa9292986_446x594.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f447da813-6.jpg&#34; width=&#34;288&#34; height=&#34;383.5695067264574&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/447da813-603f-4cda-9b50-2a7fa9292986_446x594.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:594,&#34;width&#34;:446,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:288,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Iran attacked several buildings in Manama, the capital of Bahrain, on February 28, 2026. Photo by Stringer/Anadolu via Getty Images.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;id&#34;:467889}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;PollToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;poll-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Before February 2022, Ukrainian Supreme Court Judge Yurii Chumak lived a comfortable life. He even managed to go on vacation with his wife several times, though by then he had already bought himself a helmet and a thousand rounds of ammunition.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In the first days of the full-scale invasion, the city emptied before his eyes, turning gray, unusually quiet and bristling with concrete anti-tank obstacles. His acquaintance, Vitalii Zuiev, told him that a battalion was being formed in Kyiv of about 400 servicemen, several dozen of them judges. Then volunteers guarded strategic sites with rifles — government buildings, prosecutors’ offices, hospitals and maternity wards.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!QT2i!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F36ff622b-36f1-4ca0-a4e2-efaf298c50fc_1200x1600.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f36ff622b-3.jpg&#34; width=&#34;251&#34; height=&#34;334.6666666666667&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/36ff622b-36f1-4ca0-a4e2-efaf298c50fc_1200x1600.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1600,&#34;width&#34;:1200,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:251,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Supreme Court judge Vitalii Zuiev, who voluntarily serves in the capital’s air defense. Photo by The Counteroffensive.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;“We were the ‘third’ line of defense,” Vitalii Zuiev said. “They told us we would be called in when things got really bad.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;When Russian forces withdrew from Kyiv, their role changed. The volunteers began helping with the city’s air defense, guarding their assigned sector along the river.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The judges settled on an old decommissioned ship. They brought in old furniture from their homes and set up monitors to watch for enemy targets entering the airspace. Above the vessel, they built makeshift structures with their own hands to mount three machine guns — the same guns they now use to shoot down Shahed drones.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!BNsY!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F61b56500-cec5-4072-a7cc-e4a6a12b83da_1600x1200.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f61b56500-c.png&#34; width=&#34;465&#34; height=&#34;348.75&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/61b56500-cec5-4072-a7cc-e4a6a12b83da_1600x1200.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1092,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:465,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;One of the machine guns that is fired by the judges. Photo by The Counteroffensive.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;“These aesthetes, these Supreme Court judges, were cleaning with a rag the walls and the floors,” said one of those judges, Nataliia Kovalenko, who also serves in the battalion just from the start.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Since the fall of 2022, when Russia first began launching Iranian Shahed drones at Ukraine and attacking its energy infrastructure, the judges have worked on a rotating schedule, taking shifts once every two weeks. They ask for time off from their day jobs and take up 24-hour duty, monitoring the airspace for threats.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If things are relatively calm, they drink tea in the kitchen or rest in their ship’s ‘cabins.’ But the moment Shahed drones start approaching, chaos erupts on the ship — they have to throw on body armor and helmets and rush upstairs to the machine guns.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!VMO4!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb4820844-d65e-467a-b77a-4e822c5534ba_1201x1600.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fb4820844-d.jpg&#34; width=&#34;252&#34; height=&#34;335.7202331390508&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/b4820844-d65e-467a-b77a-4e822c5534ba_1201x1600.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1600,&#34;width&#34;:1201,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:252,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Photo from the kitchen of the air defense crew. Photo by The Counteroffensive.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Ten years ago we used to go hiking, and a sleeping mat and a couple of pine trees were enough to sleep well through the night. Now there’s even a bed here, but the next day you still feel completely drained,” Vitalii said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;After more than four years of aggression from Moscow, the Iranian-designed drones have undergone constant upgrades. Those improvements now help not only Russia but also Iran wage its own fight against the United States and countries in the Middle East.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Iran &lt;a href=&#34;https://armyinform.com.ua/2022/09/16/yak-iranskyj-bpla-shahid-peretvoryvsya-na-rosijsku-geran/&#34;&gt;started&lt;/a&gt; developing its drones in the 1980s, when it came under sanctions and started producing weapons based on stolen Western designs. Economic isolation prevented the country from building advanced aircraft, but it found a way to focus on drone manufacturing instead. By the 2010s, the first Shahed models had entered Iran’s arsenal and were used in its military operations across the Middle East, gradually undergoing upgrades.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Now Shaheds are relatively small drones about 3.5 meters long with a wingspan of roughly 2.5 meters, capable of flying up to 2,500 kilometers. That range is enough to strike military targets or critical infrastructure not only in Ukraine, but as far away as Cyprus in the Mediterranean.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!MUnl!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F83685d9f-10bc-4cb1-975e-068351e36845_1536x1299.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f83685d9f-1.png&#34; width=&#34;322&#34; height=&#34;272.24038461538464&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/83685d9f-10bc-4cb1-975e-068351e36845_1536x1299.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1231,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:322,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Iranian drones were launched at the RAF Akrotiri base in Cyprus. Map by &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cm2r0q310e3o&#34;&gt;BBC&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;While Shaheds are much slower than ballistic missiles (of which Iran has relatively limited stockpiles), their large numbers allow Iran and Russia to overwhelm air defenses.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ukraine, which is unable to afford to use costly Patriot missiles or F-16 fighter jets, has built a multi-layered air defense system. Shahed drones are hunted by mobile fire units mounting machine guns on pickup trucks, as well as electronic warfare specialists who jam the drones to knock them off course.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“A Shahed is actually quite hard to shoot down because it has several vulnerable points — the explosive payload, the engine and the control elements. It’s like a big double-door refrigerator. But those vulnerable spots are small. So you can pepper it, you might even see hits, but it can still keep flying,” Vitalii said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Shooting down Shahed drones is usually a team effort. Air defense units are allowed to fire only within their assigned sectors to avoid hitting residential buildings. One group may damage a drone, while another finishes it off. Russia constantly tries to reroute the drones to bypass known military positions.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The judges often joke bitterly when a Shahed drone hits somewhere nearby, wondering whether their battalion can count it as a ‘downed’ drone.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“One of our colleagues went to a bomb shelter with his wife during an air raid,” Vitalii said. “When he came back, the apartment had burned down, and a Shahed engine was lying inside. He asked if it could be counted as a shootdown.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As Yurii explained, sometimes air defense crews simply do not spot a Shahed in their sector quick enough. And when they do aim, they have to shoot ahead of the drone rather than directly at it. Otherwise, by the time the bullets reach it, the drone is already gone.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;According to Yurii, artificial intelligence could calculate those trajectories and automatically guide machine guns onto the target. But he and his fellow volunteers cannot afford to buy such a system on their own yet.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The most significant breakthrough Ukrainian forces have made in taking down Shaheds is the design of interceptor drones. These low-cost drones can detect and neutralize Shahed drones using AI. In Kyiv alone, interceptor drones have shot down about 70 &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.facebook.com/CinCAFofUkraine/posts/pfbid0yzeGYXfSUyS5diWaMg7BqgttiH47VsZXcYWHrmMxemXN2tKbpvHzxc9faHVcbosgl&#34;&gt;percent&lt;/a&gt; of the kamikaze drones launched by Russia. Ukraine has the potential to share this technology with Western partners.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;U.S. officials now &lt;a href=&#34;https://edition.cnn.com/2026/03/04/politics/us-air-defenses-iran-attack-drones-challenge&#34;&gt;believe&lt;/a&gt; its air defense systems might fail to reliably intercept Iranian drones CNN. Since the drones fly lower and slower than ballistic missiles, they can more easily evade traditional air defenses. The Pentagon and at least one Persian Gulf country have &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.ft.com/content/d077e9c6-1573-46dc-8658-3db3aaf7cdfb&#34;&gt;reportedly&lt;/a&gt; already begun talks with Kyiv to buy interceptor drones.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“The issue is not that the United States or wealthy Arab countries lack the means to shoot them [Shaheds] down… but those are all expensive systems. They don’t have cheap ones. We do,” said Yurii.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;At the same time, the high intensity of the fighting is rapidly depleting stocks of interceptor missiles for American Patriot systems, which are critical for Ukraine’s ability to defend its skies from Russian missile strikes.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This winter, Kyiv briefly ran out of Patriot missiles when temperatures dropped to minus 20 degrees Celsius, nearly triggering a humanitarian disaster as Russia launched devastating attacks on the country’s energy infrastructure.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“On Jan. 6 we were standing there, and missiles were just flying in one after another. Almost nothing was being shot down — not because people weren’t firing or weren’t hitting their targets, but because, it seemed, there were already no missiles left in stock. We were watching it all, flying in and exploding,” Yurii recalled.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!-dNd!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7849ca92-700d-4dff-8426-0e6b1a7377d2_1600x1201.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f7849ca92-7.png&#34; width=&#34;452&#34; height=&#34;339.31043956043953&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/7849ca92-700d-4dff-8426-0e6b1a7377d2_1600x1201.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1093,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:452,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Supreme Court judge Yurii Chumak. Photo by The Counteroffensive.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Iran is also seeking to replicate some of Russia’s tactics in choosing targets. Tehran has begun implementing a strategy aimed at sowing complete chaos in the Middle East, &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.ft.com/content/9353bcc0-ae95-48a3-bc6b-0a7b2f643a2a&#34;&gt;according to&lt;/a&gt; The Financial Times.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Under a plan designed by the country’s killed Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, and Tehran’s top commanders, Iran is expected to target energy infrastructure and other facilities whose damage could disrupt regional airspace. By doing so, Tehran allegedly seeks to destabilize global markets and increase pressure on Israel and the U.S.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Yurii believes Ukraine should offer its partners help in countering Iranian Shahed drones. But he is skeptical about whether the United States might just steal their hard-fought technology&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“They may purchase them, test them, see how effective they are, and then say: ‘Thank you for your technologies and for everything you developed during years of war, testing it all in real conditions and bringing it to a more or less practical level of perfection. Now we’ll handle it ourselves.’”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor’s note:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;We’ve started a new Iran-focused sister-publication delivering real-time reporting on the war from neighboring Armenia and Iraq.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;If you’re interested in The Counteroffensive’s human-centered perspective on the ongoing conflict with Iran, subscribe now!&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.iranwar.news/&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Subscribe to Iran War Dispatches!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.iranwar.news/&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Subscribe to Iran War Dispatches!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Tip Jar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Tip Jar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;NEWS OF THE DAY:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;By Tania Novakivska&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;IRANIAN DRONES ATTACK AZERBAIJAN:&lt;/strong&gt; One of the drones&lt;a href=&#34;https://azertag.az/ru/xeber/posol_irana_vyzvan_v_mid_azerbaidzhana___zayavlenie-4058339&#34;&gt; crashed&lt;/a&gt; into the airport terminal building in Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, while another crashed near a school building in the village of Shekerabad.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Two people were injured.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;IRGC TAKES THE LEAD: &lt;/strong&gt;Anticipating the decapitation of its leadership, even before Saturday’s attack by the US and Israel, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/irans-revolutionary-guards-take-wartime-lead-ensuring-harder-line-sources-say-2026-03-04/&#34;&gt;delegated&lt;/a&gt; its powers to much lower ranks.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This leads to the preservation of Tehran’s tough strategy and its use of drones and missiles in the region. Potentially, this could complicate the outbreak of protests and further regime change, as repressive mechanisms remain controllable.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;CHINA HALTS GASOLINE AND DIESEL EXPORTS: &lt;/strong&gt;Amid&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-03-05/china-tells-top-refiners-to-suspend-diesel-and-gasoline-exports?srnd=phx-economics-v2&#34;&gt; escalating&lt;/a&gt; conflict in the Middle East, which is disrupting crude oil supplies from one of the world’s key producing regions, the Chinese government has ordered leading refineries to stop signing new contracts and to cancel those already agreed upon, according to Bloomberg sources.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;QATAR SUSPENDS GAS LIQUEFACTION: &lt;/strong&gt;The country &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/qatar-shuts-gas-liquefaction-will-take-weeks-restart-sources-say-2026-03-04/&#34;&gt;will not be able&lt;/a&gt; to return to normal production for at least a month, sources familiar with the situation told Reuters.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;IRAN THREATENS ISRAELI NUCLEAR FACILITIES: &lt;/strong&gt;Iran threatened to strike the facilities if Israel and the U.S. seek to change the regime, &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.timesofisrael.com/iran-threatens-to-hit-dimona-nuclear-site-if-israel-and-us-try-to-topple-regime/&#34;&gt;reported&lt;/a&gt; by the semi-official ISNA news agency, citing an Iranian military official.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It threatens the Shimon Peres Negev Nuclear Research Center, near the city of Dimona, which is considered key to Israel’s nuclear program. The site is one of the most secure in Israel.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;CAT OF CONFLICT:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;Spring has arrived in Kyiv! On her way to get groceries, Nastia spotted this gorgeous cat bathing in the sunlight in her neighborhood.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!xKBs!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff31082ea-8385-4a13-a84d-8e30ee93daaf_960x1280.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2ff31082ea-8.jpg&#34; width=&#34;292&#34; height=&#34;389.3333333333333&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/f31082ea-8385-4a13-a84d-8e30ee93daaf_960x1280.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1280,&#34;width&#34;:960,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:292,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Stay safe out there!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Best,&lt;br&gt;Mariana and Nastia&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/why-trump-needs-ukraine-to-stop-iranian&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russian Ka-27 helicopter destroyed over Black Sea, Ukraine&#39;s Navy says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/05/russian-ka-helicopter-destroyed-over.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 15:10:48 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/05/russian-ka-helicopter-destroyed-over.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-1242960336.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian Ka-27 helicopter destroyed over Black Sea, Ukraine&#39;s Navy says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The latest report brings up the number of Russian helicopters Ukraine says it has destroyed to 349 since the beginning of the full-scale invasion.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-navy-says-it-destroyed-russian-ka-27-helicopter-over-black-sea/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Kyiv issues ULTIMATUM to ORBAN! Hungary TAKES Ukrainian POWs | Russia attacks civilian ships</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/05/kyiv-issues-ultimatum-to-orban.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 15:01:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/05/kyiv-issues-ultimatum-to-orban.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/d02e1d2e36.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Kyiv issues ULTIMATUM to ORBAN! Hungary TAKES Ukrainian POWs | Russia attacks civilian ships&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfVG-Cs6PHw&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>200 HEROES RETURNED from Russian captivity – tears of joy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/05/heroes-returned-from-russian-captivity.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 14:18:20 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/05/heroes-returned-from-russian-captivity.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/6fb0057649.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;200 HEROES RETURNED from Russian captivity – tears of joy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/KjSwrpNEHW4&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>200 Ukrainian POWs return home in latest exchange, Zelensky says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/05/ukrainian-pows-return-home-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 13:58:12 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/05/ukrainian-pows-return-home-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/photo-2026-03-05-14-52-07.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;200 Ukrainian POWs return home in latest exchange, Zelensky says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed releasing 200 Ukrainian POWs in exchange for the same number of Russian soldiers captured by Ukraine, in a swap brokered by the U.S. and the United Arab Emirates.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-and-russia-hold-latest-pow-exchange/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia denies accepting security guarantees for Kyiv, contradicts Ukrainian official</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/05/russia-denies-accepting-security-guarantees.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 13:53:25 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/05/russia-denies-accepting-security-guarantees.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/ba3f4df55c.png&#34; alt=&#34;Russia denies accepting security guarantees for Kyiv, contradicts Ukrainian official&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Kyrylo Budanov, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky&#39;s chief of staff, said on Feb. 28 that Russia would accept U.S.-backed security guarantees for Ukraine.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-denies-accepting-security-guarantees-for-kyiv-contradicting-ukrainian-official/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>91 Ukrainians face deportation after Poland&#39;s nationwide police raid</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/05/ukrainians-face-deportation-after-polands.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 12:08:24 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/05/ukrainians-face-deportation-after-polands.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/hcjj8emxsaakylt.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;91 Ukrainians face deportation after Poland&#39;s nationwide police raid&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Ukrainian citizens are among the 147 foreigners wanted by Polish law enforcement who were detained during the raid carried out on March 2 and 3, &#34;primarily aimed at verifying the legality of foreigners&#39; stay.&#34;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/91-ukrainians-face-deportation-after-large-scale-polish-police-raid/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Azerbaijan reports drone strikes from Iranian territory, airport damaged, 2 civilians injured</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/05/azerbaijan-reports-drone-strikes-from.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 10:37:47 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/05/azerbaijan-reports-drone-strikes-from.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-1580032341.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Azerbaijan reports drone strikes from Iranian territory, airport damaged, 2 civilians injured&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said one drone hit the terminal building at Nakhchivan International Airport, while another landed near a school in Shakarabad, a village near the airport, at around midday local time.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/azerbaijan-says-drone-strikes-from-iranian-territory-damages-airport-injures-2-civilians/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>At least 7 killed, 25 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine over past day</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/05/at-least-killed-injured-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 09:44:39 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/05/at-least-killed-injured-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2264157290.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;At least 7 killed, 25 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine over past day&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russian forces launched 155 different types of drones against Ukraine overnight, of which roughly 100 were Shahed, the Air Force said on March 5. It reported downing 136 of them.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/at-least-7-killed-25-injured-in-russian-attacks-on-ukraine-over-past-day/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>General Staff: Russia has lost 1,270,400 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/05/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 08:27:55 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/05/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/6ecbe36ed9.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;General Staff: Russia has lost 1,270,400 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The number includes 900 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/general-staff-russia-has-lost-1-270-400-troops-in-ukraine-since-feb-24-2022/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Slovakia&#39;s Prime Minister claims he has secret satellite imagery showing Druzhba pipeline not damaged</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/05/slovakias-prime-minister-claims-he.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 04:56:28 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/05/slovakias-prime-minister-claims-he.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/4c42961b95.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Slovakia&#39;s Prime Minister claims he has secret satellite imagery showing Druzhba pipeline not damaged&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico on March 4 claimed he has satellite imagery proving that the Druzhba oil pipeline is not damaged.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/slovakias-prime-minister-claims-he-has-secret-satellite-imagery-showing-druzhba-pipeline-not-damaged/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Trilateral peace talks on hold as Ukraine waits for US, Zelensky says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/05/trilateral-peace-talks-on-hold.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 03:09:49 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/05/trilateral-peace-talks-on-hold.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/22c3a876d7.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Trilateral peace talks on hold as Ukraine waits for US, Zelensky says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Trilateral peace talks between Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S. are on hold due to the war between Washington and Tehran, President Volodymyr Zelensky said March 4.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/trilateral-peace-talks-on-hold-zelensky-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>In the Middle East, chaos is Putin&#39;s new ally</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/05/in-the-middle-east-chaos.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 01:40:59 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/05/in-the-middle-east-chaos.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2262636373.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;In the Middle East, chaos is Putin&#39;s new ally&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If anyone was worried that Russia was going to intervene on behalf of its ally Iran in the new Middle East conflict, they need not be.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Vladimir Putin&#39;s response to the massive U.S.-Israeli campaign against Iran — and even the Israeli &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/israel-claims-khamenei-is-dead-tehran-denies/&#34;&gt;strike that killed&lt;/a&gt; Ayatollah Ali&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/why-putin-benefits-from-chaos-in-the-middle-east/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia&#39;s nuclear giant controls massive weapons production ecosystem ignored by sanctions, report finds</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/05/russias-nuclear-giant-controls-massive.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 00:31:23 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/05/russias-nuclear-giant-controls-massive.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/8f01597909.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia&#39;s nuclear giant controls massive weapons production ecosystem ignored by sanctions, report finds&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Rosatom, Russia&#39;s state nuclear corporation, operates 21 entities that are directly involved in weapons production but face no EU sanctions, according to a report published March 4 by the Kyiv-based think tank DiXi Group.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russias-nuclear-giant-controls-massive-weapons-production-ecosystem-without-threat-of-sanctions-report-finds/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Fact Check: Photo Does NOT Show Damage To The Deck Of The USS Abraham Lincoln Aircraft Carrier</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/04/fact-check-photo-does-not.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 23:16:51 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/04/fact-check-photo-does-not.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;Does a photo show damage to the deck of the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier? No, that&#39;s not true: There is no evidence that the American ship was damaged during Operation Epic Fury against Iran. The image actually shows repair crews in 1967 working to fix the damaged deck of the USS Forrestal after a deadly fire in the Gulf of Tonkin during the Vietnam War.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The claim appeared in &lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/PitPad3/status/2028949898402365482&#34;&gt;a post&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260304215831/https://x.com/PitPad3/status/2028949898402365482&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) on X on March 3, 2026. Translated from Spanish, it read:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;And what the hell happened to Abraham? 👀&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This is what the post looked like on X at the time of writing:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;Flight Deck.jpg&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/flight20deck.jpg&#34; width=&#34;853&#34; height=&#34;1200&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: post by @PitPad3 on X.)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Conflict in the Middle East&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The United States and Israel launched a military operation against Iran on Feb. 28, 2026, which killed Iran&#39;s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in an airstrike on his compound in Tehran. Iran has responded with drone and missile strikes against the U.S. and allied targets across the Middle East.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;USS Abraham Lincoln&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The USS Abraham Lincoln has been deployed in the Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf region since late January 2026 and is supporting U.S. operations in the Middle East, including carrying out strikes as part of Operation Epic Fury.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A &lt;a href=&#34;https://news.google.com/search?q=USS%20Abraham%20Lincoln&amp;hl=en-US&amp;gl=US&amp;ceid=US%3Aen&#34;&gt;Google News search&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260304222003/https://news.google.com/search?q=USS%20Abraham%20Lincoln&amp;hl=en-US&amp;gl=US&amp;ceid=US%3Aen&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) found no evidence that the ship had been damaged in an attack. Also, the U.S. Central Command denied similar claims by Iran in &lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/CENTCOM/status/2028510305920143434&#34;&gt;a post&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260302213645/https://x.com/CENTCOM/status/2028510305920143434&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) on X on March 2, 2026:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;🚫The Iranian regime&#39;s false messaging machine continues to falsely claim that it has sunk a U.S. aircraft carrier.&lt;br&gt;✅The TRUTH: The only carrier that has been hit is the Shahid Bagheri, an Iranian drone carrier. U.S. forces struck the ship within hours of launching Operation Epic Fury.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Original video&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=ad175a4a610f2e0b&amp;lns_surface=26&amp;authuser=0&amp;hl=en&amp;sxsrf=ANbL-n46vUDFLU1ls5uWcel_GKKXwW3u9Q:1772655732169&amp;udm=48&amp;vsrid=CJCGoaWlopmNwwEQAhgBIiQwMmM5ZGRkNS1kM2FjLTQ5ZjUtOGFhMy1jYzIzM2M5NDllYWMyBiICZHooFjiTtt-ZiYeTAw&amp;vsint=CAIqDAoCCAcSAggKGAEgATojChYNAAAAPxUAAAA_HQAAgD8lAACAPzABENcFGIAIJQAAgD8&amp;lns_mode=un&amp;source=lns.web.gisbubb&amp;vsdim=727,1024&amp;gsessionid=GLaAXwOp1JhHKEv8_3jdMyI-UY2aDznBfABiC31mrBdPh1mlNz3IxA&amp;lsessionid=4dUzeHI8_1NxXGRawB7C0KCL_DGhoc9TJ3wUnonwyo4Q1pyl53HQUA&amp;vsrid=CJCGoaWlopmNwwEQAhgBIiQ4MWI0MmVlMy03ZDE4LTQwOGQtODZjYi05MDdiMzg2MmJmMjQyBiICZHooFjiTtt-ZiYeTA1AA&amp;q=&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjXhuaZiYeTAxV4PEQIHXBiLsEQs6gLegQIEhAB&amp;biw=1746&amp;bih=818&amp;dpr=1.1&#34;&gt;reverse image search&lt;/a&gt; on Google Images traced the photo to &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/repair-crews-working-to-fix-the-damaged-deck-of-the-uss-news-photo/53369847&#34;&gt;Getty Images&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260304210028/https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/repair-crews-working-to-fix-the-damaged-deck-of-the-uss-news-photo/53369847&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) and is from 1967. It shows repair crews working to fix the damaged deck of the &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/july-29/rocket-causes-deadly-fire-on-aircraft-carrier&#34;&gt;USS Forrestal&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260304210657/https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/july-29/rocket-causes-deadly-fire-on-aircraft-carrier&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) after a deadly fire killed 134 sailors aboard the ship in the Gulf of Tonkin.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;gettyimages-53369847-2048x2048.jpg&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-53369847-2048x2048.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1336&#34; height=&#34;2048&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: Dick Swanson/Getty Images.)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://hoax-alert.leadstories.com/2026/03/fact-check-photo-does-not-show-damage-to-the-deck-of-the-uss-abraham-lincoln-aircraft-carrier.html&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>NATO and EU united thanks to Ukraine, – Tom Brewer #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/04/nato-and-eu-united-thanks.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 23:00:31 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/04/nato-and-eu-united-thanks.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/7143ad7fea.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;NATO and EU united thanks to Ukraine, – Tom Brewer #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/KYAd1LJNEeA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Tom Brewer: Ukrainian army is keeping an INCREDIBLE pace #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/04/tom-brewer-ukrainian-army-is.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 22:30:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/04/tom-brewer-ukrainian-army-is.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/cc62e585a1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Tom Brewer: Ukrainian army is keeping an INCREDIBLE pace #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/3TAASiJMhFU&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Putin threatens to cut Russian gas to Europe unless EU reverses ban, leveraging Iran war</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/04/putin-threatens-to-cut-russian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 22:13:36 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/04/putin-threatens-to-cut-russian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2259597721.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Putin threatens to cut Russian gas to Europe unless EU reverses ban, leveraging Iran war&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;As the U.S.-Iran war disrupts global energy markets, the Russian president is brainstorming ways to strong-arm the EU into rethinking its ban on Russian LNG and pipeline gas.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/putin-threatens-to-cut-russian-gas-to-europe-unless-eu-reverses-ban-leveraging-iran-war/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>&amp;amp;quot;Like World War I and II combined&amp;amp;quot;: US Senator Tom Brewer shocked by Ukraine war</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/04/ampquotlike-world-war-i-and.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 22:00:25 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/04/ampquotlike-world-war-i-and.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/057a74076f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&amp;quot;Like World War I and II combined&amp;quot;: US Senator Tom Brewer shocked by Ukraine war&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtP3knSZKcY&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russian tanker Arctic Metagas destroyed in the Mediterranean Sea! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/04/russian-tanker-arctic-metagas-destroyed.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 21:30:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/04/russian-tanker-arctic-metagas-destroyed.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2e38f410cc.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian tanker Arctic Metagas destroyed in the Mediterranean Sea! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/SXxiKf77lPA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Tanker nearly split in half! Russian gas carrier explodes in Mediterranean | AFU burns Russian oil</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/04/tanker-nearly-split-in-half.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 21:02:50 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/04/tanker-nearly-split-in-half.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/9e6bbaba59.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Tanker nearly split in half! Russian gas carrier explodes in Mediterranean | AFU burns Russian oil&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wt6Ry9zhAgg&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>No signals yet for trilateral meeting due to Middle East situation, – Zelenskyy  #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/04/no-signals-yet-for-trilateral.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 20:52:53 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/04/no-signals-yet-for-trilateral.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/8894dfbaa8.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;No signals yet for trilateral meeting due to Middle East situation, – Zelenskyy  #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/WgouLMaFQjw&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>What We Know About &#39;Jesus&#39;, &#39;Signal Fire&#39;, &#39;Armageddon&#39; Alleged Quote Of US Commander Ahead Of Iran Strikes -- Single, Anonymous Source</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/04/what-we-know-about-jesus.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 20:52:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/04/what-we-know-about-jesus.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;Did a U.S. military commander tell troops that President Trump was &#34;anointed by Jesus to light the signal fire in Iran to cause Armageddon&#34;? &lt;span&gt;Here&#39;s what we know so far: The Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF) said on its website that it has received hundreds of similar complaints. Asked to provide the original email or identifying information, the organization declined, citing client confidentiality, though its president offered to connect Lead Stories with any clients who voluntarily waive anonymity. Lead Stories asked the Pentagon whether it was aware of these allegations, had received any formal complaints, and was investigating any of them. A duty officer with Pentagon Press Operations said, &#34;We have nothing further to provide on this.&#34;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The claim appeared in &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.militaryreligiousfreedom.org/2026/03/mrff-inundated-with-complaints-of-gleeful-commanders-telling-troops-iran-war-is-part-of-gods-divine-plan-to-usher-in-the-return-of-jesus-christ/&#34;&gt;a post&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260304173410/https://www.militaryreligiousfreedom.org/2026/03/mrff-inundated-with-complaints-of-gleeful-commanders-telling-troops-iran-war-is-part-of-gods-divine-plan-to-usher-in-the-return-of-jesus-christ/&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) on the MRFF website on March 3, 2026, titled &#34;MRFF Inundated with Complaints of Gleeful Commanders Telling Troops Iran War is &#39;Part of God&#39;s Divine Plan&#39; to Usher in the Return of Jesus Christ.&#34; It opened:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This morning our &lt;strong&gt;commander opened up the combat readiness status briefing&lt;/strong&gt; by urging us to not be &#39;afraid&#39; as to what is happening with our combat operations in Iran right now. He urged us to &lt;strong&gt;tell our troops that this was &#39;all part of God&#39;s divine plan&#39;&lt;/strong&gt; and he specifically referenced numerous citations out of the &lt;strong&gt;Book of Revelation&lt;/strong&gt; referring to Armageddon and the imminent return of Jesus Christ. He said that &#39;&lt;strong&gt;President Trump has been anointed by Jesus to light the signal fire in Iran to cause Armageddon and mark his return to Earth.&#39;&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;em&gt;-- MRFF active duty NCO [noncommissioned officer] client, writing on behalf of themself and 15 other unit members&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;MRFF has received over 200 calls from more than 50 military installations across all the services since Saturday reporting similar disturbing pronouncements from their Christian zealot commanders.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This is what the post on the MRFF website looked like at the time of writing:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;WTF.jpg&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/wtf.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1200&#34; height=&#34;628&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: post on MRFF website.)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Conflict in the Middle East&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The United States and Israel launched a military operation against Iran on Feb. 28, 2026, which killed Iran&#39;s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in an airstrike on his compound in Tehran. Iran has responded with drone and missile strikes against the U.S. and allied targets across the Middle East.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Military Religious Freedom Foundation&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The nonprofit MRFF supported its claim by publishing what it said was an email it received from an &#34;active duty military NCO.&#34; Any information that might identify them was redacted. It said:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Mr. Weinstein thank you for taking my calls and the calls of some of my colleagues as to what happened earlier this morning with our combat unit.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Please protect my identity and the identities of those I&#39;m speaking for as we discussed.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Our unit is not currently in the combat zone AOR (Area of Responsibility) regarding the Iranian attacks but we are in a &#34;Ready-Support&#34; function where we could be deployed there at any moment to join and augment the combat operations as participants.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;I am a (NCO rank withheld) in our unit. This morning our commander opened up the combat readiness status briefing by urging us to not be &#34;afraid&#34; as to what is happening with our combat operations in Iran right now. He urged us to tell our troops that this was &#34;all part of God&#39;s divine plan&#34; and he specifically referenced numerous citations out of the Book of Revelation referring to Armageddon and the imminent return of Jesus Christ. He said that &#34;President Trump has been anointed by Jesus to light the signal fire in Iran to cause Armageddon and mark his return to Earth&#34;. He had a big grin on his face when he said all of this which made his message seem even more crazy. Our commander would probably be described as a &#34;Christian First&#34; supporter. He has been this way for a very long time and makes it clear that he desires all of us under him to become just like him as a Christian. But what he did this morning was so toxic and over the line that it shocked many of us in attendance at the ops readiness briefing. Besides myself I am reaching out to MRFF on behalf of 15 fellow troops. I know you asked me about the religious views of our group who has requested help from the MRFF. I can only tell you that I am Christian and at least 10 of the others are also Christians. One of the others is Jewish and one is Muslim. I don&#39;t know the religious or non-religious status for the other three at this time.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;I and my fellow troops know that it is completely wrong to have to suffer through what our commander said today. It&#39;s not just the separation of church and state as we discussed Mr. Weinstein. It&#39;s the fact that our commander feels as though he is fully supported and justified by the entire (combat unit&#39;s name withheld) chain of command to inflict his Armageddon views of our attack on Iran on those of us beneath him in the chain of command.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;I hope by sending this email to you that this will help expose these wrong actions which destroy morale and unit cohesion and are in violation of the oaths we swore to support the constitution.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The MRFF website says the group works to make sure everyone in the U.S. Armed Forces has the religious freedom promised to them -- and to all Americans -- under the First Amendment.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Independent journalist Jonathan Larsen first reported the story on &lt;a href=&#34;https://jonathanlarsen.substack.com/p/us-troops-were-told-iran-war-is-for&#34;&gt;Substack&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260304104439/https://jonathanlarsen.substack.com/p/us-troops-were-told-iran-war-is-for&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) before it went viral.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In a March 4, 2026, phone call, MRFF President and Founder Mikey Weinstein refused a request to provide a copy of the original email with the sender&#39;s address, name, and any other identifying information redacted so Lead Stories could confirm its veracity. He said:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;I have to decline to send you that original email . . . We just don&#39;t do that here. People are too terrified, and they should be of reprisal, revenge, and retribution. We&#39;ve been doing this for over 20 years. . . .&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;We cannot. We&#39;re not going to send anything with the headers or metadata or anything like that. . . . It&#39;s a policy we have here. We will never . . . come within light years of doing anything to reveal anything like remotely close, closely get to any of our sailors, soldiers, marines, airmen.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Weinstein said if any MRFF clients volunteered to waive their anonymity about these claims, he would put them in touch with Lead Stories.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Pentagon&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In a March 4, 2026, email to the Pentagon Press Operations duty officer, Lead Stories asked the Department of War to respond to these questions about the MRFF claim:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;ol&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Is the Department aware of these allegations?&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Has the Pentagon received any formal complaints through official channels regarding commanders making religiously framed statements about current or potential combat operations involving Iran?&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Has any inquiry or investigation been initiated into these claims?&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;What guidance, if any, does the Department provide to commanders regarding religious expression in official briefings, particularly in operational or combat-readiness contexts?&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Does the Department have any comment on the specific allegation that a commander characterized U.S. military action as divinely ordained or connected to Christian eschatology?&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ol&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The duty officer did not directly respond to the questions but instead referred Lead Stories to a pair of videos (&lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/RapidResponse47/status/2028473305271861688?s=20&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/SecWar/status/2028566550941212768?s=20&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth from March 2, 2026. Neither addressed the questions posed in our original email.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In a second email, Lead Stories again asked the Pentagon duty officer to respond to the five questions. They said:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;We have nothing further to provide on this.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://hoax-alert.leadstories.com/2026/03/fact-check-mrff-inundated-with-complaints-of-gleeful-commanders-telling-troops-iran-war-is-part-of-g.html&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russian assaults in the Zaporizhzhia direction: what is really happening? #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/04/russian-assaults-in-the-zaporizhzhia.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 20:30:08 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/04/russian-assaults-in-the-zaporizhzhia.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/8dc5626c91.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian assaults in the Zaporizhzhia direction: what is really happening? #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/yQNbJ0bs_YU&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest: 3 Russian ships hit, 3 sailors killed in Ukrainian strike on Black Sea port, SBU source says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/04/ukraine-war-latest-russian-ships.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 20:22:20 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/04/ukraine-war-latest-russian-ships.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/46149c4513.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest: 3 Russian ships hit, 3 sailors killed in Ukrainian strike on Black Sea port, SBU source says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Key developments on March 4: &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;3 Russian ships hit, 3 sailors killed in Ukrainian strike on Black Sea port, SBU source says&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Russia continues to escalate drone attacks on passenger trains, railway infrastructure&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Putin increases Russia&#39;s regular army personnel to nearly 2.4 million&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Russian tanker on fire&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-ukraine-hits-russian-minesweeper-valentin-pikul-severely-damages-2-anti-submarine-ships-sbu-source-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>RUSSIANS IN PANIC! Ukrainian forces left them without air defense and drones in one stroke</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/04/russians-in-panic-ukrainian-forces.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 20:00:41 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/04/russians-in-panic-ukrainian-forces.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/d27c824642.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;RUSSIANS IN PANIC! Ukrainian forces left them without air defense and drones in one stroke&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8UeyU-lyFQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Fact Check: Video Does NOT Show Real Bombing Of Tel Aviv In March 2026</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/04/fact-check-video-does-not.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 19:49:49 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/04/fact-check-video-does-not.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;Does a viral video show a real-life scene from Tel Aviv when the city was hit with Iranian missiles in March 2026? No, that&#39;s not true: The clip originated from an account that disclosed the video was generated by AI. Both online AI detectors and Lead Stories&#39; manual analysis of the video strongly suggested that it was not real footage documenting Iran&#39;s retaliation in the aftermath of the Feb. 28, 2026, joint U.S.-Israel attack.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The claim appeared in &lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/alshayakhliu1/status/2028781809526272026&#34;&gt;a post&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260304152055/https://x.com/alshayakhliu1/status/2028781809526272026&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) published on X on March 3, 2026, under the caption in Arabic:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;إسرائيل تحترق الآن&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;طارت نومة الظهر&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;As translated to English by DeepL, it read: &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;--l container-target&#34;&gt;&lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;--l --r hover:bg-blue-100 hover:dark:bg-blue-600&#34;&gt;Israel&lt;/span&gt; &lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;--l --r hover:bg-blue-100 hover:dark:bg-blue-600&#34;&gt;is&lt;/span&gt; &lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;--l --r hover:bg-blue-100 hover:dark:bg-blue-600&#34;&gt;burning&lt;/span&gt; &lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;--l --r hover:bg-blue-100 hover:dark:bg-blue-600&#34;&gt;now.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;--r container-target&#34;&gt;&lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;--l --r hover:bg-blue-100 hover:dark:bg-blue-600&#34;&gt;The&lt;/span&gt; &lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;--l --r hover:bg-blue-100 hover:dark:bg-blue-600&#34;&gt;afternoon&lt;/span&gt; &lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;--l --r hover:bg-blue-100 hover:dark:bg-blue-600&#34;&gt;nap&lt;/span&gt; &lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;--l --r hover:bg-blue-100 hover:dark:bg-blue-600&#34;&gt;flew&lt;/span&gt; &lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;--l --r hover:bg-blue-100 hover:dark:bg-blue-600&#34;&gt;away.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;This is what the video with the post looked like on X at the time of writing: &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://leadstories.com/Screenshot%202026-03-03%20at%2013.08.19.png&#34;&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;Screenshot 2026-03-03 at 13.08.19.png&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/screenshot202026-03-0320at2013.08.19-thumb-autox1609-3180016.png&#34; width=&#34;900&#34; height=&#34;1609&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: post from @alshayakhliu1 on X.)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;On March 3, 2026, Israel&#39;s military &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-military-says-iranian-missiles-hit-central-israel-2026-03-03/&#34;&gt;reported&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260304171852/https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-military-says-iranian-missiles-hit-central-israel-2026-03-03/&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) that Iranian strikes had hit central parts of Israel, including Tel Aviv, but the viral video reviewed in this article did not show genuine damage.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Lead Stories downloaded the clip and tested it with the content detection tool &lt;a href=&#34;https://hivemoderation.com/ai-generated-content-detection&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;hivemoderation.com&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;. According to it, the probability of the video being the product of generative AI was 98.3%:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://leadstories.com/5a2e4e7a16b4c4ef7d60facaff05de66be7aa225.png&#34;&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;Screenshot 2026-03-04 at 10.31.13 AM.png&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/5a2e4e7a16b4c4ef7d60facaff05de66be7aa225-thumb-900xauto-3180045.png&#34; width=&#34;900&#34; height=&#34;610&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: screenshot from Hive Moderation.)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://dashboard.sightengine.com/ai-media-detection&#34;&gt;Sightengine&lt;/a&gt; concluded that the clip is 98% likely to be AI:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://leadstories.com/9ca1e5969bf44d2529d69914a5ecbe42a69629c7.png&#34;&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;Screenshot 2026-03-04 at 11.06.04 AM.png&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/9ca1e5969bf44d2529d69914a5ecbe42a69629c7-thumb-900xauto-3180031.png&#34; width=&#34;900&#34; height=&#34;526&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: screenshot from Sightengine.)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Both Hive Moderation and Sightengine suggested that the viral video was made by Sora, an AI tool &lt;a href=&#34;https://leadstories.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-search.fcgi?IncludeBlogs=1&amp;search=sora&#34;&gt;frequently used to generate fake or misleading videos&lt;/a&gt; between fall 2025 and March 2026.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Another tool, &lt;a href=&#34;https://app.illuminarty.ai/&#34;&gt;Illuminarty&lt;/a&gt;, concluded the probability of the frame being AI-generated exceeded 90.7%&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://leadstories.com/2405eadb2219c94bbea019eed9f30c3a1fe43d5b.png&#34;&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;Screenshot 2026-03-04 at 11.00.44 AM.png&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2405eadb2219c94bbea019eed9f30c3a1fe43d5b-thumb-900xauto-3180029.png&#34; width=&#34;900&#34; height=&#34;604&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: screenshot from Illuminarty.)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The lowest AI score was produced by &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.aiornot.com/&#34;&gt;AI or Not&lt;/a&gt;, but even that was 79%:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://leadstories.com/5954e61be77ca852b1a9d179b53f73b483a7b338.png&#34;&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;Screenshot 2026-03-04 at 10.42.26 AM.png&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/5954e61be77ca852b1a9d179b53f73b483a7b338-thumb-autox904-3180025.png&#34; width=&#34;900&#34; height=&#34;904&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: screenshot from AI or Not.)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The video also contained several artifacts that point to the conclusion it was artificially generated. The smoke over what seemed to be a heavily impacted site somehow did not stick. Instead it started to flow away in batches in seconds, producing strange shapes in the process:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://leadstories.com/cd7ccc5c8b1f44d9082a7d7ce4abb1480358d2b1.png&#34;&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;Screenshot 2026-03-04 at 10.39.57 AM.png&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/cd7ccc5c8b1f44d9082a7d7ce4abb1480358d2b1-thumb-900xauto-3180033.png&#34; width=&#34;900&#34; height=&#34;511&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: screenshot of the video&#39;s keyframes from InVid.)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://leadstories.com/52693116147b5acc6a6a9d4f1ae4ba00c4d43a94.png&#34;&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;Screenshot 2026-03-04 at 11.32.25 AM.png&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/52693116147b5acc6a6a9d4f1ae4ba00c4d43a94-thumb-900x621-3180035.png&#34; width=&#34;900&#34; height=&#34;621&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: post from @alshayakhliu1 on X.)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Additionally, some cars parked in the street that didn&#39;t appear to have been hit were already deformed:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://leadstories.com/14f96f8b8cc99df1eff26532c54634f59522213f.png&#34;&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;Screenshot 2026-03-04 at 11.33.03 AM.png&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/14f96f8b8cc99df1eff26532c54634f59522213f-thumb-900x530-3180037.png&#34; width=&#34;900&#34; height=&#34;530&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: post from @alshayakhliu1 on X.)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The clip originated from two interlinked accounts on &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.facebook.com/reel/1222059750124607&#34;&gt;Facebook&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260304170624/https://www.facebook.com/reel/1222059750124607&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) and &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.instagram.com/p/DVZKJe0AT7p/&#34;&gt;Instagram&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://archive.org/details/screen-recording-2026-03-04-at-12.10.02-pm&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) that published the video on March 2, 2026, under identical captions that seemed to be prompts for text-to-video AI tools:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;The footage begins from a distant vantage point overlooking Tel Aviv, the camera already zoomed in toward the skyline. High-rise buildings form a dense silhouette against the sky as sirens wail faintly in the background. The person filming stands far away, keeping the entire cityscape within frame.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;span&gt;Suddenly, a bright streak appears overhead, descending rapidly toward the city. The camera shakes slightly as the filmer adjusts their zoom ...&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Each description of the video ended with a phrase:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;This video is created with AI and is intended for entertainment purposes only.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://hoax-alert.leadstories.com/2026/03/fact-check-video-does-not-show-real-bombing-of-tel-aviv-in-march-2026.html&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Exclusive: Inside Ukrainian skeleton racer&#39;s disqualification from Olympics</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/04/exclusive-inside-ukrainian-skeleton-racers.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 19:45:52 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/04/exclusive-inside-ukrainian-skeleton-racers.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/heraskevych-1-2-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Exclusive: Inside Ukrainian skeleton racer&#39;s disqualification from Olympics&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Kyiv Independent’s Kateryna Hodunova speaks with Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych, who was disqualified from the Olympic Games for wearing a helmet honoring 24 Ukrainian athletes killed in Russia’s war.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/exclusive-inside-ukrainian-skeleton-racers-disqualification-from-olympics/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>&#39;Bratislava shooting itself in the foot,&#39; says Kyiv, as Slovakia walks away from emergency electricity imports to Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/04/bratislava-shooting-itself-in-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 19:36:40 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/04/bratislava-shooting-itself-in-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/5eec7de6f6.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;Bratislava shooting itself in the foot,&#39; says Kyiv, as Slovakia walks away from emergency electricity imports to Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;Ukraine purchases the electricity and does not receive it for free. So the Fico government will simply deprive Slovak companies of earnings, while Ukraine will receive this electricity from other sources,&#34; Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhiy Tykhyi told the Kyiv Independent.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/bratislava-shooting-itself-in-the-foot-says-kyiv-as-slovakia-cuts-emergency-electricity-imports-to-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Zelensky orders development of support plan for Middle East allies hit by Iran strikes</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/04/zelensky-orders-development-of-support.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 19:31:34 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/04/zelensky-orders-development-of-support.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/56ec87518a.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky orders development of support plan for Middle East allies hit by Iran strikes&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;Our military has the necessary capabilities. Ukrainian experts will work on site, and teams are already negotiating this,&#34; President Volodymyr Zelensky said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-orders-development-of-support-plan-for-middle-east-allies/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Putin increases Russia&#39;s regular army personnel to nearly 2.4 million</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/04/putin-increases-russias-regular-army.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 19:27:42 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/04/putin-increases-russias-regular-army.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/e515d71cba.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Putin increases Russia&#39;s regular army personnel to nearly 2.4 million&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russia&#39;s regular army has grown to 2,391,770 personnel. Of these, 1,502,640 will serve as active-duty troops — 2,640 more than before, according to the March 4 decree.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/putin-raises-russian-military-personnel-to-nearly-2-4-million/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>&amp;amp;quot;Destroy London and Berlin!&amp;amp;quot;: Kremlin propagandists go hysterical over new EU army</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/04/ampquotdestroy-london-and-berlinampquot-kremlin.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 18:00:17 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/04/ampquotdestroy-london-and-berlinampquot-kremlin.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/9fc2beeb78.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&amp;quot;Destroy London and Berlin!&amp;quot;: Kremlin propagandists go hysterical over new EU army&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=637eCC4g-gQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Iran-Russia agreement: who really won? #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/04/iranrussia-agreement-who-really-won.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 17:30:08 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/04/iranrussia-agreement-who-really-won.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/0ed51b61fa.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Iran-Russia agreement: who really won? #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/CDQkbkb3oa8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>It is time to sanction Rosatom and target Russia&#39;s military core</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/04/it-is-time-to-sanction.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 17:16:46 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/04/it-is-time-to-sanction.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-1240765134.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;It is time to sanction Rosatom and target Russia&#39;s military core&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For four years, Russia&#39;s state nuclear corporation Rosatom has remained a huge &#34;elephant in the room&#34; as no country, except Ukraine, has imposed a comprehensive package of sanctions against it.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Rosatom continues to supply enriched uranium and fuel assemblies to Soviet-designed reactors in Bulgaria, the Czech&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/it-is-time-to-sanction-rosatom-and-target-russias-military-core/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Putin left alone! Death of Iran&#39;s leader destroys Kremlin&#39;s last hope</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/04/putin-left-alone-death-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 17:00:22 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/04/putin-left-alone-death-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/5121d08bab.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Putin left alone! Death of Iran&#39;s leader destroys Kremlin&#39;s last hope&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PPC0eT07zU&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>LIVE | CAN THEY REPEAT IT? Will there be a NEW OFFENSIVE on Ukraine from Belarus?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/04/live-can-they-repeat-it.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 16:49:31 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/04/live-can-they-repeat-it.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/91594b098b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;LIVE | CAN THEY REPEAT IT? Will there be a NEW OFFENSIVE on Ukraine from Belarus?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1uC6sfnmKI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine hits Russian minesweeper Valentin Pikul, &#39;severely&#39; damages 2 anti-submarine ships, SBU source says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/04/ukraine-hits-russian-minesweeper-valentin.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 15:57:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/04/ukraine-hits-russian-minesweeper-valentin.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/72aab24c6b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine hits Russian minesweeper Valentin Pikul, &#39;severely&#39; damages 2 anti-submarine ships, SBU source says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;There are no &#39;protected areas&#39; for Russian military facilities,&#34; a source in the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) told the Kyiv Independent.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-hits-russian-minesweeper-valentin-pikul-severely-damages-2-anti-submarine-ships-sbu-source-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>RUSSIAN DRONE hit a train in Mykolaiv region #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/04/russian-drone-hit-a-train.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 15:30:36 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/04/russian-drone-hit-a-train.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/b741c05be0.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;RUSSIAN DRONE hit a train in Mykolaiv region #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/hrfeh7pJfR0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>US wipes out Iran&#39;s fleet, Israel strikes NUCLEAR BUNKER | Russia continues terror against Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/04/us-wipes-out-irans-fleet.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 15:00:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/04/us-wipes-out-irans-fleet.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/5f172f0499.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;US wipes out Iran&#39;s fleet, Israel strikes NUCLEAR BUNKER | Russia continues terror against Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OeXMzjXotI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine&#39;s experience priceless as Iran war sees long-range strike drones go global</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/04/ukraines-experience-priceless-as-iran.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 14:08:03 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/04/ukraines-experience-priceless-as-iran.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/upd-gettyimages-2187855408.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine&#39;s experience priceless as Iran war sees long-range strike drones go global&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Trump administration&#39;s move to launch a large-scale strike operation in Iran has seen state-on-state war return to the Middle East with a vengeance.&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Hours after the first U.S. and Israeli strikes began hitting the country on Feb. 28, Tehran — despite its leadership being &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/israel-claims-khamenei-is-dead-tehran-denies/&#34;&gt;decapitated&lt;/a&gt; on&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-experience-priceless-as-iran-war-sees-long-range-strike-drones-go-global/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>NATO intercepts Iranian missile heading toward Turkey in first such incident</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/04/nato-intercepts-iranian-missile-heading.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 13:10:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/04/nato-intercepts-iranian-missile-heading.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2263100215-1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;NATO intercepts Iranian missile heading toward Turkey in first such incident&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;We reserve the right to respond to any hostile attitude towards our country,&#34; Turkey&#39;s Defense Ministry said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/nato-intercepts-iranian-missile-heading-toward-turkey/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia continues to escalate drone attacks on passenger trains, railway infrastructure</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/04/russia-continues-to-escalate-drone.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 11:53:48 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/04/russia-continues-to-escalate-drone.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/photo-2026-03-04-11-23-33.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia continues to escalate drone attacks on passenger trains, railway infrastructure&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russian drone hit two passenger trains in just one day.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/f-2/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Putin to host Hungary&#39;s FM to discuss Budapest-Kyiv rift over Druzhba pipeline</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/04/putin-to-host-hungarys-fm.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 11:49:31 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/04/putin-to-host-hungarys-fm.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/01bf8bccd8.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Putin to host Hungary&#39;s FM to discuss Budapest-Kyiv rift over Druzhba pipeline&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov backed Slovakia and Hungary in the dispute over the Druzhba oil pipeline, accusing Ukraine of &#34;blackmail.&#34;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/putin-hungarys-foreign-minister-to-discuss-ukraine-druzhba-dispute-in-moscow/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>General Staff: Russia has lost 1,269,500 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/04/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 10:22:11 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/04/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2232751598.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;General Staff: Russia has lost 1,269,500 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The number includes 980 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/general-staff-russia-has-lost-1-269-500-troops-in-ukraine-since-feb-24-2022/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>At least 3 killed, 30 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine over past day</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/04/at-least-killed-injured-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 10:18:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/04/at-least-killed-injured-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/photo-2026-03-04-10-41-14.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;At least 3 killed, 30 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine over past day&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russia launched 149 drones at Ukraine overnight, the Air Force said, reporting that Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 129.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/at-least-killed-injured-in-russian-attacks-on-ukraine-over-past-day-4/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Belgium sets 10 million euro bail for detained Russian shadow fleet tanker Ethera</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/04/belgium-sets-million-euro-bail.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 09:20:57 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/04/belgium-sets-million-euro-bail.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2263868948.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Belgium sets 10 million euro bail for detained Russian shadow fleet tanker Ethera&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The vessel will not be allowed to leave port until the bail is paid and a re-inspection confirms compliance with maritime regulations.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/belgium-sets-10-million-euro-bail-for-detained-russian-tanker/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Merz urges Trump to increase pressure on Russia</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/04/merz-urges-trump-to-increase.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 06:37:33 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/04/merz-urges-trump-to-increase.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2264626923.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Merz urges Trump to increase pressure on Russia&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;Russia is playing for time here, and in doing so is also acting against the will of the American president. In today&#39;s talks, I called for increasing the pressure on Moscow,&#34; German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on March 3 after meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/merz-urges-trump-to-increase-pressure-on-russia/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Fact Check: Fake Image Of Destroyed Early Warning AN/FPS-132 Radar In Qatar -- The 360-Degree Radar Looks Nothing Like That</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/04/fact-check-fake-image-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 03:25:59 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/04/fact-check-fake-image-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;Does a viral photo show the damage from an airstrike against an early warning radar system in Qatar? No, that&#39;s not true: This picture is fake and does not show the radar system in question. There are many differences between the fake image and the real facility visible on &lt;span data-sanitized-id=&#34;docs-internal-guid-32cb6ce3-7fff-2e41-a59e-ff6887f3046e&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;satellite&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt; images.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The fake image appeared in &lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/iranin_arabic/status/2028697830769275383/&#34;&gt;a post&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260303170516/https://x.com/iranin_arabic/status/2028697830769275383/&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) published by @iranin_arabic on March 3, 2026. The automatic Grok translation of the caption from Arabic to English reads:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;span&gt;Unfortunately, this is just the beginning.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;This is the image included with the post:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://leadstories.com/7b1685cfa4e01dfdab0fd8923f8dfda0a2f7842c.jpg&#34;&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;radar.jpg&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/7b1685cfa4e01dfdab0fd8923f8dfda0a2f7842c-thumb-autox1047-3179945.jpg&#34; width=&#34;700&#34; height=&#34;1047&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: post from @iranin_arabic on X.)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A &lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/TehranTimes79/status/2027720625834381563&#34;&gt;post&lt;/a&gt; with no images (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260303200101/https://x.com/TehranTimes79/status/2027720625834381563&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) on X by the Tehran Times on Feb. 28, 2026 relayed an announcement from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC):&lt;span data-sfc-cb=&#34;&#34; data-complete=&#34;true&#34; data-processed=&#34;true&#34; aria-owns=&#34;action-menu-parent-container&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;Yjhzub&#34;&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;r-18u37iz&#34;&gt;#BREAKING&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3&#34;&gt; IRGC Public Relations: The American radar FP132, with a range of 5,000 kilometers, stationed in Qatar with unique equipment designed for tracking ballistic missiles, was completely destroyed.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;At the time of writing, on March 3, 2026, this IRGC report was not confirmed by U.S. or Qatari officials, or through updated satellite images. A &lt;a href=&#34;https://news.google.com/search?q=AN%2FFPS-132%20radar%20in%20Qatar%20destroyed&amp;hl=en-US&amp;gl=US&amp;ceid=US%3Aen&#34;&gt;search&lt;/a&gt; of Google News (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260303205241/https://news.google.com/search?q=AN%2FFPS-132%20radar%20in%20Qatar%20destroyed&amp;hl=en-US&amp;gl=US&amp;ceid=US%3Aen&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) for &#34;AN/FPS-132 radar in Qatar destroyed&#34; returns articles repeating the IRGC report, but nothing from other sources confirming that the strike &lt;span data-sanitized-id=&#34;docs-internal-guid-623a7ac5-7fff-61c5-a0ae-c39c7da3d41f&#34;&gt;occurred&lt;/span&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The name of this radar system is not always written the same way. The radar acronym system is clearly explained on page 73 of a &lt;a href=&#34;https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/ADA331231.pdf&#34;&gt;PDF&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20250824174424/https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/ADA331231.pdf&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) titled &#34;Searching the Skies: the Legacy of the United States Cold War Defense Radar Program&#34; The full acronym AN/FPS-132 can be broken down like this: AN is for Army-Navy, F is for Fixed, P is for radar (Pulsed), and S is for Search. 132 is for the 132nd design. The reason why radar is not represented with an R is because that letter is used for Radio.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3&#34;&gt;The scope of this fact check will focus on the image in the post. It does not &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3&#34;&gt;show the actual radar facility near &lt;span&gt;Lehnaizeeba,&lt;/span&gt; Qatar (pictured below). This early warning radar installation at (25°42&#39;25.4&#34;N 51°15&#39;12.0&#34;E) is visible on &lt;a href=&#34;https://maps.app.goo.gl/pA9TBp2BMkDcarNM7&#34;&gt;Google Maps&lt;/a&gt; (pictured below).&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://leadstories.com/googleradar.jpg&#34;&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;googleradar.jpg&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/googleradar-thumb-900xauto-3179969.jpg&#34; width=&#34;900&#34; height=&#34;469&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3&#34;&gt;(Image source: Google Maps.)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3&#34;&gt; A March 15, 2017 &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.wpafb.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1114608/hanscom-awards-1-billion-for-qatars-new-radar/&#34;&gt;article&lt;/a&gt; on the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base website&lt;/span&gt; from 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs&lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3&#34;&gt;, announced&lt;/span&gt; a &lt;span&gt;$1.06 billion contract to Raytheon Company to build the radar in Qatar (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20170315191922/https://www.wpafb.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1114608/hanscom-awards-1-billion-for-qatars-new-radar/&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;). Included in the article is an artist&#39;s rendering of the facility (pictured below). This rendering from before construction is an almost perfect match with the site visible in 2026 satellite imagery. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://leadstories.com/radardiagram.jpg&#34;&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;radardiagram.jpg&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/radardiagram-thumb-900xauto-3179965.jpg&#34; width=&#34;900&#34; height=&#34;532&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: screenshot from media.defense.gov)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The radar pictured in the X post has an octagonal antenna array, and only one array is visible, while the real facility has three circular antenna arrays. The real radar is part of a much larger rectangular building and there are several nearby buildings and paved roads.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://hoax-alert.leadstories.com/2026/03/fact-check-fake-image-of-destroyed-early-warning-anfps132-radar-in-qatar.html&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Fact Check: Image Of Bodies Wrapped In White Fabric Does NOT Show Mass Funeral Of Minab School Strike&#39;s Victims In Iran</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/04/fact-check-image-of-bodies.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 01:02:59 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/04/fact-check-image-of-bodies.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;Does a viral image actually show the funeral of the children killed during the U.S.-Israel attack? No, that&#39;s not true: It contains multiple artifacts characteristic of AI. The account that was the source of the picture later disclosed that it used AI to create it.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The claim appeared in &lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/DalrympleWill/status/2028863200343793957&#34;&gt;a post&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260303231706/https://x.com/DalrympleWill/status/2028863200343793957&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) on X on March 3, 2026. The caption read:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;165 coffins of schoolgirls being buried today...&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This is what the image attached to the post looked like on X at the time of writing:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://leadstories.com/image%20-%202026-03-06T144449.125.png&#34;&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;image - 2026-03-06T144449.125.png&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/image20-202026-03-06t144449.125-thumb-900xauto-3180236.png&#34; width=&#34;900&#34; height=&#34;783&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: post by @DalrympleWill on X.)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A school strike that killed dozens in Minab, Iran, occurred on &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/israel-us-launch-strikes-iran-2026-02-28/&#34;&gt;Feb. 28, 2026&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260306210957/https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/israel-us-launch-strikes-iran-2026-02-28/&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;), the first day of the U.S.-Israel military operation in the region, but the viral image did not document the funeral of the strike&#39;s victims.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Several clues in the picture suggested that it was probably generated by AI.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;--l --r container-target&#34;&gt;&lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;--l --r hover:bg-blue-100 hover:dark:bg-blue-600&#34;&gt;In the middle of the picture, the face of one of the grieving women appears to &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;--l --r hover:bg-blue-100 hover:dark:bg-blue-600&#34;&gt;be&lt;/span&gt; &lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;--l --r hover:bg-blue-100 hover:dark:bg-blue-600&#34;&gt;lit&lt;/span&gt; &lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;--l --r hover:bg-blue-100 hover:dark:bg-blue-600&#34;&gt;from&lt;/span&gt; &lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;--l --r hover:bg-blue-100 hover:dark:bg-blue-600&#34;&gt;below&lt;/span&gt;, &lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;--l --r hover:bg-blue-100 hover:dark:bg-blue-600&#34;&gt;but&lt;/span&gt; &lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;--l --r hover:bg-blue-100 hover:dark:bg-blue-600&#34;&gt;there&lt;/span&gt; &lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;--l --r hover:bg-blue-100 hover:dark:bg-blue-600&#34;&gt;is&lt;/span&gt; &lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;--l --r hover:bg-blue-100 hover:dark:bg-blue-600&#34;&gt;no&lt;/span&gt; &lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;--l --r hover:bg-blue-100 hover:dark:bg-blue-600&#34;&gt;obvious&lt;/span&gt; &lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;--l --r hover:bg-blue-100 hover:dark:bg-blue-600&#34;&gt;small&lt;/span&gt; &lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;--l --r hover:bg-blue-100 hover:dark:bg-blue-600&#34;&gt;local&lt;/span&gt; &lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;--l --r hover:bg-blue-100 hover:dark:bg-blue-600&#34;&gt;light&lt;/span&gt; &lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;--l --r hover:bg-blue-100 hover:dark:bg-blue-600&#34;&gt;source&lt;/span&gt; (&lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;--l --r hover:bg-blue-100 hover:dark:bg-blue-600&#34;&gt;such&lt;/span&gt; &lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;--l --r hover:bg-blue-100 hover:dark:bg-blue-600&#34;&gt;as&lt;/span&gt; &lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;--l --r hover:bg-blue-100 hover:dark:bg-blue-600&#34;&gt;a&lt;/span&gt; &lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;--l --r hover:bg-blue-100 hover:dark:bg-blue-600&#34;&gt;candle&lt;/span&gt;) &lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;--l --r hover:bg-blue-100 hover:dark:bg-blue-600&#34;&gt;in&lt;/span&gt; &lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;--l --r hover:bg-blue-100 hover:dark:bg-blue-600&#34;&gt;front&lt;/span&gt; &lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;--l --r hover:bg-blue-100 hover:dark:bg-blue-600&#34;&gt;of&lt;/span&gt; &lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;--l --r hover:bg-blue-100 hover:dark:bg-blue-600&#34;&gt;her&lt;/span&gt; &lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;--l --r hover:bg-blue-100 hover:dark:bg-blue-600&#34;&gt;that&lt;/span&gt; &lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;--l --r hover:bg-blue-100 hover:dark:bg-blue-600&#34;&gt;would&lt;/span&gt; &lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;--l --r hover:bg-blue-100 hover:dark:bg-blue-600&#34;&gt;explain&lt;/span&gt; &lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;--l --r hover:bg-blue-100 hover:dark:bg-blue-600&#34;&gt;the&lt;/span&gt; &lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;--l --r hover:bg-blue-100 hover:dark:bg-blue-600&#34;&gt;red&lt;/span&gt; &lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;--l --r hover:bg-blue-100 hover:dark:bg-blue-600&#34;&gt;glare:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;--l --r container-target&#34;&gt;&lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;--l --r hover:bg-blue-100 hover:dark:bg-blue-600&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://leadstories.com/080f0f1c3f74fcbb471f47215872215dbdec3792.png&#34;&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;Screenshot 2026-03-06 at 2.49.39 PM.png&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/080f0f1c3f74fcbb471f47215872215dbdec3792-thumb-700x486-3180246.png&#34; width=&#34;700&#34; height=&#34;486&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;--l --r container-target&#34;&gt;&lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;--l --r hover:bg-blue-100 hover:dark:bg-blue-600&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: post by @DalrympleWill on X.)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Just behind that woman, we see another pair of the supposed funeral attendees hugging each other. However, their hands touching each other form a shape that looks nothing like human hands:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://leadstories.com/286441c3ee35f9548560f0c21b0f11076c33b618.png&#34;&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;Screenshot 2026-03-06 at 2.49.32 PM.png&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/286441c3ee35f9548560f0c21b0f11076c33b618-thumb-700x904-3180249.png&#34; width=&#34;700&#34; height=&#34;904&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: post by @DalrympleWill on X.)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A close look at the images of the deceased reveals similar glitches strongly pointing to AI. For example, we can spot distorted faces:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://leadstories.com/92197ed465c803c224e40c4d7f3228a60e2c26d2.png&#34;&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;Screenshot 2026-03-06 at 3.23.07 PM.png&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/92197ed465c803c224e40c4d7f3228a60e2c26d2-thumb-700xauto-3180251.png&#34; width=&#34;700&#34; height=&#34;358&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: post by @DalrympleWill on X.)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Two images of the girls from the first rows appear to be nearly identical. While it&#39;s impossible to absolutely rule out that some of the children could have been twins, the fact that one face shows the same distortions as the previous example further suggests the image is not authentic. Additionally, had the image been real, members of the same family would more likely have been laid to rest beside one another rather than placed diagonally across from each other.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://leadstories.com/e7c86a81c241457216fdfca279bf0ce0e0bf9342.png&#34;&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;Screenshot 2026-03-06 at 3.31.31 PM.png&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/e7c86a81c241457216fdfca279bf0ce0e0bf9342-thumb-900xauto-3180253.png&#34; width=&#34;900&#34; height=&#34;477&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: post by @DalrympleWill on X.)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Finally, some of the &#34;portraits&#34; lacked facial features or showed no faces at all:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://leadstories.com/e916836c23c64a749f6acf9b4b7cd420193c0575.png&#34;&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;Screenshot 2026-03-06 at 3.35.32 PM.png&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/e916836c23c64a749f6acf9b4b7cd420193c0575-thumb-700xauto-3180255.png&#34; width=&#34;700&#34; height=&#34;282&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: post by @DalrympleWill on X.)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;An &lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/HarmeetSinghPk/status/2028745331165540532&#34;&gt;account&lt;/a&gt; that appears to have been the first to publish the image on X on March 3, 2026, later wrote that it was not an authentic photo (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260306200119/https://x.com/HarmeetSinghPk/status/2028745331165540532&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;):&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;I shared the AI-generated photo symbolically to reflect the scale of the tragedy...&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The automated detection tool &lt;a href=&#34;https://hivemoderation.com/&#34;&gt;Hive Moderation&lt;/a&gt; corroborated the visual analysis and concluded that it was 99.9% likely the image was generated using AI: &lt;a href=&#34;https://leadstories.com/cb49efeb9cc6752e7660361e69a255784a95ead0.png&#34;&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;Screenshot 2026-03-06 at 3.05.34 PM.png&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/cb49efeb9cc6752e7660361e69a255784a95ead0-thumb-900xauto-3180244.png&#34; width=&#34;900&#34; height=&#34;640&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: Hive Moderation.)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/03/world/middleeast/iran-school-bombing-children.html&#34;&gt;Images of the funeral&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260306204032/https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/03/world/middleeast/iran-school-bombing-children.html&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) published by reputable media organizations showed different settings and did not include the image reviewed in this fact check or any other variations of the shots capturing the same scene.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://hoax-alert.leadstories.com/2026/03/fact-check-image-of-bodies-wrapped-in-white-fabric-does-not-show-mass-funeral-of-minab-school-strikes-victims-in-iran.html&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Fact Check: Variety Did NOT Report Ian Miles Cheong Was Killed By An Iranian Missile In Dubai</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/03/fact-check-variety-did-not.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 23:24:22 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/03/fact-check-variety-did-not.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;Did Variety report that Ian Miles Cheong was killed by an Iranian missile in Dubai? No, that&#39;s not true: Only one story on the Variety website mentions Cheong, and it was published five months before the Iranian strikes on the city in the United Arab Emirates. Cheong also posted a video of himself walking around the Dubai Mall on March 3, 2026, a couple of days following the attack.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The claim appeared in &lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/PresidentToguro/status/2028618067878511028&#34;&gt;a post&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260303223006/https://x.com/PresidentToguro/status/2028618067878511028&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) on X on March 2, 2026. It read:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;🚨 BREAKING Ian Miles Cheong has been killed by an Iranian missile in Dubai&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3&#34;&gt;(Source: &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;r-18u37iz&#34;&gt;&lt;a dir=&#34;ltr&#34; href=&#34;https://x.com/Variety&#34; role=&#34;link&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1wvb978 r-1loqt21&#34;&gt;@Variety&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3&#34;&gt;)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This is what the post looked like on X at the time of writing:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;POWERPNT_busoU0qxxx.png&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/powerpnt-busou0qxxx.png&#34; width=&#34;894&#34; height=&#34;505&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: post by @PresidentToguro on X.)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Conflict in the Middle East&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The United States and Israel launched a military operation against Iran on Feb. 28, 2026, which killed Iran&#39;s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in an airstrike on his compound in Tehran. Iran has responded with drone and missile strikes against the U.S. and allied targets across the Middle East, including in Dubai.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Variety&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.google.com/search?as_q=&amp;as_epq=Ian+Miles+Cheong&amp;as_oq=&amp;as_eq=&amp;as_nlo=&amp;as_nhi=&amp;lr=&amp;cr=&amp;as_qdr=all&amp;as_sitesearch=https%3A%2F%2Fvariety.com%2F&amp;as_occt=any&amp;as_filetype=&amp;tbs=&#34;&gt;Google search&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260303223220/https://www.google.com/search?as_q=&amp;as_epq=Ian+Miles+Cheong&amp;as_oq=&amp;as_eq=&amp;as_nlo=&amp;as_nhi=&amp;lr=&amp;cr=&amp;as_qdr=all&amp;as_sitesearch=https%3A%2F%2Fvariety.com%2F&amp;as_occt=any&amp;as_filetype=&amp;tbs=&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) shows Variety never reported that Cheong was killed by an Iranian missile in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. Also, the &lt;a href=&#34;https://variety.com/2025/digital/news/elon-musk-cancel-netflix-war-kids-shows-trans-lgbtq-characters-1236537089/&#34;&gt;lone story&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260303215540/https://variety.com/2025/digital/news/elon-musk-cancel-netflix-war-kids-shows-trans-lgbtq-characters-1236537089/&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) published by Variety appeared on its website on Oct. 2, 2025, about five months before the post on X claimed he had died.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Ian Miles Cheong&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Ian Miles Cheong is a Malaysian-born social media personality and blogger known for his commentary on American politics, culture, and international affairs -- while based in Malaysia. He has more than a &lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/ianmiles&#34;&gt;million followers&lt;/a&gt; on X.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A day after his purported demise, Cheong posted &lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/ianmiles/status/2028835506776097151&#34;&gt;a video&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260303223516/https://x.com/ianmiles/status/2028835506776097151&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) to his X account on Mar. 3, 2026, showing him out and about. It read:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Things are alive and well in Dubai. This is the Dubai Mall and everyone is out shopping like any other day. The idea that everyone is hiding under a basement or something is the most unbelievable nonsense.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In the video, Cheong misspoke, saying it was &#34;February 2nd or 3rd or whatever the date is.&#34; Later in the day, he posted a &lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/ianmiles/status/2028855533600460944&#34;&gt;second video&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260303223721/https://x.com/ianmiles/status/2028855533600460944&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;). Cheong corrected himself, saying, &#34;March 3rd. Not Feb.&#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://hoax-alert.leadstories.com/2026/03/fact-check-variety-did-not-report-ian-miles-cheong-was-killed-by-an-iranian-missile-in-dubai.html&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>&amp;amp;quot;Ukraine is an ENEMY&amp;amp;quot;? Orbán&#39;s scandalous statement #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/03/ampquotukraine-is-an-enemyampquot-orbns.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 23:00:32 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/03/ampquotukraine-is-an-enemyampquot-orbns.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/b280baae50.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&amp;quot;Ukraine is an ENEMY&amp;quot;? Orbán&#39;s scandalous statement #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/M2OVqRQcek4&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian ATACMS analog – FP-7 reaches enemy targets 200km away!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/03/ukrainian-atacms-analog-fp-reaches.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 23:00:27 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/03/ukrainian-atacms-analog-fp-reaches.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/f95ae04d89.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian ATACMS analog – FP-7 reaches enemy targets 200km away!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmZVon5cmT8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>&amp;amp;quot;The position of both leaders is basically that of petty blackmailers&amp;amp;quot; – Georgy Chizhov | Interview</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/03/ampquotthe-position-of-both-leaders.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 22:00:38 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/03/ampquotthe-position-of-both-leaders.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/b8ddae7298.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&amp;quot;The position of both leaders is basically that of petty blackmailers&amp;quot; – Georgy Chizhov | Interview&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XM9a9NEM_VQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Fact Check: FAKE Image Shows U.S. Embassy In Saudi Arabia On Fire After Drone Attack -- It&#39;s AI-Generated</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/03/fact-check-fake-image-shows.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 21:25:25 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/03/fact-check-fake-image-shows.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;Is this picture showing the U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia on fire after a drone attack real? No, that&#39;s not true: An online detection tool rated the image 99.7% likely to be AI-generated. Saudi Arabia&#39;s Ministry of Defense said there was &#34;limited fire and minor material damage to the building&#34; after two drones hit the embassy.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The claim appeared in &lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/Panther7112/status/2028658076006715880&#34;&gt;a post&lt;/a&gt; (archived here) on X on March 2, 2026. It read:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;US Embassy, Saudi . &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&#39;Minor damage &#39; according to US officials&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This is what the post looked like on X at the time of writing:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;embassy.jpg&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/192b527ac954d1c76f79227a126ede41e74b7cd9.jpg&#34; width=&#34;960&#34; height=&#34;746&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: post by @Panther7112 on X.)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Conflict in the Middle East&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The United States and Israel launched a military operation against Iran on Feb. 28, 2026, which killed Iran&#39;s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in an airstrike on his compound in Tehran. Iran has responded with drone and missile strikes against the U.S. and allied targets across the Middle East. Two drones hit the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, causing a &#34;limited fire and minor material damage to the building,&#34; the &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/02/world/middleeast/us-embassy-riyadh-saudi-iran-drone.html&#34;&gt;Saudi Ministry of Defense&lt;/a&gt; (archived here) said.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Video&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;An AFP News Agency &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84jYTP5uIW4&#34;&gt;video&lt;/a&gt; (archived here) of the U.S. Embassy following the drone strikes shows little damage following the attack and the fire, unlike the post, which showed nearly the entire complex in flames. These are screenshots from the video:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;Embassy from video.jpg&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/embassy20from20video.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1280&#34; height=&#34;720&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: &lt;em&gt;post by &lt;/em&gt;AFP News Agency on&lt;/em&gt; &lt;em&gt;YouTube.)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Also, a &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.google.com/maps/place/U.S.+Embassy+Riyadh/@24.6812799,46.6199734,222m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m6!3m5!1s0x3e2f1c4e6f6a3931:0x9367cdd45ce03e0f!8m2!3d24.6813455!4d46.6214066!16s%2Fg%2F11byxh5nh9?entry=ttu&amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDIyNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D&#34;&gt;Google Maps&lt;/a&gt; satellite image (archived here) shows a much different footprint for the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh. Rather than being largely rectangular in shape, as the fake image shows, the compound is much larger and more sprawling:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;chrome_8aWpctf2yF.png&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/chrome-8awpctf2yf.png&#34; width=&#34;1137&#34; height=&#34;627&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: Google Maps search result for U.S. Embassy Riyadh.)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Image analysis&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Lead Stories ran the image through &lt;a href=&#34;https://gemini.google.com/app/2fac1c67e9f65a38?is_sa=1&amp;is_sa=1&amp;android-min-version=301356232&amp;ios-min-version=322.0&amp;campaign_id=bkws&amp;utm_source=sem&amp;utm_medium=paid-media&amp;utm_campaign=bkws&amp;pt=9008&amp;mt=8&amp;ct=p-growth-sem-bkws&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=20108148196&amp;gbraid=0AAAAApk5BhneGQExkiJ2zea1Beje84BFl&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiAqprNBhB6EiwAMe3yhiNuv72lxnk1v0xU_rnl5zpMfyNMztOgVdDc0ed8wAkybiVFc4TdMhoCnhQQAvD_BwE&#34;&gt;Gemini,&lt;/a&gt; Google&#39;s AI assistant. It reached these conclusions (archived here):&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;p data-path-to-node=&#34;0&#34;&gt;Analysis of the image indicates that it is AI-generated.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-path-to-node=&#34;1&#34;&gt;A digital watermark (SynthID) was detected, which indicates that the image was created or edited using Google AI.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-path-to-node=&#34;2&#34;&gt;Additionally, there are several visual and contextual signs that suggest the image is not an authentic photograph:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul data-path-to-node=&#34;3&#34;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;
&lt;p data-path-to-node=&#34;3,0,0&#34;&gt;&lt;b data-path-to-node=&#34;3,0,0&#34; data-index-in-node=&#34;0&#34;&gt;Visual Inconsistencies:&lt;/b&gt; The fire and smoke have a very uniform and stylized appearance common in AI-generated images. When looking closely at the figures and vehicles in the foreground, they appear blurred or have slightly distorted shapes.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;
&lt;p data-path-to-node=&#34;3,1,0&#34;&gt;&lt;b data-path-to-node=&#34;3,1,0&#34; data-index-in-node=&#34;0&#34;&gt;Lack of Context:&lt;/b&gt; A fire at a U.S. embassy would be a major international news event. There are no credible news reports or official statements regarding such an incident.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;
&lt;p data-path-to-node=&#34;3,2,0&#34;&gt;&lt;b data-path-to-node=&#34;3,2,0&#34; data-index-in-node=&#34;0&#34;&gt;Watermarks:&lt;/b&gt; The image contains a large watermark from a social media handle (&#39;@military_aviators&#39;), which is often seen on AI-generated content shared on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) or Instagram.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The Hive Moderation AI-Generated Content Detection &lt;a href=&#34;https://hivemoderation.com/ai-generated-content-detection&#34;&gt;tool&lt;/a&gt; also concluded the image was 99.7% &#34;likely to be AI-generated&#34;:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;chrome_HBPtjFX4uW.png&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/chrome-hbptjfx4uw.png&#34; width=&#34;378&#34; height=&#34;312&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: hivemoderation.com)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://hoax-alert.leadstories.com/2026/03/fact-check-fake-image-shows-us-embassy-in-saudi-arabia-on-fire-after-drone-attack.html&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Fact Check: Video Does NOT Show Cristiano Ronaldo Leaving Dubai Resort After Iran Attack -- Video Is From January 2026</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/03/212143.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 21:21:43 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/03/212143.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;Does a viral video show soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo leaving a resort in Dubai after an Iranian missile hit his car in March 2026? No, that&#39;s not true: The clip predates the most recent escalation in the Middle East. The original video was posted in January 2026, showing him leaving the Bvlgari resort two months before the conflict began in late February.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The claim appeared in &lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/Samsonthegoat25/status/2028755650168156392&#34;&gt;a post&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260303160242/https://x.com/Samsonthegoat25/status/2028755650168156392&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) published on X on March 3, 2026. It opened:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;span&gt;One of the missiles reportedly launched by the Iranian military struck some of Cristiano Ronaldo&#39;s cars parked at his residence in Dubai. Concerned for his safety, the Dubai authorities have instructed him to leave the country immediately, suspecting the attack was not accidental but deliberately targeted at him. Cristiano and his family are currently en route to Portugal.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;The post included two images. This is what they looked like on X at the time of writing: &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://leadstories.com/86b844c659d008b238c4debed33ca5eaed79b93f.png&#34;&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;ronaldo_dubai.png&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/86b844c659d008b238c4debed33ca5eaed79b93f-thumb-900xauto-3179953.png&#34; width=&#34;900&#34; height=&#34;636&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: post by @Samsonthegoat25 on X.)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Though the post implied both images were current, the first picture predated the war. It was a screenshot of a video that has been online at least since &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.facebook.com/DubaiSecret/videos/1241263617890493/&#34;&gt;January 1, 2026&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260303161850/https://www.facebook.com/DubaiSecret/videos/1241263617890493/&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;). The same clip, but without the graphics, also appeared on YouTube on &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/WzJfIR_B5fI&#34;&gt;January 3, 2026&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260303164253/https://www.youtube.com/shorts/WzJfIR_B5fI&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;).&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Between Dec. 30, 2022, and the end of December 2025, Ronaldo &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260105175710/https://alnassr.sa/news/read/63/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%A7%D8%B6%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A3%D8%B9%D8%B8%D9%85-%D8%B9%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D9%8A%D8%A7%D9%8B-%D9%8A%D9%86%D8%B6%D9%85-%D9%84%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D9%8A-%D8%B1%D8%B3%D9%85%D9%8A%D8%A7%D9%8B&#34;&gt;had a contract&lt;/a&gt; with Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr and was based in that country. His &lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/Cristiano/status/2027869458597867782/photo/1&#34;&gt;most recent post on X&lt;/a&gt;, published on Feb. 28, 2026, showed a picture of him with other players from the same team. &lt;/span&gt;As of this writing, Ronaldo &lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/Cristiano&#34;&gt;wrote nothing&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://archive.org/details/screen-recording-2026-03-03-at-12.57.10-pm&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) about the most recent conflict in the Middle East.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The post reviewed in this fact check went viral amidst conflicting news reports (for example, &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-15608949/Cristiano-Ronaldo-fleeing-Saudi-Riyadh-US-embassy-attack.html&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/cristiano-ronaldo-saudi-arabia-iran-b2931086.html&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) on whether Ronaldo left the Middle East for Spain, as Iran &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c204px4zddro&#34;&gt;hit Dubai&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c204px4zddro&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) and other locations in the region in retaliation for the joint U.S.-Israel attack that began on &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/what-to-know-about-the-u-s-israel-attacks-on-iran&#34;&gt;Feb. 28, 2026&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/what-to-know-about-the-u-s-israel-attacks-on-iran&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;). However, even those articles discussed the supposed flight of Ronaldo&#39;s jet from Saudi Arabia, not the UAE, and didn&#39;t mention Portugal.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;On March 3, 2026, Al-Nassr posted photos of Ronaldo on X, implying that he remained in the country. Those images can be seen &lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/AlNassrFC_EN/status/2028850690357874825/photo/1&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/AlNassrFC_EN/status/2028850690357874825/photo/1&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) and &lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/AlNassrFC_EN/status/2028884977782300706/photo/1&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260303183621/https://x.com/AlNassrFC_EN/status/2028884977782300706&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://hoax-alert.leadstories.com/2026/03/fact-check-video-does-not-show-cristiano-ronaldo-leaving-bvlgari-resort-in-dubai-in-march-2026.html&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Russian tanker reportedly on fire in Mediterranean sea, media reports</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/03/russian-tanker-reportedly-on-fire.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 21:19:46 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/03/russian-tanker-reportedly-on-fire.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/1000006892.png&#34; alt=&#34;Russian tanker reportedly on fire in Mediterranean sea, media reports&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;A Russian-flagged liquified natural gas (LNG) tanker, the Arctic Metagaz, has reportedly caught fire in the Mediterranean sea, multiple media outlets reported on March 3.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-tanker-reportedly-on-fire-in-mediterranean-sea-media-reports/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Fact Check: Video Does NOT Show Burning Plane, Airport Terminal In Dubai</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/03/210619.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 21:06:19 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/03/210619.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;Is this a real video of a burning plane and airport terminal in Dubai? No, that&#39;s not true: An online detection tool rated the video as 99.8% likely to be AI-generated. Dubai International Airport did sustain &#34;minor damage&#34; following an Iranian strike, an airport official said, but the fake video does not show it.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The claim appeared in &lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/SohailAfridl/status/2028733438275039588&#34;&gt;a post&lt;/a&gt; (archived here) on X on March 3, 2026. It read:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;Dubai Airport boom boom 💥&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This is what the post looked like on X at the time of writing:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;Airport fire.jpg&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/airport20fire.jpg&#34; width=&#34;675&#34; height=&#34;1200&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: post by @SohailAfridl on X.)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Conflict in the Middle East&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The United States and Israel launched a military operation against Iran on Feb. 28, 2026, which killed Iran&#39;s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in an airstrike on his compound in Tehran. Iran has responded with drone and missile strikes against the U.S. and allied targets across the Middle East.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;An Iranian strike did damage Dubai International Airport, but there were &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=73000156de4ea350&amp;rlz=1C1UEAD_enUS978US978&amp;sxsrf=ANbL-n76kE4UfC8gyBn9WbfIX0ErF71bYg:1772568041662&amp;q=Dubai+international+airport+damaged&amp;tbm=nws&amp;source=lnms&amp;fbs=ADc_l-aN0CWEZBOHjofHoaMMDiKpaEWjvZ2Py1XXV8d8KvlI3ppPEReeCOS7s1VbbZz2TLutTM8bcskdZ5Z5EWAFJPjTelH6N3r7hJR53LpY69nh-cKEn5Q_r9ZuYR9UKW2TqrxEjAVX_UAQjJRow7hFd2pgunYR9OZ2wvJ4STpTy6YosDB-EYD2BX0L2qIHiUS1klIuSGVZ5NeLWrbqdbcl-aBCB1N9ZqWjt44f0ttdb2oXeOiO0HI&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiPpNrDwoSTAxVfmGoFHfVGBHoQ0pQJegQICxAB&amp;biw=1746&amp;bih=818&amp;dpr=1.1&#34;&gt;no reports&lt;/a&gt; (archived here) of an aircraft burning. An airport spokesperson said in a &lt;a href=&#34;https://media.dubaiairports.ae/da-operations-affected-by-regional-airspace-closure/&#34;&gt;statement&lt;/a&gt; (archived here):&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Dubai Airports confirms that a concourse at Dubai International (DXB) sustained minor damage in an incident, which was quickly contained. Emergency response teams were immediately deployed and are managing the situation in coordination with the relevant authorities. Four staff sustained injuries and received prompt medical attention. Due to contingency plans already in place, most of the terminals were previously cleared of passengers.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Video analysis&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;The Hive Moderation AI-Generated Content Detection &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://hivemoderation.com/ai-generated-content-detection&#34;&gt;tool&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; also concluded the image was 99.8% &#34;likely to be AI-generated&#34;:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;chrome_w1OL4bQ1oX.png&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/chrome-w1ol4bq1ox.png&#34; width=&#34;873&#34; height=&#34;349&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: hivemoderation.com)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://hoax-alert.leadstories.com/2026/03/fact-check-video-does-not-show-burning-plane-airport-terminal-in-dubai.html&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>90 THOUSAND LIVES FOR 126 SQUARE KILOMETERS! Russia&#39;s shameful failure in its winter offensive</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/03/thousand-lives-for-square-kilometers.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 21:00:03 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/03/thousand-lives-for-square-kilometers.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/8257b4f848.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;90 THOUSAND LIVES FOR 126 SQUARE KILOMETERS! Russia&#39;s shameful failure in its winter offensive&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MX45JvByhw&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>To confront Iran, US must also confront Russia</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/03/to-confront-iran-us-must.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 20:52:54 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/03/to-confront-iran-us-must.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/upd-gettyimages-2193766323.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;To confront Iran, US must also confront Russia&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;No regime invokes international law more fervently than when it sees its power being challenged. The moment American and Israeli forces struck Iranian targets, officials in Moscow and Tehran rushed to rediscover the UN Charter, denouncing the operation as unlawful. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Their sudden reverence for the &#34;rule-book&#34; is politically&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/to-confront-iran-us-must-also-confront-russia/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine War Latest: Ukrainian forces liberate 9 eastern settlements as Russian troops face Starlink disruptions</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/03/ukraine-war-latest-ukrainian-forces.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 20:35:52 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/03/ukraine-war-latest-ukrainian-forces.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/557f2ed0c7.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine War Latest: Ukrainian forces liberate 9 eastern settlements as Russian troops face Starlink disruptions&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Ukrainian forces liberate 9 eastern settlements as Russian troops face Starlink disruptions, Ukraine&#39;s military says&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;As Ukrainian regions start preparing for next winter, Kyiv lags behind&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Zelensky floats swapping Patriot missiles for interceptor drones amid increased Iranian Shahed threat&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;At least 337 Ukrainian POWs &#39;brutally&#39; executed&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-ukrainian-forces-liberate-9-eastern-settlements-as-russian-troops-face-starlink-disruptions-ukraines-military-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Former Head of State Border Guard Serhii Deineko mobilized, media reports</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/03/former-head-of-state-border.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 20:14:58 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/03/former-head-of-state-border.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2190384395.webp&#34; alt=&#34;Former Head of State Border Guard Serhii Deineko mobilized, media reports&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Former Head of Ukraine&#39;s State Border Guard Service, Serhii Deineko, has been mobilized and will lead the Luhansk Border Guard Detachment, Ukrainian media outlet Hromadske reported on March 3.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-dismisses-deineko-as-head-of-state-border-guard-names-first-deputy-vavryniuk-interim-chief/&#34;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Serhiy Deineko&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;, who headed the State Border Guard from 2019 to Jan. 4, 2026, was charged last month in&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/former-head-of-state-border-guard-serhii-deineko-called-up-for-military-service-media-reported/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Trailing in polls, Orban goes all-in on Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/03/trailing-in-polls-orban-goes.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 20:05:55 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/03/trailing-in-polls-orban-goes.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2254178050.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Trailing in polls, Orban goes all-in on Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Facing a real chance of defeat in the April parliamentary elections, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban can’t stop talking about President Volodymyr Zelensky and Ukraine.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Just in the past few weeks, the Hungarian strongman called the war-torn country an &#34;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/orban-declares-ukraine-enemy-of-hungary/&#34;&gt;enemy&lt;/a&gt;&#34; and accused its leadership of blackmail,&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/trailing-in-polls-orban-goes-all-in-on-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>&#39;They are the same evil&#39; — Ukrainian lawmaker appeals to Trump after Iran comments</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/03/they-are-the-same-evil.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 19:59:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/03/they-are-the-same-evil.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2263898051.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;They are the same evil&#39; — Ukrainian lawmaker appeals to Trump after Iran comments&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A Ukrainian lawmaker has urged Donald Trump to recognise that Russia and Iran &#34;represent the same evil,&#34; after the U.S. president once again criticized Ukraine whilst commenting on the escalating conflict in the Middle East.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Kyiv was among the first to &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-backs-us-israeli-war-on-iran-as-zelensky-hopes-to-curry-favor-with-trump/&#34;&gt;publicly back&lt;/a&gt; the U.S.-Israeli&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/they-are-the-same-evil-ukrainian-lawmaker-appeals-to-trump-after-iran-comments/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Chart of the week: Russia lost more territory than it gained for the first time since 2023</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/03/chart-of-the-week-russia.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 19:51:34 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/03/chart-of-the-week-russia.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/ua-territory-graph-take1-02.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Chart of the week: Russia lost more territory than it gained for the first time since 2023&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Russia lost more territory than it gained in February for the first time since Ukraine&#39;s failed counteroffensive in 2023, according to independent Finnish open-source intelligence collective Black Bird Group.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Russia lost 37 km² on balance last month, causing the total area of Ukrainian territory occupied by Russia&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/chart-of-the-week-russia-lost-more-territory-than-it-gained-for-the-first-time-since-2023/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>What to do if you spot an Iranian Shahed drone</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/03/what-to-do-if-you.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 19:34:37 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/03/what-to-do-if-you.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2147784930.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;What to do if you spot an Iranian Shahed drone&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A feeling familiar to millions of Ukrainians was suddenly experienced across the Middle East over the weekend — the terror caused by Shahed drones flying overhead and smashing into buildings.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Footage flooded social media as Iran launched drones and missiles in retaliatory strikes in response to the U.S.-Israeli&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/analysis-what-to-do-if-you-spot-an-iranian-shahed-drone/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>RUSSIA LOSES INFLUENCE in Central Asia and Europe #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/03/russia-loses-influence-in-central.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 19:31:19 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/03/russia-loses-influence-in-central.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/672a3bdfc5.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;RUSSIA LOSES INFLUENCE in Central Asia and Europe #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/y-VHvs35r9U&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>UKRAINE WILL STRIKE BELARUS in case of PROVOCATION #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/03/ukraine-will-strike-belarus-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 19:30:38 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/03/ukraine-will-strike-belarus-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/94272a02f3.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;UKRAINE WILL STRIKE BELARUS in case of PROVOCATION #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/QfGwDIw7Nus&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>As Ukrainian regions start preparing for next winter, Kyiv lags behind</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/03/as-ukrainian-regions-start-preparing.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 19:17:11 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/03/as-ukrainian-regions-start-preparing.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2256686543.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;As Ukrainian regions start preparing for next winter, Kyiv lags behind&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Regional leaders and mayors met with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on March 3 to approve plans for the upcoming winter. The National Security and Defense Council soon approved all plans, except the one meant for Kyiv.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Each regional plan includes protections for energy infrastructure, additional cogeneration, and decentralized heating&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/as-ukrainian-regions-start-preparing-for-upcoming-winter-kyiv-lags-behind/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian Institute of America to host a Ukraine tech conference</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/03/ukrainian-institute-of-america-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 19:13:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/03/ukrainian-institute-of-america-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2026-03-06-ukraine-tech-16x9-.png&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian Institute of America to host a Ukraine tech conference&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Ukrainian Institute of America (UIA) will convene technology innovators, defense experts, investors, policymakers, and scholars for a conference examining Ukraine’s emergence as a global driver of technological innovation under wartime conditions.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/uia-conference-explores-innovation-investment-and-the-future-of-warfare/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Zelensky floats swapping Patriot missiles for interceptor drones amid increased Iranian Shahed threat</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/03/zelensky-floats-swapping-patriot-missiles.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 19:07:24 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/03/zelensky-floats-swapping-patriot-missiles.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2264009755.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky floats swapping Patriot missiles for interceptor drones amid increased Iranian Shahed threat&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;If they give them to us, we will give them interceptors. It is an equal exchange,&#34; he said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-floats-swapping-patriot-missiles-for-interceptor-drones-amid-increased-iranian-shahed-threat/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Minsk and Moscow PREPARE STRIKE? New drills near NATO borders push world to disaster&#39;s edge</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/03/minsk-and-moscow-prepare-strike.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 19:00:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/03/minsk-and-moscow-prepare-strike.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/20886488ad.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Minsk and Moscow PREPARE STRIKE? New drills near NATO borders push world to disaster&#39;s edge&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UTCYPi8O2I&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Iranian regime must answer for attempts to destroy lives and people, – Zelenskyy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/03/iranian-regime-must-answer-for.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 18:57:54 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/03/iranian-regime-must-answer-for.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/8e417546e4.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Iranian regime must answer for attempts to destroy lives and people, – Zelenskyy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/lwWot_4ZJDI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>RUSSIA ABANDONS ITS OWN: The Kremlin Did Not Help Iran, Just Like Venezuela and Syria | Explainer</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/03/russia-abandons-its-own-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 18:00:31 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/03/russia-abandons-its-own-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/ff1b6a158c.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;RUSSIA ABANDONS ITS OWN: The Kremlin Did Not Help Iran, Just Like Venezuela and Syria | Explainer&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HliNXQIuzFQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>&amp;quot;If Middle East deal with Putin, we’ll help them defend from Iranian attacks,&amp;quot; — Zelenskyy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/03/quotif-middle-east-deal-with.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 17:50:56 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/03/quotif-middle-east-deal-with.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/fc15105a9a.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&amp;quot;If Middle East deal with Putin, we’ll help them defend from Iranian attacks,&amp;quot; — Zelenskyy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/S-H0lsht1-E&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Due to Middle East challenges, air defense shortage may arise, – Zelenskyy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/03/due-to-middle-east-challenges.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 17:44:37 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/03/due-to-middle-east-challenges.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/7f31c11e53.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Due to Middle East challenges, air defense shortage may arise, – Zelenskyy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/mPif230Bnbo&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia &#39;deliberately and brutally&#39; execute 337 Ukrainian POWs by end of 2025, ombudsman says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/03/russia-deliberately-and-brutally-execute.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 17:12:08 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/03/russia-deliberately-and-brutally-execute.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-1752126648.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia &#39;deliberately and brutally&#39; execute 337 Ukrainian POWs by end of 2025, ombudsman says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;Russia has turned torture into state policy and uses it as a weapon,&#34; Ukraine&#39;s Human Rights Ombudsman, Dmytro Lubinets, said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-deliberately-and-brutally-execute-337-ukrainian-pows-by-end-of-2025-ombudsman-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>LIVE | This THREATENS THE WORLD: General Hodges on when the Kremlin won&#39;t withstand the pressure</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/03/live-this-threatens-the-world.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 17:08:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/03/live-this-threatens-the-world.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/af4914c9ec.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;LIVE | This THREATENS THE WORLD: General Hodges on when the Kremlin won&#39;t withstand the pressure&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFgxqH9NNSI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>SECRET DEAL WITH MOSCOW? Orban and Fico go all-in against Ukraine and all of Europe</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/03/secret-deal-with-moscow-orban.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 17:00:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/03/secret-deal-with-moscow-orban.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/203b85afca.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;SECRET DEAL WITH MOSCOW? Orban and Fico go all-in against Ukraine and all of Europe&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23yalwmKniQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>How Trump’s war gives Putin’s war machine a chance</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/03/how-trumps-war-gives-putins.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 15:48:08 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/03/how-trumps-war-gives-putins.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fb7c45c0c-2.png&#34; alt=&#34;How Trump’s war gives Putin’s war machine a chance&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!IKex!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F799a31c4-f541-4364-b989-b692978a281d_1500x500.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f799a31c4-f.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;485&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/799a31c4-f541-4364-b989-b692978a281d_1500x500.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:485,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:true,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor’s Note: We’ve launched a new Iran-centered publication where we’re providing up-to-the-minute coverage of the war from neighboring Armenia.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Want The Counteroffensive’s human interest lens, focused on the ongoing Iran war? Check it out below:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.iranwar.news/&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Subscribe to Iran War Dispatches!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.iranwar.news/&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Subscribe to Iran War Dispatches!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Tip Jar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Tip Jar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fb7c45c0c-2.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/0ac33437b9.png&#34; width=&#34;340&#34; height=&#34;383.50877192982455&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/b7c45c0c-27ab-4016-a5a8-651cdb6ef9a4_969x1093.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1093,&#34;width&#34;:969,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:340,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Dmytro Lioushkin, photo from Facebook.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;More than two decades ago Dmytro started a company that owns a network of Ukrainian gas stations.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;So after the joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran and Tehran’s retaliation, he noticed that oil prices jumped fast, reaching above the $80 per barrel mark within days, the &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.marketwatch.com/story/oil-prices-surge-to-highest-in-a-year-as-fears-of-middle-east-supply-crunch-grow-0ac864f3&#34;&gt;highest&lt;/a&gt; price in more than a year. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!kt_Z!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4d8c78a6-72b1-4fe6-93ad-48a75105dc37_1000x1079.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f4d8c78a6-7.png&#34; width=&#34;364&#34; height=&#34;392.756&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/4d8c78a6-72b1-4fe6-93ad-48a75105dc37_1000x1079.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1079,&#34;width&#34;:1000,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:364,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;The Strait of Hormuz. Provided by Wikimedia commons.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;The price surge was driven by the safety &lt;a href=&#34;https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/energy/oil-gas/iran-israel-gulf-war-risk-maritime-insurance-shipping-strait-of-hormuz-middle-east-waters-turn-riskier-risk-cover-disappears/articleshow/128938613.cms?from=mdr&#34;&gt;risk&lt;/a&gt; around the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route that links the Persian Gulf to the rest of the world. Through this key passageway transits about one-fifth of the world’s oil.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;There have already been reports of attacks on tankers, and now many vessels have slowed down or anchored near the strait.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Russia’s economy is teetering. According to The Washington Post, some experts’ had &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/12/22/russia-war-economy-ukraine/&#34;&gt;forecast&lt;/a&gt; it could collapse as early as this summer due to falling oil and gas revenue and budget deficits despite high military expenditures. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;25 percent of Russia’s total governmental budget&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/russias-oil-gas-budget-revenue-falls-24-lowest-since-2020-2026-01-15/&#34;&gt; is driven by&lt;/a&gt; oil revenues, according to Reuters.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Before the Iran strikes, this increasing tension would create pressure for the Russians to sit down at the negotiating table.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;But Trump’s decision to open fire on the Iranian regime is an unexpected gift. As oil prices rise, Moscow will be able to generate more income to sustain its military operations, blunting the effect of Western sanctions on authoritarian countries.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;id&#34;:466294}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;PollToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;poll-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!Jueg!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5b5b6847-720a-4482-8808-a73fc6f59832_1200x1600.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f5b5b6847-7.png&#34; width=&#34;306&#34; height=&#34;408&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/5b5b6847-720a-4482-8808-a73fc6f59832_1200x1600.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1600,&#34;width&#34;:1200,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:306,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Dmytro with his daughter, photo from Facebook.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Dmytro Loushkin might be among those who desire the downfall of the Russian economy, as it not only ruined his business but also took away his homeland.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In 2006, the logistics business was something new for Ukraine, and Dmytro, along with his partners, was interested in implementing something new.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Moreover, the region had ports, and promising growth in the fields of metallurgy, agriculture, and mining — a great environment to start a transportation business. So Dmytro started a logistics company in his native city Kadiivka, in the Luhansk region.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“My youth was there. My best years were there. My home is there, and my loved ones are buried there,” Dmytro said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;He left the Luhansk region in 2014, not long after an assassination attempt was made against him with the aim of seizing his business, after Russia began invading the Luhansk and Donetsk regions. He was stabbed in the chest. It forced him to flee with the family to Kharkiv.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“A raider seizure of the business took place, they tried to kill me, and they almost succeeded,” Dmytro said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The puppet state of Russia, the Luhansk People’s Republic, imposed sanctions against Dmytro and nationalized — that is, took away — his business. Dmytro has not been home since.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;After moving to Kharkiv his company expanded into a network of gas stations. He jokes about current situation in Iran:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;“If the whole world were populated only by Ukrainians, [we] would not pay attention to this, because [we] have long been accustomed to it. But since the world is experiencing for the first time what it is like when bases and oil depots explode, [oil traders] are very frightened. That is why oil and gas prices skyrocketed, and everything went up”.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!R9TK!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F65ef55e5-c964-4bd8-8b10-3619e8f21f4f_1468x787.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f65ef55e5-c.png&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;781&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/65ef55e5-c964-4bd8-8b10-3619e8f21f4f_1468x787.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:781,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Percentage-point change in share of spending in the federal budget, between 2021 and 2025, Russian Federation. Diagram by &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.theguardian.com/world/ng-interactive/2026/feb/06/the-russian-economy-is-finally-stagnating-what-does-it-mean-for-the-war-and-for-putin&#34;&gt;The Guardian&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;For the average Russian, the economic crisis is already tangible. Over the last four years, budget expenditures &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.theguardian.com/world/ng-interactive/2026/feb/06/the-russian-economy-is-finally-stagnating-what-does-it-mean-for-the-war-and-for-putin&#34;&gt;increased &lt;/a&gt;only for defense spending and national debt payments.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Declining spending on civilian sectors of the economy will, in practice, mean constant infrastructure accidents, housing sector failures, and cuts to public sector workers’ pay, which, by the way, can already be seen by scrolling through Russian news.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For example in Omsk, a city in Siberia with a population of over one million one of the city’s districts had no heating for more than two weeks, 70-80% of the city’s heating networks are in disrepair according to the local authorities.  &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Because of U.S. and European price caps implemented due to the full-scale invasion, Russia is forced to sell oil, one of the biggest sources of its budget revenue, at a steep discount. Western countries are actively trying to reduce their dependence on Russian energy resources, which has significantly cut Russia’s export volumes and weakened a key pillar of its economy.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;However, the war in Iran will flip the table.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If buying oil from the Persian Gulf countries becomes too expensive, it could shift the buyers’ behavior. They may look for alternative sources — including Russian crude. Analysts have &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/oil-jumps-10-iran-conflict-could-spike-100-barrel-analysts-say-2026-03-01/&#34;&gt;suggested&lt;/a&gt; that India could increase purchases of Russian oil again if the disruption continues, while China &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-20/china-snaps-up-distressed-russian-oil-cargoes-shunned-by-india&#34;&gt;continues&lt;/a&gt; to buy large amounts of oil.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Therefore, if Russian oil sells at prices higher than those provided for in the budget for a long time, it will allow the Russian Federation to reduce the state debt and use ‘extra’ money to fund its campaign of murder and torture in Ukraine.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“I believe that the prices are gonna be really high for oil and gas for a couple of weeks, but they will stabilize more or less by then,” Dmytro said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For millions of Ukrainians, the stability of the Russian economy will mean the continuation of Russian terror.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This includes Dmytro, who in 2022 was forced to move again from Kharkiv to western Ukraine due to Russian aggression, as they were trying to occupy at the time, bombarding the city daily with all possible weapons.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Now he lives with his family in the western Ukrainian city of Rivne and hopes he won’t have to flee anywhere else. After all, it is relatively safe here; power outages, if not entirely absent, are at least much shorter.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Europe has sharply &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10/3/how-much-of-europes-oil-and-gas-still-comes-from-russia&#34;&gt;reduced&lt;/a&gt; its dependence on Russian oil and gas since the start of the full-scale invasion. But a handful of countries still purchase Russian energy.  &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;One of the biggest buyers of Russian oil in the EU is Hungary and Slovakia, whose leaders &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/what-is-druzhba-oil-pipeline-why-has-it-held-up-eu-sanctions-russia-2026-02-26/&#34;&gt;claim &lt;/a&gt;that buying oil elsewhere would be more expensive and endanger their energy security. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;They’re &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10/3/how-much-of-europes-oil-and-gas-still-comes-from-russia&#34;&gt;allowed&lt;/a&gt; to do so because of a temporary EU exemption intended to help them prevent energy shortages as landlocked countries. Europe had planned a full oil embargo on Russia, but amid an oil crisis, this may become harder to implement.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!bniO!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F13a5f1a6-1569-4436-9177-459b8cfd0e12_890x461.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f13a5f1a6-1.png&#34; width=&#34;890&#34; height=&#34;461&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/13a5f1a6-1569-4436-9177-459b8cfd0e12_890x461.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:461,&#34;width&#34;:890,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Russian energy purchases by EU countries. Data as of August 2025. Provided by &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10/3/how-much-of-europes-oil-and-gas-still-comes-from-russia&#34;&gt;Al Jazeera &lt;/a&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;When oil prices rise, it reduces pressure on the Russian government to raise taxes, borrow more money, or draw down reserves, so expensive oil makes it easier for Russia to sustain high military spending for longer.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;However, ISW analysts &lt;a href=&#34;https://understandingwar.org/research/russia-ukraine/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-march-2-2026/&#34;&gt;believe&lt;/a&gt; the benefits for Russia are only medium-term, as Iran will not be able to block the strait indefinitely.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As one of the biggest Russian oil buyers, it’s possible that China and India might increase the purchases of Russian oil. More demand from them would help Russia keep their export revenues steady, further weakening the impact of Western sanctions.  &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Dmytro is cynical about the way the current situation might go, saying it might be similar to Iraq or Libya — a seemingly quick operation turning into a messy conflict.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“We’re Ukrainians so we’re used to living with this kind of threat,” he said. “But the rest of the world isn’t, so they’re terrified – and that fear is pushing the prices higher.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor’s Note: We’ve launched a new Iran-centered publication where we’re providing up-to-the-minute coverage of the war from neighboring Armenia.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Want The Counteroffensive’s human interest lens, focused on the ongoing Iran war? Check it out below:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.iranwar.news/&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Subscribe to Iran War Dispatches!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.iranwar.news/&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Subscribe to Iran War Dispatches!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Tip Jar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Tip Jar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;NEWS OF THE DAY&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;By Anastasiia Lutsenko, Alessandra Hay, Jacqueline Cole, Myroslava Tanska-Vikulova, Mariana Lastovyria&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;U.S., ISRAEL STRIKE IRAN AGENCIES TARGETING PROTESTORS: &lt;/strong&gt;The U.S. and Israel have &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/03/world/middleeast/us-israel-strikes-iran-state-security-police.html?smid=url-share&#34;&gt;struck&lt;/a&gt; police stations and intelligence offices in Iran, which could be an effort to weaken the forces that brutally cracked down on protesters earlier this year, according to the &lt;em&gt;New York Times. &lt;/em&gt;Targets have included bases of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Crops (IRGC) and the Basij, a volunteer paramilitary milita within the IRGC. The strategy hinges on whether degrading these security forces can embolden civilians to rise up.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;UAE AND QATAR LOBBY FOR A SHORT US OPERATION AGAINST IRAN: &lt;/strong&gt;The United Arab Emirates and Qatar &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-03-02/uae-and-qatar-urge-allies-to-help-trump-find-off-ramp-on-iran&#34;&gt;are working&lt;/a&gt; with partners to convince Trump not to prolong a US operation against Iran. They advocate for a swift diplomatic resolution to avoid escalation and a spike in energy prices.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;GAS PRICES JUMP AFTER QATAR HALT:&lt;/strong&gt; Gas prices in Europe &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.wsj.com/business/energy-oil/european-gas-prices-soar-after-qatar-lng-halt-jolts-market-f37e8e16?mod=Searchresults&amp;pos=1&amp;page=1&#34;&gt;rose&lt;/a&gt; sharply after production stopped at the world’s largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facility in Qatar. The shutdown followed an Iranian drone strike. Europe’s main gas benchmark, climbed nearly 30% to the highest level in more than a year. Analysts say this is the biggest risk to global gas markets since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;RUSSIA CONTESTS EU FREEZE OF STATE ASSETS: &lt;/strong&gt;Russia’s central bank has &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/russian-central-bank-challenges-asset-freeze-eu-court-2026-03-03/&#34;&gt;filed&lt;/a&gt; a case at the EU’s General Court in Luxembourg, challenging the bloc’s decision to freeze its sovereign assets indefinitely. About $300 billion in Russian funds have been frozen by Western countries since 2022. European leaders have discussed whether the frozen assets could be used to help fund Ukraine’s recovery.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;US DEPLOYS NEW LUCAS DRONE SIMILAR TO IRAN’S SHAHED: &lt;/strong&gt;The United States has used a new long-range drone called LUCAS in strikes against Iran. Analysts &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.kyivpost.com/post/71107&#34;&gt;say&lt;/a&gt; the drone closely resembles Iran’s Shahed-136 loitering munition.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Some open-source analysts have suggested LUCAS could be based on reverse engineering of captured Iranian drones, though U.S. officials have not confirmed this. Washington has acknowledged the drone’s first use in Iran.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;DOG OF WAR:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;Anastasiia saw this stray dog on her way to the store. The fluffy one’s name is unknown, but he was clearly enjoying the first rays of the spring sun.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!3Q9n!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F8f291be2-a600-4eab-9232-e3cde75cec9f_1200x1600.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f8f291be2-a.jpg&#34; width=&#34;319&#34; height=&#34;425.3333333333333&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/8f291be2-a600-4eab-9232-e3cde75cec9f_1200x1600.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1600,&#34;width&#34;:1200,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:319,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Stay safe out there.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Best,&lt;br&gt;Tania and Oksana&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/how-trumps-war-gives-putins-war-machine&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>EXCHANGE OF TERRITORIES? President Zelenskyy responded firmly #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/03/exchange-of-territories-president-zelenskyy.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 15:39:26 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/03/exchange-of-territories-president-zelenskyy.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/309884f02a.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;EXCHANGE OF TERRITORIES? President Zelenskyy responded firmly #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/B3QNgdYm86k&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>US promises to intensify strikes on Iran! Zelenskyy confirms: NEGOTIATIONS REACHED A DEAD END!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/03/us-promises-to-intensify-strikes.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 15:00:47 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/03/us-promises-to-intensify-strikes.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/535b74f3da.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;US promises to intensify strikes on Iran! Zelenskyy confirms: NEGOTIATIONS REACHED A DEAD END!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7WkdwxPn6Y&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>NO Kinzhals or Shaheds: Russia IS ALREADY WAGING A GLOBAL WAR! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/03/no-kinzhals-or-shaheds-russia.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 14:57:20 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/03/no-kinzhals-or-shaheds-russia.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/fd84a7ce8b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;NO Kinzhals or Shaheds: Russia IS ALREADY WAGING A GLOBAL WAR! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/YPBYU4iGmtE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia controls ONLY 21% of Ukraine. Will there be an INVASION OF EUROPE? #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/03/russia-controls-only-of-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 14:49:21 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/03/russia-controls-only-of-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/e3705bead1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia controls ONLY 21% of Ukraine. Will there be an INVASION OF EUROPE? #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/TAhLAOYkW8o&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Putin, Orban discuss Hungarians in Ukraine&#39;s army captured by Russia, Kremlin says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/03/putin-orban-discuss-hungarians-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 14:48:52 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/03/putin-orban-discuss-hungarians-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2248237156.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Putin, Orban discuss Hungarians in Ukraine&#39;s army captured by Russia, Kremlin says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Orban held a phone call with Putin amid an escalating spat between Kyiv and Budapest.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/putin-orban-discuss-hungarians-in-ukraines-army-captured-by-russia-kremlin-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>THIS IS THEATER! There are no signs that Russians want lasting peace, says Ben Hodges #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/03/this-is-theater-there-are.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 14:15:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/03/this-is-theater-there-are.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/ca0e1547cb.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;THIS IS THEATER! There are no signs that Russians want lasting peace, says Ben Hodges #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/5RVJ6tsIsvw&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>STRIKES on Russian oil ARE NOT ENOUGH FOR Ukraine&#39;s VICTORY! What should Europe do? #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/03/strikes-on-russian-oil-are.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 13:57:08 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/03/strikes-on-russian-oil-are.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/d4b71adbc6.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;STRIKES on Russian oil ARE NOT ENOUGH FOR Ukraine&#39;s VICTORY! What should Europe do? #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/cVIGOb-oiD0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Zelensky&#39;s ex-chief of staff Yermak to head lawyers&#39; association committee</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/03/zelenskys-exchief-of-staff-yermak.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 13:45:59 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/03/zelenskys-exchief-of-staff-yermak.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/491ba9d954.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky&#39;s ex-chief of staff Yermak to head lawyers&#39; association committee&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The committee was created by order of Lidia Izovitova, head of the association. Izovitova has faced criticism for allegedly being a protégé of pro-Kremlin politician Viktor Medvedchuk. Izovitova&#39;s tenure as head of the association ended in 2022, and she has been accused of holding her position illegally.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelenskys-ex-chief-of-staff-yermak-to-head-lawyer-association-committee/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian forces liberate 9 eastern settlements as Russian troops face Starlink disruptions, Ukraine&#39;s military says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/03/ukrainian-forces-liberate-eastern-settlements.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 13:36:34 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/03/ukrainian-forces-liberate-eastern-settlements.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2264437661.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian forces liberate 9 eastern settlements as Russian troops face Starlink disruptions, Ukraine&#39;s military says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;Three additional settlements in the area have been fully cleared of Russian troops, while fighting continues for several more,&#34; the statement read.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-liberates-9-settlements-in-donetsk-oblast-as-russian-advances-slow/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine receives IMF cash cushion as huge funding gap remains unsolved</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/03/ukraine-receives-imf-cash-cushion.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 11:57:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/03/ukraine-receives-imf-cash-cushion.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/1d6217b7fd.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine receives IMF cash cushion as huge funding gap remains unsolved&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The IMF gave the green light to a new four-year lending agreement last week, days after Hungary stalled a European loan of 90 billion euros ($105 billion) intended to cover a large share of Ukraine&#39;s defense and budgetary needs through 2027. Without it, Ukraine&#39;s coffers could run dry by mid-2026.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-receives-imf-cash-cushion-as-huge-funding-gap-remains-unsolved/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia&#39;s central bank challenges EU decision to indefinitely freeze sovereign assets</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/03/russias-central-bank-challenges-eu.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 11:50:19 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/03/russias-central-bank-challenges-eu.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/7d071de568.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia&#39;s central bank challenges EU decision to indefinitely freeze sovereign assets&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The case was brought before the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-challenges-eu-decision-to-indefinitely-freeze-sovereign-assets/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>At least 6 killed, 35 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine over past day</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/03/at-least-killed-injured-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 10:58:42 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/03/at-least-killed-injured-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/photo-2026-03-03-11-23-51.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;At least 6 killed, 35 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine over past day&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russia launched 136 drones at Ukraine overnight, the Air Force said, reporting that Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 127 unmanned aircraft. At least five drones evaded defenses and struck three locations. Fallen debris was recorded in three locations.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/at-least-6-killed-35-injured-in-russian-attacks-on-ukraine-over-past-day/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>General Staff: Russia has lost 1,268,520 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/03/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 08:47:38 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/03/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/9df150422e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;General Staff: Russia has lost 1,268,520 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The number includes 790 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/general-staff-russia-has-lost-1-268-520-troops-in-ukraine-since-feb-24-2022/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>&#39;Wars can be fought forever’: Trump claims US has ‘virtually unlimited’ weapons stockpile</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/03/wars-can-be-fought-forever.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 07:44:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/03/wars-can-be-fought-forever.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2263416069.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;Wars can be fought forever’: Trump claims US has ‘virtually unlimited’ weapons stockpile&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;U.S. President Donald Trump said on March 3 that U.S. munitions stockpiles are stronger than ever, stating in a post on Truth Social that supplies at the medium and upper-medium levels have “never been higher or better” and that the country has a “virtually unlimited supply of these weapons.”&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/wars-can-be-fought-forever-trump-claims-us-has-virtually-unlimited-weapons-stockpile/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>IPC bars Ukrainian team from wearing uniform with map of Ukraine at Winter Paralympics</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/03/ipc-bars-ukrainian-team-from.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 05:33:16 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/03/ipc-bars-ukrainian-team-from.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/uniform-paralympics.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;IPC bars Ukrainian team from wearing uniform with map of Ukraine at Winter Paralympics&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The International Paralympic Committee barred Ukraine’s Paralympic team from wearing their ceremonial uniform for the upcoming Winter Games, saying the design featuring a map of Ukraine was political, according to National Paralympic Committee President Valery Sushkevych.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ipc-bars-ukrainian-team-from-wearing-uniform-with-map-of-ukraine-at-winter-paralympics/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Fact Check: Video Does NOT Show Iranian Missile Striking Or Sinking U.S.S. &#39;Abraham Lincoln&#39; -- U.S. Military Denies Attack</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/03/fact-check-video-does-not.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 01:07:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/03/fact-check-video-does-not.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;Does a viral clip prove that Iran sank the American aircraft carrier &#34;Abraham Lincoln&#34; involved in the military operation in the region? No, that&#39;s not true: The U.S. military denied the rumors twice. No credible media organizations reported the purported news.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The claim appeared in &lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/rkmtimes/status/2028290914628849897&#34;&gt;a post&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260302141816/https://x.com/rkmtimes/status/2028290914628849897&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) published on X on March 1, 2026. It opened:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;JUST IN🇺🇸❌🇮🇷🔥 Iranian missiles have sunk USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier in the Persian Gulf.&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This is what the video looked like online at the time of writing:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://leadstories.com/download%20%281%29.jpg&#34;&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;download (1).jpg&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/download2028129-thumb-900x1602-3179826.jpg&#34; width=&#34;837&#34; height=&#34;1490&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: Screenshot of post at X.)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.tiktok.com/@dymukuv7xqwo/video/7611946438330731783&#34;&gt;earliest example of the claim&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260302151438/https://www.tiktok.com/@dymukuv7xqwo/video/7611946438330731783&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a href=&#34;https://archive.org/details/screen-recording-2026-03-02-at-10.16.03-am&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) found by Lead Stories was published on TikTok. According to the &lt;a href=&#34;https://bellingcat.github.io/tiktok-timestamp/&#34;&gt;Bellingcat time stamp extraction tool&lt;/a&gt;, it was posted on Feb. 28, 2026. That variation contained an uncropped version of the clip with red bands above and below the supposed footage. Across the video, we saw Arabic text:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;CbirOcr-TextBox CbirOcr-TextBox_size_0&#34;&gt;الحدث عاجل&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;CbirOcr-TextBox CbirOcr-TextBox_size_0&#34;&gt;إيران تقصف حاملة الطائرات الذمريكية في البحر ادحمر&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p data-sanitized-class=&#34;CbirOcr-TextBox CbirOcr-TextBox_size_0&#34;&gt;As translated by Google Translate, it reads in English:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;p data-sanitized-class=&#34;CbirOcr-TextBox CbirOcr-TextBox_size_0&#34;&gt;&lt;span lang=&#34;en&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;Y2IQFc&#34;&gt;Breaking news: Iran bombs US aircraft carrier in the Red Sea.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p data-sanitized-class=&#34;CbirOcr-TextBox CbirOcr-TextBox_size_0&#34;&gt;&lt;span lang=&#34;en&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;Y2IQFc&#34;&gt;At the last seconds of that video, a watermark with another account&#39;s name appeared in the bottom-right corner. It read: @wibigwlugo3. That &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.tiktok.com/@wibigwlugo3&#34;&gt;account&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260302152707/https://www.tiktok.com/@wibigwlugo3&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;), however, contained zero publicly available entries, as of this writing.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-sanitized-class=&#34;CbirOcr-TextBox CbirOcr-TextBox_size_0&#34;&gt;&lt;span lang=&#34;en&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;Y2IQFc&#34;&gt;Earlier, on March 1, 2026, Lead Stories debunked &lt;a href=&#34;https://leadstories.com/hoax-alert/2026/03/fact-check-video-does-not-show-us-aircraft-carrier-lincoln-burning.html&#34;&gt;another similar claim&lt;/a&gt; about the purported fire on the U.S.S. &#34;Abraham Lincoln&#34;. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;On that day, the U.S. Central Command &lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/centcom/status/2028124242273767557?s=46&amp;t=RCLraXbGJ2xR9r-YyJ5qFg&#34;&gt;posted&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260301204752/https://x.com/centcom/status/2028124242273767557?s=46&amp;t=RCLraXbGJ2xR9r-YyJ5qFg&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) a statement on X, denying that the aircraft carrier was struck by any Iranian missiles:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;🚫Iran&#39;s IRGC claims to have struck USS Abraham Lincoln with ballistic missiles. LIE.&lt;br&gt;✅The Lincoln was not hit. The missiles launched didn&#39;t even come close. The Lincoln continues to launch aircraft in support of CENTCOM&#39;s relentless campaign to defend the American people by eliminating threats from the Iranian regime.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p data-sanitized-class=&#34;CbirOcr-TextBox CbirOcr-TextBox_size_0&#34;&gt;The U.S. Central Command also posted a &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.centcom.mil/MEDIA/IMAGERY/igphoto/2003882196/&#34;&gt;Feb. 28, 2026, photo&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260302215017/https://www.centcom.mil/MEDIA/IMAGERY/igphoto/2003882196/&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) and a &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.centcom.mil/OPERATIONS-AND-EXERCISES/EPIC-FURY/videoid/997865/dvpmoduleid/41413/&#34;&gt;March 1, 2026, video&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260302214325/https://www.centcom.mil/OPERATIONS-AND-EXERCISES/EPIC-FURY/videoid/997865/dvpmoduleid/41413/&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) of the aircraft carrier. They didn&#39;t show the extensive damage that the viral clip purportedly showed.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-sanitized-class=&#34;CbirOcr-TextBox CbirOcr-TextBox_size_0&#34;&gt;On March 2, 2026, the U.S. Central Command published &lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/CENTCOM/status/2028510305920143434&#34;&gt;one more statement&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260302213645/https://x.com/CENTCOM/status/2028510305920143434&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;). It read:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;p data-sanitized-class=&#34;CbirOcr-TextBox CbirOcr-TextBox_size_0&#34;&gt;🚫The Iranian regime&#39;s false messaging machine continues to falsely claim that it has sunk a U.S. aircraft carrier.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-sanitized-class=&#34;CbirOcr-TextBox CbirOcr-TextBox_size_0&#34;&gt;✅The TRUTH: The only carrier that has been hit is the Shahid Bagheri, an Iranian drone carrier. U.S. forces struck the ship within hours of launching Operation Epic Fury.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p data-sanitized-class=&#34;CbirOcr-TextBox CbirOcr-TextBox_size_0&#34;&gt;A search across recent articles on &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.google.com/search?q=%22Abraham+Lincoln%22+Iran&amp;sca_esv=4c4e6101c633db36&amp;rlz=1C5CHFA_enUS932US932&amp;biw=1440&amp;bih=776&amp;sxsrf=ANbL-n4mjHEZLNCimGEJmpjMhMD8ttQgIA%3A1772488467793&amp;source=lnt&amp;tbs=cdr%3A1%2Ccd_min%3A2%2F28%2F2026%2Ccd_max%3A3%2F2%2F2026&amp;tbm=nws&#34;&gt;Google News&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260302215528/https://www.google.com/search?q=%22Abraham+Lincoln%22+Iran&amp;sca_esv=4c4e6101c633db36&amp;rlz=1C5CHFA_enUS932US932&amp;biw=1440&amp;bih=776&amp;sxsrf=ANbL-n4mjHEZLNCimGEJmpjMhMD8ttQgIA%3A1772488467793&amp;source=lnt&amp;tbs=cdr%3A1%2Ccd_min%3A2%2F28%2F2026%2Ccd_max%3A3%2F2%2F2026&amp;tbm=nws&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) did not show credible reports confirming the claim.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-sanitized-class=&#34;CbirOcr-TextBox CbirOcr-TextBox_size_0&#34;&gt;&lt;span lang=&#34;en&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;Y2IQFc&#34;&gt;The video reviewed in this fact check contained several hints suggesting that it may not be showing what the posts claimed it did. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-sanitized-class=&#34;CbirOcr-TextBox CbirOcr-TextBox_size_0&#34;&gt;&lt;span lang=&#34;en&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;Y2IQFc&#34;&gt;For example, what initially appears to be a group of planes on the ship deck when seen from afar later changes its outlook to some unrecognizable mass with fused wings: &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-sanitized-class=&#34;CbirOcr-TextBox CbirOcr-TextBox_size_0&#34;&gt;&lt;span lang=&#34;en&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;Y2IQFc&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://leadstories.com/9976da5745cd3f00f3be4fec3983853e016a81ea.png&#34;&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;Screenshot 2026-03-02 at 5.03.52 PM.png&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/9976da5745cd3f00f3be4fec3983853e016a81ea-thumb-900xauto-3179887.png&#34; width=&#34;900&#34; height=&#34;215&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-sanitized-class=&#34;CbirOcr-TextBox CbirOcr-TextBox_size_0&#34;&gt;&lt;span lang=&#34;en&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;Y2IQFc&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: Screenshots of post at X.)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-sanitized-class=&#34;CbirOcr-TextBox CbirOcr-TextBox_size_0&#34;&gt;&lt;span lang=&#34;en&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;Y2IQFc&#34;&gt;The video&#39;s low, blurry quality appeared to be a deliberate attempt to disguise its origins. Lead Stories could not entirely rule out AI use in this case, but the video&#39;s appearance was consistent with a technique seen repeatedly in &lt;a href=&#34;https://leadstories.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-search.fcgi?IncludeBlogs=1&amp;search=arma&#34;&gt;propaganda campaigns&lt;/a&gt;: the reuse of Arma 3 game clips. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span lang=&#34;en&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;Y2IQFc&#34;&gt;The &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.bohemia.net/blog/arma-3-footage-being-used-as-fake-news&#34;&gt;video game&#39;s blog&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260226130506/https://www.bohemia.net/blog/arma-3-footage-being-used-as-fake-news&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) explains that even though the original script takes users to &#34;a futuristic fictional conflict in 2035&#34;, the game can be customized, and people can generate &#34;whole new terrains, ground vehicles, aircraft, weapons, uniforms, equipment, and scenarios&#34; to the point that &#34;Arma 3 can recreate and simulate any historic, present, or future conflict in great detail.&#34; Yet, such clips would not be entirely identical to the real footage from war zones. As the Arma&#39;s blog points out, when used to mislead people on social media, those videos are intentionally downgraded in quality to conceal the details that give away that it&#39;s a video game.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-sanitized-class=&#34;CbirOcr-TextBox CbirOcr-TextBox_size_0&#34;&gt;&lt;span lang=&#34;en&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;Y2IQFc&#34;&gt;The U.S. and Israel struck Iran on &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/what-to-know-about-the-u-s-israel-attacks-on-iran&#34;&gt;Feb. 28, 2026&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/what-to-know-about-the-u-s-israel-attacks-on-iran&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;), killing&lt;span&gt; Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who had ruled the country &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.politico.com/news/2026/02/28/ayatollah-khamenei-iran-leadership-00806167&#34;&gt;for 37 years&lt;/a&gt;. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-sanitized-class=&#34;CbirOcr-TextBox CbirOcr-TextBox_size_0&#34;&gt;&lt;span lang=&#34;en&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;Y2IQFc&#34;&gt;The crew of &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.airpac.navy.mil/Organization/USS-Abraham-Lincoln-CVN-72/About-Us/&#34;&gt;U.S.S. &#34;Abraham Lincoln&#34;&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/https://www.airpac.navy.mil/Organization/USS-Abraham-Lincoln-CVN-72/About-Us/&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) consists of at least &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/News-Stories/display-news/Article/2250106/customer-service/&#34;&gt;3,000 people&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/News-Stories/display-news/Article/2250106/customer-service/%20&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;). Had it been sunk or extensively damaged, the chances are that such an event would cause multiple fatalities. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-sanitized-class=&#34;CbirOcr-TextBox CbirOcr-TextBox_size_0&#34;&gt;&lt;span lang=&#34;en&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;Y2IQFc&#34;&gt;&lt;span lang=&#34;en&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;Y2IQFc&#34;&gt;By the end of the third day of the war, &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span lang=&#34;en&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;Y2IQFc&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.centcom.mil/MEDIA/STATEMENTS/Statements-View/Article/4419315/operation-epic-fury-update/&#34;&gt;six U.S. servicemembers&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260302223020/https://www.centcom.mil/MEDIA/STATEMENTS/Statements-View/Article/4419315/operation-epic-fury-update/&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) lost their lives in the conflict.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://hoax-alert.leadstories.com/2026/03/fact-check-video-does-not-prove-iranian-missile-struck-or-sunk-uss-abraham-lincoln.html&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Fact Check: Video Of Soldiers&#39; Coffins Arriving In The US Is NOT From Those Killed In Kuwait In March 2026 -- From December 2025</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/02/fact-check-video-of-soldiers.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 23:10:54 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/02/fact-check-video-of-soldiers.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;span data-sanitized-id=&#34;docs-internal-guid-57d77224-7fff-9b10-f169-ef2a9dc2c8f6&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Is a video of coffins arriving in the US showing soldiers that were killed in an attack in Kuwait in March 2026 during the U.S. attack on Iran? No, that&#39;s not true: The video is from December 2025 and shows the dignified transfer of two National Guard members and a U.S. civilian interpreter who were killed in Syria. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The claim appeared in &lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/trumptruthonx/status/2028489839843398064?s=46&#34;&gt;a March 2, 2026, post on X account @TrumpTruthonX&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/*/https://x.com/trumptruthonx/status/2028489839843398064?s=46&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;). It opened:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;BREAKING: 🇺🇸🇮🇷&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Soldiers coffins have arrived in the US&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;#Iran &lt;br&gt;#IranWar&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This is what the post looked like on X at the time of writing:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://leadstories.com/Soldiers.jpeg&#34;&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;Soldiers.jpeg&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/soldiers-thumb-900x1125-3179854.jpg&#34; width=&#34;900&#34; height=&#34;1125&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: Screenshot of X.)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p dir=&#34;ltr&#34;&gt;The video posted on X does not show coffins of the &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/01/world/middleeast/iran-war-us-troops-dead.html&#34;&gt;ground-based forces stationed in Kuwait who were killed&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260302190801/https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/01/world/middleeast/iran-war-us-troops-dead.html&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) during the U.S. attack on Iran in March 2026. The video shows the dignified transfer of two National Guard members and an interpreter killed in Syria on December 17, 2025.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p dir=&#34;ltr&#34;&gt;The video posted on X uses a shorter, 55-second clip from a video published on &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/trump-will-witness-the-dignified-transfer-for-2-national-guard-members-killed-in-syria&#34;&gt;PBS&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260302185928/https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/trump-will-witness-the-dignified-transfer-for-2-national-guard-members-killed-in-syria&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;). That clip matches footage beginning at 2:46 in the &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wk2TTiKhp9E&#34;&gt;PBS News YouTube video&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260302201302/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wk2TTiKhp9E&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;). &lt;span data-sanitized-id=&#34;docs-internal-guid-2d292902-7fff-2db4-5758-0f1c816a24d6&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;The original video does not include music. Here is the original footage:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
&lt;iframe src=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/embed/wk2TTiKhp9E?si=il5zeXQT_Fna4qs9&amp;start=165&#34; title=&#34;YouTube video player&#34; frameborder=&#34;0&#34; allow=&#34;accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share&#34; sandbox=&#34;allow-scripts allow-same-origin&#34;&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A screenshot from the video posted on X at :12 shows a plane in the background with tail number 1944, as this screenshot shows:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://leadstories.com/Screen%20Shot%202026-03-02%20at%2011.47.09%20AM.png&#34;&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;Screen Shot 2026-03-02 at 11.47.09 AM.png&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/screen20shot202026-03-0220at2011.47.0920am-thumb-900x1139-3179856.png&#34; width=&#34;900&#34; height=&#34;1139&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: Screenshot of X.)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;That matches the plane in the background of the PBS News video, as this screenshot shows:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://leadstories.com/Screen%20Shot%202026-03-02%20at%2011.46.47%20AM.png&#34;&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;Screen Shot 2026-03-02 at 11.46.47 AM.png&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/screen20shot202026-03-0220at2011.46.4720am-thumb-900xauto-3179858.png&#34; width=&#34;900&#34; height=&#34;439&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: Screenshot of YouTube.)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://hoax-alert.leadstories.com/2026/03/fact-check-video-soldiers-coffins-us-not-iran-kuwait-march-2026-december-2025.html&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>STRIKE ON MISSILE FACTORY: Iskander production facility destroyed in Russia  #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/02/strike-on-missile-factory-iskander.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 22:30:17 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/02/strike-on-missile-factory-iskander.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/4ab66c084b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;STRIKE ON MISSILE FACTORY: Iskander production facility destroyed in Russia  #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/smffocqvg_0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Macron unveils expansion of France’s nuclear arsenal, opens door to European deterrence cooperation</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/02/macron-unveils-expansion-of-frances.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 22:27:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/02/macron-unveils-expansion-of-frances.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/4b845e2425.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Macron unveils expansion of France’s nuclear arsenal, opens door to European deterrence cooperation&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Speaking at the L’Île Longue naval base in northwestern France — home to the country’s ballistic missile submarines — Macron argued that Europe must assume a more autonomous role in its own defense amid Russia’s war against Ukraine and shifting U.S. strategic priorities.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/macron-unveils-expansion-of-frances-nuclear-arsenal-opens-door-to-european-deterrence-cooperation/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ben Hodges: Russia cannot fight forever. When will the breaking point come for the Kremlin?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/02/ben-hodges-russia-cannot-fight.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 22:00:39 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/02/ben-hodges-russia-cannot-fight.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2fe80faf8e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ben Hodges: Russia cannot fight forever. When will the breaking point come for the Kremlin?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzA7sJLA4zk&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Zelensky backs Trump’s Iran war — but Ukraine may see little in return</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/02/zelensky-backs-trumps-iran-war.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 21:47:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/02/zelensky-backs-trumps-iran-war.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2263725113.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky backs Trump’s Iran war — but Ukraine may see little in return&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was one of the first world leaders to back the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war against Iran, which started on Feb. 28.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For Ukraine, the choice was logical: Iran is a Kremlin ally that has backed Russia&#39;s aggression against Ukraine and supplied drones to&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-backs-us-israeli-war-on-iran-as-zelensky-hopes-to-curry-favor-with-trump/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Iran is a key ally, but Russia will not come to its military rescue #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/02/iran-is-a-key-ally.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 21:30:08 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/02/iran-is-a-key-ally.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/55ef3c421f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Iran is a key ally, but Russia will not come to its military rescue #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/kG98UgQThI4&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>The West is HELPLESS against Iranian drones! Ukraine to TEACH the Middle East how to close the sky</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/02/the-west-is-helpless-against.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 21:00:30 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/02/the-west-is-helpless-against.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/5f6232204f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;The West is HELPLESS against Iranian drones! Ukraine to TEACH the Middle East how to close the sky&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlyA7aaOXm4&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine War Latest: Ukraine captured more territory than it lost to Russia over February 2026, Syrskyi says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/02/ukraine-war-latest-ukraine-captured.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 20:44:27 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/02/ukraine-war-latest-ukraine-captured.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/4d9edfd472.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine War Latest: Ukraine captured more territory than it lost to Russia over February 2026, Syrskyi says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Key Developments on March 2:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Ukraine captured more territory than it lost to Russia over February 2026, Syrskyi says&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;US deploys LUCAS kamikaze drones against Iran &#39;for first time in combat&#39;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;70% of Ukrainians skeptical US-Ukraine-Russia talks will bring lasting peace, poll shows&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Russian drone hits passenger train&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-ukraine-captured-more-territory-than-it-lost-to-russia-over-february-2026-syrskyi-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukrainians who fled war find themselves facing new uncertainty in the Middle East</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/02/ukrainians-who-fled-war-find.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 20:37:40 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/02/ukrainians-who-fled-war-find.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/img-3113-1-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainians who fled war find themselves facing new uncertainty in the Middle East&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukrainians in Dubai and elsewhere in the UAE said Middle East airspace closures and security fears have revived the anxieties they fled at home, leaving some stranded as Kyiv seeks assurances for their protection.
Pol&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainians-who-fled-war-find-themselves-facing-new-uncertainty-in-the-middle-east/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Fact Check: Video Does NOT Show American Soldier Named &#39;Bishop&#39; Crying After Attack &#39;In The Gulf&#39;</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/02/203329.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 20:33:29 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/02/203329.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;Does a video show an American soldier named Bishop in &#34;the Gulf&#34; crying because his shattered phone screen prevents him from seeing his daughter&#39;s face? No, that&#39;s not true: The clip is AI-generated and comes from a social media page known for posting fake videos. It contains several AI &#34;hallucinations&#34; and red flags typical of AI-generated content, such as distorted images, tears that appear to be coming from the man&#39;s chin, and an unusually large cell phone.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The claim appeared in &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.instagram.com/p/DVVRBcGE7ic/&#34;&gt;a post&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260302203310/https://www.instagram.com/p/DVVRBcGE7ic/&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) on Instagram on March 1, 2026. It read (translated from Indonesian by &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.deepl.com/en/translator&#34;&gt;DeepL&lt;/a&gt;):&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;US Soldier Cries Hysterically in the Gulf&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;World Information Window, Gulf, March 1, 2026 - Footage shows a United States soldier in the Gulf crying, reflecting the emotional stress troops are facing amid rising regional tensions. The moment sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some highlighting the humanity behind the military uniform.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This incident occurred amid an escalating conflict following the killing of Iran&#39;s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, by a joint US-Israeli airstrike. The US military presence in the Gulf is now under scrutiny, with many assessing the soldiers&#39; psychological well-being as one of the tangible impacts of the ongoing crisis.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This is what the post looked like on Instagram at the time of writing:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;642413005_1276259334355099_6935992021944008595_n.jpg&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/642413005-1276259334355099-6935992021944008595-n.jpg&#34; width=&#34;640&#34; height=&#34;1138&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image Source: Lead Stories screenshot of Instagram post.)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Conflict in the Middle East&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The United States and Israel launched a military operation against Iran on Feb. 28, 2026, targeting the nation&#39;s political and military leaders. Khamenei died the same day in an airstrike on his compound in Tehran&lt;span&gt;, &lt;a href=&#34;https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-explosion-tehran-c2f11247d8a66e36929266f2c557a54c&#34;&gt;Iranian state media&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/span&gt;(archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260301034658/https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-explosion-tehran-c2f11247d8a66e36929266f2c557a54c&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) reported.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Video analysis&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Lead Stories ran the video through Gemini, Google&#39;s AI assistant. It reached these &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://gemini.google.com/app/1f9091bc7495c082?is_sa=1&amp;is_sa=1&amp;android-min-version=301356232&amp;ios-min-version=322.0&amp;campaign_id=bkws&amp;utm_source=sem&amp;utm_medium=paid-media&amp;utm_campaign=bkws&amp;pt=9008&amp;mt=8&amp;ct=p-growth-sem-bkws&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=20108148196&amp;gbraid=0AAAAApk5BhncuNr5quYfJXfZ0rrvIV0fZ&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiAh5XNBhAAEiwA_Bu8FaFlh5WuJ9_NGm_B8-pvfLwwihYntU42taY9JWybw3-rEoZlWtiO8BoCAKsQAvD_BwE&#34;&gt;conclusions&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; (archived &lt;/span&gt;here&lt;span&gt;):&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;p data-path-to-node=&#34;0&#34;&gt;This video is an &lt;b data-path-to-node=&#34;0&#34; data-index-in-node=&#34;17&#34;&gt;AI-generated fabrication&lt;/b&gt; that has recently gone viral on social media, often accompanied by misleading claims about real-world conflicts.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-path-to-node=&#34;1&#34;&gt;While the imagery is designed to look like raw, emotional footage of a U.S. soldier in the aftermath of an attack, it contains several &#39;hallucinations&#39; and red flags typical of AI-generated content:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 data-path-to-node=&#34;2&#34;&gt;🚩 Key Evidence of AI Generation&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;ul data-path-to-node=&#34;3&#34;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;
&lt;p data-path-to-node=&#34;3,0,0&#34;&gt;&lt;b data-path-to-node=&#34;3,0,0&#34; data-index-in-node=&#34;0&#34;&gt;The &#39;Liquid&#39; Phone:&lt;/b&gt; If you look closely at the soldier&#39;s right hand, he is holding a smartphone that is unnaturally long, thin, and seems to &#39;melt&#39; into his hand--a common glitch in AI-rendered video.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;
&lt;p data-path-to-node=&#34;3,1,0&#34;&gt;&lt;b data-path-to-node=&#34;3,1,0&#34; data-index-in-node=&#34;0&#34;&gt;Uniform Inconsistencies:&lt;/b&gt; While it says &#39;BISHOP&#39; and &#39;U.S. ARMY,&#39; the American flag patch and other insignia often appear slightly distorted or lack the correct stitching detail found on genuine military uniforms.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;
&lt;p data-path-to-node=&#34;3,2,0&#34;&gt;&lt;b data-path-to-node=&#34;3,2,0&#34; data-index-in-node=&#34;0&#34;&gt;Distorted Background:&lt;/b&gt; The rubble and the soldiers in the background have a blurred, &#39;dreamlike&#39; quality where limbs and equipment don&#39;t quite connect logically with the environment.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;
&lt;p data-path-to-node=&#34;3,3,0&#34;&gt;&lt;b data-path-to-node=&#34;3,3,0&#34; data-index-in-node=&#34;0&#34;&gt;Source Watermark:&lt;/b&gt; The text &#39;Jendela Informasi Dunia&#39; (translated from Indonesian as &#39;World Information Window&#39;) is from a known social media page that frequently reposts dramatic, unverified, or AI-generated viral clips to gain engagement.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;The Hive Moderation AI-Generated Content Detection &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://hivemoderation.com/ai-generated-content-detection&#34;&gt;tool&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; also&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; concluded the video was 83.4% &#34;likely to be AI-generated&#34;:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;chrome_Tj5mpsgaDU.png&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/chrome-tj5mpsgadu.png&#34; width=&#34;874&#34; height=&#34;349&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: Lead Stories screenshot hivemoderation.com&#39;s Chrome browser plugin)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://hoax-alert.leadstories.com/2026/03/fact-check-video-does-not-show-american-soldier-named-bishop-crying-after-attack-in-the-gulf.html&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>300-500 KM — THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING! Ukrainian missiles BREAKING Russia&#39;s rear</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/02/km-this-is-just-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 20:30:08 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/02/km-this-is-just-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/e4c498c734.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;300-500 KM — THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING! Ukrainian missiles BREAKING Russia&#39;s rear&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTc6k-v4wmw&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>The unintended winner of an Iranian oil shock</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/02/the-unintended-winner-of-an.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 19:52:11 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/02/the-unintended-winner-of-an.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2df7c203f2.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;The unintended winner of an Iranian oil shock&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As markets opened on March 2, Russian officials were quick to frame the escalating Middle East crisis as an economic opportunity for the Kremlin.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Within hours of the first U.S. and Israeli strikes, Russian Envoy Kirill Dmitriev quickly &lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/kadmitriev/status/2027819932222714128&#34;&gt;posted&lt;/a&gt; on X about crude potentially hitting &#34;$100+&#34; per&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-very-likely-to-gain-from-middle-east-crisis/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>&#39;This issue concerns us&#39; — Zelensky warns Middle East war could strain Ukraine air defense supplies</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/02/this-issue-concerns-us-zelensky.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 19:49:16 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/02/this-issue-concerns-us-zelensky.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/4615280bce.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;This issue concerns us&#39; — Zelensky warns Middle East war could strain Ukraine air defense supplies&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Zelensky said Ukraine has seen no signs of a PAC-3 interceptor shortage so far, but warned that a prolonged Middle East war and intense fighting could strain air defense supplies.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/this-issue-concerns-us-zelensky-warns-prolonged-middle-east-war-could-strain-air-defense-supplies/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Zelensky proposes sending Ukrainian drone experts to Middle East in ceasefire push</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/02/zelensky-proposes-sending-ukrainian-drone.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 19:48:57 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/02/zelensky-proposes-sending-ukrainian-drone.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2250245240.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky proposes sending Ukrainian drone experts to Middle East in ceasefire push&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;I would suggest the following: leaders of the Middle East have great relations with Russians. They can ask Russians to implement a month-long ceasefire,&#34; President Volodymyr Zelensky said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-proposes-to-send-ukrainian-drone-experts-to-middle-east-in-return-for-russian-ceasefire/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Iran&#39;s leadership DESTROYED &amp;amp;quot;IN ABOUT AN HOUR&amp;amp;quot;: Trump SHOCKS with Middle East operation details</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/02/irans-leadership-destroyed-ampquotin-about.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 19:41:04 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/02/irans-leadership-destroyed-ampquotin-about.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/d2930a5876.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Iran&#39;s leadership DESTROYED &amp;quot;IN ABOUT AN HOUR&amp;quot;: Trump SHOCKS with Middle East operation details&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgtYjhmXH78&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Any comparison of the US-Iran conflict to the Russia-Ukraine war is ignorant</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/02/any-comparison-of-the-usiran.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 19:13:11 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/02/any-comparison-of-the-usiran.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/upd-gettyimages-2263662126.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Any comparison of the US-Iran conflict to the Russia-Ukraine war is ignorant&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As President Donald Trump ordered U.S. forces to begin their assault on Iran, David Hearst, the editor-in-chief of the Middle East Eye, a Qatari-funded, Al Jazeera offshoot, declared, &#34;There is a chilling but uncanny resemblance in the way Donald Trump is preparing to attack Iran, and the way&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/any-comparison-of-the-us-iran-conflict-to-the-russia-ukraine-war-is-ignorant/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Trump: Iran planned to attack America – we stopped it!  #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/02/trump-iran-planned-to-attack.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 19:12:15 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/02/trump-iran-planned-to-attack.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/c7dc4e5ee3.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Trump: Iran planned to attack America – we stopped it!  #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/wtwx5Y656BI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>War has drained Ukraine’s workforce, but women and veterans are stepping in to fill the void</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/02/war-has-drained-ukraines-workforce.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 19:11:44 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/02/war-has-drained-ukraines-workforce.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/helvetas-main-sponsored.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;War has drained Ukraine’s workforce, but women and veterans are stepping in to fill the void&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;A new Helvetas and State Employment Service assessment says Ukraine can ease wartime labor shortages by retraining women and veterans, modernizing workplaces, and recognizing military skills as qualifications.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/war-has-drained-ukraines-workforce-but-women-and-veterans-are-stepping-in-to-fill-the-void/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>LIVE | NEW PHASE OF WAR: Ukraine tests &amp;amp;quot;FLAMINGO&amp;amp;quot; relative missile and scales up DRONE PRODUCTION</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/02/live-new-phase-of-war.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 19:06:42 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/02/live-new-phase-of-war.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/c0bbb37b10.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;LIVE | NEW PHASE OF WAR: Ukraine tests &amp;quot;FLAMINGO&amp;quot; relative missile and scales up DRONE PRODUCTION&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhpX5MOCG_s&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>&#39;Clearing up the mess&#39; — Ukraine&#39;s oil and gas giant gets new supervisory board</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/02/clearing-up-the-mess-ukraines.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 19:01:53 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/02/clearing-up-the-mess-ukraines.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2249239447.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;Clearing up the mess&#39; — Ukraine&#39;s oil and gas giant gets new supervisory board&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The new board comes amid a renewed push to reform Ukraine’s state-owned enterprises, which dominate the energy, banking, and infrastructure sectors.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/small-step-to-clearing-up-mess-in-energy-sector/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine, US shortlist investment projects worth over $1.2 billion for groundbreaking reconstruction fund</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/02/ukraine-us-shortlist-investment-projects.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 18:54:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/02/ukraine-us-shortlist-investment-projects.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/a7270bb958.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine, US shortlist investment projects worth over $1.2 billion for groundbreaking reconstruction fund&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The U.S.-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund narrowed down the candidates after sifting through 138 submissions, Ukraine’s Economy Ministry announced on March 2.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-us-shortlist-22-projects-worth-over-1-2-billion-for-joint-reconstruction-fund/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Fact Check: Video Does NOT Show Women In Iran Removing Burqas, Burning Pictures Of Khamenei After He Died In U.S.-Israeli Strikes In 2026</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/02/fact-check-video-does-not.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 18:52:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/02/fact-check-video-does-not.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;Does a video show women in Iran removing burqas and then burning pictures of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei after he died in U.S.-Israeli strikes in February 2026? No, that&#39;s not true: The clip being shared does not show people in Iran after recent strikes. It instead shows a demonstration in Paris from January 2026, when a group of activists protested in solidarity with Iranian women and against Iran&#39;s regime.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The claim appeared in &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.instagram.com/p/DVUxSheiTcd/&#34;&gt;a post&lt;/a&gt; (archived here) on Instagram on Feb. 28, 2026. It read:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;span&gt;Veils are dropping. Hijabs are burning.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;span&gt;For 36 brutal years, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ruled Iran as Supreme Leader -- enforcing mandatory veiling, crushing dissent, sponsoring terror across the region, and turning &#39;Woman, Life, Freedom&#39; into a death sentence for those who dared speak it. He presided over the 2022 murder of Mahsa Amini for a &#39;bad hijab,&#39; the mass executions of protesters, the funding of proxies that targeted civilians from Gaza to Yemen, and a regime that held half its population in chains under the guise of Islamic law.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;span&gt;Today -- February 28, 2026 -- that era ends.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;span&gt;Khamenei, 86, has been killed in a precision joint U.S.-Israeli airstrike, confirmed by Iranian state media itself. His iron grip is broken. His office is rubble. The architect of oppression is gone.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;span&gt;Watch these women tear off the symbols of their subjugation -- not in fear, but in raw, triumphant joy.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;span&gt;This is what justice looks like when tyrants finally fall.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;span&gt;This is the real revolution the regime tried to bury.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;span&gt;The hijab was never just cloth. It was a flag of control.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;span&gt;Today, that flag is ashes.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;span&gt;Women of Iran: Your chains are shattering. Your voices are rising. The nightmare is over for the Iranian people!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This is what the post looked like on Instagram at the time of writing:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;639825170_1990241451862826_1162807732173162815_n.jpg&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/639825170-1990241451862826-1162807732173162815-n.jpg&#34; width=&#34;640&#34; height=&#34;1136&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: Post by the_rightsidemedia and rightsidebuzz on&lt;/em&gt; &lt;em&gt;Instagram.)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;/em&gt;Conflict in the Middle East&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The United States and Israel launched a military operation against Iran on Feb. 28, 2026, targeting the nation&#39;s political and military leaders. Khamenei died the same day in an airstrike on his compound in Tehran&lt;span&gt;, &lt;a href=&#34;https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-explosion-tehran-c2f11247d8a66e36929266f2c557a54c&#34;&gt;Iranian state media&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/span&gt;(archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260301034658/https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-explosion-tehran-c2f11247d8a66e36929266f2c557a54c&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) reported.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Original video&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Using a screenshot from the video, Lead Stories ran a &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.google.com/search?source=lns.web.gisbubb&amp;vsdim=576,1024&amp;gsessionid=gk53WDIqpEnRpZct2zSgW4_94A6LzdxEDD9r70T9DAdD_4oA44qstg&amp;lsessionid=tr7ZoyU4CR8LZ26PTdfdFmAEI5-q-GqkoN1xS2HKq_rAhI6oefT8Dw&amp;lns_surface=26&amp;authuser=0&amp;biw=1746&amp;bih=818&amp;hl=en&amp;vsrid=CMODtbrw7oG0vgEQBhgBIiRCMkE2QjgzOS0zMzIzLTQ4NzAtOUI0NC00NDVERUM2QjYwMDMyBiICZHooHDj29ISS1YGTAw&amp;udm=26&amp;q&amp;vsint=CAQqCgoCCAcSAggHIAE6IwoWDQAAAD8VfCfePh0AAIA_JQAA8D4wARDABBiACCUAAIA_&amp;lns_mode=un&amp;qsubts=1772469973436&amp;stq=1&amp;cs=0&amp;lei=zr6lac-vO9zYkPIPpdG1uQQ&#34;&gt;reverse image search&lt;/a&gt; on Google Images (archived here). The search showed that the video of the protests first appeared online more than a month earlier, in January 2026. One example appeared in &lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/WDIAfghanistan1/status/2013015826702463403&#34;&gt;a post&lt;/a&gt; (archived here) on X on Jan. 18, 2026:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;chrome_3O7CR8wm9L.png&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/chrome-3o7cr8wm9l.png&#34; width=&#34;664&#34; height=&#34;811&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: Post by @WDIAfghanistan1 on X.)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A &lt;a href=&#34;https://en.haberler.com/parisian-women-stripped-for-their-iranian-19477409/&#34;&gt;story&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260302170028/https://en.haberler.com/parisian-women-stripped-for-their-iranian-19477409/&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) on the protest appeared on Haberler, a Turkish news website, a day later on Jan. 19, 2026. This is what the post looked like at the time of writing:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;chrome_EaeI7Azhxi.png&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/chrome-eaei7azhxi.png&#34; width=&#34;795&#34; height=&#34;736&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: Post on Haberler.)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://hoax-alert.leadstories.com/2026/03/fact-check-video-does-not-show-women-in-iran-removing-burqas-burning-pictures-of-khamenei-after-he-died-in-us-israeli-strikes-in-2026.html&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Russian drone hits passenger train in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, 1 killed, 7 injured</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/02/russian-drone-hits-passenger-train.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 17:50:47 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/02/russian-drone-hits-passenger-train.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/photo-2026-03-02-18-42-43.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian drone hits passenger train in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, 1 killed, 7 injured&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;A drone hit a moving passenger train near Kryvyi Rih, killing one person and injuring seven others, including two children, officials said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-drone-hits-passenger-train-in-dnipropetrovsk-oblast-1-killed-7-injured/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>DEEP IN THE REAR: Ukraine reaches strategic Russian port #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/02/deep-in-the-rear-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 17:30:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/02/deep-in-the-rear-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/29e35091dd.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;DEEP IN THE REAR: Ukraine reaches strategic Russian port #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/W20K6ggzDFQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>AFU liberates 400 sq km! Strikes on Novorossiysk and Russia&#39;s burning oil refineries</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/02/afu-liberates-sq-km-strikes.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 17:00:50 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/02/afu-liberates-sq-km-strikes.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/9e7efd376b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;AFU liberates 400 sq km! Strikes on Novorossiysk and Russia&#39;s burning oil refineries&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lrdjLk6ghE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>TRUMP MAKES STATEMENT ON IRAN! 🚨 Major announcement happening right now – follow the live stream</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/02/trump-makes-statement-on-iran.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 16:45:52 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/02/trump-makes-statement-on-iran.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/21fad27f0b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;TRUMP MAKES STATEMENT ON IRAN! 🚨 Major announcement happening right now – follow the live stream&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTZFbDUSjwQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine captured more territory than it lost to Russia over Febraury 2026, Syrskyi says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/02/ukraine-captured-more-territory-than.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 15:54:53 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/02/ukraine-captured-more-territory-than.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/626089393-1259952692966880-1616060521537530493-n.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine captured more territory than it lost to Russia over Febraury 2026, Syrskyi says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The claim came amid a slowdown in Russian advances on most parts of the front line over winter.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-captured-more-territory-than-it-lost-to-russia-over-febraury-2026-syrskyi-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>RUSSIA ATTACKED RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS IN ODESA! Innocent people under fire #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/02/russia-attacked-residential-buildings-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 15:51:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/02/russia-attacked-residential-buildings-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/4c3545d336.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;RUSSIA ATTACKED RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS IN ODESA! Innocent people under fire #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/WtAerOeeoUE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>&amp;amp;quot;Lay down your weapons or die&amp;amp;quot;, – Trump&#39;s harsh address #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/02/ampquotlay-down-your-weapons-or.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 15:39:08 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/02/ampquotlay-down-your-weapons-or.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/8f6d1fe0cd.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&amp;quot;Lay down your weapons or die&amp;quot;, – Trump&#39;s harsh address #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/7Zwpd22soaI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>With slow progress on battlefield, Russia shifts to terror and sabotage in Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/02/with-slow-progress-on-battlefield.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 15:10:37 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/02/with-slow-progress-on-battlefield.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2262416393.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;With slow progress on battlefield, Russia shifts to terror and sabotage in Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Over the course of 48 hours last week, three explosions targeting Ukrainian police officers in different cities raised the prospect of a chilling new front in Russia’s campaign of terror against civilians.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;On Feb. 22, two explosions hit the western city of Lviv near the Polish border after&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/with-slow-progress-on-battlefield-russia-shifts-to-terror-and-sabotage-in-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Is Ukraine entering the &amp;amp;quot;game&amp;amp;quot; in the Middle East? Britain asks Kyiv for assistance.</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/02/is-ukraine-entering-the-ampquotgameampquot.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 15:01:20 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/02/is-ukraine-entering-the-ampquotgameampquot.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/0c03e019a7.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Is Ukraine entering the &amp;quot;game&amp;quot; in the Middle East? Britain asks Kyiv for assistance.&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNihhxTFIu0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>US deploys LUCAS attack drones against Iran &#39;for first time in combat&#39;</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/02/us-deploys-lucas-attack-drones.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 14:33:32 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/02/us-deploys-lucas-attack-drones.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2263673349.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;US deploys LUCAS attack drones against Iran &#39;for first time in combat&#39;&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The U.S. launched a series of strikes against Iran as part of Operation Epic Fury, carried out jointly with Israel.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/us-deploys-one-way-drones-against-iran-following-ukraines-battlefield-experience/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>70% of Ukrainians skeptical US-Ukraine-Russia talks will bring lasting peace, poll shows</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/02/of-ukrainians-skeptical-usukrainerussia-talks.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 12:35:44 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/02/of-ukrainians-skeptical-usukrainerussia-talks.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2231138391.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;70% of Ukrainians skeptical US-Ukraine-Russia talks will bring lasting peace, poll shows&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Only 25% of respondents said they rather believe in the talks&#39; potential success, while 5% remained undecided, according to a poll by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS).&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/70-of-ukrainians-skeptical-us-ukraine-russia-talks-will-bring-lasting-peace-poll-shows/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>War Beyond Borders: How Does It Echo Across Europe?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/02/war-beyond-borders-how-does.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 10:37:23 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/02/war-beyond-borders-how-does.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;single-post-lead&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;We know very well how the war has affected Ukrainians’ views. We know how their trust &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.kiis.com.ua/?lang=ukr&amp;amp;cat=reports&amp;amp;id=1467&amp;amp;page=1&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;in various institutions (the President, the government, the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the police)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; and &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://voxukraine.org/chy-stvoryuye-vijna-sotsialni-zv-yazky-chy-rujnuye-yih-zalezhyt-vid-vyznachennya&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;in one another&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; has changed, and how the &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://voxukraine.org/ustanovky-ukrayintsiv-na-pochatku-vijny-vid-avtorytarnyh-zahysnykiv-demokratiyi-do-neshhaslyvyh-ale-zadovolenyh-zhyttyam&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;importance of democracy and life satisfaction&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; has shifted. But does it affect the worldview of people beyond Ukraine’s borders? How has it changed Europeans, especially in countries that do not border Russia or Ukraine?&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;To understand this, sociologists study attitudes. An &lt;/span&gt;&lt;b&gt;attitude&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span&gt; is not a fleeting mood but a relatively stable orientation—an evaluation of people and events around us. Previous studies have already sought to answer how Europeans’ attitudes have changed in the context of the war in Ukraine. In particular, Klymak and Vlandas, in their paper &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/article/3/8/pgae292/7731042&#34;&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt;Do wars abroad affect attitudes at home?&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt;, documented a “first shock” effect. Analyzing data from the &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://ess.sikt.no/en/&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;10th wave of the European Social Survey (ESS)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; in eight countries, where interviews were conducted between May 2021 and May 2022, the authors found that the war in Ukraine increased the importance of democracy and weakened authoritarian attitudes. Emotional attachment to Europe rose after March 2022. However, support for European unification and positive evaluations of immigration’s impact on the economy and culture increased only briefly: by April 2022, they had already returned to their previous levels.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;However, the authors limited their analysis to only the first 60 days after the invasion. They showed that some changes were an immediate reaction, while others (such as attachment to Europe) emerged later. But what happens to attitudes in the medium and long term? With newly available data from the &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://ess.sikt.no/en/&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;11th wave of the ESS&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt;, we are able to assess this.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Data and methodology&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;For the analysis, we used data from the 10th (2020–2022) and 11th (2023–2024) waves of the ESS. Similar to Klymak and Vlandas, we selected only those countries where interviews were conducted face-to-face and covered periods before and after the start of the full-scale invasion. However, the geographic scope of the study changed somewhat. First, Belgium, Ireland, and the United Kingdom were added to the sample, as their data became available only after the original article had been written. Second, we excluded North Macedonia because it did not participate in the 11th wave. As a result, our analysis focuses on 10 countries (see Appendices 1–2 for the full list).&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;The list of attitudes also had to be adjusted. Of the original 12 indicators, we retained 8 for analysis. The main reasons for these changes were:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ol&gt;
&lt;li aria-level=&#34;1&#34;&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt;Technical constraints&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;span&gt;: The 11th-wave questionnaire does not include questions on the importance of democracy or the need for strong leaders who are above the law.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li aria-level=&#34;1&#34;&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt;Sampling logic&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;span&gt;: The question of joining or leaving the EU is not universal, as some of the countries in our sample are already EU members while others are not. Respondents in EU member states were asked about their country leaving the EU, whereas respondents in the remaining countries were asked about joining the EU.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li aria-level=&#34;1&#34;&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt;Absence or short-lived effects&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;span&gt;: Klymak and Vlandas showed that the desire to leave the EU changed only during the first two weeks of the invasion, while the war did not affect the desire to join the EU at all.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ol&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;The 8 attitudes we selected can be broadly divided into two equal groups: political attitudes (emotional attachment to Europe, support for European unification, and evaluations of government) and those related to immigration. To track changes after the invasion, we created a variable covering six time intervals:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ol&gt;
&lt;li aria-level=&#34;1&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;before the invasion;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li aria-level=&#34;1&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;up to 1 month after the invasion began;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li aria-level=&#34;1&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;from 1 to 3 months after the invasion began;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li aria-level=&#34;1&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;from 3 to 6 months after the invasion began;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li aria-level=&#34;1&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;from 6 months to 1.5 years after the invasion began;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li aria-level=&#34;1&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;1.5 years or more after the invasion began.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ol&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;This breakdown allows us to capture short-term (up to 3 months), medium-term (from 3 months to 1.5 years), and long-term (1.5 years or more) periods.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;To compare the “before” period with the “after” periods, we used hierarchical linear regression with mixed effects. The regression models were estimated on a pooled dataset including all countries simultaneously rather than separately for each country. Although analyzing individual countries can provide valuable information, our goal is to identify the overall trend in attitude change across European countries that do not border Ukraine or Russia. The chosen method allows us to separate the effect of survey timing from the effect of country of residence. The data structure enables analysis at both the individual (respondent) level and the country level. Individual-level variables were included in the model as fixed effects, while country was treated as a random effect.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;We included control variables in the regression to account for individual differences among respondents. These include gender, age, years of education, type of settlement (urban vs. rural), whether the respondent was born in the country of residence (yes/no), the main source of income (wages, pensions, social benefits, etc.), and its subjective assessment. We use the same set of control variables as Klymak and Vlandas.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Even preliminary comparisons of the 10th and 11th waves of the ESS (see Appendices 1–2) make it clear why it is so important to separate the effect of survey timing from country-specific differences. For example, support for European integration increased in the United Kingdom and Montenegro, while in Italy it decreased. In Portugal, assessments of migrants’ impact on the country’s cultural life worsened, whereas in Montenegro they remained stable. If you are interested in other European countries beyond these 10 and their comparison with Ukraine, or in other attitudes, we invite you to consult the publication comparing the 10th and 11th waves of the ESS &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://zenodo.org/records/18595343&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;at this link&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt;.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Estimation results&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;The full regression results are reported in Appendix 3. Below, we focus only on comparisons between the period before February 2022 and the periods after the invasion to illustrate changes in Europeans’ attitudes.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;caption&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Figure 1&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span&gt;. Results of the regression analysis of changes in political attitudes after the invasion compared to the period before February 2022&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/results-1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; width=&#34;1999&#34; height=&#34;1167&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;aligncenter size-full wp-image-197017&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;single-post-footnote&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Note: The dots represent regression coefficients, and the horizontal lines represent their 95% confidence intervals. Statistically significant differences compared to the pre-invasion period are shown in red, while non-significant differences are shown in black. Points to the right of the vertical dashed line (zero) indicate more positive attitudes after the invasion, while points to the left indicate more negative attitudes.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;As Figure 1 shows, support for further European unification increased after the invasion. This trend persists in both the short term and the long term. By contrast, emotional attachment to Europe changed over time: in the first 1–3 months, it was higher than its 2021 level, but after 1.5 years and later, it fell below the level observed before the invasion.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;At the very beginning of the war, support for the idea that people should be loyal to their leaders weakened, but in the 3–6 month period, it exceeded pre-invasion levels. At the same time, support for government action to reduce income inequality remained the same as before the invasion.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;caption&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Figure 2.&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span&gt; Results of the regression analysis of changes in attitudes toward immigrants after the invasion compared to the period before February 2022&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/results-2.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; width=&#34;1999&#34; height=&#34;1167&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;aligncenter size-full wp-image-197018&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;single-post-footnote&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Note: The dots represent regression coefficients, and the horizontal lines represent their 95% confidence intervals. Statistically significant differences compared to the pre-invasion period are shown in red, while non-significant differences are shown in black. Points to the right of the vertical dashed line (zero) indicate more positive attitudes after the invasion, while points to the left indicate more negative attitudes.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Figure 2 shows that in the first month after the invasion, overall attitudes toward immigrants remained the same as before the invasion. However, there was one important nuance: in the first 1–3 months, Europeans became more skeptical about the positive impact of immigration on the country’s economy and cultural life, although support for allowing immigrants to enter the country did not decline.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Attitudes improved thereafter: in the 3–6 month period after the start of the full-scale invasion, both support for allowing immigrants of a different race or ethnic group to come and live in the country and positive views of immigration’s impact on the economy and culture increased. However, in the long term (after 1.5 years or more), attitudes deteriorated and fell below their 2021 level.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Next, we examine the relationship between attitudes and the control variables, focusing on those associated with all or most outcomes (see Appendix 3). More positive attitudes toward immigrants are associated with higher levels of education, greater financial comfort, living in urban areas, having wages as the main source of income (rather than social benefits or grants), and being born outside the current country of residence.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Stronger emotional attachment to Europe and more positive attitudes toward European unification are associated with higher levels of education, urban residence, greater financial comfort, and being born outside the country of residence. Higher support for European unification is also more common among those whose main source of income is wages rather than social benefits or grants.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;By contrast, support for reducing income inequality is more common among respondents with lower financial comfort, those whose main source of income is social benefits or grants, and rural residents. Support for the idea that people should be loyal to their leaders is more common among rural residents, less educated respondents, and those whose main source of income is social benefits or grants, as well as among individuals with higher financial comfort.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Conclusions&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;The results suggest that the echo of the war can shift public opinion in countries that do not share borders with Ukraine or Russia—that is, where the threat would be expected to feel less immediate.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;The most notable pattern is observed in attitudes toward immigrants. While in March 2022 these attitudes remained essentially at their pre-invasion level, there was a sharp “warming” in the 3–6 months following the full-scale invasion. However, in the long term (1.5 years or more), these attitudes fell below their pre-invasion level.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;On the one hand, it can be assumed that overall attitudes toward immigrants are partly shaped by perceptions of Ukrainian refugees. In this case, the deterioration in attitudes may be linked to the protracted nature of the war: the longer it lasts, the more likely immigrants are to be perceived not as temporary guests in need of help, but as people who will remain for a long time. This implies that they will compete for jobs and place additional strain on the welfare system. At the same time, the impact of Russia’s information warfare—aimed at destabilizing European societies, including through the issue of migration—should not be underestimated.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Long-term changes are also evident in attitudes toward European unification and emotional attachment to Europe. Support for European unification remains consistently higher than its pre-invasion level. However, emotional attachment to Europe in the period 1.5 years or more after the start of the full-scale invasion fell below its pre-invasion level.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Such patterns may be driven by different reactions to the war:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ol&gt;
&lt;li aria-level=&#34;1&#34;&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt;Shattered assumptions about a safe and predictable world&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;span&gt;: this may encourage greater support for European unification as a geopolitical bloc.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li aria-level=&#34;1&#34;&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt;Disappointment with insufficient decisiveness&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;span&gt;: some Europeans may believe that the EU provides too little assistance to Ukraine, which fuels skepticism toward it and reduces emotional attachment to Europe overall.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li aria-level=&#34;1&#34;&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt;A demand for “normality”&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;span&gt;: a desire to distance oneself from the war and preserve familiar comfort. In the media space, the EU often appears in the context of the Russia–Ukraine war (sanctions and support for Ukraine), which can trigger a defensive reaction—avoiding negative information. This may also reduce emotional attachment to Europe.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ol&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Study limitations&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;It is important to note that these results apply primarily to the 10 countries selected for analysis and cannot be automatically generalized to other European countries. In addition, the changes in attitudes observed &lt;/span&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt;after&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;span&gt; the invasion were not necessarily &lt;/span&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt;caused&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;span&gt; by it. While the war may still have been the dominant factor in the first months, in the long term the effect of the invasion becomes intertwined with other events and contexts. Moreover, because different individuals were interviewed in different periods, we capture overall trends rather than individual-level changes.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;reference&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;The preparation and publication of this material was supported by Documenting Ukraine, a project of the Institute for Human Sciences, IWM Vienna.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Appendix 1&lt;span&gt;. Mean values of political attitudes in the 10th and 11th waves of the ESS for 10 countries&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;table&gt;
&lt;thead&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;th rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Country&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/th&gt;
&lt;th colspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Emotional attachment to Europe&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;br&gt;
&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0 — Not at all, 10 — Very emotionally attached)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/th&gt;
&lt;th colspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;European unification should go further or has already gone too far&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;br&gt;
&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0 — Unification has gone too far, 10 — Unification should go further)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/th&gt;
&lt;th colspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;People should be loyal to their leaders¹&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;br&gt;
&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;(1 — Agree strongly, 5 — Disagree strongly)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/th&gt;
&lt;th colspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;The government should take measures to reduce differences in income levels¹&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;br&gt;
&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;(1 — Agree strongly, 5 — Disagree strongly)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/th&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;th&gt;&lt;span&gt;ESS 10&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/th&gt;
&lt;th&gt;&lt;span&gt;ESS 11&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/th&gt;
&lt;th&gt;&lt;span&gt;ESS 10&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/th&gt;
&lt;th&gt;&lt;span&gt;ESS 11&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/th&gt;
&lt;th&gt;&lt;span&gt;ESS 10&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/th&gt;
&lt;th&gt;&lt;span&gt;ESS 11&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/th&gt;
&lt;th&gt;&lt;span&gt;ESS 10&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/th&gt;
&lt;th&gt;&lt;span&gt;ESS 11&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/th&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/thead&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Belgium&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;5.91&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;5.76&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;5.87&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;5.73&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;3.05&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;3.11&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;2.17&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;2.21&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Switzerland&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;5.97&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;6.05&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;4.99&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;5.00&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;2.72&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;2.83&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;2.32&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;2.28&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;United Kingdom&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;4.77&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;4.87&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;5.08&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;5.41&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;3.28&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;3.33&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;2.13&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;2.18&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Greece&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;5.32&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;5.24&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;5.05&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;5.22&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;3.78&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;3.55&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;1.76&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;1.66&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Ireland&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;6.21&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;5.98&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;5.84&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;5.34&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;3.06&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;3.10&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;2.11&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;2.05&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Italy&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;5.93&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;5.73&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;5.18&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;4.75&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;2.80&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;2.82&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;2.06&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;1.85&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Montenegro&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;5.72&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;4.73&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;3.82&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;6.02&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;3.20&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;3.18&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;2.07&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;2.28&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Netherlands&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;5.77&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;5.63&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;5.79&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;5.56&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;3.24&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;3.22&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;2.27&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;2.37&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Norway&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;6.31&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;6.45&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;4.99&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;5.11&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;2.93&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;2.91&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;2.13&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;2.25&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Portugal&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;6.55&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;6.69&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;6.21&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;6.37&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;3.00&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;3.11&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;1.70&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;1.74&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td colspan=&#34;9&#34;&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;single-post-footnote&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Note: For data from the 10th and 11th waves of the ESS, post-stratification weights combined with design weights were applied. Statistically significant differences in mean values between survey waves (p ≤ 0.05), based on the Mann–Whitney test, are shown &lt;/span&gt;&lt;b&gt;in bold&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span&gt;. The test was conducted separately for each country across all eight attitudes, after which the Holm correction for multiple comparisons was applied.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;¹ The lower the mean value, the stronger the agreement.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Appendix 2&lt;span&gt;. Mean values of attitudes toward immigrants in the 10th and 11th waves of the ESS for 10 countries&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;table&gt;
&lt;thead&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;th rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Country&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/th&gt;
&lt;th colspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Allow people of a different race or ethnic group to come and live in this country¹&lt;/span&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;br&gt;
&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt;(1 — Allow many, 4 — Allow none)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/th&gt;
&lt;th colspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Allow people from poorer countries outside Europe to come and live in this country¹&lt;/span&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;br&gt;
&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt;(1 — Allow many, 4 — Allow none)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/th&gt;
&lt;th colspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Immigration is good or bad for the country’s economy&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;br&gt;
&lt;/span&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0 — Bad, 10 — Good)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/th&gt;
&lt;th colspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Immigration is good or bad for the country’s cultural life&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;br&gt;
&lt;/span&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0 — Cultural life is undermined, 10 — Cultural life is enriched)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/th&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;th&gt;&lt;span&gt;ESS 10&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/th&gt;
&lt;th&gt;&lt;span&gt;ESS 11&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/th&gt;
&lt;th&gt;&lt;span&gt;ESS 10&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/th&gt;
&lt;th&gt;&lt;span&gt;ESS 11&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/th&gt;
&lt;th&gt;&lt;span&gt;ESS 10&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/th&gt;
&lt;th&gt;&lt;span&gt;ESS 11&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/th&gt;
&lt;th&gt;&lt;span&gt;ESS 10&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/th&gt;
&lt;th&gt;&lt;span&gt;ESS 11&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/th&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/thead&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Belgium&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;2.07&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;2.08&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;2.09&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;2.14&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;5.61&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;5.52&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;6.31&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;6.14&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Switzerland&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;2.10&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;2.10&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;2.16&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;2.17&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;6.42&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;6.48&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;6.55&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;6.39&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;United Kingdom&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;1.86&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;1.99&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;1.93&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;2.05&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;6.70&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;6.39&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;6.69&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;6.53&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Greece&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;3.08&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;2.89&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;3.12&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;3.06&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;4.06&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;4.16&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;4.14&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;4.06&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Ireland&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;2.03&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;2.19&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;2.09&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;2.23&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;6.60&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;6.21&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;6.72&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;6.28&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Italy&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;2.32&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;2.38&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;2.28&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;2.31&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;5.06&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;5.04&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;5.25&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;4.90&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Montenegro&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;2.33&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;2.34&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;2.41&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;2.37&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;4.29&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;4.27&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;5.15&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;5.15&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Netherlands&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;2.05&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;2.18&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;2.18&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;2.33&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;5.86&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;5.68&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;6.53&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;6.25&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Norway&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;1.80&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;1.75&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;1.86&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;1.84&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;6.06&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;6.00&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;6.53&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;6.32&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Portugal&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;2.21&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;2.47&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;2.19&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;2.44&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;6.35&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;6.21&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;6.21&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;5.64&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td colspan=&#34;9&#34;&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;single-post-footnote&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Note: For data from the 10th and 11th waves of the ESS, post-stratification weights combined with design weights were applied. Statistically significant differences in mean values between survey waves (p ≤ 0.05), based on the Mann–Whitney test, are shown &lt;/span&gt;&lt;b&gt;in bold&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span&gt;. The test was conducted separately for each country across all eight attitudes, after which the Holm correction for multiple comparisons was applied.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;1&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; The lower the mean value, the more positive the attitude.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Appendix 3. &lt;span&gt;Regression models for the 8 attitude variables&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; ✢&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;div&gt;
&lt;table&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;th&gt;&lt;/th&gt;
&lt;th&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;(1)&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/th&gt;
&lt;th&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;(2)&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/th&gt;
&lt;th&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;(3)&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/th&gt;
&lt;th&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;(4)&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/th&gt;
&lt;th&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;(5)&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/th&gt;
&lt;th&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;(6)&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/th&gt;
&lt;th&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;(7)&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/th&gt;
&lt;th&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;(8)&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/th&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;(Intercept)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;4.744***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.203)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;4.729***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.170)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;2.425***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.077)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;3.046***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.065)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;1.538***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.090)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;1.510***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.096)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;5.227***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.234)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;5.272***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.220)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Period:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt; Up to 1 month&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.100&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.056)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.139*&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.058)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.050*&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.025)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.004&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.023)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.006&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.019)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.011&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.019)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.038&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.053)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.095&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.054)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Period:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt; From 1 to 3 months&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.163*&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.063)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.307***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.065)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.029&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.029)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.016&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.026)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.025&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.021)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.028&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.022)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.214***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.059)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.149*&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.061)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Period:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt; From 3 to 6 months&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.095&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.070)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.503***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.073)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.078*&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.031)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.008&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.028)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.047*&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.023)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.026&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.024)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.148*&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.066)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.218**&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.067)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Period:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt; From 6 months to 1.5 years&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.006&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.044)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.208***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.046)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.004&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.020)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.033&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.018)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.023&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.015)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.005&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.015)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.005&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.042)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.088*&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.042)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Period: &lt;/span&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt;1.5 years or more&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.085*&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.033)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.243***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.034)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.025&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.015)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.023&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.013)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.045***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.011)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.053***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.011)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.063*&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.031)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.222***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.032)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt;Gender: Female&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.120***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.026)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.066*&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.027)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.022&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.012)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.101***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.010)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.029***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.009)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.044***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.009)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.198***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.024)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.103***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.025)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Age&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.002*&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.001)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.007***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.001)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.004***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.000)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.000&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.000)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.006***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.000)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.006***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.000)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.004***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.001)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.009***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.001)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Urban residence: &lt;/span&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt;No&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.142***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.028)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.236***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.029)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.077***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.012)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.070***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.011)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.078***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.009)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.067***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.009)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.180***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.026)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.247***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.026)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Born in the country of residence: &lt;/span&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt;Yes&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.460***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.042)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.486***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.045)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.181***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.019)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.032&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.017)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.244***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.014)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.231***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.014)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-1.048***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.040)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.909***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.040)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Education (years of education)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.075***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.003)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.055***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.004)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.039***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.002)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.000&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.001)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.025***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.001)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.024***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.001)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.079***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.003)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.086***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.003)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Income source: &lt;/span&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt;Self-employment&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.067&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.052)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.001&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.054)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.039&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.023)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.016&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.021)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.041*&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.017)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.044*&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.018)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.102*&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.049)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.085&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.050)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Income source:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt; Farming or household production&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.053&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.094)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.121&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.097)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.019&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.042)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.007&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.038)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.129***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.031)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.055&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.032)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.056&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.088)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.063&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.090)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Income source: &lt;/span&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt;Pension&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.056&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.041)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.107*&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.043)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.097***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.019)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.035*&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.017)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.010&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.014)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.020&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.014)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.006&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.039)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.025&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.040)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Income source:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt; Unemployment or redundancy benefits&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.377**&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.116)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.119&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.127)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.022&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.052)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.007&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.047)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.117**&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.039)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.127**&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.040)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.260*&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.109)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.048&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.112)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Income source:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt; Other social benefits, subsidies, or grants&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.116&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.081)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.308***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.086)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.110**&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.036)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.181***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.033)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.090***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.027)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.112***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.027)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.475***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.076)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.363***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.077)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Income source: &lt;/span&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt;Investments, savings, insurance, or property&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.386**&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.145)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.138&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.148)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.040&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.065)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.224***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.059)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.029&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.048)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.037&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.050)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.074&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.135)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.133&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.140)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Income source:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt; Other sources&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.150&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.101)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.051&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.104)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.048&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.045)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.008&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.041)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.006&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.033)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.013&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.034)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.088&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.094)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.216*&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.095)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Financial comfort&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.215***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.018)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.130***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.018)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.035***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.008)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.096***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.007)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.070***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.006)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.052***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.006)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.239***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.017)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.199***&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;(0.017)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;SD (Intercept, &lt;/span&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt;country&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;span&gt; level)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.598&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.480&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.220&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.183&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.273&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.293&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.707&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.659&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;SD (Observations)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;2.339&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;2.370&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;1.043&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.942&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.774&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.794&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;2.184&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;2.226&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Num.Obs.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;33225&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;31310&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;32834&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;33131&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;33015&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;32973&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;32814&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;32874&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;R2 Marg.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.038&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.030&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.046&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.017&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.072&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.063&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.072&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.077&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;R2 Cond.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.097&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.068&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.087&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.052&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.175&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.175&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.160&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.152&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;AIC&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;150908.3&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;143036.2&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;96145.1&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;90259.8&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;76961.1&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;78577.4&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;144546.7&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;146062.6&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;BIC&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;151084.9&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;143211.6&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;96321.5&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;90436.4&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;77137.6&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;78753.9&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;144723.0&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;146239.1&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;ICC&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.1&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.0&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.0&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.0&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.1&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.1&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.1&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.1&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;RMSE&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;2.34&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;2.37&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;1.04&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.94&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.77&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.79&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;2.18&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;2.22&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td colspan=&#34;9&#34;&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;single-post-footnote&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;✢&lt;/span&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt;Note:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;span&gt; Regression models were estimated for the following dependent variables: &lt;/span&gt;&lt;b&gt;(1)&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span&gt; Emotional attachment to Europe; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;b&gt;(2)&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span&gt; European unification should go further or has already gone too far; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;b&gt;(3)&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span&gt; People should be loyal to their leaders; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;b&gt;(4)&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span&gt; The government should take measures to reduce differences in income levels; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;b&gt;(5)&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span&gt; Allow people of a different race or ethnic group to come and live in this country; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;b&gt;(6)&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span&gt; Allow people from poorer countries outside Europe to come and live in this country; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;b&gt;(7)&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span&gt; Immigration is good or bad for the country’s economy; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;b&gt;(8)&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span&gt; Immigration is good or bad for the country’s cultural life.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Standard errors are reported in parentheses below the regression coefficients. All variables with reverse-coded scales were recoded so that higher values indicate more positive attitudes or evaluations. All ordinal and continuous variables that did not start at 0 were recoded to start at 0. The exception is age, which was centered so that its mean equals 0.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Reference category for Period: &lt;/span&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt;Before the invasion&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;span&gt;; for Income source: &lt;/span&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt;Wages&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;span&gt;.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;* p &amp;lt; 0.05, ** p &amp;lt; 0.01, *** p &amp;lt; 0.001.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;reference&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Photo: &lt;a href=&#34;https://depositphotos.com/ua/&#34;&gt;depositphotos.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://voxukraine.org/en/war-beyond-borders-how-does-it-echo-across-europe&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>At least 9 killed, 19 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine over past day</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/02/at-least-killed-injured-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 10:35:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/02/at-least-killed-injured-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/photo-2026-03-02-09-53-17.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;At least 9 killed, 19 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine over past day&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russia launched 94 drones at Ukraine overnight, the Air Force said, reporting that Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 84 unmanned aircraft.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/at-least-9-killed-19-injured-in-russian-attacks-on-ukraine-over-past-day/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>General Staff: Russia has lost 1,267,730 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/02/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:27:20 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/02/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2204124842.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;General Staff: Russia has lost 1,267,730 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The number includes 960 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/general-staff-russia-has-lost-1-267-730-troops-in-ukraine-since-feb-24-2022/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukrainian drones reportedly strike major oil terminal in southern Russia&#39;s Novorossiysk</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/02/ukrainian-drones-reportedly-strike-major.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 01:40:40 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/02/ukrainian-drones-reportedly-strike-major.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/screenshot-2026-03-01-at-7-21-12-pm.png&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian drones reportedly strike major oil terminal in southern Russia&#39;s Novorossiysk&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukrainian drones struck an oil terminal, leaving fires in the southern Russian port city of Novorossiysk overnight on March 2, Telegram news channel Astra reported.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-drones-reportedly-strike-novorossiysk-oil-terminal-in-southern-russia/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Fact Check: Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce, Bono, Or Your Favorite Celeb Did NOT Donate $5 million To Help Iran Elementary School Destroyed In Airstrike</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/01/fact-check-taylor-swift-travis.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 01 Mar 2026 22:23:08 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/01/fact-check-taylor-swift-travis.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;Did Neil Diamond, Eminem, Coco Gauff, or any of a long list of celebrities donate $5 million to provide emergency relief and medical aid following the tragic elementary school strike in southern Iran? No, that&#39;s not true: The false claim that at least 20 sports, entertainment and political celebs made such contributions began spreading in &lt;span&gt;Facebook posts hours after the U.S. and Israel launched missile attacks on Iran on February 28, 2026. It is created and distributed by &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;a spam factory based in Vietnam that uses artificial intelligence tools to publish fake articles promoted by Facebook pages also managed from Vietnam. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;The claims are made in nearly identical posts on Facebook fan pages, including &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid02TzAESvGqwnoTpZKoXehVBUpepQgQjvFH33i9duHKiKCWWVUvkEFwrG8vUXYJyHuql&amp;id=61577745419161&amp;__cft__%5B0%5D=AZY6GeMBf6Vl5HaKODSfanQO9Z6J3n40TIvBAgSlY-j_JBcxuG_hhO15t4Q1CnxN7fzOl3JLnC5p9aZ6ztcHg5eAAOaTpIPNwtcmiiqJbyIiG6e92kCAVip45UrJ2O3OAEBFF-rhsm9ADOEwWcCkbqtelfrGDpMBKOFya1OLEQ5VxcGw3RqJHLJ2z5K3wMzmqauVL01j2u5xRnl9SftdsqHn&amp;__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R&#34;&gt;a post&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260301182027/https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid02TzAESvGqwnoTpZKoXehVBUpepQgQjvFH33i9duHKiKCWWVUvkEFwrG8vUXYJyHuql&amp;id=61577745419161&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) published by the Chiefs Empire page on February 1, 2026. The text opened:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;BREAKING NEWS: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have jointly donated their entire $5 million in recent tour revenues, performance bonuses, and endorsement earnings to provide emergency relief and medical aid following the tragic elementary school strike in southern Iran. The initiative will focus on supporting the families of the victims while also funding urgent medical treatment, trauma counseling, and long-term recovery resources for survivors affected by the escalating conflict.&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This is what the post looked like on Facebook at the time of writing:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid02TzAESvGqwnoTpZKoXehVBUpepQgQjvFH33i9duHKiKCWWVUvkEFwrG8vUXYJyHuql&amp;id=61577745419161&amp;__cft__%5B0%5D=AZY6GeMBf6Vl5HaKODSfanQO9Z6J3n40TIvBAgSlY-j_JBcxuG_hhO15t4Q1CnxN7fzOl3JLnC5p9aZ6ztcHg5eAAOaTpIPNwtcmiiqJbyIiG6e92kCAVip45UrJ2O3OAEBFF-rhsm9ADOEwWcCkbqtelfrGDpMBKOFya1OLEQ5VxcGw3RqJHLJ2z5K3wMzmqauVL01j2u5xRnl9SftdsqHn&amp;__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R&#34;&gt; &lt;picture&gt; &lt;source data-srcset=&#34;https://leadstories.com/facebook_3498226.jpg&#34;&gt; &lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/5e7441234b.svg&#34; width=&#34;560&#34; height=&#34;688&#34; alt=&#34;Facebook screenshot&#34;&gt; &lt;/picture&gt; &lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;i&gt;(Source: Facebook screenshot taken on Sun Mar 1 18:23:08 2026 UTC)&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://leadstories.com/642329039_122161113944924847_8160331301332574928_n.jpg&#34;&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;642329039_122161113944924847_8160331301332574928_n.jpg&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/642329039-122161113944924847-8160331301332574928-n-thumb-900x900-3179792.jp.jpg&#34; width=&#34;900&#34; height=&#34;900&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: Lead Stories screenshot of Facebook)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The post continued:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&#34;I&#39;ve seen the reports of those innocent children in the south, and it broke my heart,&#34; Taylor shared during an emotional press briefing, standing beside Kelce. &#34;If we&#39;re in a position to help, then we have a responsibility to act. No child should ever have to endure that kind of fear or loss.&#34;&lt;br&gt;Travis added quietly, &#34;We talk a lot about strength and resilience in sports and in music, but real strength is showing up for people when they need it most. No family should have to carry that grief alone.&#34;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The post also points to &lt;a href=&#34;https://hoaus.daily24.blog/breaking-news-taylor-swift-and-travis-kelce-have-announced-a-joint-5-million-donation-drawn-from-swifts-recent-tour-profits-ychh8i-thutrangnew123-0d82755ab082?fbclid=IwY2xjawQRnxRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFPNWlybGtaYlI1U0hTanVJc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHnpxmE2wvlDNnUNaAMja2EhsuCwjOyPnDnXtVRC1hAd59dBk7D4xXQZ0_3wN_aem_FPrZecQPUuJMvVFoLo84Hg#google_vignette&#34;&gt;an article&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260301223813/https://hoaus.daily24.blog/breaking-news-taylor-swift-and-travis-kelce-have-announced-a-joint-5-million-donation-drawn-from-swifts-recent-tour-profits-ychh8i-thutrangnew123-0d82755ab082?fbclid=IwY2xjawQRnxRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFPNWlybGtaYlI1U0hTanVJc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHnpxmE2wvlDNnUNaAMja2EhsuCwjOyPnDnXtVRC1hAd59dBk7D4xXQZ0_3wN_aem_FPrZecQPUuJMvVFoLo84Hg&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) that tells a fictional story about Swift and her football-player fiance.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A Facebook &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=%22provide%20emergency%20relief%20and%20medical%20aid%20following%20the%20tragic%20elementary%20school%20strike%20in%20southern%20Iran%22&#34;&gt;search&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260301113717/https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=%22provide%20emergency%20relief%20and%20medical%20aid%20following%20the%20tragic%20elementary%20school%20strike%20in%20southern%20Iran%22&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) and a Google &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.google.com/search?q=%22provide+emergency+relief+and+medical+aid+following+the+tragic+elementary+school+strike+in+southern+Iran%22&amp;sca_esv=90fa01944a1e10fb&amp;sxsrf=ANbL-n67WJHkuSMA2-n8FifvA4LenmBCOA%3A1772399636553&amp;ei=FKykadW8IZXL0PEP0vWQoQw&amp;biw=1402&amp;bih=633&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjVlvKVz_-SAxWVJTQIHdI6JMQQ4dUDCBE&amp;uact=5&amp;oq=%22provide+emergency+relief+and+medical+aid+following+the+tragic+elementary+school+strike+in+southern+Iran%22&amp;gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiaSJwcm92aWRlIGVtZXJnZW5jeSByZWxpZWYgYW5kIG1lZGljYWwgYWlkIGZvbGxvd2luZyB0aGUgdHJhZ2ljIGVsZW1lbnRhcnkgc2Nob29sIHN0cmlrZSBpbiBzb3V0aGVybiBJcmFuIkgAUABYAHAAeAGQAQCYAQCgAQCqAQC4AQPIAQD4AQL4AQGYAgCgAgCYAwDiAwUSATEgQJIHAKAHALIHALgHAMIHAMgHAIAIAA&amp;sclient=gws-wiz-serp&#34;&gt;search&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260301224941/https://www.google.com/search?q=%22provide+emergency+relief+and+medical+aid+following+the+tragic+elementary+school+strike+in+southern+Iran%22&amp;sca_esv=90fa01944a1e10fb&amp;sxsrf=ANbL-n67WJHkuSMA2-n8FifvA4LenmBCOA%3A1772399636553&amp;ei=FKykadW8IZXL0PEP0vWQoQw&amp;biw=1402&amp;bih=633&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjVlvKVz_-SAxWVJTQIHdI6JMQQ4dUDCBE&amp;uact=5&amp;oq=%22provide+emergency+relief+and+medical+aid+following+the+tragic+elementary+school+strike+in+southern+Iran%22&amp;gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiaSJwcm92aWRlIGVtZXJnZW5jeSByZWxpZWYgYW5kIG1lZGljYWwgYWlkIGZvbGxvd2luZyB0aGUgdHJhZ2ljIGVsZW1lbnRhcnkgc2Nob29sIHN0cmlrZSBpbiBzb3V0aGVybiBJcmFuIkgAUABYAHAAeAGQAQCYAQCgAQCqAQC4AQPIAQD4AQL4AQGYAgCgAgCYAwDiAwUSATEgQJIHAKAHALIHALgHAMIHAMgHAIAIAA&amp;sclient=gws-wiz-serp&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) for the phrase &#34;provide emergency relief and medical aid following the tragic elementary school strike&#34; in southern Iran&#34; found no real reporting on the celebrity donations, but they uncovered nearly-identical Facebook posts using the names of at least 20 celebrities, including:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Bono&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Luke Bryan&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Mario Cristobal&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Darian DeVries&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Neil Diamond&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Eminem&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Coco Gauff&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Todd Golden&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Lewis Hamilton&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Travis Kelce&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Dan Lanning&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Timothy Laurence&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Dave Mustaine&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Ilhan Omar&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Taylor Swift&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Tanya Tucker&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Jean-Claude Van Damme&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Max Verstappen&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Ann and Nancy Wilson&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;iran_5m_donation_montage_expanded.png&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/iran-5m-donation-montage-expanded.png&#34; width=&#34;2592&#34; height=&#34;1522&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: Montage of Lead Stories screenshots of Facebook)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;All of the Facebook pages hosting these posts have a common feature -- a connection to Vietnam -- that is confirmed by Meta transparency data that is available for most of them,&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;meta_transparency_montage_expanded.png&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/meta-transparency-montage-expanded.png&#34; width=&#34;1972&#34; height=&#34;1022&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: Montage of Lead Stories screenshots of Facebook)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;The Vietnam connection is significant, since fact-checkers, including Lead Stories, have identified a major source of AI-generated false stories coming from a single operation based in that Southeast Asian country. You can see recent reporting and fact checks mentioning that country &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://leadstories.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-search.fcgi?IncludeBlogs=1&amp;search=Vietnam+AND+2025&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt;.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Lead Stories has published a primer -- or a prebunk -- on how to identify these kinds of fake posts originating from Vietnam. It&#39;s titled &#34;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://leadstories.com/analysis/2025/10/fact-check-prebunk-beware-of-fake-fan-pages-spreading-false-claims.html&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Prebunk: Beware Of Fake Fan Pages Spreading False Stories About Your Favorite Celebrities -- How To Spot &#39;Viet Spam&#39;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;span&gt;&#34;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://hoax-alert.leadstories.com/2026/03/fact-check-taylor-swift-Kelsey-bono-your-favorite-celeb--did-not-donate-5m-to-iran-school.html&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Launch of the NEW UKRAINIAN BALLISTICS FP7! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/01/launch-of-the-new-ukrainian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 01 Mar 2026 21:30:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/01/launch-of-the-new-ukrainian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/07b27157a5.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Launch of the NEW UKRAINIAN BALLISTICS FP7! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/jquSsPYjryA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Fact Check: Video Does NOT Show U.S. Aircraft Carrier Abraham Lincoln On Fire After Iran Missile Attack -- Old Game Video</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/01/fact-check-video-does-not.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 01 Mar 2026 21:23:29 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/01/fact-check-video-does-not.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;Does a video show the aircraft carrier &lt;span&gt;USS Abraham Lincoln burning in the Red Sea after being hit by Iranian missiles in 2026? &lt;/span&gt;No, that&#39;s not true: The video first appeared online on June 23, 2025, in a post making a similar false claim during the 12-day war between Iran and Israel happening at that time. It appears to have been generated by the Arma 3 video game. U.S. military officials said on March 1, 2026, that none of the missiles launched by Iran came close to hitting the American aircraft carrier.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The claim appeared in &lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/almohamadawi31/status/2028114089055056104?s=46&amp;t=RCLraXbGJ2xR9r-YyJ5qFg&#34;&gt;a post&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/*/https://x.com/almohamadawi31/status/2028114089055056104?s=46&amp;t=RCLraXbGJ2xR9r-YyJ5qFg&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) where it was published by the @almohamadawi31 X account on March 1, 2026. The caption with the 13-second video read:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Targeting the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln, which America and its agents were boasting about..&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;4 ballistic missiles were enough for it!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This is what the first frame of the video looked like at the time of writing:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://leadstories.com/Screenshot%202026-03-01%20115431.png&#34;&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;Screenshot 2026-03-01 115431.png&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/screenshot202026-03-0120115431-thumb-900xauto-3179799.png&#34; width=&#34;900&#34; height=&#34;480&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image Source: Lead Stories screenshot of X.com)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote data-media-max-width=&#34;560&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;twitter-tweet&#34;&gt;
&lt;p lang=&#34;ar&#34; dir=&#34;rtl&#34;&gt;استهداف حاملة الطائرات ابراهام لينكلن الذي كانت تتباهى بها امريكا وعملاءها..&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;4صواريخ باليستية كانت تكفيها! &lt;a href=&#34;https://t.co/WP9lfVs11r&#34;&gt;pic.twitter.com/WP9lfVs11r&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
-- صادق المحمداوي (@almohamadawi31) &lt;a href=&#34;https://twitter.com/almohamadawi31/status/2028114089055056104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&#34;&gt;March 1, 2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The video could not be related to the fighting between the U.S. and Iran that began on February 28, 2026, since it was also &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260301202050/https://www.facebook.com/reel/1442861600202804&#34;&gt;posted&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260301202050/https://www.facebook.com/reel/1442861600202804&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) on June 23, 2025. It was at the time that Israel, the United States, and Iran were engaged in missile exchanges known as the &lt;span&gt;Twelve-&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Day War. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The caption on the video in the earlier post, translated into English from Arabic, read:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Now, the first Iranian response targeting the American aircraft carrier in the Red Sea. (Join in sharing this, may God reward you)&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
&lt;iframe src=&#34;https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=317&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Freel%2F1442861600202804%2F&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=560&amp;t=0&#34; scrolling=&#34;no&#34; frameborder=&#34;0&#34; allow=&#34;accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share&#34; sandbox=&#34;allow-scripts allow-same-origin&#34;&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The U.S. Central Command &lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/centcom/status/2028124242273767557?s=46&amp;t=RCLraXbGJ2xR9r-YyJ5qFg&#34;&gt;posted&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260301204752/https://x.com/centcom/status/2028124242273767557?s=46&amp;t=RCLraXbGJ2xR9r-YyJ5qFg&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) a statement on X on March 1, 2026, denying the aircraft carrier was struck by any Iranian missiles:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;🚫Iran&#39;s IRGC claims to have struck USS Abraham Lincoln with ballistic missiles. LIE.&lt;br&gt;✅The Lincoln was not hit. The missiles launched didn&#39;t even come close. The Lincoln continues to launch aircraft in support of CENTCOM&#39;s relentless campaign to defend the American people by eliminating threats from the Iranian regime.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;blockquote data-sanitized-class=&#34;twitter-tweet&#34;&gt;
&lt;p lang=&#34;en&#34; dir=&#34;ltr&#34;&gt;🚫Iran&#39;s IRGC claims to have struck USS Abraham Lincoln with ballistic missiles. LIE.&lt;br&gt;✅The Lincoln was not hit. The missiles launched didn&#39;t even come close. The Lincoln continues to launch aircraft in support of CENTCOM&#39;s relentless campaign to defend the American people by... &lt;a href=&#34;https://t.co/AjaeHMemtA&#34;&gt;pic.twitter.com/AjaeHMemtA&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
-- U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) &lt;a href=&#34;https://twitter.com/CENTCOM/status/2028124242273767557?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&#34;&gt;March 1, 2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;While we know the video of the burning ship is not real, we have not been able to conclusively determine its source. One possibility is it was created on the Arma 3 military simulation game. The developers at Bohemia Interactive, the studio that produced Arma 3, acknowledged the challenge of telling real war video from fake game images. They shared tips on how to tell if it is fake in a &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.bohemia.net/blog/arma-3-footage-being-used-as-fake-news&#34;&gt;blog&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260226130506/https://www.bohemia.net/blog/arma-3-footage-being-used-as-fake-news&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) titled &#34;Arma 3 footage being used as Fake News.&#34;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The recycled video demonstrates a common misinformation tactic: using old fabricated footage to make false claims during breaking news events. The same fake video was used to make similar false claims during two different conflicts eight months apart.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://hoax-alert.leadstories.com/2026/03/fact-check-video-does-not-show-us-aircraft-carrier-lincoln-burning.html&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>FIRST LAUNCH OF FP7! Will the new Ukrainian ballistics reach the Urals?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/01/first-launch-of-fp-will.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 01 Mar 2026 21:00:33 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/01/first-launch-of-fp-will.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/18a803f902.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;FIRST LAUNCH OF FP7! Will the new Ukrainian ballistics reach the Urals?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOKc4HPzCP4&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine&#39;s air defense expertise &#39;irreplaceable,&#39; Zelensky says as escalating Middle East war draws in Europe</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/01/ukraines-air-defense-expertise-irreplaceable.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 01 Mar 2026 20:53:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/01/ukraines-air-defense-expertise-irreplaceable.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/8a69af9e35.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine&#39;s air defense expertise &#39;irreplaceable,&#39; Zelensky says as escalating Middle East war draws in Europe&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;We are not joining these strikes, but we will continue with our defensive actions in the region,&#34; U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said. &#34;And we will also bring experts from Ukraine, together with our own experts, to help Gulf partners shoot down Iranian drones attacking them.&#34;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-air-defense-expertise-irreplaceable-zelensky-says-as-war-escalates-in-middle-east/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>I am a Ukrainian doctor working 7.5 km from the front line: her story #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/01/i-am-a-ukrainian-doctor.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 01 Mar 2026 20:30:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/01/i-am-a-ukrainian-doctor.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/47c27b3fab.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;I am a Ukrainian doctor working 7.5 km from the front line: her story #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/c044YxtM0BM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia&#39;s war is erasing Kostiantynivka&#39;s Soviet-era mosaics — this is why it matters</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/01/russias-war-is-erasing-kostiantynivkas.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 01 Mar 2026 20:01:42 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/01/russias-war-is-erasing-kostiantynivkas.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/dji-20251203172836-0105-d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia&#39;s war is erasing Kostiantynivka&#39;s Soviet-era mosaics — this is why it matters&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The mosaics covering the facades of factories, cultural centers, and apartment blocks across eastern Ukraine were designed with a specific kind of permanence in mind. They survived the Soviet collapse, the chaos of the 1990s, and decades of post-industrial neglect.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;What these mosaics couldn&#39;t survive was Russian artillery.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russias-war-is-erasing-kostiantynivkas-soviet-era-mosaics-this-is-why-it-matters/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>UA medics: Armor over coats, the MARCH protocol, and 30 seconds to save LIVES</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/01/ua-medics-armor-over-coats.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 01 Mar 2026 20:00:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/01/ua-medics-armor-over-coats.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/44f27f0ef6.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;UA medics: Armor over coats, the MARCH protocol, and 30 seconds to save LIVES&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76bkgpJ4lFQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>A well-aimed strike against Russian S-300 air defense systems and logistics! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/01/a-wellaimed-strike-against-russian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 01 Mar 2026 19:30:16 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/01/a-wellaimed-strike-against-russian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/dee76e4189.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;A well-aimed strike against Russian S-300 air defense systems and logistics! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/DcW3dvBLAwA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest: Ukraine hits Russia&#39; S-300 air defense radars in series of strikes</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/01/ukraine-war-latest-ukraine-hits.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 01 Mar 2026 19:23:41 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/01/ukraine-war-latest-ukraine-hits.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/screenshot-2026-03-01-at-15-48-58.png&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest: Ukraine hits Russia&#39; S-300 air defense radars in series of strikes&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Key developments on Feb. 28-March 1:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Ukraine hits Russia&#39; S-300 air defense radars in series of strikes, shows footage&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&#39;Ukrainians made it through,&#39; Zelensky says on toughest winter of Russia&#39;s invasion&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Russia would accept security guarantees for Ukraine, Budanov says&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&#39;Freedom to the Iranian&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-ukraine-hits-russia-s-300-air-defense-radars-in-series-of-strikes/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>LOUD IN THE REAR OF THE RF! The AFU destroyed the S-300 radar station and blew up the BC warehouses</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/01/loud-in-the-rear-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 01 Mar 2026 19:00:21 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/01/loud-in-the-rear-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/184fe62427.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;LOUD IN THE REAR OF THE RF! The AFU destroyed the S-300 radar station and blew up the BC warehouses&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWyPWHh3ZaA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia’s Baltic enclave is a direct threat to NATO! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/01/russias-baltic-enclave-is-a.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 01 Mar 2026 18:30:16 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/01/russias-baltic-enclave-is-a.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/d8e6f2517b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia’s Baltic enclave is a direct threat to NATO! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/W6SETN9KqkQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Iran &#39;will not negotiate,&#39; official claims after Trump says Tehran agreed to new talks</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/01/iran-will-not-negotiate-official.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 01 Mar 2026 18:00:35 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/01/iran-will-not-negotiate-official.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/ce56e90ffd.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Iran &#39;will not negotiate,&#39; official claims after Trump says Tehran agreed to new talks&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The U.S. may consider suspending attacks if Iran &#34;can satisfy us,&#34; Trump told NBC News on March 1, adding that &#34;they haven&#39;t been able to.&#34; He separately told the Daily Mail he expected the operation to last four weeks.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/iran-agrees-to-new-talks-trump-claims/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>NEW FRONT ALREADY IN EUROPE: Putin&#39;s hybrid war spreads to the BALTIC STATES</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/01/new-front-already-in-europe.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 01 Mar 2026 18:00:12 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/01/new-front-already-in-europe.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/747d1a5511.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;NEW FRONT ALREADY IN EUROPE: Putin&#39;s hybrid war spreads to the BALTIC STATES&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83lEJ9gyyy0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>At least 6 killed, 28 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine over past day</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/01/at-least-killed-injured-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 01 Mar 2026 09:21:48 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/01/at-least-killed-injured-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/photo-2026-03-01-10-03-04.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;At least 6 killed, 28 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine over past day&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russia launched 123 drones at Ukraine overnight, the Air Force said. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 110 drones.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/at-least-6-killed-28-injured-in-russian-attacks-on-ukraine-over-past-day/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>General Staff: Russia has lost 1,266,770 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/01/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 01 Mar 2026 08:16:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/01/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/c5e0324eda.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;General Staff: Russia has lost 1,266,770 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The number includes 870 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/general-staff-russia-has-lost-1-266-770-troops-in-ukraine-since-feb-24-2022/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Middle East tensions surge as Iran vows revenge, launches widespread retaliatory strikes</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/01/middle-east-tensions-surge-as.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 01 Mar 2026 08:12:33 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/01/middle-east-tensions-surge-as.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/burj.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Middle East tensions surge as Iran vows revenge, launches widespread retaliatory strikes&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Iran&#39;s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said that &#34;the most intense operation against Israel and the United States is set to begin,&#34; while state outlets warned that &#34;revenge is coming.&#34;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/middle-east-tensions-surge-as-iran-vows-revenge-launches-widespread-retaliatory-strikes/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Fact Check: Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Did NOT Address The World After Reports Of His Death</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/03/01/fact-check-iranian-supreme-leader.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 01 Mar 2026 03:48:28 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/03/01/fact-check-iranian-supreme-leader.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;Did Iran&#39;s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei address the world, proving that he is still alive? No, that&#39;s not true: The video circulating on social media is from a speech by Khamenei broadcast more than two weeks earlier on Feb. 11, 2026. He died on Feb. 28, 2026, in an airstrike targeting his compound in Tehran, according to Iranian state media.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The claim appeared in &lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/uk_moyi/status/2027879964737945862?s=46&#34;&gt;a post&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260301031433/https://x.com/uk_moyi/status/2027879964737945862?s=46&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) on X on Feb. 28, 2026. It read:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;BREAKING: 🚨🇮🇷&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Supreme Leader of Iran, Ali Khamenei addresses the world just now!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;HE IS ALIVE!&lt;br&gt;US and ISRAEL are fucking liars.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This is what the post looked like on X at the time of writing:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;Iran Leader.jpg&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/iran20leader.jpg&#34; width=&#34;886&#34; height=&#34;494&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image Source: Lead Stories screenshot of X.)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The video can be watched here:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote data-media-max-width=&#34;560&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;twitter-tweet&#34;&gt;
&lt;p lang=&#34;en&#34; dir=&#34;ltr&#34;&gt;BREAKING: 🚨🇮🇷&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Supreme Leader of Iran, Ali Khamenei addresses the world just now!&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;HE IS ALIVE!&lt;br&gt;US and ISRAEL are fucking liars.&lt;br&gt; &lt;a href=&#34;https://t.co/do0uHSXcHg&#34;&gt;pic.twitter.com/do0uHSXcHg&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
-- Dr. Moyi (@UK_Moyi) &lt;a href=&#34;https://twitter.com/UK_Moyi/status/2027879964737945862?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&#34;&gt;February 28, 2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Conflict in the Middle East&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Khamenei died in an attack by Israel and the United States on Feb. 28, 2026, the &lt;a href=&#34;https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-explosion-tehran-c2f11247d8a66e36929266f2c557a54c&#34;&gt;Associated Press reported&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260301034658/https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-explosion-tehran-c2f11247d8a66e36929266f2c557a54c&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;), according to the Iranian state media.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Original speech&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Using a screenshot from the video, Lead Stories did a &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=06d489d82466ce9d&amp;lns_surface=26&amp;authuser=0&amp;hl=en&amp;sxsrf=ANbL-n7NVmCe2_nC_hNVcb0D5BEsdDM_kQ:1772335202490&amp;udm=48&amp;vsrid=CKmN_Y7qxbKMsQEQAhgBIiQ4OTM1ZjNjMy1iOGRmLTRjYTEtYTBkMC1jMGQ3N2E3MDcyNDQyBiICZHooBDjyw6WR3_2SAw&amp;vsint=CAIqDAoCCAcSAggKGAEgATojChYNAAAAPxUAAAA_HQAAgD8lAACAPzABEPYGGO4DJQAAgD8&amp;lns_mode=un&amp;source=lns.web.gisbubb&amp;vsdim=886,494&amp;gsessionid=ApezChfhgU4VgLnlimza-e0FC22PrAnpcLExlDj2v1Ph8NUp457xPg&amp;lsessionid=ClyD3rXt-dShxAMIDBu1DeJ3lKn57i_F9OhvYgX0PvTxsMR3FfWUwg&amp;vsrid=CKmN_Y7qxbKMsQEQAhgBIiQzZWNjM2I3NC00YTgwLTRkZTUtOThkMy1kMWNiODUzMTc3ZTMyBiICZHooBDjyw6WR3_2SA1AA&amp;q=&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjLgquR3_2SAxVLIkQIHZhfPR0Qs6gLegQIExAB&amp;biw=1746&amp;bih=818&amp;dpr=1.1&#34;&gt;reverse image search&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260301032921/https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=06d489d82466ce9d&amp;lns_surface=26&amp;authuser=0&amp;hl=en&amp;sxsrf=ANbL-n7NVmCe2_nC_hNVcb0D5BEsdDM_kQ:1772335202490&amp;udm=48&amp;vsrid=CKmN_Y7qxbKMsQEQAhgBIiQ4OTM1ZjNjMy1iOGRmLTRjYTEtYTBkMC1jMGQ3N2E3MDcyNDQyBiICZHooBDjyw6WR3_2SAw&amp;vsint=CAIqDAoCCAcSAggKGAEgATojChYNAAAAPxUAAAA_HQAAgD8lAACAPzABEPYGGO4DJQAAgD8&amp;lns_mode=un&amp;source=lns.web.gisbubb&amp;vsdim=886,494&amp;gsessionid=ApezChfhgU4VgLnlimza-e0FC22PrAnpcLExlDj2v1Ph8NUp457xPg&amp;lsessionid=ClyD3rXt-dShxAMIDBu1DeJ3lKn57i_F9OhvYgX0PvTxsMR3FfWUwg&amp;vsrid=CKmN_Y7qxbKMsQEQAhgBIiQzZWNjM2I3NC00YTgwLTRkZTUtOThkMy1kMWNiODUzMTc3ZTMyBiICZHooBDjyw6WR3_2SA1AA&amp;q=&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjLgquR3_2SAxVLIkQIHZhfPR0Qs6gLegQIExAB&amp;biw=1746&amp;bih=818&amp;dpr=1.1&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) using Google Images. The search showed that the video of the speech first aired on Feb. 11, 2026. This &lt;a href=&#34;https://english.almanar.com.lb/article/22087/&#34;&gt;story&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260301032345/https://english.almanar.com.lb/article/22087/&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) on the Al-Manar TV website in Lebanon is one example documenting the address:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;chrome_i17ahdAzUO.png&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/chrome-i17ahdazuo.png&#34; width=&#34;764&#34; height=&#34;815&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;(Image Source: Lead Stories screenshot of Al-Manar TV website.)&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://hoax-alert.leadstories.com/2026/02/fact-check-iranian-supreme-leader-ayatollah-ali-khamenei-did-not-address-the-world-after-reports-of-his-death.html&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Putin doesn’t want PEACE – he wants EXRTRA TIME for WAR! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/28/putin-doesnt-want-peace-he.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 28 Feb 2026 23:30:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/28/putin-doesnt-want-peace-he.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/7929f9db52.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Putin doesn’t want PEACE – he wants EXRTRA TIME for WAR! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/66gIDCKoZ0c&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>NEWSFLASH: Iran&#39;s Supreme Leader dead, Israel and Trump say</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/28/newsflash-irans-supreme-leader-dead.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 28 Feb 2026 23:20:41 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/28/newsflash-irans-supreme-leader-dead.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f49dea4c2-8.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;NEWSFLASH: Iran&#39;s Supreme Leader dead, Israel and Trump say&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!E5ov!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F6385da53-ca31-44b9-9d43-652634dc4a51_1500x500.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f6385da53-c.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;485&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/6385da53-ca31-44b9-9d43-652634dc4a51_1500x500.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:485,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:&#34;&#34;,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:true,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; title=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;Editor’s note:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;One of our reporters is en route to the region as you read this. This work comes at great expense — The Washington Post cut their international desk, in part due to the huge costs. Let us build the next generation of global news coverage. Support us now!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;[[&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;&gt;Get Full Access!&lt;/a&gt;]]&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;[[&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;&gt;Tip Jar!&lt;/a&gt;]]&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is dead, President Trump wrote on Truth Social.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The deaths come after joint military strikes carried out by U.S. and Israeli forces on Saturday morning, targeting sites across multiple Iranian cities. Israeli forces attacked multiple parts of the capital city, Tehran, &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/28/world/middleeast/israel-iran-assassination-khamenei.html&#34;&gt;targeting&lt;/a&gt; a gathering of senior officials and military leaders.&lt;/p&gt;
      &lt;p&gt;
          &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/newsflash-irans-supreme-leader-dead&#34;&gt;
              Read more
          &lt;/a&gt;
      &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/newsflash-irans-supreme-leader-dead&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Kurt Volker: “The coalition of the willing” must enter Ukraine now – there is no time for hesitation</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/28/kurt-volker-the-coalition-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 28 Feb 2026 23:00:53 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/28/kurt-volker-the-coalition-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/f3d7ef7961.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Kurt Volker: “The coalition of the willing” must enter Ukraine now – there is no time for hesitation&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMd-g9Oko50&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Netanyahu claims Iran&#39;s Khamenei is &#39;no longer,&#39; Tehran denies</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/28/netanyahu-claims-irans-khamenei-is.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 28 Feb 2026 21:16:35 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/28/netanyahu-claims-irans-khamenei-is.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/b8e73ca64a.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Netanyahu claims Iran&#39;s Khamenei is &#39;no longer,&#39; Tehran denies&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other top officials claimed that Iran&#39;s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in joint Israeli-U.S. strikes on Feb. 28. Tehran denied the claim, accusing Israel of &#34;mental warfare.&#34;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/israel-claims-khamenei-is-dead-tehran-denies/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia would accept security guarantees for Ukraine, Budanov says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/28/russia-would-accept-security-guarantees.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 28 Feb 2026 20:25:16 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/28/russia-would-accept-security-guarantees.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/25ab99a26d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia would accept security guarantees for Ukraine, Budanov says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;At past negotiations, the Russian side directly said that they would accept the security guarantees offered to Ukraine by the U.S.,&#34; the head of the President&#39;s Office, Kyrylo Budanov, said on Feb. 28.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-would-accept-ukraine-security-guarantees/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Norway has provided Ukraine with more than ten NASAMS systems! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/28/norway-has-provided-ukraine-with.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 28 Feb 2026 19:31:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/28/norway-has-provided-ukraine-with.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/66cdccf108.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Norway has provided Ukraine with more than ten NASAMS systems! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/iChCeCcPV7g&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Iran now: The residence of PEZESHKIAN and the buildings of the special services are under attack!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/28/iran-now-the-residence-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 28 Feb 2026 19:00:33 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/28/iran-now-the-residence-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2ef18b5475.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Iran now: The residence of PEZESHKIAN and the buildings of the special services are under attack!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAI1n3r0UII&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>47% of American companies in Ukraine have been affected by Russia&#39;s actions #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/28/of-american-companies-in-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 28 Feb 2026 18:30:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/28/of-american-companies-in-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/c248e2df03.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;47% of American companies in Ukraine have been affected by Russia&#39;s actions #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/fQ-ylg93O5c&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Why is the world silent? 47% of U.S. businesses in Ukraine were attacked by RF – economic terrorism!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/28/why-is-the-world-silent.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 28 Feb 2026 18:00:59 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/28/why-is-the-world-silent.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/262602a257.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Why is the world silent? 47% of U.S. businesses in Ukraine were attacked by RF – economic terrorism!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQr6SPLu6rQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Tatarstan burns, Moscow on alert: Ukrainian missiles and drones are even more accurate in 2026</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/28/tatarstan-burns-moscow-on-alert.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 28 Feb 2026 17:01:22 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/28/tatarstan-burns-moscow-on-alert.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/9b54dafa08.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Tatarstan burns, Moscow on alert: Ukrainian missiles and drones are even more accurate in 2026&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfxoRAwk3OI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Fact Check: Video Does NOT Show U.S. Fighter Jets Involved In Real Dogfight Over Iran -- It&#39;s Game Video</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/28/165508.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 28 Feb 2026 16:55:08 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/28/165508.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;Does a video show U.S. fighter jets in a real dogfight over Iran in the Feb. 28, 2026, conflict? No, that&#39;s not true: The clip from a video game was posted on a U.S. Army spoof account two days ahead of the conflict and has been circulating on social media since at least May 2025. It was originally purported to be an air battle between India and Pakistan.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The claim appeared in &lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/UsArmyspoof_/status/2027053661109817600&#34;&gt;a post&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260228161238/https://x.com/UsArmyspoof_/status/2027053661109817600&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) on X on February 26, 2026. It read:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;War started 🚨🚨&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;US fighter jets entered Iran and destroyed several Iranian military bases.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This is what the post looked like on X at the time of writing:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;Iraq War video game.jpg&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/iraq20war20video20game.jpg&#34; width=&#34;679&#34; height=&#34;1200&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image Source: Lead Stories screenshot of X.)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The video can be watched here:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote data-sanitized-class=&#34;twitter-tweet&#34;&gt;
&lt;p lang=&#34;en&#34; dir=&#34;ltr&#34;&gt;War started 🚨🚨&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;US fighter jets entered Iran and destroyed several Iranian military bases . &lt;a href=&#34;https://t.co/Zi6Nc42aWG&#34;&gt;pic.twitter.com/Zi6Nc42aWG&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
-- US Army (@UsArmyspoof_) &lt;a href=&#34;https://twitter.com/UsArmyspoof_/status/2027053661109817600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&#34;&gt;February 26, 2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Conflict in the Middle East&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The United States and Israel &lt;a href=&#34;https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-explosion-tehran-c2f11247d8a66e36929266f2c557a54c&#34;&gt;launched&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260228163213/https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-explosion-tehran-c2f11247d8a66e36929266f2c557a54c&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) an attack against Iran on Feb. 28, 2026, targeting Iranian political and military leaders, sources said. President Donald Trump urged the Iranian people to &#34;seize control of your destiny&#34; by standing up to the Islamic leadership that has governed the country since 1979. Iran retaliated, hitting U.S. military installations in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Video clip&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Lead Stories found multiple online versions of the video. The earliest appeared in &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/RP_anXsSmWY&#34;&gt;a post&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260228164640/https://www.youtube.com/shorts/RP_anXsSmWY&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) on YouTube on May 11, 2025. Its description says:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;#pakistan #Army Pakistan destroy India Pakistani news #jf17thander #piolet&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;It also appeared in &lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/TheUnHeard_One/status/2027685520570990887&#34;&gt;another post&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260228165157/https://x.com/TheUnHeard_One/status/2027685520570990887&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) on X in the hours after the Feb. 28 conflict started:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p lang=&#34;en&#34; dir=&#34;ltr&#34;&gt;This is one of the most AMAZING videos I have ever seen. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;It doesn&#39;t even look real! &lt;br&gt; &lt;a href=&#34;https://t.co/X5hnHMYqWv&#34;&gt;pic.twitter.com/X5hnHMYqWv&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote data-sanitized-class=&#34;twitter-tweet&#34;&gt;-- The Nikki V. (@TheUnHeard_One) &lt;a href=&#34;https://twitter.com/TheUnHeard_One/status/2027685520570990887?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&#34;&gt;February 28, 2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Lead Stories also ran the video through Gemini, Google&#39;s AI assistant. It reached these &lt;a href=&#34;https://gemini.google.com/app/13789c465cc9bd3c?is_sa=1&amp;is_sa=1&amp;android-min-version=301356232&amp;ios-min-version=322.0&amp;campaign_id=bkws&amp;utm_source=sem&amp;utm_medium=paid-media&amp;utm_campaign=bkws&amp;pt=9008&amp;mt=8&amp;ct=p-growth-sem-bkws&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=20108148196&amp;gbraid=0AAAAApk5BhmVWizbQ4aHM6wEqfKpeZcMd&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAwYrNBhDcARIsAGo3u31G4pqhK0g_bksQIfPtMWIEgdRECRCEm7ayOqcMnb1BjYI-jlOXaBQaAtR1EALw_wcB&#34;&gt;conclusions&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260228170312/https://gemini.google.com/app/13789c465cc9bd3c?is_sa=1&amp;is_sa=1&amp;android-min-version=301356232&amp;ios-min-version=322.0&amp;campaign_id=bkws&amp;utm_source=sem&amp;utm_medium=paid-media&amp;utm_campaign=bkws&amp;pt=9008&amp;mt=8&amp;ct=p-growth-sem-bkws&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=20108148196&amp;gbraid=0AAAAApk5BhmVWizbQ4aHM6wEqfKpeZcMd&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAwYrNBhDcARIsAGo3u31G4pqhK0g_bksQIfPtMWIEgdRECRCEm7ayOqcMnb1BjYI-jlOXaBQaAtR1EALw_wcB&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;):&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;p data-path-to-node=&#34;0&#34;&gt;This video is a &lt;b data-path-to-node=&#34;0&#34; data-index-in-node=&#34;16&#34;&gt;CGI [Computer-Generated Imagery] simulation&lt;/b&gt; from a video game. It is not real-world footage.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-path-to-node=&#34;1&#34;&gt;The specific game featured is almost certainly &lt;b data-path-to-node=&#34;1&#34; data-index-in-node=&#34;47&#34;&gt;DCS World&lt;/b&gt; (Digital Combat Simulator), though similar &#34;ultra-realistic&#34; mods for &lt;b data-path-to-node=&#34;1&#34; data-index-in-node=&#34;127&#34;&gt;Arma 3&lt;/b&gt; also produce this style of footage. These simulations are frequently used to create cinematic combat scenes that go viral on social media, sometimes being mistaken for real conflict footage.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 data-path-to-node=&#34;2&#34;&gt;Why this is a Video Game:&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;ul data-path-to-node=&#34;3&#34;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;
&lt;p data-path-to-node=&#34;3,0,0&#34;&gt;&lt;b data-path-to-node=&#34;3,0,0&#34; data-index-in-node=&#34;0&#34;&gt;The Aircraft:&lt;/b&gt; The jet is a &lt;b data-path-to-node=&#34;3,0,0&#34; data-index-in-node=&#34;27&#34;&gt;Sukhoi Su-57 &#34;Felon,&#34;&lt;/b&gt; a Russian fifth-generation stealth fighter. In reality, these are extremely rare and expensive aircraft that would not be flown this aggressively and low over a city in these conditions.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;
&lt;p data-path-to-node=&#34;3,1,0&#34;&gt;&lt;b data-path-to-node=&#34;3,1,0&#34; data-index-in-node=&#34;0&#34;&gt;Artificial Camera Shake:&lt;/b&gt; The shaky &#34;handheld&#34; camera effect is a common post-processing trick used by flight sim creators to make digital footage feel more grounded and &#34;real.&#34;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;
&lt;p data-path-to-node=&#34;3,2,0&#34;&gt;&lt;b data-path-to-node=&#34;3,2,0&#34; data-index-in-node=&#34;0&#34;&gt;Flare &amp; Tracer Physics:&lt;/b&gt; The way the flares (the bright orange lights) are dispensed and drift in the air is a signature of the &lt;b data-path-to-node=&#34;3,2,0&#34; data-index-in-node=&#34;127&#34;&gt;DCS World&lt;/b&gt; particle engine. The green and white tracers (Anti-Aircraft fire) also follow the distinctive straight-line &#34;laser&#34; pathing typical of game assets.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;
&lt;p data-path-to-node=&#34;3,3,0&#34;&gt;&lt;b data-path-to-node=&#34;3,3,0&#34; data-index-in-node=&#34;0&#34;&gt;Visual Lighting:&lt;/b&gt; The &#34;bloom&#34; effect on the streetlights and the way the orange flare light reflects off the jet&#39;s skin are typical of modern game lighting engines (like the T-4 or EDGE engine used in DCS).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;
&lt;p data-path-to-node=&#34;3,4,0&#34;&gt;&lt;b data-path-to-node=&#34;3,4,0&#34; data-index-in-node=&#34;0&#34;&gt;Risky Maneuvering:&lt;/b&gt; At approximately &lt;b data-path-to-node=&#34;3,4,0&#34; data-index-in-node=&#34;36&#34;&gt;0:13&lt;/b&gt;, the jet performs a high-G bank very close to buildings. In real life, the risk of a bird strike, mechanical failure, or pilot error in a dense urban environment would make such a flight path virtually impossible for a high-value stealth fighter.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://hoax-alert.leadstories.com/2026/02/fact-check-video-does-not-show-us-fighter-jets-involved-in-a-real-dogfight-over-iran.html&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>TRUMP launched OPERATION EPIC FURY against IRAN #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/28/trump-launched-operation-epic-fury.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 28 Feb 2026 16:10:04 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/28/trump-launched-operation-epic-fury.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/6e943a858f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;TRUMP launched OPERATION EPIC FURY against IRAN #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/5R_KAxkWNLA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Right now! ZELENSKYY responds to the escalation in the MIDDLE EAST! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/28/right-now-zelenskyy-responds-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 28 Feb 2026 15:19:56 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/28/right-now-zelenskyy-responds-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/00b8d2275d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Right now! ZELENSKYY responds to the escalation in the MIDDLE EAST! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/oAuKVprJcyU&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Wake up, they&#39;re bombing Iran</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/28/wake-up-theyre-bombing-iran.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 28 Feb 2026 15:16:55 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/28/wake-up-theyre-bombing-iran.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fd1be9e0e-5.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Wake up, they&#39;re bombing Iran&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!kzhv!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe7d59a12-cd9a-46e3-a996-687ca2bb2fd3_1500x500.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/36bd2c9812.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;485&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/e7d59a12-cd9a-46e3-a996-687ca2bb2fd3_1500x500.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:485,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:&#34;&#34;,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:true,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; title=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;Editor’s Note: We’ve been planning around this for weeks. One of our reporters is right now on a plane headed towards the region to provide coverage of the Iran situation.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This sort of reporting is difficult, costly and dangerous. Support our team now — upgrade today to get all our coverage!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Get Full Access to Newsflashes&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:&#34;button-wrapper&#34;}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Get Full Access to Newsflashes&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Hit Our Tip Jar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Hit Our Tip Jar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fd1be9e0e-5.jpg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/bb009a3b82.jpg&#34; width=&#34;594&#34; height=&#34;396&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/d1be9e0e-5ffb-4d14-a215-65854bee68be_594x396.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:396,&#34;width&#34;:594,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:116392,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:&#34;image/jpeg&#34;,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:&#34;[www.counteroffensive.news/i/1894625...](https://www.counteroffensive.news/i/189462549?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd1be9e0e-5ffb-4d14-a215-65854bee68be_594x396.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;Smoke rises over the city center after an Israeli army launches 2nd wave of airstrikes on Iran on February 28, 2026. (Photo by Fatemeh Bahrami/Anadolu via Getty Images)&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;One of reporters was trying to sleep in on a Saturday (and why wouldn’t she?) when her mom knocked on the door. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Hey Alessandra… are you awake? The U.S. attacked Iran,” she said, more softly and sweetly than you imagine you’d hear the announcement of a major military campaign.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you subscribe to &lt;em&gt;The Counteroffensive&lt;/em&gt;, you got the news of the Iran strikes before Politico, The New York Times or The Washington Post put out alerts.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Thanks, Alessandra’s mom!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Over the past few weeks we’ve been compiling lists of Iranians with access to Starlink satellite internet, preparing a reporting and security plan, and strategizing for the worst. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The collapse of the Iranian regime, if it happens, could be terrible news for Putin’s Russia. All these stories are linked — Iranian-made Shaheds terrorize Ukrainian cities while Russia extends its support to Iran’s proxies. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;strong&gt;CATCH UP:&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/newsflash-us-strikes-iran-with-regime&#34;&gt;NEWSFLASH: U.S. strikes Iran with regime change intent&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/newsflash-israel-launches-strike&#34;&gt;NEWSFLASH: Israel launches strike on Iran&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;At this time of international turmoil and fast-breaking news, you can’t keep track of it all without a Counteroffensive subscription. Here’s what else happened while you may have been asleep.&lt;/p&gt;
      &lt;p&gt;
          &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/wake-up-theyre-bombing-iran&#34;&gt;
              Read more
          &lt;/a&gt;
      &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/wake-up-theyre-bombing-iran&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>WAR IN THE MIDDLE EAST: The US and Israel STRUCK Iran. UKRAINE issued a statement.</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/28/war-in-the-middle-east.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 28 Feb 2026 15:01:25 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/28/war-in-the-middle-east.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/4f44ec9daa.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;WAR IN THE MIDDLE EAST: The US and Israel STRUCK Iran. UKRAINE issued a statement.&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAtOJdIUg_s&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Fact Check: Video Does NOT Show Fire At Tel Aviv Munitions Storage Building During Iran Attack on Israel In 2026 -- It&#39;s A 2024 Apartment Fire</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/28/fact-check-video-does-not.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 28 Feb 2026 14:20:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/28/fact-check-video-does-not.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;Does a video of a raging fire recorded from a balcony in Tel Aviv show the aftermath of a missile attack on Israel on February 28, 2026? No, that&#39;s not true: The video was shared on social media on October 26, 2024, and there was no claim that a missile started the fire or that the building was used to store munitions. The video was reposted in the hours after Israel attacked on Iran on February 28, 2026, to support the claim the Israeli city was &#34;burning down.&#34;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The claim appeared in &lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/jacksonhinklle/status/2027723886691811473&#34;&gt;a post&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260228131555/https://x.com/jacksonhinklle/status/2027723886691811473&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) shared by the @jacksonhinklle X account on February 28, 2026, with a caption that read:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;🚨🇮🇱🇮🇷 BREAKING: TEL AVIV is burning down at the moment&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This is what the first frame of the video looked like at the time of writing:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;telavivfire.jpg&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/telavivfire.jpg&#34; width=&#34;480&#34; height=&#34;848&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;(Image source: Lead Stories screenshot of X.com)&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Another version of the claim &lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/zainabReza_13/status/2027708665655128559&#34;&gt;posted&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260228140909/https://x.com/zainabReza_13/status/2027708665655128559&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) on February 28, 2026, read:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;⚡️Large fire at a building in Tel Aviv, possibly munitions storage&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;blockquote data-media-max-width=&#34;560&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;twitter-tweet&#34;&gt;
&lt;p lang=&#34;en&#34; dir=&#34;ltr&#34;&gt;⚡️Large fire at a building in Tel Aviv, possibly munitions storage &lt;a href=&#34;https://t.co/O1oMvEz50d&#34;&gt;pic.twitter.com/O1oMvEz50d&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
-- Reza Zainab (@zainabReza_13) &lt;a href=&#34;https://twitter.com/zainabReza_13/status/2027708665655128559?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&#34;&gt;February 28, 2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The same video was shared in &lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/warintel4u/status/1850185813423726798&#34;&gt;a post&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260228131759/https://x.com/warintel4u/status/1850185813423726798&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) on the @warintel4u X account on October 26, 2024, with the caption:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;#BREAKING Massive fire in a building in Tel Aviv, 7 fire teams are working to extinguish the fire&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The cause of fire is unknown&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;blockquote data-media-max-width=&#34;560&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;twitter-tweet&#34;&gt;
&lt;p lang=&#34;en&#34; dir=&#34;ltr&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://twitter.com/hashtag/BREAKING?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&#34;&gt;#BREAKING&lt;/a&gt; Massive fire in a building in Tel Aviv, 7 fire teams are working to extinguish the fire &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;The cause of fire is unknown &lt;a href=&#34;https://t.co/AAxDn8vynw&#34;&gt;pic.twitter.com/AAxDn8vynw&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
-- War Intel (@warintel4u) &lt;a href=&#34;https://twitter.com/warintel4u/status/1850185813423726798?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&#34;&gt;October 26, 2024&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The Jerusalem Post published &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-826178&#34;&gt;a report&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260228142525/https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-826178&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) on October 26, 2024, headlined &#34;Fire breaks out in a residential building in Tel Aviv.&#34; The article included few details:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A fire broke out in a residential building on Corkidi Street in Tel Aviv on Saturday.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Firefighting teams operated in several areas to extinguish the fire and search for trapped people. Residents of the area were instructed to stay indoors.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://hoax-alert.leadstories.com/2026/02/fact-check-video-does-not-show-tel-aviv-munitions-strage-fire-in-2026o.html&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia has been preparing for WAR with Ukraine for 30 YEARS! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/28/russia-has-been-preparing-for.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 28 Feb 2026 14:13:25 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/28/russia-has-been-preparing-for.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/a42a631397.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia has been preparing for WAR with Ukraine for 30 YEARS! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/m5YjP0D6F40&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine sanctions Russian postal services delivering to occupied territories, Zelensky says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/28/ukraine-sanctions-russian-postal-services.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 28 Feb 2026 13:33:50 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/28/ukraine-sanctions-russian-postal-services.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2262845827.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine sanctions Russian postal services delivering to occupied territories, Zelensky says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Among the companies sanctioned are Russian DPD service and Freightlink, joint-stock companies registered in Russia, according to a document attached to a decree published on the Office&#39;s website, signed by Zelensky on Feb. 27.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-sanctions-russian-postal-services-delivering-to-occupied-territories-zelensky-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia condemns US attack on its ally Iran as &#39;unprovoked act of aggression&#39;</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/28/russia-condemns-us-attack-on.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 28 Feb 2026 13:30:05 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/28/russia-condemns-us-attack-on.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2263434241.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia condemns US attack on its ally Iran as &#39;unprovoked act of aggression&#39;&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russia and Iran have deepened cooperation in recent years, with Tehran supplying drones and other military equipment used by Russian forces in the war against Ukraine.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-condemns-us-and-israels-attack-on-iran/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine voices support for US-led strikes against Iran</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/28/ukraine-voices-support-for-usled.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 28 Feb 2026 11:58:36 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/28/ukraine-voices-support-for-usled.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2263417452.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine voices support for US-led strikes against Iran&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;The reason for the current events is precisely the violence and arbitrariness of the Iranian regime, in particular the murders and repressions against peaceful protesters, which have become particularly large-scale in recent months,&#34; the Foreign Ministry said in its Feb. 28 statement.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-voices-support-for-us-led-strikes-against-iran/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Reporter&#39;s notebook: What a factory says about Ukraine’s economy</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/28/reporters-notebook-what-a-factory.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 28 Feb 2026 11:17:21 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/28/reporters-notebook-what-a-factory.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-1240956794.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Reporter&#39;s notebook: What a factory says about Ukraine’s economy&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The western part of war-torn Ukraine lies in the space between normalcy and reality. More tourists, more construction, more skiing. Fewer air raids, fewer blackouts, fewer speeding khaki pickup trucks.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;But no part of the country is immune to the effects of war.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A local library hangs photographs of young&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/reporters-notebook-what-a-factory-says-about-ukraines-economy/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>At least 4 killed, 25 injured in Russian attacks against Ukraine over past day</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/28/at-least-killed-injured-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 28 Feb 2026 10:11:56 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/28/at-least-killed-injured-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2263302385.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;At least 4 killed, 25 injured in Russian attacks against Ukraine over past day&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russian troops launched an Iskander-M ballistic missile and 105 drones of various types, including about 60 Shahed drones, the Air Force said on Feb. 28. It reported downing 96 drones in the north, south, and east of the country.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/at-least-4-killed-25-injured-in-russian-attacks-against-ukraine-over-past-day/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>NEWSFLASH: U.S. strikes Iran with regime change intent</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/28/newsflash-us-strikes-iran-with.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 28 Feb 2026 09:26:31 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/28/newsflash-us-strikes-iran-with.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2ff7e13af9-9.png&#34; alt=&#34;NEWSFLASH: U.S. strikes Iran with regime change intent&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!kzhv!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe7d59a12-cd9a-46e3-a996-687ca2bb2fd3_1500x500.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fe7d59a12-c.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;485&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/e7d59a12-cd9a-46e3-a996-687ca2bb2fd3_1500x500.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:485,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:&#34;&#34;,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:true,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; title=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor’s note:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;We’re tapping our sources in Iran right now, reaching out to people we know who have a little internet bandwidth. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;If this reporting matters to you, support it.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Get Full Access to Newsflashes&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:&#34;button-wrapper&#34;}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Get Full Access to Newsflashes&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Hit Our Tip Jar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Hit Our Tip Jar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!BVbF!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0de8bd03-dc12-45e8-8d09-d730e04bb9f5_2252x1592.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f0de8bd03-d.png&#34; width=&#34;454&#34; height=&#34;320.8557692307692&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/0de8bd03-dc12-45e8-8d09-d730e04bb9f5_2252x1592.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1029,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:454,&#34;bytes&#34;:2640411,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:&#34;image/png&#34;,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:&#34;[www.counteroffensive.news/i/1894414...](https://www.counteroffensive.news/i/189441437?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0de8bd03-dc12-45e8-8d09-d730e04bb9f5_2252x1592.png)&#34;,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;Trump gives a statement on U.S. strikes on Iran. You can see his statement &lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/realDonaldTrump/status/2027651077865157033?s=20&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;. &lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Donald Trump announced that the United States had begun “major combat operations in Iran,” warning that “we may have casualties” as a result.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The attacks have been conducted with an intent to overthrow the Iranian regime. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations,” Trump said, in an apparent message to the Iranian public. “Now is the time to seize control of your destiny... This is the moment for action.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;An Iranian source living in Armenia told &lt;em&gt;The Counteroffensive&lt;/em&gt; that anyone with the Islamic-Persian calendar app BadeSaba — 5 million downloads on Google Play — received an alert that said: &lt;/p&gt;
      &lt;p&gt;
          &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/newsflash-us-strikes-iran-with-regime&#34;&gt;
              Read more
          &lt;/a&gt;
      &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/newsflash-us-strikes-iran-with-regime&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>EXPLOSIONS WHERE NO ONE EXPECTED THEM: WHAT HAPPENED IN RUSSIA? #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/28/explosions-where-no-one-expected.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 28 Feb 2026 08:58:43 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/28/explosions-where-no-one-expected.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/d1b5d3e82c.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;EXPLOSIONS WHERE NO ONE EXPECTED THEM: WHAT HAPPENED IN RUSSIA? #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Wd8A92MjUKU&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>General Staff: Russia has lost 1,265,900 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/28/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 28 Feb 2026 08:39:19 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/28/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2183768689.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;General Staff: Russia has lost 1,265,900 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The number includes 770 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/general-staff-russia-has-lost-1-265-900-troops-in-ukraine-since-feb-24-2022/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>BREAKING: US, Israel launch ‘major combat operations’ in Iran, Trump says, explosions in Tehran</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/28/breaking-us-israel-launch-major.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 28 Feb 2026 08:18:19 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/28/breaking-us-israel-launch-major.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2263410329.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;BREAKING: US, Israel launch ‘major combat operations’ in Iran, Trump says, explosions in Tehran&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime,&#34; Trump said in a video posted to his Truth Social, confirming U.S. invovlement in the strikes.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/breaking-israel-launches-pre-emptive-attack-on-iran-us-reportedly-jointly-involved/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>NEWSFLASH: Israel launches strike on Iran</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/28/newsflash-israel-launches-strike-on.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 28 Feb 2026 08:08:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/28/newsflash-israel-launches-strike-on.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fd4158e3e-7.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;NEWSFLASH: Israel launches strike on Iran&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!kzhv!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe7d59a12-cd9a-46e3-a996-687ca2bb2fd3_1500x500.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/5a62350ec3.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;485&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/e7d59a12-cd9a-46e3-a996-687ca2bb2fd3_1500x500.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:485,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:true,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor’s note:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;As events unfold in Iran and information from inside the country remains restricted, our mission is to bring you the human realities behind these massive geopolitical decisions.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;If this reporting matters to you, support it.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Get Full Access to Newsflashes&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Get Full Access to Newsflashes&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Hit Our Tip Jar&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Hit Our Tip Jar&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fd4158e3e-7.jpg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/e89fa84424.jpg&#34; width=&#34;594&#34; height=&#34;334&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/d4158e3e-7e15-4012-9ad1-995f2085f1f8_594x334.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:334,&#34;width&#34;:594,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;A plume of smoke rises after an explosion on February 28, 2026 in Tehran, Iran. (Photo by Getty Images)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Israel has announced that it has launched a strike on Iran, and warned its residents that retaliatory strikes could be incoming.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The attacks come on Shabbat, when many observant Jews refrain from electronic activities, including reading online news.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;Three explosions heard in central Tehran, per &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-28/israel-launches-attack-on-iran-as-explosions-reported-in-tehran?srnd=live-events-v2&#34;&gt;Fars news&lt;/a&gt;, an Iranian publication with close ties to the regime.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;One of the strikes occurred near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, per the &lt;a href=&#34;https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-explosion-tehran-c2f11247d8a66e36929266f2c557a54c&#34;&gt;Associated Press&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;Sirens have sounded in Israel as the Israeli defense minister declared a state of emergency, per &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/israel-has-launched-a-preemptive-attack-on-iran-defense-minister-katz-says-sirens-sound-across-israel/&#34;&gt;Times of Israel.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;div data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;id&#34;:462334}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;PollToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;poll-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;After the paywall:&lt;br&gt;What led to this moment?&lt;br&gt;What are Trump’s longer-term goals in Iran?&lt;br&gt;How do nuclear talks between the U.S. and Iran tie into all of this?&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
      &lt;p&gt;
          &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/newsflash-israel-launches-strike&#34;&gt;
              Read more
          &lt;/a&gt;
      &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/newsflash-israel-launches-strike&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Drone attack sparks fire at oil refinery in southern Russia, officials say</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/28/drone-attack-sparks-fire-at.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 28 Feb 2026 04:43:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/28/drone-attack-sparks-fire-at.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/e24a78ad6b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Drone attack sparks fire at oil refinery in southern Russia, officials say&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Flames engulfed one of the tanks at the Albashneft oil refinery in Novominskaya and burned an adjacent area of about 150 square meters, the Krasnodar Krai Operational Headquarters said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/drone-attack-sparks-fire-at-oil-refinery-in-southern-russia-officials-say-2/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine&#39;s Flamingo manufacturer unveils new FP-7 ballistic missile in launch test video</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/28/ukraines-flamingo-manufacturer-unveils-new.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 28 Feb 2026 03:12:33 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/28/ukraines-flamingo-manufacturer-unveils-new.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/firepoint.png&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine&#39;s Flamingo manufacturer unveils new FP-7 ballistic missile in launch test video&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The FP-7 tactical ballistic missile has a range of up to 200 kilometers (124 miles) and carries a combat load of 150 kilograms (about 330 pounds), according to the Ukrainian defense firm Fire Point.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-flamingo-manufacturer-unveils-new-fp-7-ballistic-missile-in-launch-test-video/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia Is DONE: Flamingo proves Ukraine is winning the LONG GAME</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/27/russia-is-done-flamingo-proves.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 27 Feb 2026 23:00:08 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/27/russia-is-done-flamingo-proves.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/6e42b29f22.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia Is DONE: Flamingo proves Ukraine is winning the LONG GAME&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JA-_vWX6So&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>US lifts sanctions on Malian officials linked to Russian Wagner Group</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/27/us-lifts-sanctions-on-malian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 27 Feb 2026 22:19:49 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/27/us-lifts-sanctions-on-malian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2036802271.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;US lifts sanctions on Malian officials linked to Russian Wagner Group&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The United States has lifted sanctions on three senior Malian officials who were previously designated for their ties to Russia&#39;s Wagner Group, the Treasury Department announced Feb. 27.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/us-lifts-sanctions-malian-officials-linked-wagner/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>BUDANOV: Russia must STOP EXISTING as an empire #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/27/budanov-russia-must-stop-existing.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 27 Feb 2026 21:30:05 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/27/budanov-russia-must-stop-existing.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/bfdbc11ebc.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;BUDANOV: Russia must STOP EXISTING as an empire #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/P03lYzYD-gU&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>“They are like a mini-orchestra” — talking to heavenphetamine, psych band from Tokyo on Ukraine tour, about music and war</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/27/they-are-like-a-miniorchestra.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 27 Feb 2026 21:23:23 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/27/they-are-like-a-miniorchestra.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width=&#34;2048&#34; height=&#34;1365&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/kaver.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;heavenphetamine&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;UKRAINE, KHARKIV &lt;/strong&gt;— People I’m talking to about heavenphetamine’s music at the Druk venue in the old center of Kharkiv are, in general, of three types: hardcore fans of the band, friends of hardcore fans, and people who were seduced by a Kontrabas concert agency’s well-designed poster for tonight’s show.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Lera and Vlada, both 26, are of the latter type: both of them enjoyed the atmosphere at the gig and bought merch to “not forget the band name” and later “look their lyrics up”. With four years of full-scale war and pandemic behind them, it is the first time they have come to listen to the performance of artists from abroad in Kharkiv. I can relate, just a little: I think it’s the first gig I’ve been to in four years. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The dancehall is illuminated with pink, red, and blue LED strips, and the space leading up to the stage is warm and filled with people. Sara Oda’s quick, steady hands are working her magic upon the drums. Hiroki Oda handles synthesiser and its complicated acid-jazzy, post-punk loops. Both of them sing, but most of the melodies follow Hiroki’s voice. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Another first-time visitor, Nastya, 22 — prompted to come by her friends — says the music is “like lying in shavasana” (resting pose in yoga — ed.). She later tells me, “When I came here, I felt as if I arrived at my birthday party when everyone’s already gathered at the table. I understood it was going to be a vibe.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;I plan to meet with Hiroki and Sara the day after the concert in a popular Kharkiv cafe that brews good coffee and refuses to turn off the music. ASAP production’s film crew, along with Alem Kent, one of the &lt;em&gt;INOICHI&lt;/em&gt; directors, makes peace with the fact that they can’t record much dialogue here. The music will make it impossible to mix the sound properly. Instead, they order hot drinks. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;INOICHI &lt;/em&gt;translates to “life” from Japanese. It is a documentary that plans to answer the question of why people gather for music in wartime Ukraine. &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/u-harkovi-pokazhut-korotkometrazhnij-film-pro-nichne-zhittya-mista/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;Megumi Lim&lt;/a&gt;, another director, said Hiroki reached out to her to make a road movie of their 2026 tour here, amidst the toughest winter the country has seen in the last four years and daily Russian attacks. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Megumi wrote, “Their friends in Ukraine invited them to tour at this time, simply because…living isn’t just about surviving but being able to create even in difficult times, against all odds.”  &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;I know heavenphetamine recorded their first album, &lt;em&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://heavenphetamine.bandcamp.com/album/the-sun-on-a-winter-day&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;The Sun on A Winter Day&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/em&gt;, in the Ukrainian winter of 2022-2023, and they have lived in and been part of local scenes here ever since. So I wonder how that experience changed them and their music. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;When they arrive, they speak of Ihor, a friendly bartender they’ve met in Kazka Bar when they performed in Kharkiv in 2023. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“Ihor didn’t speak English very well, but we remembered his face and his smile.” &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In 2024, Hiroki and Sara saw a &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.instagram.com/p/DDrcv3iNKM7/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;post on Instagram&lt;/a&gt; about Ihor’s death as a soldier. It was the first time they lost someone because of war. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-quote&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“We had just a small conversation, but somehow, we remember him very well. It was shocking. And it’s inspired music for sure. I cannot explain how exactly in language… but I wrote a song about Ihor.” &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Sara sends me the translation of &lt;em&gt;Chikai&lt;/em&gt;. Its lyrics say, &lt;em&gt;When people steal / tomorrow from people / we have to end it&lt;/em&gt;. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;INOCHI &lt;/em&gt;is the name of the future documentary, but it was also heavenphetamine’s opening song at the Kharkiv gig. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Hiroki and Sara wrote it in 2023 and dedicated it to Ukraine, suffering from Russia’s war: “&lt;em&gt;I don&#39;t believe in absolute justice, / This ugly show will keep repeating, / And yet, amidst the filthy, murky sludge, / A light shines buried within&lt;/em&gt;.” &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“We were influenced by war,” Hiroki says. “Music reflects this experience. But it’s still the experience of a foreigner, not a Ukrainian one.” When I ask for examples of difference in perspective, Hiroki takes a moment to formulate his thoughts, “We support Ukraine because we love Ukraine, not because we hate Russia. Ukrainian people hate Russia, and, in this situation, it is really natural, and I won&#39;t say anything about it. It&#39;s okay. But it&#39;s your business.” Japan, he says, has a history of being targeted by Russian aggression, but now people there don&#39;t think about it much. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Hiroki says he also doesn’t share the opinion that all Russians are responsible for the war. “If I say every Russian is responsible, then I have responsibility for (Russia’s war), too. Then all people on this planet have responsibility for all genocide, ethnic cleansing, exploitation.” &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;After a pause, I inquire about the band’s plans. heavenphetamine has another ten cities on their Ukrainian tour, around 15 performances within this tour. Sometime after that, they want to release their new album. Working on it, the band says, was a “long process”. The songs are already recorded but not mixed. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;When I tentatively ask about the name of a new album, Hiroki winces: naming things is the part of creation he doesn’t like. They are now looking for ways to release the album in Europe. Kontrabas, the agency they’re working with in Ukraine, is great, they say, but not very fitting if one wants to be known beyond it. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;At the beginning of Russia&#39;s full-scale invasion, Hiroki tells me, he thought long on “what created this monster.” And he came to the conclusion that this war was because of money, because of resources (as opposed to “one people” narrative, “protection of Russian-speaking people,” and other reasons Vladimir Putin uses for industrialized violence). Thus, in May 2022, having decided to cancel their rent contract in Tbilisi and donate all their money to Ukraine, heavenphetamine organized the NOM (Not Only Money) tour. They saved some funds for logistics, Hiroki notes. While getting the rides was easier across Turkey, when they reached Romania and moved further into rural Eastern Europe, the drivers proved to be unsympathetic to hitchhikers or racist. They’ve been staying at hostels or with friends. The tour continued right up until 2025. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Their “radical, anti-capitalist” stance clashed with the necessity to pay for food and housing. Sara says, “In 2024, we were very fucked up financially. If the organizer didn’t pay the transfer for us, we couldn’t move.” &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Now, they don’t donate &lt;em&gt;all&lt;/em&gt; of their earnings to Ukrainian organizations, but they do donate: 20% of their profits &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.kontrabass.promo/event-details/heavenphetamine-kharkiv&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;go&lt;/a&gt; to Musicians Defend Ukraine. It’s an organization that raises money for artists in the Ukrainian army. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Their support of Ukraine is one reason they think they are so well-loved here in Ukraine (and they are, at least from what I’ve seen at the concert). The other one, Hiroki believes, is that they are Japanese, and people in Ukraine are interested in Japan. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“Real Japan or westernized one?” &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“Both,” Hiroki laughs. “Lots of anime shops. They also know Japanese underground musicians that we haven&#39;t even heard about.” Over 150 people came to listen to them in Kharkiv. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;At their gig, I spoke to Oleksii, one of the band&#39;s big fans. “It’s the sixth time they’re in Kharkiv,” Oleksii shared. He works at the KAZKA Family, a Kharkiv initiative that organizes concerts in the city (yes, connected to the now-closed bar), but that day he joined Hiroki and Sara as their sound engineer. They always ask for him when they are in the city. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Oleksii nodded at over a dozen multi-colored sliders on the screen, as if to show me the interesting complexity of the task he was entrusted with. “They are like a mini-orchestra.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;When I ask heavenphetamine what their close ones in Japan think of their performances abroad and in Ukraine, Sara and Hiroko say, with unison smiles, that their parents are not happy at all. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Last year was the first time both of their parents came to their show, though — in Nagano, Sara&#39;s hometown. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“How have they reacted?” &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“They said, ‘It’s good,’” Hiroki laughs.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In previous interviews, heavenphetamine said the audience in Japan was somewhat more conservative than in Europe. Over the last five years, they tell me now, it hasn’t changed much. “They’re shy,” Hiroki explains. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The audience in Ukraine, though, has also become calmer with time, the band shares. They attribute it to their growth and the corresponding increase in ticket prices: fewer young people can afford to go to the gig now. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“I like their vibe of a melancholic Japanese neighbourhood,” said Andrii, another one of the Kazka family, as we spoke at the concert with KEMONO — mournful, yet energetic — melody in the background. “It’s, like, Japanese music of chill Japanese streets.” &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;I later read that KEMONO was heavily inspired by the pair’s experience of living in a country at war. It talks about the uncertainty of living under threat, about&lt;em&gt; &lt;/em&gt;“light that seems to disappear at any moment,” and an unnamed authority seeking “blood-stained souvenirs.” &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;At the end of the heavenphetamine&#39;s concert, a man who raises funds for the army at this event goes on stage. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;First lots are heavenphetamine-related stuff: their cassette, the t-shirt with the band name. Then, goes old Soviet record. The man laughs, “I will read the names of the song from this record until you stop me with money” — and the audience laughs in response.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;After Hiroki and Sara go to play the last song of the evening, the man undresses to his boxer briefs, having put up for the auction his tunic, his dress, and his pants.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This Kharkiv show, Hiroki and Sara tell me in the cafe, was very chill. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;UPD from Feb. 28, 9:48 a.m.:&lt;/strong&gt; A few dates have been changed according to Sara and Hiroki&#39;s corrections, as well as the name of the town where their parents first came to their concert. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-sanitized-class=&#34;has-background&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Hi, I’m Yana, author of this article&lt;/strong&gt;. Usually, I cover much grimmer events (re: Russia’s war), so working at Hiroki and Sara’s concert was a blast, as well as talking to them the next day. &lt;strong&gt;If you liked this article and want to support our Kharkiv-based newsroom, please, consider &lt;a href=&#34;https://buymeacoffee.com/gwaramedia&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;leaving a one-time tip&lt;/a&gt; or &lt;a href=&#34;https://buymeacoffee.com/gwaramedia/membership&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;joining our community&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;. &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-heading&#34;&gt;Read more&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;ul data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-list&#34;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/we-didnt-even-have-time-to-get-scared-kharkiv-recovers-after-another-overnight-russian-drone-missile-attack/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;“We didn’t even have time to get scared.”&lt;/a&gt; Kharkiv recovers after another overnight Russian drone, missile attack  &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/russia-flattens-homes-in-kupiansk-district-into-rubble-white-angels-evacuation-team-saves-those-who-lived-there/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;Russia flattens homes in Kupiansk district into rubble&lt;/a&gt;. White Angels evacuation team saves those who lived there &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;“Legal regression” — New draft Civil Code intended to “harmonize” Ukraine’s law with EU standards &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/legal-regression-new-draft-civil-code-intended-to-harmonize-ukraines-law-with-eu-standards-actually-undermines-eurointegration/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;actually undermines eurointegration&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The post &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/they-are-like-a-mini-orchestra-talking-to-heavenphetamine-psych-band-from-tokyo-on-ukraine-tour-about-music-and-war/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;“They are like a mini-orchestra” — talking to heavenphetamine, psych band from Tokyo on Ukraine tour, about music and war&lt;/a&gt; appeared first on &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;Gwara Media&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/they-are-like-a-mini-orchestra-talking-to-heavenphetamine-psych-band-from-tokyo-on-ukraine-tour-about-music-and-war/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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    <item>
      <title>Who killed Andriy Portnov, and why?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/27/who-killed-andriy-portnov-and.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 27 Feb 2026 21:21:52 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/27/who-killed-andriy-portnov-and.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/25d6c9daf7.png&#34; alt=&#34;Who killed Andriy Portnov, and why?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Andriy Portnov, a former Ukrainian top official, was gunned down in Madrid on May 21, 2025.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Spanish police reported on Feb. 25, 2026, that a suspect in &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/architect-of-yanukovychs-corrupt-system-who-is-andriy-portnov-a-ukrainian-ex-official-killed-in-spain/&#34;&gt;Portnov&lt;/a&gt;&#39;s murder had been &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/suspect-in-murder-of-top-ukrainian-ex-official-arrested-in-germany/&#34;&gt;arrested&lt;/a&gt; in the German town of Heinsberg. The motives of the killing, however, remain unknown.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/suspect-in-murder-of-former-yanukovych-ally-linked-to-both-ukraine-and-russia-investigation-shows/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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    <item>
      <title>We&#39;ve overestimated Russia for too long</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/27/weve-overestimated-russia-for-too.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 27 Feb 2026 21:10:23 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/27/weve-overestimated-russia-for-too.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2259456142.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;We&#39;ve overestimated Russia for too long&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The recent anniversary of Russia&#39;s expanded invasion, which is now stretching into its fifth year, is as good a time as any to take stock of the state of the war itself.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/ukraine/&#34;&gt;Ukraine&lt;/a&gt;, the fighting remains existential, and it is Ukrainians themselves who continue to suffer and&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/weve-overestimated-russia-for-too-long/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>HEAD OF THE DIU: Why won&#39;t Putin&#39;s death change anything? A STATEMENT that caused a STIR!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/27/head-of-the-diu-why.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 27 Feb 2026 21:00:24 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/27/head-of-the-diu-why.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/51f26b4a41.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;HEAD OF THE DIU: Why won&#39;t Putin&#39;s death change anything? A STATEMENT that caused a STIR!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENyi_V4WfKA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>This war is a MEAT GRINDER of sin-deprived RUSSIANS, – Dan Rice #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/27/this-war-is-a-meat.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 27 Feb 2026 20:30:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/27/this-war-is-a-meat.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/74986bb603.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;This war is a MEAT GRINDER of sin-deprived RUSSIANS, – Dan Rice #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/EYZF26ivK1Y&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Shocking facts on the RF army&#39;s decline! Dan Rice on Putin&#39;s &amp;quot;meat kilometers&amp;quot; and system collapse</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/27/shocking-facts-on-the-rf.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 27 Feb 2026 20:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/27/shocking-facts-on-the-rf.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2860edbdf8.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Shocking facts on the RF army&#39;s decline! Dan Rice on Putin&#39;s &amp;quot;meat kilometers&amp;quot; and system collapse&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sPThqxLD3A&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest: Zelensky sees &#39;window for peace&#39; as Fedorov pushes Defense Ministry shake-up</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/27/ukraine-war-latest-zelensky-sees.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 27 Feb 2026 19:36:16 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/27/ukraine-war-latest-zelensky-sees.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/a6a9477546.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest: Zelensky sees &#39;window for peace&#39; as Fedorov pushes Defense Ministry shake-up&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Key developments on Feb. 27&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Zelensky sees &#39;window&#39; for peace deal before US midterms&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Flamingo threat triggers unprecedented missile alert across Russia, 1 claimed shot down&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;From Starlink to &#39;digital officers,&#39; Fedorov on first month as Ukraine&#39;s new Defense Minister&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Russia, Ukraine, agree to&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-zelensky-sees-window-for-peace-as-fedorov-pushes-defense-ministry-shake-up/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Soviet electronic warfare systems in the Russian army – are they still working somehow?! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/27/soviet-electronic-warfare-systems-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 27 Feb 2026 19:30:44 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/27/soviet-electronic-warfare-systems-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/818b4d4b8f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Soviet electronic warfare systems in the Russian army – are they still working somehow?! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Rf56vVj74EY&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>General Staff: Russia has lost 1,265,130 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/27/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 27 Feb 2026 09:19:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/27/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/583940771-1190466283185361-3535007885776774314-n.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;General Staff: Russia has lost 1,265,130 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The number includes 1,280 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/general-staff-russia-has-lost-1-265-130-troops-in-ukraine-since-feb-24-2022/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>Ukraine secures $8.1 billion IMF lifeline as funding gaps loom</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/27/ukraine-secures-billion-imf-lifeline.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:10:41 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/27/ukraine-secures-billion-imf-lifeline.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/imf.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine secures $8.1 billion IMF lifeline as funding gaps loom&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko welcomed the IMF decision, saying that, &#34;It is very important for us that in the fifth year of full-scale war, amidst systematic attacks on the energy sector, Ukraine has guaranteed international financial support from partners and resources for the stable functioning of the state.&#34;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-secures-8-1-billion-imf-lifeline-as-funding-gaps-loomukraine-secures-8-1-billion-imf-lifeline-as-funding-gaps-loom/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>Ukrainian missile strike on Russia&#39;s Belgorod Oblast leaves outages, officials claim</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/26/ukrainian-missile-strike-on-russias.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 23:41:37 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/26/ukrainian-missile-strike-on-russias.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/photo-2026-02-26-17-22-37.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian missile strike on Russia&#39;s Belgorod Oblast leaves outages, officials claim&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukraine struck the Russian city of Belgorod and a surrounding district with missiles, leaving outages, Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov claimed overnight on Feb. 27.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-missile-strike-on-russias-belgorod-oblast-leaves-outages-officials-claim/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Orban&#39;s election campaign strategy — blackmail EU, Ukraine over Russian oil and hope for a fight</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/26/orbans-election-campaign-strategy-blackmail.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 22:52:03 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/26/orbans-election-campaign-strategy-blackmail.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2261496176.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Orban&#39;s election campaign strategy — blackmail EU, Ukraine over Russian oil and hope for a fight&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;On Feb. 26, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban was feeling adventurous, sending two letters — one to Brussels, another one to Kyiv — with a set of demands.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The intended target audience for both, however, were not EU and Ukrainian officials, but the domestic population soon heading to the polls.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/orbans-election-campaign-strategy-blackmail-eu-ukraine-over-russian-oil-pipeline-and-hope-for-a-fight/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>Fact-check: No, Ukraine&#39;s attack on Russian oil pumping station is not an &#39;attack on NATO&#39;</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/26/factcheck-no-ukraines-attack-on.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 22:07:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/26/factcheck-no-ukraines-attack-on.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/russia-attack.png&#34; alt=&#34;Fact-check: No, Ukraine&#39;s attack on Russian oil pumping station is not an &#39;attack on NATO&#39;&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukraine did not just attack a NATO member this week — despite efforts by some to frame its strike on a Russian oil hub that way.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/fact-check-ukraines-strike-on-russian-oil-is-not-attack-on-nato/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>10,000 RUSSIAN DRONES burned in less than 10 MINUTES #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/26/russian-drones-burned-in-less.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 21:30:09 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/26/russian-drones-burned-in-less.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/17f137ccb8.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;10,000 RUSSIAN DRONES burned in less than 10 MINUTES #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/g-oQTS1tA2Y&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>WAR RECORD! 10,000 Russian UAVs destroyed in less than 10 MINUTES near KURSK!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/26/war-record-russian-uavs-destroyed.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 21:00:21 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/26/war-record-russian-uavs-destroyed.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/7365207899.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;WAR RECORD! 10,000 Russian UAVs destroyed in less than 10 MINUTES near KURSK!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBOIvFvEUlA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>DIU fighters are advancing on the southern PLAZDRAM #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/26/diu-fighters-are-advancing-on.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 20:30:09 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/26/diu-fighters-are-advancing-on.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/d10977a7aa.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;DIU fighters are advancing on the southern PLAZDRAM #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/V1w5KAyR_vc&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukraine War Latest: More than 90,000 Ukrainians officially missing due to Russia&#39;s war, commissioner says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/26/ukraine-war-latest-more-than.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 20:05:16 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/26/ukraine-war-latest-more-than.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/adb0b4118e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine War Latest: More than 90,000 Ukrainians officially missing due to Russia&#39;s war, commissioner says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Key developments on Feb. 26:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;More than 90,000 Ukrainians officially missing due to Russia&#39;s war, commissioner says&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Ukraine might have a new Flamingo missile deep strike strategy, experts say&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Russia, Ukraine agree on body exchange, 1,000 fallen Ukrainians brought home&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Russian FPV drone on fiber optic&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-more-than-90-000-ukrainians-officially-missing-due-to-russias-war-commissioner-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>115 battles per day: UKRAINIAN General Staff reveals details of strategic defeat of occupiers!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/26/battles-per-day-ukrainian-general.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 20:00:58 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/26/battles-per-day-ukrainian-general.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/9253ad96e9.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;115 battles per day: UKRAINIAN General Staff reveals details of strategic defeat of occupiers!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgsVSduzl-o&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Film awards race shows what stories about war West prefers to hear</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/26/film-awards-race-shows-what.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 19:52:21 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/26/film-awards-race-shows-what.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2262999333.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Film awards race shows what stories about war West prefers to hear&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Two films about Russia and Ukraine are generating buzz in this year&#39;s film awards season: Mstyslav Chernov&#39;s &#34;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nf4Cgy56slU&amp;t=4809s&#34;&gt;2,000 Meters to Andriivka&lt;/a&gt;&#34; and &#34;Mr.&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcUeDa8FK_8&#34;&gt; Nobody Against Putin&lt;/a&gt;,&#34; directed by American documentarian David Borenstein and Pavel Talankin, the film&#39;s protagonist and&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/the-film-awards-race-shows-what-stories-about-the-war-the-west-prefers-to-hear/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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    <item>
      <title>Swedish military jams suspected Russian drone near French nuclear aircraft carrier</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/26/swedish-military-jams-suspected-russian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 19:43:29 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/26/swedish-military-jams-suspected-russian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/7f1c77b4ac.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Swedish military jams suspected Russian drone near French nuclear aircraft carrier&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Swedish broadcaster SVT reported that Swedish forces used electronic countermeasures after a suspected Russian drone launched from a nearby vessel approached France’s aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle during NATO exercises in Malmö.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/swedish-military-jams-suspected-russian-drone-near-french-nuclear-aircraft-carrier/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Prosecutors, police, SBU suspected of illegal surveillance to obstruct Ukraine&#39;s biggest graft case</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/26/prosecutors-police-sbu-suspected-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 18:52:45 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/26/prosecutors-police-sbu-suspected-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/screenshot-2025-07-23-at-20-00-40.png&#34; alt=&#34;Prosecutors, police, SBU suspected of illegal surveillance to obstruct Ukraine&#39;s biggest graft case&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Employees of several agencies looked for warrants in the Midas case in the official register for court decisions and got access to them in November and December, according to log-in data obtained by the NABU.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/prosecutors-police-sbu-accused-of-monitoring-ukraines-biggest-graft-case-as-part-of-suspected-sabotage/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>@PrestonStewart – WAR in 2026: UAVs on the front line will DOUBLE or TRIPLE #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/26/prestonstewart-war-in-uavs-on.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 18:30:08 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/26/prestonstewart-war-in-uavs-on.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/b3825de504.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;@PrestonStewart – WAR in 2026: UAVs on the front line will DOUBLE or TRIPLE #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/TEvXJ2APpig&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>LIVE | Crimea is burning, Russia&#39;s rear is broken: Ukraine strikes Russian HQs and oil refineries</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/26/live-crimea-is-burning-russias.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 18:03:35 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/26/live-crimea-is-burning-russias.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/7699d22aee.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;LIVE | Crimea is burning, Russia&#39;s rear is broken: Ukraine strikes Russian HQs and oil refineries&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rv8ASVcXdr4&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>WAR-2026: UAVs outpace artillery! @PrestonStewart on warfare evolution and Putin&#39;s failures!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/26/war-uavs-outpace-artillery-prestonstewart.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 18:00:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/26/war-uavs-outpace-artillery-prestonstewart.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/f1763301cc.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;WAR-2026: UAVs outpace artillery! @PrestonStewart on warfare evolution and Putin&#39;s failures!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJFLNiEk4Es&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>What GUARANTEES for Ukraine is ZELENSKYY insisting on? #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/26/what-guarantees-for-ukraine-is.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 17:30:11 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/26/what-guarantees-for-ukraine-is.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/b3308fd031.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;What GUARANTEES for Ukraine is ZELENSKYY insisting on? #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/KGJyHXq7tDQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>“We didn’t even have time to get scared.” Kharkiv recovers after another overnight Russian drone, missile attack  </title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/26/we-didnt-even-have-time.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 17:02:35 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/26/we-didnt-even-have-time.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width=&#34;1900&#34; height=&#34;1267&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/saltivka-cover1-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Destroyed house in the Saltivskyi district&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;UKRAINE, KHARKIV,&lt;/strong&gt; Feb. 26 — “We were sleeping, when an explosion went off. My scared kid started to cry. I realised that something happened in our home.” This is how Marharyta, 30, describes the first seconds after the Russian Shahed drone hit the dormitory where she lives with her daughter.  &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;On the night of Feb. 26, Russia launched another massive drone and missile attack on Kharkiv, attacking the city with over 18 Shahed drones, injuring at least 16 people, including two children. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;One of the Shahed drones hit the dormitory building in the residential area of the Shevchenkyvskyi district of Kharkiv. Instead of running away from the damaged building, Marharyta calmed her child and cleaned shards of glass that were her room windows before the explosion. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“We helped our neighbours to deal with the aftermath after the attack as much as we could,” Marharyta says as she’s trying, without success, to lock the door leading to her room. “Maybe it was knocked out because of the attack,” she adds.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;On the dormitory&#39;s fifth floor  was the epicenter of the explosion. Vasyl, 43, is searching for his jacket to look more “presentable” while speaking with journalists. He lives here with his wife and son. They were all awake when the Russian drone slammed into the room next to theirs. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“We fled to the hallway when the glass was blasted out from the windows. We didn&#39;t even have time to get scared,” Vasyl says when asked about what happened.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The light shines through the large hole in the next room, marking Shahed’s flight path. A white dust settled in every corner of it after the impact. “We just need to ‘sew up’ everything here, and we will continue to live in our home,” Vasyl doesn’t have plans to leave the dormitory. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A few floors below, 63-year-old Yevhenii looks at his damaged room. That night, he had decided to sleep in the room on the opposite side of the wall the Russian drone struck. It saved him from getting injured by the glass shattering. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“They also damaged my printer, I reported it to the police,” Yevhenii’s voice is quiet, filled with sadness.  &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Yevhenii walks down the damaged stairs to the street, where a crowd has formed a line at the tents of the Red Cross and the Proliska humanitarian organization. Eventually, he joins the queue, waiting to receive the aid volunteers provide. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Halia, 62, has already received humanitarian aid. She tells her relative not to overwork himself as he is helping her carry bags with the food and water bottles. He assures Halia that everything is okay, that it’s not that hard for him. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“I heard the siren, and then sounds of the Shahed drone. I realized that it went down. Boom! And then such a big glow,” Halia shares. Like many others in the dormitory, she also doesn’t have windows. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“I’m not injured, but my heart hurts. I have drank Barboval (a sedative drug — ed.) three times already.” &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In the Red Cross’s tent, Yulia, a volunteer, emotionally explains to a local woman that she has no right to receive any aid if she isn’t the dormitory’s resident. “You have approached me three times already with the same question,” Yulia almost yells at her, after hearing her say that she “just came to ask.” &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;When the woman leaves, Yulia exhales with relief, the kind smile returning to her face. The Red Cross came to the impact site four hours after the attack. The volunteer says that most of the people who came for the help are senior citizens and families with children. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“We provide backpacks, children&#39;s hygiene products, water, tarpaulin to cover the windows, power banks, and all that stuff,” Yulia says. “And, well, we sometimes bring some interesting toys with us to make the children happy.” &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Today, Yulia says, they distributed all the aid they had.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;On the other side of Kharkiv, in the Saltivskyi district, a Russian Shahed drone struck a 57-year-old Tetiana’s brick house. She was asleep with her husband when the drone hit their kitchen, reducing it — along with the bathroom — to ashes.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“A brick fell on me. Then the TV fell from above, and a wardrobe covered my husband,” she says, adding that it was a big luck that nothing heavy fell on them. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Now, municipal workers are clearing the rubble that was Tetiana’s place just a day ago with an excavator.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“Friends are letting us stay in their flat for some time,” Tetiana says. Still, her family doesn&#39;t have a permanent place to live after the Russian strike destroyed their only home.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-sanitized-class=&#34;has-background&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Hey, Nazar’s here. This was an extremely harsh night for Kharkiv. Today, we covered only two of 12 locations Russia attacked with the Shahed drones. Each of these sites has a human story of what Russia has taken from people in Ukraine. If you want to help us tell these stories, please consider &lt;/em&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://buymeacoffee.com/gwaramedia&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;buying us a coffee&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;em&gt; or &lt;/em&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://buymeacoffee.com/gwaramedia/membership&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;becoming a member of our community.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;em&gt; &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-heading&#34;&gt;Read more&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;ul data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-list&#34;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Kharkiv locals &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/kharkiv-locals-mourn-those-killed-in-russias-war-against-ukraine-as-the-5th-year-of-full-scale-invasion-begins/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;mourn&lt;/a&gt; those killed in Russia’s war against Ukraine as the 5th year of full-scale invasion begins&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The post &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/we-didnt-even-have-time-to-get-scared-kharkiv-recovers-after-another-overnight-russian-drone-missile-attack/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;“We didn’t even have time to get scared.” Kharkiv recovers after another overnight Russian drone, missile attack  &lt;/a&gt; appeared first on &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;Gwara Media&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/we-didnt-even-have-time-to-get-scared-kharkiv-recovers-after-another-overnight-russian-drone-missile-attack/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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    <item>
      <title>Zelenskyy against the Kremlin&#39;s traps: what will the real security guarantees be?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/26/zelenskyy-against-the-kremlins-traps.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 17:00:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/26/zelenskyy-against-the-kremlins-traps.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/d3361f5be1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelenskyy against the Kremlin&#39;s traps: what will the real security guarantees be?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Ymv0d80sXw&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russian FPV drone on fiber optic cable reaches Kharkiv for 1st time since start of full-scale invasion, prosecutor&#39;s office says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/26/russian-fpv-drone-on-fiber.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 16:55:37 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/26/russian-fpv-drone-on-fiber.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2196637939.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian FPV drone on fiber optic cable reaches Kharkiv for 1st time since start of full-scale invasion, prosecutor&#39;s office says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The drone hit a tree around 3 p.m. local time in Kyivskyi district on Feb. 25. No casualties were reported, the regional prosecutor&#39;s office said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-fpv-drone-on-fiber-optic-cable-reaches-kharkiv-for-1st-time-since-start-of-full-scale-invasion-prosecutors-office-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Canadian AI software could flip Russia&#39;s disinformation war on Europe</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/26/canadian-ai-software-could-flip.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 15:44:39 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/26/canadian-ai-software-could-flip.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/upd-gettyimages-2052235894.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Canadian AI software could flip Russia&#39;s disinformation war on Europe&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A new artificial intelligence (AI) agent could equip Europe to better defend itself against the barrage of Russian disinformation attacks.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Cipher is &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/canada/&#34;&gt;Canadian&lt;/a&gt;-developed AI software that has proven to accurately and quickly detect &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/disinformation/?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=22893644865&amp;gbraid=0AAAAApX-r5_D4uWcyF6xZjUF4hvxyU-Lr&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAtfXMBhDzARIsAJ0jp3BdkpqqSn4OXxt8L-S0-NQK1TQsjZBl023lu56KP0cntqQS_HWSnV0aAhxHEALw_wcB&#34;&gt;Russian disinformation&lt;/a&gt; targeting Canadian networks, on both the far right and the far left of the&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/canadian-ai-software-could-flip-russias-disinformation-war-on-europe/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian RECRUITS train before being sent to the FRONT #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/26/ukrainian-recruits-train-before-being.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 15:28:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/26/ukrainian-recruits-train-before-being.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/1a7f237790.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian RECRUITS train before being sent to the FRONT #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/sMSu5US7HX8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>How Russia blackmails the desperate families of Ukrainian POWs</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/26/how-russia-blackmails-the-desperate.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 15:03:09 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/26/how-russia-blackmails-the-desperate.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2218944206.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;How Russia blackmails the desperate families of Ukrainian POWs&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Karina Remez knew her husband — 33-year-old Dmytro Remez — had been captured in 2022 while defending Mariupol. For years, there was no confirmed information about where he was being held. Then, in early February 2025, a man contacted her claiming he had shared a cell with Dmytro and had&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/how-russia-blackmails-the-desperate-families-of-ukrainian-pows/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukraine brings back bodies of 1,000 fallen soldiers</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/26/ukraine-brings-back-bodies-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 15:01:25 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/26/ukraine-brings-back-bodies-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/photo-2026-02-26-15-44-50.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine brings back bodies of 1,000 fallen soldiers&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;Law enforcement investigators, together with representatives of Ukrainian expert institutions, will take all necessary measures aimed at identifying the repatriated deceased,&#34;  the Coordination Headquarters said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-brings-back-bodies-of-1-000-fallen-soldiers/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>459 targets hit in one night! Missile shipment to air defense forces stopped the Russian attack</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/26/targets-hit-in-one-night.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 15:00:46 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/26/targets-hit-in-one-night.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/13a27d1cc6.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;459 targets hit in one night! Missile shipment to air defense forces stopped the Russian attack&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RblNEJGy_Jo&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>US, Ukraine hold talks in Geneva to discuss recovery, next round of Russia negotiations</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/26/us-ukraine-hold-talks-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 13:54:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/26/us-ukraine-hold-talks-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/d2d6420803.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;US, Ukraine hold talks in Geneva to discuss recovery, next round of Russia negotiations&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukrainian delegates are meeting U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Geneva as part of the ongoing efforts to broker a peace with Moscow, Ukraine&#39;s top negotiator, Rustem Umerov, announced on Feb. 26.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/us-ukraine-hold-talks-in-geneva-amid-peace-efforts/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>More than 90,000 Ukrainians officially missing due to Russia&#39;s war, commissioner says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/26/more-than-ukrainians-officially-missing.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 13:36:58 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/26/more-than-ukrainians-officially-missing.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2237696186.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;More than 90,000 Ukrainians officially missing due to Russia&#39;s war, commissioner says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Most missing persons are members of Ukraine&#39;s security and defense sector.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/more-than-90-000-ukrainians-officially-missing-due-to-russias-war-commissioner-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>At least 1 killed, 33 injured in Russian attacks against Ukraine over past day</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/26/at-least-killed-injured-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 12:06:23 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/26/at-least-killed-injured-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/644258661-4168093206774357-1742576642992886838-n.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;At least 1 killed, 33 injured in Russian attacks against Ukraine over past day&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russia launched 420 drones and 39 missiles of various types, including 11 ballistic missiles, at Ukraine overnight, the Air Force said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/at-least-1-killed-33-injured-in-russian-attacks-against-ukraine-over-past-day/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine’s reported Flamingo missile strikes may shift toward heavy strikes deeper into Russia, experts say</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/26/ukraines-reported-flamingo-missile-strikes.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 11:31:55 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/26/ukraines-reported-flamingo-missile-strikes.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/ap25231590570506.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine’s reported Flamingo missile strikes may shift toward heavy strikes deeper into Russia, experts say&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ukraine has increasingly reported using domestically produced Flamingo cruise missiles since November 2025, with the General Staff most recently saying it hit a key missile factory in Russia.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;While the FP-5 Flamingo&#39;s actual capability has been a &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmF8ilOCsV0&#34;&gt;subject of debate&lt;/a&gt;, the reported strikes on &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-confirms-use-of-flamingo-bars-and-liutyi-missiles-in-strikes-on-crimea-zaporizhzhia-and-targets-inside-russia/&#34;&gt;Russian-occupied territories&lt;/a&gt; and deep&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/flamingo-missile-deploymentreports-may-signal-ukraines-shift-toward-heavy-deep-strike-capability-experts-say/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Overlooked by the Western canon: Why Mykhailo Kotsiubynskyi matters now</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/26/overlooked-by-the-western-canon.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 10:59:32 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/26/overlooked-by-the-western-canon.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/mykhailo-kotsiubynsky-2.png&#34; alt=&#34;Overlooked by the Western canon: Why Mykhailo Kotsiubynskyi matters now&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor&#39;s Note: This story is part of the &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/hidden-canon/&#34;&gt;&#34;Hidden Canon&#34;&lt;/a&gt; – a special series celebrating Ukrainian classic literature and aiming to bring it to a wider international audience. The series is &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/rediscovering-ukraines-literary-heritage-ukrainian-institute-and-kyiv-independent-launch-the-hidden-canon/&#34;&gt;supported&lt;/a&gt; by the Ukrainian Institute. &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In an age where minds rarely know rest, the craving&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/mykhailo-kotsiubynsky/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>&amp;amp;quot;Shahed drones,&amp;amp;quot; ballistics, and KABs: Zaporizhzhia under Russian fire #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/26/ampquotshahed-dronesampquot-ballistics-and-kabs.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 10:15:11 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/26/ampquotshahed-dronesampquot-ballistics-and-kabs.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/d79dac46e0.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&amp;quot;Shahed drones,&amp;quot; ballistics, and KABs: Zaporizhzhia under Russian fire #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/XS2Gz0B6ef8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>&#39;It&#39;s a disgrace&#39; — Russian workers turn occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant into &#39;resort&#39;</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/26/its-a-disgrace-russian-workers.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 09:38:16 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/26/its-a-disgrace-russian-workers.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/upd-photo-2026-02-25-19-31-53.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;It&#39;s a disgrace&#39; — Russian workers turn occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant into &#39;resort&#39;&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;When one thinks about the conditions at a nuclear power plant, the image that comes to mind would likely be very different from that which Russian workers at an occupied plant in Ukraine have created.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Russian workers brought in to operate the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant after it was seized&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-workers-occupied-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-plant-resort/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>TERROR against civilians: Russia attacked Kharkiv #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/26/terror-against-civilians-russia-attacked.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 08:44:57 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/26/terror-against-civilians-russia-attacked.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/d0cb5c64f5.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;TERROR against civilians: Russia attacked Kharkiv #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/90EIX-s3s90&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>General Staff: Russia has lost 1,263,850 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/26/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 08:38:51 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/26/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2252387720.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;General Staff: Russia has lost 1,263,850 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The number includes 1,360 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/general-staff-russia-has-lost-1-263-850-troops-in-ukraine-since-feb-24-2022/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Russia launches combined overnight missile and drone attack at Ukrainian cities, injuring at least 26</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/26/russia-launches-combined-overnight-missile.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 04:05:48 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/26/russia-launches-combined-overnight-missile.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/img-1986-2.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia launches combined overnight missile and drone attack at Ukrainian cities, injuring at least 26&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russia launched a combined missile and drone attack across Ukraine early on Feb. 26, targeting Kyiv and other cities and causing damage to residential buildings and civilian infrastructure.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/explosions-reported-in-kyiv-other-ukrainian-cities-as-russia-launches-combined-missile-and-drone-attack/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>While global attention is divided, the largest displacement crisis in Europe is deepening</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/25/while-global-attention-is-divided.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 23:56:47 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/25/while-global-attention-is-divided.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2152063303.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;While global attention is divided, the largest displacement crisis in Europe is deepening&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I came to Ukraine in September of last year, well into the fourth year of the war that had already reshaped the country&#39;s geography, economy, and daily life. Having worked for decades in conflict settings, from Afghanistan to Sudan, I am still amazed by the way people in&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/while-global-attention-is-divided-the-largest-displacement-crisis-in-europe-is-deepening/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukraine war latest: Claiming Ukraine threat, Orban deploys troops to &#39;protect energy infrastructure&#39;</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/25/ukraine-war-latest-claiming-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 21:44:08 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/25/ukraine-war-latest-claiming-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2261934735.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest: Claiming Ukraine threat, Orban deploys troops to &#39;protect energy infrastructure&#39;&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Key developments on Feb. 25:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Claiming Ukraine threat, Orban deploys troops to &#39;protect energy infrastructure&#39;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Corruption exposed in aircraft shelter project, Ukrainian military officials detained&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Zelensky, Trump hold phone call ahead of Ukraine-US talks in Geneva&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Ukrainian defense companies sign European partnership deals worth $950 million&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;Hungary will&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-orban-deploys-troops-to-protect-energy-infrastructure/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>THREE DAYS IN A ROW, the “ROSNEFT” facility is on fire in Russia #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/25/three-days-in-a-row.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 21:30:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/25/three-days-in-a-row.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/1cc4d45888.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;THREE DAYS IN A ROW, the “ROSNEFT” facility is on fire in Russia #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/C_4wtffeESI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Explainer: Russia disrupts Ukraine peace talks with timed false accusations</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/25/explainer-russia-disrupts-ukraine-peace.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 21:18:09 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/25/explainer-russia-disrupts-ukraine-peace.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/7a86e4ce9d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Explainer: Russia disrupts Ukraine peace talks with timed false accusations&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Every time negotiations between Russia, Ukraine, and the U.S. appear to gain momentum, Moscow introduces a new allegation — drone attacks, assassination attempts, nuclear plots, sabotage — that threatens to stall or derail the process.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ukrainian officials and Western analysts say the pattern is no coincidence.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A high-level Ukrainian&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-uses-false-allegations-to-sabotage-ukraine-peace-talks/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>RUSSIA IS BUYING UP ISLANDS IN EUROPE FOR SPYING! Exposed: Putin’s “Trojan horse” islands in Europe</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/25/russia-is-buying-up-islands.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 21:00:19 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/25/russia-is-buying-up-islands.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/bae530354d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;RUSSIA IS BUYING UP ISLANDS IN EUROPE FOR SPYING! Exposed: Putin’s “Trojan horse” islands in Europe&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZ4N7t1zRdQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>4 Ukrainian defense companies sign partnership deals with European allies valued at nearly $950 million</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/25/ukrainian-defense-companies-sign-partnership.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 20:34:45 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/25/ukrainian-defense-companies-sign-partnership.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/1910400f5c.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;4 Ukrainian defense companies sign partnership deals with European allies valued at nearly $950 million&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Ukrainian Council of Defence Industry said the agreements include cooperation in the production of aerial and ground drones, as well as preparations to scale up products on the European market.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/4-ukrainian-defense-companies-sign-partnership-deals-with-european-allies-valued-at-nearly-950-million/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>ATACMS completely destroyed the Russian &amp;amp;quot;Buk-M1&amp;amp;quot;! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/25/atacms-completely-destroyed-the-russian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 20:30:17 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/25/atacms-completely-destroyed-the-russian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2b40890551.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;ATACMS completely destroyed the Russian &amp;quot;Buk-M1&amp;quot;! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/fMg_XK9ZdhU&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Iskander missile collapse and 1.26 million occupiers eliminated: Russia&#39;s 4-year losses summarized!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/25/iskander-missile-collapse-and-million.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 20:01:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/25/iskander-missile-collapse-and-million.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/cf06569785.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Iskander missile collapse and 1.26 million occupiers eliminated: Russia&#39;s 4-year losses summarized!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0vBZWD34RM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Zelensky, Trump hold phone call ahead of Ukraine-US talks in Geneva</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/25/zelensky-trump-hold-phone-call.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 19:46:24 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/25/zelensky-trump-hold-phone-call.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/fa7a12af56.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky, Trump hold phone call ahead of Ukraine-US talks in Geneva&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;President Volodymyr Zelensky held a phone call on Feb. 25 with his American counterpart Donald Trump ahead of planned talks between senior officials from both countries in Geneva.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-trump-hold-phone-call-ahead-of-ukraine-us-talks-in-geneva/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>At least 5 killed, 18 injured in Russian attacks against Ukraine over the past day</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/25/at-least-killed-injured-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 09:53:19 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/25/at-least-killed-injured-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2262789566.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;At least 5 killed, 18 injured in Russian attacks against Ukraine over the past day&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Air Force said that Russia attacked Ukraine with 115 drones overnight, of which around 60 were Shahed-type. It reported downing 95 drones in the north, south, and east of Ukraine.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/at-least-5-killed-18-injured-in-russian-attacks-against-ukraine-over-the-past-day/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>General Staff: Russia has lost 1,262,490 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/25/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 08:52:57 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/25/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2260987774.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;General Staff: Russia has lost 1,262,490 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The number includes 1,070 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/general-staff-russia-has-lost-1-262-490-troops-in-ukraine-since-feb-24-2022/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>As Russia rained missiles on Ukrainian cities last fall, US issued warning to Kyiv over Black Sea drone strike, ambassador says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/25/as-russia-rained-missiles-on.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 01:07:26 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/25/as-russia-rained-missiles-on.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2262856567.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;As Russia rained missiles on Ukrainian cities last fall, US issued warning to Kyiv over Black Sea drone strike, ambassador says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The U.S. State Department warned Ukraine in November 2025 that its strike on Russia&#39;s Novorossiysk port threatened American economic interests.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/as-russia-rained-missiles-on-ukrainian-cities-last-fall-us-issued-warning-to-kyiv-over-drone-strike-on-black-sea-port-ambassador-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russia&#39;s Transneft cuts oil intake after Ukrainian strike on Druzhba pipeline hub, Reuters reports</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/24/russias-transneft-cuts-oil-intake.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 23:15:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/24/russias-transneft-cuts-oil-intake.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/a39d2ddced.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia&#39;s Transneft cuts oil intake after Ukrainian strike on Druzhba pipeline hub, Reuters reports&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Damage from the attack forced Transneft to cut crude oil intake by 250,000 barrels per day and could cause further problems for Russian oil exports, affecting volumes and quality of oil shipped, industry sources told Reuters.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russias-transneft-cuts-oil-intake-after-ukrainian-drone-strike-on-druzhba-pipeline-hub-in-tatarstan-reuters-reports/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>1,260,000 DEAD IN FOUR YEARS! Putin has officially destroyed the male population of the Russia</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/24/dead-in-four-years-putin.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 23:00:31 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/24/dead-in-four-years-putin.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/b0e92b3ab1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;1,260,000 DEAD IN FOUR YEARS! Putin has officially destroyed the male population of the Russia&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyJ5KECUV2c&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>US, Ukraine to hold talks in Geneva Feb. 26, Trump envoy says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/24/us-ukraine-to-hold-talks.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 22:26:20 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/24/us-ukraine-to-hold-talks.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/0dac4bce6b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;US, Ukraine to hold talks in Geneva Feb. 26, Trump envoy says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Witkoff said he would meet with Ukraine&#39;s security chief Rustem Umerov on Feb. 26, though the primary purpose of his visit would be negotiations with Iran.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/us-ukraine-to-hold-talks-in-geneva-feb-26-trump-envoy-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>PUTIN&#39;S soldiers in UKRAINE live for 12 minutes! – Sunday Times #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/24/putins-soldiers-in-ukraine-live.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 21:30:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/24/putins-soldiers-in-ukraine-live.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/41a12348fc.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;PUTIN&#39;S soldiers in UKRAINE live for 12 minutes! – Sunday Times #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/2P4bnmD0Y7M&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>US abstains from UN vote on &#39;lasting peace in Ukraine&#39; on 4th anniversary of war</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/24/us-abstains-from-un-vote.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 21:14:26 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/24/us-abstains-from-un-vote.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/188204c2e8.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;US abstains from UN vote on &#39;lasting peace in Ukraine&#39; on 4th anniversary of war&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;Is not missing children, shelling of cities, and the killing of innocents enough? It is not a business deal — it is war,&#34; former Special Envoy Keith Kellogg said in a scathing post after the vote.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/us-abstains-from-un-vote-on-lasting-peace-in-ukraine-on-4th-anniversary-of-war/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Over 1.2 million losses for a piece of land! Why did the Russian army officially end?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/24/over-million-losses-for-a.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 21:00:25 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/24/over-million-losses-for-a.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/644894adb8.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Over 1.2 million losses for a piece of land! Why did the Russian army officially end?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIOv5-OFfRs&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Kharkiv locals mourn those killed in Russia’s war against Ukraine as the 5th year of full-scale invasion begins </title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/24/kharkiv-locals-mourn-those-killed.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 20:55:09 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/24/kharkiv-locals-mourn-those-killed.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width=&#34;1545&#34; height=&#34;949&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/jkhjjhj.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian blue and yellow flags with red gradient overlayed on the photo&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;UKRAINE, KHARKIV&lt;/strong&gt;, Feb. 24 — Four years ago, this day was warmer and more terrifying for many in this city, located just about 20 miles from the Russian-Ukrainian border. Back then, the Russian army was much closer to the city, reaching the northern neighbourhood of Kharkiv. Now, pushed away to the border in the 2022 counteroffensive, they are still moving towards Kharkiv from different fronts, and Ukraine&#39;s forces are, as then, holding them off. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-heading&#34;&gt;Silence&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;At Freedom Square, one of the biggest squares in Eastern Europe, Kharkiv locals gather to honor those killed in Russia’s war against Ukraine with a moment of silence. Behind them is the building of the Kharkiv regional administration, severely damaged by a double-tap attack in March of 2022. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Two rows of cars stop at the road before this building, and the drivers step out and put their palms to their chests. The flags for Kharkiv military brigades hang from their vehicles. A sound of a ticking clock steps through the square, and everything and everyone around stops, except the snow. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Viktoria, a woman participating in the morning demonstration, says it’s important to remember that the war didn’t start four years ago, but with the occupation of Crimea in 2014. She is a volunteer of the Help for Families of the Dead and Missing organization. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“We don’t have the right to forget. Because if everything starts to fade away, everything was for nothing, our fight was for nothing,” she says. “The most important thing is to preserve Ukraine, its integrity, and remember why and because of whom Ukraine remains.” &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-quote&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Viktoria laughs when asked what helps her move forward, as many in Kharkiv do. “Armed Forces of Ukraine,” she grins. “There are no circumstances that can stop us. We have to save Ukraine for our children, our grandchildren.” &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Yulia, another woman, holds the flag with her husband’s photo. His name is Vadym. He served in the 92nd Separate Mechanized Brigade — they defended Kharkiv against the first ground offensive Russia had launched from the north during February 2022. He was killed in the middle of the summer of 2022. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“How are you?” Gwara’s journalist asks. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“I am living,” Yulia says. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“What helps you move forward?” &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“I don’t have another choice,” Yulia responds.  &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Oksana’s husband also defended Kharkiv in the early days of the full-scale invasion. Russians killed him in Vilkhivka village in the Kharkiv district. She also takes part in a demonstration for the minute of silence.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“I couldn’t miss it. It’s necessary. We should remember every day,” Oksana says. Children are the first “engine” that prompts her to go on — it’s impossible not to, she laughs, and the second is— “I wish for victory. And however it will be, we are going to win.” &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-heading&#34;&gt;Prayer&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;An hour later, a joint prayer service begins at one of the central subway stations, attended by Kharkiv City Mayor Ihor Terekhov and representatives of various Christian denominations. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Terekhov thanks the priests and Ukraine’s defence forces, “in which representatives of different religions serve, but work towards one goal — to maintain Ukraine’s sovereignty.” We’re praying for long-awaited, fair peace, Terekhov says, the peace that’ll last forever. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The priest read prayers, one after another. The host thanks them for the “prayer shield” that protects “every warrior, child, and all our Earth.” &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Priests and four singers in embroidered costumes sing &lt;em&gt;Prayer for Ukraine. &lt;/em&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Kharkiv City Council later tells Gwara that the representatives of the Muslim and Jewish communities were also invited to participate in the prayer, but they were unable to attend for various reasons.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-heading&#34;&gt;Orchestra&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In the afternoon, at another metro station, a requiem for the fallen defenders was held, commemorating the deaths of those who were born in the Kharkiv region. The orchestra performed prayers and memorial songs. Digital screens displayed photos of people killed in Russia’s war. Their names.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Denys, a relative of a fallen police officer, waited for the moment when a photo of him would appear on one of them. The police officer died during a Russian drone attack on a gas station in Nova Vodolaha, a town southwest of Kharkiv. Doctors were trying to save him for eight days, but couldn’t. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;During the last four years, Russia &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/russia-killed-2121-people-including-111-children-in-kharkiv-region-during-4-years-of-full-scale-invasion/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;killed over 2,100 people and injured over 6,700&lt;/a&gt; in the Kharkiv region. Over the last day, they &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/russian-forces-attack-village-in-kupiansk-district-injuring-mother-alongside-her-2-daughters/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;injured three&lt;/a&gt;: a woman and her two daughters.  &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-heading&#34;&gt;Read more&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;ul data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-list&#34;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;“Only hurt remains” — Bidding &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/only-hurt-remains-bidding-farewell-to-veteran-his-three-children-killed-in-russian-drone-attack-on-bohodukhiv/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;farewell&lt;/a&gt; to veteran, his three children killed in Russian drone attack on Bohodukhiv &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Ukrainian military can’t evacuate &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/ukrainian-military-cant-evacuate-critically-injured-woman-her-daughters-from-kupiansk-district-because-of-russian-drones/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;critically injured woman, her daughters from Kupiansk district&lt;/a&gt; because of Russian drones&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The post &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/kharkiv-locals-mourn-those-killed-in-russias-war-against-ukraine-as-the-5th-year-of-full-scale-invasion-begins/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;Kharkiv locals mourn those killed in Russia’s war against Ukraine as the 5th year of full-scale invasion begins &lt;/a&gt; appeared first on &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;Gwara Media&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/kharkiv-locals-mourn-those-killed-in-russias-war-against-ukraine-as-the-5th-year-of-full-scale-invasion-begins/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>Putin&#39;s three-day WAR continues for the FOURTH YEAR! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/24/putins-threeday-war-continues-for.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 20:30:11 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/24/putins-threeday-war-continues-for.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/5b6855487f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Putin&#39;s three-day WAR continues for the FOURTH YEAR! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/P1Mrsh4VgMc&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>If TRUMP wants to end the WAR by July 4, I&#39;m all for it, says Zelenskyy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/24/if-trump-wants-to-end.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 20:23:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/24/if-trump-wants-to-end.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/1eda352e66.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;If TRUMP wants to end the WAR by July 4, I&#39;m all for it, says Zelenskyy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/jBf6zZ1zLzw&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukraine War Latest: 4 years after invading Ukraine, Russia admits war&#39;s goals &#39;not fully achieved&#39;</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/24/ukraine-war-latest-years-after.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 20:22:52 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/24/ukraine-war-latest-years-after.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-1401572827-1658175335d9xti.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine War Latest: 4 years after invading Ukraine, Russia admits war&#39;s goals &#39;not fully achieved&#39;&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Key developments on Feb. 24:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;4 years after invading Ukraine, Russia admits war&#39;s goals &#39;not fully achieved&#39;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&#39;10 steps ahead&#39; — Fedorov outlines Ukraine&#39;s plan to force Russia to make peace&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;In rare strike, Ukraine uses ATACMS to hit Russian command posts&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-4-years-after-invading-ukraine-russia-admits-wars-goals-not-fully-achieved/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>Canada announces $1.4 billion military aid package for Ukraine, expands sanctions against Russia</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/24/canada-announces-billion-military-aid.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 20:03:17 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/24/canada-announces-billion-military-aid.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/50fa0f7b05.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Canada announces $1.4 billion military aid package for Ukraine, expands sanctions against Russia&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Canada announced a C$2 billion ($1.4 billion) military aid package for Ukraine on Feb. 24 and expanded sanctions against Russia, including measures targeting Moscow’s “shadow fleet” and a lower oil price cap.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/canada-announces-1-4-billion-military-aid-package-for-ukraine-expands-sanctions-against-russia/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>From the march on KYIV to the defense of KURSK: FOUR years of war crushed the RUSSIAN ARMY!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/24/from-the-march-on-kyiv.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 20:00:36 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/24/from-the-march-on-kyiv.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/e2f7b6daa8.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;From the march on KYIV to the defense of KURSK: FOUR years of war crushed the RUSSIAN ARMY!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VW7AuAbtNNA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>&#39;Our sacrifices are worth freedom&#39; — Ukrainian troops who have fought since 2014 look back</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/24/our-sacrifices-are-worth-freedom.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 19:50:29 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/24/our-sacrifices-are-worth-freedom.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/ap23011468204760.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;Our sacrifices are worth freedom&#39; — Ukrainian troops who have fought since 2014 look back&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine four years ago today — Feb. 24, 2022. For many Ukrainians, particularly those from Donbas and Crimea, the war began in 2014.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;To mark the anniversary, the Kyiv Independent spoke with three soldiers in the Ukrainian Armed Forces who have fought not just&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/our-sacrifices-are-worth-freedom-ukrainian-troops-who-have-fought-since-2014-look-back/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Most of Ukraine remains exposed to Russian ballistic missiles, Zelensky says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/24/most-of-ukraine-remains-exposed.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 19:34:46 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/24/most-of-ukraine-remains-exposed.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/8ff3c9319f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Most of Ukraine remains exposed to Russian ballistic missiles, Zelensky says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Feb. 23 that about 80% of Ukraine lacks protection against Russian ballistic missiles, renewing calls for additional air defense systems, including Patriots.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/most-of-ukraine-remains-exposed-to-russian-ballistic-missiles-zelensky-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukrainian RANGERS capture RUSSIAN weapons and documents #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/24/ukrainian-rangers-capture-russian-weapons.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 19:31:19 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/24/ukrainian-rangers-capture-russian-weapons.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/b4ac5a921f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian RANGERS capture RUSSIAN weapons and documents #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/rtH9sRR-d1U&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>&#39;You can&#39;t turn off your emotion&#39; — Inside a Ukrainian morgue as war deaths mount</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/24/you-cant-turn-off-your.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 19:09:26 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/24/you-cant-turn-off-your.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/dsc01401.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;You can&#39;t turn off your emotion&#39; — Inside a Ukrainian morgue as war deaths mount&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;KHARKIV, KHARKIV OBLAST&lt;/strong&gt; — A blonde-haired woman walks through a slim pathway between corpses lying against walls and autopsy tables inside Ukraine&#39;s oldest morgue.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The main autopsy room, connected with two additional rooms and equipped with an elevator to lift the corpses from the basement, is busy with&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/you-cant-turn-off-your-emotion-inside-a-ukrainian-morgue-as-war-deaths-mount/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Complete blockade of Crimea and ruin of headquarters in Donbas! Why are Russian elites fleeing?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/24/complete-blockade-of-crimea-and.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 19:00:47 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/24/complete-blockade-of-crimea-and.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/997dbc2a1a.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Complete blockade of Crimea and ruin of headquarters in Donbas! Why are Russian elites fleeing?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zl66qxGqTAg&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Fact-check: Russia pushes nuclear claims to derail peace talks, distract from war anniversary</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/24/factcheck-russia-pushes-nuclear-claims.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 18:48:05 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/24/factcheck-russia-pushes-nuclear-claims.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/ap25228316265639.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Fact-check: Russia pushes nuclear claims to derail peace talks, distract from war anniversary&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;On the fourth anniversary of Russia&#39;s full-scale invasion, Moscow accused France and the U.K. of seeking to provide Ukraine with nuclear arms.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Offering no evidence, &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/russia/&#34;&gt;Russia&lt;/a&gt;&#39;s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) claimed on Feb. 24 that the &#34;British and French elite&#34; are helping &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/ukraine/&#34;&gt;Kyiv&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/fact-check-russia-pushes-nuclear-claims-to-derail-peace-talks-distract-from-war-anniversary/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Russian strike temporarily delayed Flamingo missile production, Zelensky says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/24/russian-strike-temporarily-delayed-flamingo.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 18:45:54 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/24/russian-strike-temporarily-delayed-flamingo.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/e370c4bde2.png&#34; alt=&#34;Russian strike temporarily delayed Flamingo missile production, Zelensky says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;President Volodymyr Zelensky said a Russian strike on a Ukrainian defense manufacturing facility temporarily delayed the rollout of Ukraine&#39;s domestically produced long-range Flamingo cruise missiles.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Speaking in a Feb. 23 &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgQPxs2ioF0&#34;&gt;interview&lt;/a&gt; with German broadcaster Tagesschau, Zelensky confirmed that a Ukrainian factory producing the missiles had been hit.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-strike-temporarily-delayed-production-of-ukraines-flamingo-missiles-zelensky-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>UK exempts Druzhba pipeline as it unveils its biggest Russia sanctions package, document shows</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/24/uk-exempts-druzhba-pipeline-as.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 18:20:26 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/24/uk-exempts-druzhba-pipeline-as.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-1399161453.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;UK exempts Druzhba pipeline as it unveils its biggest Russia sanctions package, document shows&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Druzhba pipeline, a major route supplying Russian crude through Ukraine to Hungary and Slovakia, has become the focus of a dispute between Kyiv and the two EU countries.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/uk-exempts-druzhba-oil-pipeline-from-russia-sanctions-amid-hungary-ukraine-row/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Jan Lipavsky: What is our Ukraine policy? Victory, victory at all costs</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/24/jan-lipavsky-what-is-our.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 18:01:29 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/24/jan-lipavsky-what-is-our.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2c4705923f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Jan Lipavsky: What is our Ukraine policy? Victory, victory at all costs&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As Churchill said of another war, Ukraine and the West must have &#34;victory in spite of all terror, victory however long and hard the road may be.&#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As the fifth year of Russia&#39;s &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/war/&#34;&gt;war&lt;/a&gt; against Ukraine is poised to begin, the end still seems nowhere in&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/what-is-our-ukraine-policy-victory-victory-at-all-costs/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>24,000 sanctions and aviation in tatters: Putin sold Russia&#39;s future for war!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/24/sanctions-and-aviation-in-tatters.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 18:00:43 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/24/sanctions-and-aviation-in-tatters.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/8235cc862d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;24,000 sanctions and aviation in tatters: Putin sold Russia&#39;s future for war!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2HS0E5raLI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>LIVE | &amp;quot;Ukraine-Nordic and Baltic Countries&amp;quot; summit in Kyiv. Zelenskyy and European leaders speak.</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/24/live-quotukrainenordic-and-baltic-countriesquot.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 17:49:28 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/24/live-quotukrainenordic-and-baltic-countriesquot.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/c98b3ef8dc.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;LIVE | &amp;quot;Ukraine-Nordic and Baltic Countries&amp;quot; summit in Kyiv. Zelenskyy and European leaders speak.&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtIA0JRHKlU&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Moscow bombs &amp;quot;DRUZHBA,&amp;quot; while ORBAN accuses UKRAINE #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/24/moscow-bombs-quotdruzhbaquot-while-orban.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 17:30:31 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/24/moscow-bombs-quotdruzhbaquot-while-orban.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/dd65a6f925.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Moscow bombs &amp;quot;DRUZHBA,&amp;quot; while ORBAN accuses UKRAINE #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/pjuph83xfvA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukraine puts Putin&#39;s allies in Europe in their place – even BLACKMAIL didn&#39;t work!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/24/ukraine-puts-putins-allies-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 17:00:14 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/24/ukraine-puts-putins-allies-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/56a84ef65e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine puts Putin&#39;s allies in Europe in their place – even BLACKMAIL didn&#39;t work!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNCCRoSR7RU&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukraine is a country of SILENT HEROES: it needs MORE SUPPORT! – Rutte #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/24/ukraine-is-a-country-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 16:46:40 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/24/ukraine-is-a-country-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/27d8750f19.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine is a country of SILENT HEROES: it needs MORE SUPPORT! – Rutte #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/MtvCPkhFoYM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>In rare strike, Ukraine uses ATACMS to hit Russian command posts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/24/in-rare-strike-ukraine-uses.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 16:34:57 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/24/in-rare-strike-ukraine-uses.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-1255143556.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;In rare strike, Ukraine uses ATACMS to hit Russian command posts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The last confirmed use of ATACMS by Ukrainian forces was reported on Nov. 18.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/in-rare-strike-ukraine-uses-atacams-to-hit-russian-command-posts/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Russia&#39;s maximalist demands are unacceptable to Europe, says Kaja Kallas #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/24/russias-maximalist-demands-are-unacceptable.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 16:30:04 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/24/russias-maximalist-demands-are-unacceptable.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/6305087709.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia&#39;s maximalist demands are unacceptable to Europe, says Kaja Kallas #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/7fZncAfXCPg&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>1,462 DAYS OF FULL-SCALE WAR: European leaders in Kyiv! Putin continues his TERROR!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/24/days-of-fullscale-war-european.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 16:16:21 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/24/days-of-fullscale-war-european.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/ff668d9027.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;1,462 DAYS OF FULL-SCALE WAR: European leaders in Kyiv! Putin continues his TERROR!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9j94OVynrc&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>URGENT! Kaja Kallas has pronounced a &amp;quot;death sentence&amp;quot; on the Russian economy!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/24/urgent-kaja-kallas-has-pronounced.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 16:00:55 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/24/urgent-kaja-kallas-has-pronounced.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/651b05b1ef.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;URGENT! Kaja Kallas has pronounced a &amp;quot;death sentence&amp;quot; on the Russian economy!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZH0VDpfgjuc&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>&#39;10 steps ahead&#39; — Fedorov outlines Ukraine&#39;s plan to force Russia to make peace</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/24/steps-ahead-fedorov-outlines-ukraines.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 15:58:37 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/24/steps-ahead-fedorov-outlines-ukraines.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2261742574.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;10 steps ahead&#39; — Fedorov outlines Ukraine&#39;s plan to force Russia to make peace&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;Our benchmark is more than 200 eliminated occupiers per square kilometer,&#34; he said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/10-steps-ahead-fedorov-outlines-ukraines-plan-to-force-russia-to-make-peace/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine’s Next Elections: Preparations, Politics, and Pitfalls — next KI Insights monthly briefing</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/24/ukraines-next-elections-preparations-politics.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 15:07:08 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/24/ukraines-next-elections-preparations-politics.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/website-3x2-8-.png&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine’s Next Elections: Preparations, Politics, and Pitfalls — next KI Insights monthly briefing&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Political competition in Ukraine is back with a vengeance. After a gradual thawing over the past 18 months, the events of the first two months of 2026 have confirmed that the relatively long-lasting freeze at the beginning of the full-scale invasion is over.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Despite this resumption of political competition, elections&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-next-elections-preparations-politics-and-pitfalls-next-ki-insights-monthly-briefing/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russia warns of possible Black Sea pipeline sabotage plots, claims threat to peace talks</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/24/russia-warns-of-possible-black.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 15:06:33 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/24/russia-warns-of-possible-black.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2262810878.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia warns of possible Black Sea pipeline sabotage plots, claims threat to peace talks&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Moscow has previously cited alleged Ukrainian sabotage or attacks as grounds for escalating tensions.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-warns-of-possible-black-sea-pipeline-sabotage/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russians stole my birthday</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/24/russians-stole-my-birthday.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 15:01:29 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/24/russians-stole-my-birthday.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/1beb038a-5649-4ce7-ab26-06c46ebf6f3d-848x672.png&#34; alt=&#34;Russians stole my birthday&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!2Iq9!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F894f7ab9-bebc-4f5f-ad19-0e335398125c_1500x500.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f894f7ab9-b.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;485&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/894f7ab9-bebc-4f5f-ad19-0e335398125c_1500x500.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:485,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:true,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Featured subscriber comment:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;“I give to your Tip Jar periodically, more often than I can comfortably afford. That’s because the work you do, and the stories you write educate me about what it’s like to live and work in a country at war.”&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;By DebDagI&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Upgrade now to support our work and get full access to all our writing!&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Get Full Access!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Get Full Access!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Tip Jar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Tip Jar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Polina Kotiuk booked a hotel in Kharkiv to spend the night with her boyfriend and celebrate her birthday.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;She was in a festive mood after receiving flowers, gifts, and congratulations from friends and family. She planned to celebrate for three days because she loved throwing parties – and why not use any excuse?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A little further south, in Cherkasy, Dariia Cherep was also preparing for her day.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;She planned to celebrate her 17th birthday with a dozen friends at a cafe.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;They both woke up on February 24, 2022, at 5 a.m., not yet processing that this day would no longer be a celebration. Russia had turned it into a date that would symbolize national mourning.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For Polina and Dariia, this date was their special day long before it became a national day of mourning. For them, February 24, a day that used to be about cake, friends, and feeling loved, is now overshadowed by grief.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;How can they celebrate when people are mourning and protesting?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It is a showcase of how the anniversaries of tragic events can turn ordinary milestones in life into emotional dilemmas, forcing people to invent new ways to celebrate while catastrophe collides on the same date. Imagine having your birthday on Sept. 11 in the United States, for example.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;id&#34;:456885}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;PollToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;poll-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!XiDD!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd4889c38-2c43-47fc-950f-9f74454aa3d9_1200x1600.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fd4889c38-2.png&#34; width=&#34;302&#34; height=&#34;402.6666666666667&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/d4889c38-2c43-47fc-950f-9f74454aa3d9_1200x1600.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1600,&#34;width&#34;:1200,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:302,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Polina Kotiuk, mother on maternity leave. Photo provided by Polina.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;“We [Polina and her future husband] stayed at a hotel. At midnight, my friends came to congratulate me, my parents came, and my husband gave me a gift, but everyone was already on edge,” Polina Kotiuk recalled.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Polina’s now-husband, a military officer, got the call around 5 a.m. and left immediately. By the time her birthday morning should have started, he was already gone, reporting for duty.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The State Border Service &lt;a href=&#34;https://mvs.gov.ua/en/news/24-liutogo-2022-go&#34;&gt;reported&lt;/a&gt; that at around 5 a.m., the national border with Russia and Belarus had been attacked. The first explosions in Kyiv were heard &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/feb/24/airstrikes-dawn-russia-begins-war-aggression-with-ukraine-vladimir-putin&#34;&gt;at 5:58 a.m.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Five in the morning was not a time chosen randomly by the Russians; it is &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.ptsduk.org/sleep-and-cortisol-in-ptsd/&#34;&gt;a special time&lt;/a&gt; for the psyche. During this period, sleep becomes shallow, and the body starts to increase cortisol production, preparing it for a wake-up.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Therefore, a sharp sound, a siren, or a ringing at this time of morning affects the nervous system more strongly than during the day. The body wakes up stressed, and the brain instantly registers these events as a threat.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“I went to [my husband’s] parents’ house because it was safer together…. It was very scary; everyone was in shock. Even when someone called to wish me a happy birthday, I forgot that it was my birthday,” said Polina.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In Ukrainian culture, holidays and birthdays are ways to stay together, nurture &lt;a href=&#34;https://authenticukraine.com.ua/en/manners-ordinances-celebrations&#34;&gt;identity&lt;/a&gt;, observe rituals, and organize feasts. Guests &lt;a href=&#34;https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/ukrainian-culture/ukrainian-culture-etiquette&#34;&gt;should not come empty-handed&lt;/a&gt;; they should bring something to the table. Mandatory attributes include a cake, flowers, and gifts for the birthday boy or girl, and the closer the person is, the more personal and meaningful the gift should be.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Since childhood, my parents hired various entertainers for my birthday, and later, as a teenager, I organized parties myself…. I was always looking forward to some kind of celebration, the end of winter, a season of change, something new,” Dariia said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!Gotc!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F721b5d46-f14b-4b8b-80e2-887c3610c1f6_1200x960.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f721b5d46-f.png&#34; width=&#34;423&#34; height=&#34;338.4&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/721b5d46-f14b-4b8b-80e2-887c3610c1f6_1200x960.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:960,&#34;width&#34;:1200,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:423,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Dariia Cherep, student, volunteer, and marketer. Photo from her social media.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;In 2022, Dariia was finishing 11th grade, preparing for final exams to enter university. She wanted to celebrate her birthday for two days in a row with two different groups of friends and celebrate this specific chapter of her life.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“We discussed at school the possibility of martial law, the risk of it happening. And I thought: what does martial law mean? How will I buy food for my birthday? Somehow, I didn’t want to believe it,” Dariia said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Dariia woke up early that morning by coincidence, and remembers feeling genuinely happy to see early-birthday messages. She was also supposed to be studying for her exams at 7:45 that morning.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;What began as a day of joy turned into a nightmare. Instead of attending her exam-preparation class, Dariia watched her dad nervously eat all her birthday cake, and she spent the day in the store, buying necessary items and reading the news. Her uncle was among the Chornobyl nuclear power plant workers who were taken as prisoners when the Russians seized the plant.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!4ATZ!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa023fd85-aaf4-40e6-b90f-411ae11c056a_1023x575.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fa023fd85-a.png&#34; width=&#34;529&#34; height=&#34;297.33626588465296&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/a023fd85-aaf4-40e6-b90f-411ae11c056a_1023x575.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:575,&#34;width&#34;:1023,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:529,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Kyiv railway station at the start of the full-scale invasion, Kyiv, February 2022. Photo by Radio Svoboda.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;“I went to the supermarket with a friend; we had to celebrate together. I didn’t understand what was going on. I was supposed to go to school, but I went shopping instead. I didn’t even know what to buy, I just looked around to see what others took: toilet paper, eggs, buckwheat,” Dariia said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Over the years, the anniversary of the invasion became filled with rituals in Ukraine and abroad, commemorating human loss. Cities hold memorial events to remind people that the war is not over. In 2022, President Zelenskyy &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.president.gov.ua/en/news/vistup-prezidenta-ukrayini-na-mizhnarodnomu-ustanovchomu-sam-79449&#34;&gt;called on&lt;/a&gt; people to observe a minute of silence and light a memorial candle in their windows, inviting other countries to join in.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;By 2023, Polina and Dariia realized that February 24 would no longer be theirs alone.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“I am calm by nature, I don’t suffer from panic attacks or anxiety. But on the night of February 23, I had nightmares. I woke up a million times. I never celebrated my birthday in Kharkiv ever again,” Polina shared.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!7ZBN!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fac938928-28c0-4fda-863e-0fa3074c5805_1200x1600.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fac938928-2.png&#34; width=&#34;289&#34; height=&#34;385.3333333333333&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/ac938928-28c0-4fda-863e-0fa3074c5805_1200x1600.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1600,&#34;width&#34;:1200,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:289,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Protest supporting Ukraine in Vienna, Austria. February 24, 2023. Photo by Oleksandra Poda.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;The war made the two women rethink their traditions of celebration. Polina no longer throws loud parties or celebrates at home. She now gets together with her family somewhere outside the city.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Our family already pays a very high price because my husband is a serviceman. He worked a lot in Kupiansk. And it took a toll on his mental health and mine. So on my birthday, I want to think more about our family, about some family activities,” Polina shared.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Dariia decided to move her birthday celebrations to February 28 and devote February 24 to Ukraine. She thinks about people who have lost someone or live under constant attack, and her own celebration seems like an occasion that can easily be postponed to another date.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Although it seems that both have lost the celebrations they used to enjoy, neither of them is willing to accept Russia’s definition of that date.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Polina chooses to preserve her own traditions by protecting her small private space.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;She believes her family has already paid a heavy price for this war in health, nerves, and a husband in uniform, and she doesn’t want to give up her birthday on top of that.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“We cannot live and constantly postpone things and be unhappy,” Dariia said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Featured subscriber comment:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;“I give to your Tip Jar periodically, more often than I can comfortably afford. That’s because the work you do, and the stories you write educate me about what it’s like to live and work in a country at war.”&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;By DebDagI&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Upgrade now to support our work and get full access to all our writing!&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Get Full Access!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Get Full Access!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Tip Jar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Tip Jar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;NEWS OF THE DAY:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;By Anastasiia Lutsenko&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;KREMLIN BUYS STRATEGIC REAL ESTATE ACROSS EUROPE: &lt;/strong&gt;Kremlin-linked entities are buying real estate and even islands across EU and the UK. These purchases are &lt;a href=&#34;https://ua.korrespondent.net/world/4857556-rosiia-skupovuie-stratehichnu-nerukhomist-v-yevropi&#34;&gt;concentrated&lt;/a&gt; near military bases, ports, and critical infrastructure, raising concerns that the properties could be used for surveillance, sabotage, or covert storage of explosives, according to The Telegraph.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;European intelligence officials fear this will allow Moscow to conduct sabotage operations against NATO countries while avoiding open conflict that would trigger collective defense under Article 5.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;HUNGARY BLOCKS EU SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE:&lt;/strong&gt; As EU leaders traveled to Kyiv to mark the anniversary of Russia’s war, Hungary blocked the bloc’s 20th sanctions package against Moscow and &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-ukraine-visit-hungary-blocks-russia-sanctions-funding-feud-viktor-orban/&#34;&gt;threatened&lt;/a&gt; to veto a €90 billion loan for Ukraine’s defense. Budapest previously said that it would block any further decisions for Ukraine support if Kyiv did not allow Russian oil to transit through the Druzhba pipeline. The Druzhba pipeline transits Russian oil through Ukraine and suspended operations after it was damaged in a drone attack. Ukraine offered to transit the oil through the Odesa-Brody pipeline.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Hungary has repeatedly obstructed the EU’s support for Ukraine. With Washington’s long-term commitment under scrutiny, delays in Brussels weaken Ukraine’s resilience and the EU’s credibility as a strategic power.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;AUSTRALIA ANNOUNCED BIGGEST SANCTIONS PACKAGE AGAINST RUSSIA: &lt;/strong&gt;The Australian government announced the biggest sanctions package against Russia, which &lt;a href=&#34;https://suspilne.media/1248416-avstralia-ogolosila-najbilsij-paket-sankcij-proti-rosii-so-potrapilo-pid-obmezenna/&#34;&gt;included&lt;/a&gt; 180 new restrictions targeting Russian individuals, companies, and shadow fleet vessels. The sanctions covered industries like banking, defense, aviation, oil and gas, transport, and tech.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For the first time, Australia also sanctioned cryptocurrency organizations, which enable sanctions evasion. Australia recently lowered the cap on Russian oil from $47.60 to $44.10 per barrel.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Beyond direct pressure on Moscow, Australia &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.foreignminister.gov.au/minister/penny-wong/media-release/australias-steadfast-support-ukraine-four-years&#34;&gt;has committed&lt;/a&gt; over $1.7 billion in aid to Ukraine, including $1.5 billion in military support and $40 million for energy infrastructure. These steps aim not only to constrain Russia’s ability to wage illegal war, but also to reinforce Ukraine’s critical infrastructure amid winter energy challenges.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;DOG OF WAR:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;Zoriana saw this playful pup in a coffee shop near the office. When she asked the owner for a photo, he gladly agreed and said that some of our colleagues had already photographed him. It seems all our local dogs have become stars of The Counteroffensive!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!83Nt!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb47cf210-96cb-4627-ad71-9978da19329b_1200x1600.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fb47cf210-9.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1200&#34; height=&#34;1600&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/b47cf210-96cb-4627-ad71-9978da19329b_1200x1600.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1600,&#34;width&#34;:1200,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Stay safe out there.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Best,&lt;br&gt;Oleksandra&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/russians-stole-my-birthday&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>LIVE | Meeting of the &amp;quot;Coalition of the Willing&amp;quot; in Kyiv: press conference with ZELENSKYY</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/24/live-meeting-of-the-quotcoalition.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 14:44:43 +0100</pubDate>
      
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      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/f7c2cff4cc.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;LIVE | Meeting of the &amp;quot;Coalition of the Willing&amp;quot; in Kyiv: press conference with ZELENSKYY&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2wN1Y5cDAI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>Zelenskyy: Air defense, sanctions, and peace at the &amp;amp;quot;Coalition of the Willing&amp;amp;quot; #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/24/zelenskyy-air-defense-sanctions-and.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 13:50:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/24/zelenskyy-air-defense-sanctions-and.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/e2456c8c28.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelenskyy: Air defense, sanctions, and peace at the &amp;quot;Coalition of the Willing&amp;quot; #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/C27MTCv6wNQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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    <item>
      <title>1,462 days of full-scale war: No one will allow Ukraine to end, – Zelenskyy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/24/days-of-fullscale-war-no.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 13:21:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/24/days-of-fullscale-war-no.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/672eed822b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;1,462 days of full-scale war: No one will allow Ukraine to end, – Zelenskyy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/8obhN6mfLK0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>A Marathon, Not a Sprint: Why Ukraine’s Strikes on Russian Refineries Are a Long Game</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/24/a-marathon-not-a-sprint.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 12:58:25 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/24/a-marathon-not-a-sprint.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;single-post-lead&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Ukraine’s attacks on Russian oil refineries did not crater the Kremlin’s export earnings overnight—and they were never likely to. So what was their effect, and what should we expect next?&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;The numbers look paradoxical—Western and Ukrainian media regularly run headlines about the systematic destruction of Russia’s refining infrastructure. Indeed, from August through November 2025, Ukraine carried out more than 60 successful strikes on Russian refineries—an all-time record for the refinery-targeting campaign—knocking out &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1NfYoI5Qv2XO0I9wDOoJTqe8Y6PRIgESAm3MLQKFUFWA/edit?gid=0#gid=0&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;more than 26%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; of Russia’s refining capacity.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/russian-refining-capacity.png&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; width=&#34;703&#34; height=&#34;467&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;aligncenter wp-image-196213&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Yet Russia’s overall oil refining volume in 2025 fell by just &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://english.nv.ua/business/russian-oil-processing-is-shrinking-under-pressure-50577088.html#:~:text=Total%20oil%20processing%20in%20Russia%20in%202025%20declined%20by%201.7%25%20year-on-year%2C%20to%20262.3%20million%20tons.&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;1.7%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt;. That calls for calibrated expectations. The real impact of these strikes is visible not in media headlines about burning tanks, but in financial analysts’ spreadsheets—months and years after the attacks. To understand the Ukrainian campaign’s true effect, it makes sense to look separately at the short-term and long-term consequences.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Short-term: why the system holds&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Russia’s refining industry is among the largest in the world. As of 2020, the combined nameplate capacity of all Russian refineries stood at about &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%9D%D0%B5%D1%84%D1%82%D0%B5%D0%BF%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B1%D0%B0%D1%82%D1%8B%D0%B2%D0%B0%D1%8E%D1%89%D0%B0%D1%8F_%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%BC%D1%8B%D1%88%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%BD%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%82%D1%8C_%D0%A0%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%81%D0%B8%D0%B8#:~:text=%D1%84%D1%83%D0%BD%D0%BA%D1%86%D0%B8%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%80%D1%83%D1%8E%D1%82%2074%20%D0%9D%D0%9F%D0%97%20%D0%B8%20%D0%93%D0%9F%D0%97%20%D1%81%D1%83%D0%BC%D0%BC%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B9%20%D0%BC%D0%BE%D1%89%D0%BD%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%82%D1%8C%D1%8E%20%D0%BF%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%B2%D0%B8%D1%87%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B9%20%D0%BF%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B1%D0%BE%D1%82%D0%BA%D0%B8%20%D0%BD%D0%B5%D1%84%D1%82%D0%B8-,332%2C2,-%D0%BC%D0%BB%D0%BD%20%D1%82%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%BD%20%D0%B2%20%D0%B3%D0%BE%D0%B4%2C%20%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%B8%20%D1%8D%D1%82%D0%BE%D0%BC%20%D0%BE%D0%B1%D1%8A%D1%91%D0%BC%20%D0%BD%D0%B5%D1%84%D1%82%D0%B5%D0%BF%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B1%D0%BE%D1%82%D0%BA%D0%B8%20%D0%B2%202020&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;332&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; million tons per year, though in practice the country processed roughly 270 million tons. For comparison, the United States’ combined nameplate capacity is about &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=65624&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;900 million tons per year&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt;—nearly triple Russia’s figure (and U.S. actual throughput is also below nameplate). At the same time, Russia’s domestic consumption of petroleum products is only 110–120 million tons, with the rest exported. This enormous buffer—tens of millions of tons in excess capacity—allows the system to absorb even heavy strikes without collapsing.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;The &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.slovoidilo.ua/2025/10/14/infografika/suspilstvo/heohrafiya-udariv-po-rosijskyx-npz&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;most intense&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; wave of strikes in August–November 2025 hit a range of key Russian refining sites. The Novokuybyshevsk refinery was attacked five times during that period. The Volgograd and Ryazan plants took two to three hits each. The Kirishi, Slavyansk-on-Kuban, Syzran, Astrakhan, and Saratov refineries also sustained serious damage, with operations suspended for periods ranging from two weeks to a month. Large fires and forced shutdowns of primary crude distillation units pushed output at some facilities down by as much as &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/russia-using-spare-oil-refining-capacity-offset-ukrainian-drone-damage-sources-2025-11-13/#:~:text=At%20the%20height%20of%20the%20second%20wave%20of%20strikes%20between%20August%20and%20October%2C%20attacks%20and%20planned%20maintenance%20took%2020%25%20of%20Russia%27s%20refinery%20capacity%20offline%2C%20according%20to%20the%20Reuters%20calculations%20based%20on%20information%20from%20three%20Russian%20industry%20sources.&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;20%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; over the period in question.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;But these losses were not critical for the sector as a whole, as Russia moved quickly to offset them through spare capacity and accelerated repairs. When a Ukrainian drone hits the Ryazan refinery, Russian dispatchers simply reroute volumes—for example, to the Omsk or Angarsk plants. That is why the &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.bbc.com/ukrainian/articles/cn828gjk5e4o#:~:text=%D0%9F%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B1%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%BC%D0%B8%20%D0%B7%20%D0%BF%D0%B0%D0%BB%D1%8C%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%BC,%D1%82%D0%B0%20%D1%96%D0%BD%D1%88%D1%96%20%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%84%D1%82%D0%BE%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B4%D1%83%D0%BA%D1%82%D0%B8&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;fuel shortages&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; in October–November, when filling stations nationwide reported supply disruptions, reflected logistical adaptation rather than systemic collapse. In response, the authorities &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://mezha.net/eng/bukvy/russian-oil-refineries-to-resume-gasoline-exports-from-february/#:~:text=Currently%2C%20gasoline%20exports%20from%20Russia%20are%20banned%20until%20the%20end%20of%20February.%20The%20restrictions%20were%20introduced%20in%20September%202025.&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;banned&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; petroleum product exports through February 2026—without disrupting the industry’s overall functioning.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/fossil.png&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; width=&#34;702&#34; height=&#34;312&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;aligncenter wp-image-196210&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;The strikes affected petroleum product exports in a similar way. In September 2025, Russia’s revenues from seaborne exports of petroleum products fell by 13% month on month, while physical volumes declined by 9%. According to the International Energy &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.russiafossiltracker.com/&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Agency&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt;, Russia’s overall supplies of petroleum products to global markets fell from 315,000 to 250,000 tons per day (7.9%) between January 2025 and December 2026.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;These figures look dramatic—but they are not catastrophic for the Russian economy. Moscow partially offset the drop in petroleum product revenues by &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.russiafossiltracker.com/&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;increasing&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; crude exports (&lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://sanctions.kse.ua/en/attacks-on-refineries-reduced-processing-and-product-exports-driving-an-increase-in-crude-shipments/#:~:text=In%20September%202025,to%20%244.4%20billion&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;from 4.2 million barrels in September to 4.4 million in October&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt;), keeping total hard-currency inflows at an acceptable level.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Long-term: invisible erosion&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;The shift in Russia’s export structure—toward more crude oil and fewer petroleum products, which carry far higher value added—is eroding the profitability of the country’s oil sector.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;In April 2023, before Ukraine’s large-scale campaign against refining infrastructure began, the margin coefficient for Russia’s oil exports stood at 1.72. That meant each ton of crude worth €387 generated petroleum products worth €664 after processing—delivering a profit margin of &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.russiafossiltracker.com/&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;72%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt;.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;By November 2025, that coefficient had collapsed to 1.22. Now a ton of crude worth €382 yields petroleum products worth only €466—just a 22% margin. Profitability has fallen threefold in under two years.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Comparison of revenue from crude oil and petroleum products&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/comparison-of-revenue.png&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; width=&#34;699&#34; height=&#34;525&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;aligncenter wp-image-196214&#34;&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Strikes on refineries do not merely cause temporary outages—they physically destroy fixed capital, including high-tech equipment whose import under Western export controls is extremely difficult, if not impossible. Replacing it with Chinese or Russian substitutes takes substantial time and inevitably comes with a significant loss of production efficiency.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Every successful strike on a Russian refinery is not just a few weeks of downtime. It is the gradual accumulation of technological degradation across the entire sector—something that does not show up in quarterly reports but will inevitably shape the real state of Russia’s refining industry three to five years from now.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;A political instrument of pressure&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Unlike economic sanctions, which generate a slow cumulative effect through the gradual contraction of export markets and rising transaction costs, drone strikes operate on a fundamentally different logic: their political impact can substantially exceed the immediate economic damage.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;For the leadership of Russia, the central problem is not so much the current economic losses from damage to individual plants as the uncertainty over how these strikes might escalate in the future. Russia’s energy sector is currently demonstrating the ability to minimize operational impacts from attacks by rerouting production flows and mobilizing spare capacity. But the risk that strikes could escalate to a critical threshold—beyond which existing diversification mechanisms would no longer suffice—is becoming a political factor in its own right.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Notably, the new wave of attacks launched in August 2025 marked the first campaign of this scale under the new U.S. administration of Donald Trump—and its onset coincided with the Alaska summit and a broader breakdown in negotiations over ending the war. In this context, refinery strikes are not so much a tool of gradual economic attrition as a mechanism for shaping a negotiating position—through a visible demonstration of the capacity to inflict unacceptable damage on critical infrastructure.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Conclusion&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries will not crash Russia’s economy this year. They will not produce the fuel collapse that stops Russian tanks on the battlefield. Expecting that outcome reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of the nature of this instrument.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;But the strikes do something else, no less important. They systematically accelerate the technological degradation of an entire industry already cut off from Western equipment and technology. They steadily compress the margins on the exports that finance the Kremlin’s war machine. They create persistent uncertainty—one that carries a very real political price in any negotiations and fuels social instability through periodic shortages of petroleum products.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;In a war of attrition, the winner is ultimately the side that retains the capacity to inflict damage—and absorb it—longer than its opponent. Strikes on refineries are not a “silver bullet” that resolves a conflict in one stroke. They are one tool among many in a comprehensive pressure campaign—whose effectiveness should be measured not by explosions in social-media videos, but by multi-year charts of falling margins.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;reference&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Photo: &lt;a href=&#34;https://depositphotos.com/ua/&#34;&gt;depositphotos.com/ua/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://voxukraine.org/en/a-marathon-not-a-sprint-why-ukraine-s-strikes-on-russian-refineries-are-a-long-game&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Gabrielius Landsbergis: Ukraine is Europe. Now Europe must be defiant like Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/24/gabrielius-landsbergis-ukraine-is-europe.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 12:56:40 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/24/gabrielius-landsbergis-ukraine-is-europe.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2027588016.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Gabrielius Landsbergis: Ukraine is Europe. Now Europe must be defiant like Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;After years of bravery and sacrifice for freedom, democracy, and the European way of life, there can be no question that Ukraine is European.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Raising this question is no longer a valid contribution to any debate on Ukraine&#39;s future, it is merely deliberate and hypocritical sabotage of millions&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-is-europe-now-europe-must-be-defiant-like-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Medvedev threatens UK, France with nuclear strikes after Russia&#39;s Ukraine arms transfer allegations</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/24/medvedev-threatens-uk-france-with.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 12:45:32 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/24/medvedev-threatens-uk-france-with.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/114ed8af39.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Medvedev threatens UK, France with nuclear strikes after Russia&#39;s Ukraine arms transfer allegations&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Medvedev&#39;s threats follow claims by Russia&#39;s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) that Paris and London are working to provide Ukraine with nuclear arms to &#34;secure more favorable terms&#34; in negotiations.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/medvedev-threatens-nuclear-strikes-against-ukraine-uk-france/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Four years in, Russia admits it has not achieved war objectives in Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/24/four-years-in-russia-admits.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 12:39:56 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/24/four-years-in-russia-admits.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/aff2f3bead.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Four years in, Russia admits it has not achieved war objectives in Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russian officials, propagandists, and some Western intelligence assessments initially predicted that Ukraine could fall within days or weeks.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-admits-it-has-not-achieved-war-objectives/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>LIVE | “Coalition of the Willing” Meeting in Kyiv on the FOURTH Anniversary of the Full-Scale War</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/24/live-coalition-of-the-willing.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 12:18:05 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/24/live-coalition-of-the-willing.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/8a34b46359.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;LIVE | “Coalition of the Willing” Meeting in Kyiv on the FOURTH Anniversary of the Full-Scale War&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHzrKilDhs4&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>2 Ukrainians detained for registering Starlink terminals for Russian soldiers for &#39;easy money&#39;</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/24/ukrainians-detained-for-registering-starlink.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 12:10:12 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/24/ukrainians-detained-for-registering-starlink.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/screenshot-2026-02-24-at-13-06-40.png&#34; alt=&#34;2 Ukrainians detained for registering Starlink terminals for Russian soldiers for &#39;easy money&#39;&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The case comes amid Ukrainian efforts to restrict Russian access to Starlink satellite communications.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/2-ukrainians-detained-for-registering-starlink-terminals-for-russian-soldiers-for-easy-money/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukrainians didn&#39;t raise the white flag, they defended a blue and yellow one!, Zelenskyy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/24/ukrainians-didnt-raise-the-white.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 11:35:46 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/24/ukrainians-didnt-raise-the-white.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/fbf441f827.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainians didn&#39;t raise the white flag, they defended a blue and yellow one!, Zelenskyy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/kQHzvlUr5-g&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Zelensky reveals bunker where he told Biden &#39;I need ammunition, not a ride&#39;</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/24/zelensky-reveals-bunker-where-he.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 11:28:51 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/24/zelensky-reveals-bunker-where-he.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/b5516ec905c32338a135e0d644dea3ed-1771878137.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky reveals bunker where he told Biden &#39;I need ammunition, not a ride&#39;&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;Here I spoke with President Biden, and it was right here that I heard: Volodymyr, there is a threat. You need to leave Ukraine urgently,&#34; President Volodymyr Zelensky said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-reveals-bunker/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>In THIS WAR, Ukraine chose not a white flag, but a blue and yellow one! – Zelenskyy</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/24/in-this-war-ukraine-chose.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 11:20:55 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/24/in-this-war-ukraine-chose.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/55cfb1a36b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;In THIS WAR, Ukraine chose not a white flag, but a blue and yellow one! – Zelenskyy&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQ9mKFWuHhE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Klaas Knot: Gloom and doom on Europe&#39;s future is overblown</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/24/klaas-knot-gloom-and-doom.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 10:45:08 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/24/klaas-knot-gloom-and-doom.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/upd-dsc-0756-1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Klaas Knot: Gloom and doom on Europe&#39;s future is overblown&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor&#39;s note: Klaas Knot and Olaf Sleijpen visited Ukraine as part of a Dutch delegation invited by the governor of the National Bank of Ukraine, Andriy Pishnyy. &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The gloom and doom on Europe&#39;s future is overblown, says the frontrunner to succeed Christine Lagarde as head of&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/klaas-knot-gloom-and-doom-on-europes-future-is-overblown/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>At least 3 killed, 28 injured in Russian attacks against Ukraine over the past day</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/24/at-least-killed-injured-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 10:30:19 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/24/at-least-killed-injured-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/f14976b8-cd97-4893-a5fa-69c0e14e1a3c.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;At least 3 killed, 28 injured in Russian attacks against Ukraine over the past day&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russia launched 133 drones and an Iskander-M ballistic missile at Ukraine overnight, the Air Force said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/at-least-3-killed-28-injured-in-russian-attacks-against-ukraine-over-the-past-day/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine proposes &#39;doable solutions&#39; in Druzhba oil dispute as tensions with Hungary escalate</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/24/ukraine-proposes-doable-solutions-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 10:15:31 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/24/ukraine-proposes-doable-solutions-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/bb6b42e4d6.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine proposes &#39;doable solutions&#39; in Druzhba oil dispute as tensions with Hungary escalate&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;We demand Budapest stop dragging Ukraine into Hungary&#39;s domestic politics,&#34; Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-proposes-doable-solutions-in-druzhba-oil-dispute/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Editorial: This war can last another 4 years – but it doesn’t have to</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/24/editorial-this-war-can-last.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 09:46:35 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/24/editorial-this-war-can-last.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/upd-gettyimages-2237537389.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Editorial: This war can last another 4 years – but it doesn’t have to&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The year is 2030.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;With spring around the corner, Ukraine has just endured the toughest winter of the war yet. It was Russia’s eighth winter campaign against the country’s energy infrastructure. Ukraine’s air defenses have improved. Its grid has grown more resilient. But Russia&amp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/editorial-this-war-can-last-another-4-years-but-it-doesnt-have-to/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>European leaders arrive in Kyiv on war&#39;s anniversary to reaffirm support for Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/24/european-leaders-arrive-in-kyiv.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 09:32:26 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/24/european-leaders-arrive-in-kyiv.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2262745651.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;European leaders arrive in Kyiv on war&#39;s anniversary to reaffirm support for Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The visits coincide with gatherings of the Coalition of the Willing and the Ukraine–Nordic–Baltic summit.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/european-leaders-arrive-in-kyiv-on-wars-anniversary/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>General Staff: Russia has lost 1,261,420 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/24/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 08:58:55 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/24/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/dscf1427.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;General Staff: Russia has lost 1,261,420 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The number includes 920 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/general-staff-russia-has-lost-1-261-420-troops-in-ukraine-since-feb-24-2022/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>No red carpets for Russia: The danger of normalizing aggression</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/24/no-red-carpets-for-russia.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 08:31:17 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/24/no-red-carpets-for-russia.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/3fe7a48711.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;No red carpets for Russia: The danger of normalizing aggression&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;We’re entering the fifth year of Russia’s full-scale, unprovoked war against Ukraine. The war has grown more technologically sophisticated and lethal. Russian missiles and drones strike Ukrainian cities every night. Russia is weaponizing the coldest winter of the decade.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Yet Russia’s war is failing.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/no-red-carpets-for-russia-the-danger-of-normalizing-aggression/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Zelensky warns Belarus can no longer deny involvement as Russian drone systems operate there, says peaceful relations depend on a free leadership and European future</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/24/zelensky-warns-belarus-can-no.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 06:28:26 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/24/zelensky-warns-belarus-can-no.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/921505dd72.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky warns Belarus can no longer deny involvement as Russian drone systems operate there, says peaceful relations depend on a free leadership and European future&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview with Belarusian independent outlet Dzerkalo that Russia has deployed Shahed drone repeaters in Belarus to help coordinate attacks on Ukraine, warning that Minsk can no longer deny responsibility while also expressing hope for future EU integration between the two countries under democratic leadership.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-warns-belarus-can-no-longer-deny-involvement-as-russian-drone-systems-operate-there-says-peaceful-relations-depend-on-a-free-leadership-and-european-future/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Explosion during ammunition demonstration injures two students at Dnipro school</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/24/explosion-during-ammunition-demonstration-injures.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 04:18:11 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/24/explosion-during-ammunition-demonstration-injures.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/45eb016770.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Explosion during ammunition demonstration injures two students at Dnipro school&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;An explosion occurred at a Ukrainian school in the city of Dnipro on Feb. 23 during a classroom demonstration of ammunition, injuring two children, according to regional police.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/explosion-during-ammunition-demonstration-injures-two-students-at-dnipro-school/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Moscow police vehicle targeted in blast at major railway station, 1 officer killed</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/23/moscow-police-vehicle-targeted-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 23:28:59 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/23/moscow-police-vehicle-targeted-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-166130500.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Moscow police vehicle targeted in blast at major railway station, 1 officer killed&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;An explosion at Moscow&#39;s Savyolovsky railway station square killed one traffic police officer and wounded another on Feb. 23, according to Russia&#39;s Interior Ministry.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/moscow-police-vehicle-targeted-in-fatal-blast-at-major-railway-station-1-officer-killed/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Deepstrike on TATARSTAN: Russian oil is burning AGAIN! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/23/deepstrike-on-tatarstan-russian-oil.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 21:30:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/23/deepstrike-on-tatarstan-russian-oil.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/7fb29c94dd.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Deepstrike on TATARSTAN: Russian oil is burning AGAIN! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/N83jzzfuyCo&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant left with just 22 reactor operators, far below safety levels</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/23/russianoccupied-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-plant-left.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 21:25:15 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/23/russianoccupied-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-plant-left.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/47fa4468f6.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant left with just 22 reactor operators, far below safety levels&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The plant, legally owned by Energoatom, once employed 159 licensed specialists — the only people authorized to directly operate the plant’s six nuclear reactors, which, prewar, provided over a fifth of Ukraine’s electricity.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-occupied-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-plant-left-with-just-22-reactor-operators-far-below-safety-levels/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Explosion hits Dnipro police building in second attack on law enforcement in 24 hours</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/23/explosion-hits-dnipro-police-building.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 21:12:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/23/explosion-hits-dnipro-police-building.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/photo-2026-02-23-13-37-26.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Explosion hits Dnipro police building in second attack on law enforcement in 24 hours&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;While no casualties were reported in the Dnipro incident, the blast caused significant damage to the building&#39;s interior, office equipment, and a nearby vehicle.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/explosion-hits-dnipro-police-building-in-second-attack-on-law-enforcement-in-24-hours/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>TATARSTAN IN FLAMES! AFU drones cut the Druzhba oil pipeline: strategic hub on fire</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/23/tatarstan-in-flames-afu-drones.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 21:00:44 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/23/tatarstan-in-flames-afu-drones.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/28205bb1a9.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;TATARSTAN IN FLAMES! AFU drones cut the Druzhba oil pipeline: strategic hub on fire&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spgCFbHdgp0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>AFU drones destroyed Russian oil production facilities and the front line shook from counterattacks!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/23/afu-drones-destroyed-russian-oil.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 20:30:09 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/23/afu-drones-destroyed-russian-oil.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2a810561ee.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;AFU drones destroyed Russian oil production facilities and the front line shook from counterattacks!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMciwn_DfTA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Obsession with Donbas works against PUTIN! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/23/obsession-with-donbas-works-against.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 20:30:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/23/obsession-with-donbas-works-against.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/00362cbed3.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Obsession with Donbas works against PUTIN! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/URuFVWVe4l0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>It’s LOUD in Crimea: strike hits Russia’s STRATEGIC AVIATION! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/23/its-loud-in-crimea-strike.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 20:30:03 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/23/its-loud-in-crimea-strike.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/5f28625ad2.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;It’s LOUD in Crimea: strike hits Russia’s STRATEGIC AVIATION! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/KV7hTQl0s9I&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukraine refutes Slovakia&#39;s claim it cut emergency electricity supplies</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/23/ukraine-refutes-slovakias-claim-it.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 20:18:05 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/23/ukraine-refutes-slovakias-claim-it.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2035285116.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine refutes Slovakia&#39;s claim it cut emergency electricity supplies&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;However, Ukraine&#39;s state grid operator, Ukrenergo, said it received a notice from Slovakia&#39;s energy regulator about new flexible price conditions for emergency imports, Vitaliy Zaichenko, Ukrenergo&#39;s CEO, told the Kyiv Independent.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/slovakia-will-cut-emergency-power-to-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukraine war latest: SBU drones strike &#39;critical&#39; Druzhba oil pipeline hub in Russia&#39;s Tatarstan</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/23/ukraine-war-latest-sbu-drones.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 20:09:39 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/23/ukraine-war-latest-sbu-drones.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/-2026-02-23-20-56-43-1.png&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest: SBU drones strike &#39;critical&#39; Druzhba oil pipeline hub in Russia&#39;s Tatarstan&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Key developments on Feb. 23:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Ukrainian drones strike &#39;critical&#39; Druzhba oil pipeline hub in Russia&#39;s Tatarstan, SBU source confirms&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Ukraine strikes logistics warehouse, ammunition depot, other military targets in Russian-occupied territories, General Staff says&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Ukraine has liberated 400 square kilometers, 8 settlements on southern front since&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-129/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>DONBAS – the “Red Line” of Death: How Ukraine defeated Russia’s “invincible” army</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/23/donbas-the-red-line-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 20:00:35 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/23/donbas-the-red-line-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/f9be3ff131.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;DONBAS – the “Red Line” of Death: How Ukraine defeated Russia’s “invincible” army&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrWRWhPAXvw&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
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      <title>&#39;No coincidence&#39; — Explosion in Mykolaiv injures 7 police officers, day after fatal terrorist attack in Lviv</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/23/no-coincidence-explosion-in-mykolaiv.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 19:48:17 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/23/no-coincidence-explosion-in-mykolaiv.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/photo-2026-02-23-20-04-19.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;No coincidence&#39; — Explosion in Mykolaiv injures 7 police officers, day after fatal terrorist attack in Lviv&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;The enemy is deliberately trying to kill Ukrainian police officers who stand guard every day to protect the people and the state,&#34; the chief of Ukraine&#39;s National Police, Ivan Vyhivsky, said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/suspected-terrorist-strike-in-mykolaiv-injures-7-police-officers-day-after-terrorist-attack-in-lviv/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Exclusive: Whistleblower confirms details of death, torture in Brazilian-led foreign fighter unit in Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/23/exclusive-whistleblower-confirms-details-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 19:40:30 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/23/exclusive-whistleblower-confirms-details-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/bruno-gabriel-leal-da-silva-ki.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Exclusive: Whistleblower confirms details of death, torture in Brazilian-led foreign fighter unit in Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A former member of Advanced Company, a Brazilian-led foreign fighter unit operating under Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR), has come forward on the record to corroborate details of a recent Kyiv Independent investigation into the death of 23-year-old recruit Bruno Gabriel Leal da Silva at the unit’s&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/whistleblower-confirms-details-of-death-torture-in-brazilian-led-foreign-fighter-unit-in-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Anti-graft agency detains Ukrainian security official as inter-agency conflict reignites</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/23/antigraft-agency-detains-ukrainian-security.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 18:57:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/23/antigraft-agency-detains-ukrainian-security.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/ratynskyi-dsc-5441.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Anti-graft agency detains Ukrainian security official as inter-agency conflict reignites&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The conflict is seen as part of a broader struggle between the President&#39;s Office and the NABU, which says the authorities are trying to eliminate its independence.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/anti-graft-agency-detains-security-service-official-as-inter-agency-conflict-re-ignites/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>NGOs urge Ukrainian government to drop peace deal referendum idea</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/23/ngos-urge-ukrainian-government-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 18:37:44 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/23/ngos-urge-ukrainian-government-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-493743609.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;NGOs urge Ukrainian government to drop peace deal referendum idea&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;The attempt to impose the legitimization of peace agreements on Ukrainians through a referendum is unlawful and unacceptable, contradicts Ukraine&#39;s Constitution and laws, and threatens the national interests of our state,&#34; the statement read.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ngos-call-on-ukraines-government-to-drop-peace-deal-referendum-idea/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian MARINE teaches SIRI to control a smartphone with his nose #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/23/ukrainian-marine-teaches-siri-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 17:20:40 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/23/ukrainian-marine-teaches-siri-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/87374ca55f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian MARINE teaches SIRI to control a smartphone with his nose #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/KEbXcvw6f8U&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine has liberated 400 square kilometers, 8 settlements on southern front since January, Syrskyi says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/23/ukraine-has-liberated-square-kilometers.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 17:10:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/23/ukraine-has-liberated-square-kilometers.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/06a5774b9f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine has liberated 400 square kilometers, 8 settlements on southern front since January, Syrskyi says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukraine&#39;s Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said that despite successful offensive operations, the situation in the area remains &#34;complicated.&#34;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-liberates-400-square-km-in-south-syrskyi-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>After 4 years of war, it&#39;s time to Ukrainize Europe</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/23/after-years-of-war-its.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 16:54:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/23/after-years-of-war-its.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2201185524.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;After 4 years of war, it&#39;s time to Ukrainize Europe&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A month ago, I put my work as a writer and volunteer on hold and enlisted in the Ukrainian army. As I left for service, some of my acquaintances said goodbye to me as though I were already dead.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Yet my reasoning was the exact opposite: if you want to&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/after-4-years-of-war-its-time-to-ukrainize-europe/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>EU fails to send Russia &#39;powerful signal&#39; as Hungary blocks 20th sanctions package</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/23/eu-fails-to-send-russia.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 16:36:58 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/23/eu-fails-to-send-russia.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2262622100.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;EU fails to send Russia &#39;powerful signal&#39; as Hungary blocks 20th sanctions package&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;This is a setback and a message we didn&#39;t want to send today,&#34; EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/eus-powerful-signal-to-russia-stalls/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>LIVE | Two miscalculations by PUTIN: Zelenskyy assassination failure and FLAMINGO</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/23/live-two-miscalculations-by-putin.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 16:14:19 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/23/live-two-miscalculations-by-putin.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/263da69357.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;LIVE | Two miscalculations by PUTIN: Zelenskyy assassination failure and FLAMINGO&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLR2PqvxLvY&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Most Germans Back Increasing Aid to Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/23/most-germans-back-increasing-aid.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 16:08:34 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/23/most-germans-back-increasing-aid.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;single-post-lead&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Recent surveys show that most Germans favor increasing aid to Ukraine. However, this sentiment is not uniform. Which parties’ voters are most supportive of Ukraine’s struggle, and which believe in Putin’s peaceful intentions?&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;According to a &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.bild.de/politik/inland/putin-stoppen-mehrheit-fordert-mehr-ukraine-hilfe-69871fa3eaacbece9fd1ef18&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;survey&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; conducted on February 5-6 by INSA on behalf of &lt;/span&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt;Bild&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;span&gt;, 52% of Germans believe that Western countries should expand assistance to Ukraine in order to push Putin toward peace negotiations. Of these, 28% support both financial and military assistance, while 12% each believe that either military or financial assistance should be increased. Meanwhile, 35% of respondents oppose increasing aid to Ukraine, and 13% have not formed an opinion on the issue.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;However, support for Ukraine varies by respondents’ party affiliation. Voters of the SPD (Social Democratic Party of Germany), the Greens, and the CDU (Christian Democratic Union), led by current Chancellor Friedrich Merz, are the strongest supporters. The lowest levels of backing for Ukraine are found among the traditional “Putin sympathizers” (voters of the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) and Alternative for Germany (AfD)) at 35% each.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;caption&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Figure 1. Percentage of German party voters who support increasing aid to Ukraine, February 2026&lt;/span&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/most-germans-back-1.png&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; width=&#34;701&#34; height=&#34;443&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;aligncenter wp-image-196111&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;single-post-footnote&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Source: &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.bild.de/politik/inland/putin-stoppen-mehrheit-fordert-mehr-ukraine-hilfe-69871fa3eaacbece9fd1ef18&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Bild&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; survey &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;In the Omnibus Politik &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://yougov.de/politics/articles/52701-in-welchen-fragen-sich-afd-und-bsw-wahlerinnen-und-wahler-ahnlich-sind-und-in-welchen-nicht&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;survey&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; conducted in July 2025 by YouGov, one of the questions asked what Germany’s position should be at the current stage of the Russia-Ukraine war. Respondents were offered two answer options: (1) Germany should advocate for peace negotiations, even if this results in Russia gaining control over some Ukrainian territories, and (2) Germany should provide military aid to Ukraine until Russia fully withdraws from Ukrainian territories, even if this means the war will continue. Overall, 47% of respondents support providing military assistance to Ukraine until the full liberation of its territories, while 32% lean toward a peace agreement at the cost of territorial concessions. Another roughly 20% did not choose either option or answered “don’t know”.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;  &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Greens voters are most supportive of Ukraine’s struggle. More than 60% of them believe Germany should provide military aid to Ukraine until all occupied territories are liberated, and only 19% support ending hostilities at the cost of territorial concessions. The situation is exactly the opposite among supporters of the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance and Alternative for Germany: 75-80% believe Ukraine should concede territory in exchange for a peace agreement, and fewer than 10% believe Germany should continue backing Ukraine’s struggle. The views of voters of Merz’s party (CDU) are almost evenly split – 40% to 42%. Among SPD voters, a majority consider supporting Ukraine in its fight for its own land to be the right course of action – 49% versus 33%.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;caption&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Figure 2. Percentage of German party voters who support territorial concessions by Ukraine to achieve a peace agreement and those who support continued military aid to Ukraine until the full liberation of occupied territories, July 2025&lt;/span&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/most-germans-back-2.png&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; width=&#34;699&#34; height=&#34;261&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;aligncenter wp-image-196112&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;single-post-footnote&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Source: &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://yougov.de/politics/articles/52701-in-welchen-fragen-sich-afd-und-bsw-wahlerinnen-und-wahler-ahnlich-sind-und-in-welchen-nicht&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;YouGov&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; survey &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;At the same time, in a December &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://internationalepolitik.de/de/die-wichtigsten-aussenpolitischen-aufgaben-europa-verteidigung-massnahmen-gegen-autokratien&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;survey&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; by IP-Forsa-Frage on Germany’s foreign policy priorities, “support for Ukraine” fell by 10 percentage points (from 17% in May 2025 to 7% in December 2025), dropping to last place, behind “developing relations with countries of the Global South”. Meanwhile, the importance of “limiting the influence of authoritarian states such as Russia and China” increased by 8 percentage points – from 20% to 28%. Germans consider the most important foreign policy priorities to be “strengthening unity in Europe” (54%) and “increasing Germany’s defense capabilities” (37%).&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;caption&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Figure 3. Foreign policy priorities according to German respondents, December 2025&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;iframe title=&#34;&#34; src=&#34;https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Rj95k/2/&#34; frameborder=&#34;0&#34; scrolling=&#34;no&#34; aria-label=&#34;Grouped Bars&#34; data-external=&#34;1&#34; data-sanitized-id=&#34;datawrapper-chart-Rj95k&#34; allow=&#34;accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share&#34; sandbox=&#34;allow-scripts allow-same-origin&#34;&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;single-post-footnote&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Source: &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://internationalepolitik.de/de/die-wichtigsten-aussenpolitischen-aufgaben-europa-verteidigung-massnahmen-gegen-autokratien&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Internationale Politik&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; survey &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;At first glance, it may seem that Germans are losing interest in Ukraine and its struggle against the aggressor. However, the reason may be different – Germans may have stopped perceiving Russia’s war against Ukraine as a local problem and financial and military aid as merely “supporting a victim of aggression”, and instead realized that this threat exists for them as well. Therefore, the focus has shifted from “support for Ukraine” to “countering Russia”, “European unity”, and strengthening their own defense capabilities.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;reference&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Photo: &lt;a href=&#34;https://depositphotos.com/ua/&#34;&gt;depositphotos.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://voxukraine.org/en/most-germans-back-increasing-aid-to-ukraine&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>New Arsenal of Europe: How the Russian–Ukrainian War Is Changing Germany</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/23/new-arsenal-of-europe-how.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 15:55:55 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/23/new-arsenal-of-europe-how.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;single-post-lead&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Following the snap Bundestag elections held in February 2025, Germany’s political landscape changed markedly. Friedrich Merz’s government replaced Olaf Scholz’s coalition, prompting a reassessment of numerous domestic and foreign policy initiatives. In this article, we analyze how German assistance to Ukraine has changed, how Berlin is responding to economic challenges and populist pressure, and which security issues are now at the top of the agenda.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;The 2025 elections reflected &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.bpb.de/kurz-knapp/zahlen-und-fakten/bundestagswahlen/560706/waehlerstimmen/&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;deep fragmentation&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; in German society. The victory of the Christian-conservative CDU/CSU alliance, with 28.5% of the vote, confirmed voters’ demand for stability and a return to conservative values. However, the Christian Democrats’ triumph was overshadowed by the unprecedented success of the Alternative for Germany (AfD), which secured 20.8% of the vote, &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.deutschland.de/de/topic/politik/bundestagswahl-2025-wahlergebnis-deutschland-wahl-regierung&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;doubling its result&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; compared with 2021. This forces Chancellor Merz to navigate between supporting Ukraine and the risk of further radicalizing the electorate, particularly in the eastern Länder.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;The exit of the Free Democratic Party (FDP) from parliament and the historically lowest result of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (Sozialdemokratische Partei Deutschlands, SPD) significantly narrowed the range of potential coalition partners. This made the Grand Coalition (CDU/CSU and SPD) effectively the only viable option. The new government is forced to operate under conditions of a &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://epravda.com.ua/news/2024/07/15/716675/&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;budget deficit&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; and the United States’ return to isolationism. Under these circumstances, support for Ukraine is evolving: it is becoming not only a matter of solidarity but also a strategic necessity for strengthening European security and a driver of Germany’s defense industrial sector.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Political landscape&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;The election results created a unique and highly tense atmosphere in the 21st Bundestag. Although the CDU/CSU received a mandate to form the government, the opposition changed significantly: it became more radical and anti-establishment.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;caption&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Figure 1. Distribution of seats in the Bundestag, 2025 and 2021&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/rozpodil-syl-v-bundestazi.png&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; width=&#34;956&#34; height=&#34;593&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;aligncenter size-full wp-image-195518&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;single-post-footnote&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Source: &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.bundeswahlleiterin.de/en/bundestagswahlen/2025/ergebnisse/bund-99.html&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Federal Returning Officer&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt;. Note: Blue (2025) and light blue (2021) indicate parties that formed the governing coalition; red (2025) and orange (2021) indicate opposition parties; gray indicates parties that did not enter the Bundestag.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;reference&#34;&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Political parties in Germany (2025)&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li aria-level=&#34;1&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Christian Democratic Union and Christian Social Union (&lt;/span&gt;&lt;b&gt;CDU/CSU&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span&gt;) – &lt;/span&gt;&lt;b&gt;center-right&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span&gt; party (conservatives). The main political force in the new government.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li aria-level=&#34;1&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Alternative for Germany (&lt;/span&gt;&lt;b&gt;AfD&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span&gt;) – &lt;/span&gt;&lt;b&gt;far-right &lt;/b&gt;&lt;span&gt;party. Advocates nationalism, Euroscepticism, and strict limitations on migration.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li aria-level=&#34;1&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Social Democratic Party of Germany (&lt;/span&gt;&lt;b&gt;SPD&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span&gt;) – &lt;/span&gt;&lt;b&gt;center-left&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span&gt; party. Traditionally focused on social protection and workers’ rights. The party of Olaf Scholz.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li aria-level=&#34;1&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Alliance 90/The Greens (&lt;/span&gt;&lt;b&gt;Grüne&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span&gt;) – &lt;/span&gt;&lt;b&gt;center-left&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span&gt; party. Focuses on environmental policy and human rights.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li aria-level=&#34;1&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (&lt;/span&gt;&lt;b&gt;BSW&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span&gt;) – a distinct political force: &lt;/span&gt;&lt;b&gt;left-wing&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span&gt; on economic issues but &lt;/span&gt;&lt;b&gt;conservative&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span&gt; on migration and cultural issues.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li aria-level=&#34;1&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;The Left (&lt;/span&gt;&lt;b&gt;Die Linke&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span&gt;) – &lt;/span&gt;&lt;b&gt;left-wing&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span&gt; party. Advocates radical social justice and criticizes Germany’s participation in NATO.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li aria-level=&#34;1&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Free Democratic Party (&lt;/span&gt;&lt;b&gt;FDP&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span&gt;) – &lt;/span&gt;&lt;b&gt;center-right&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span&gt; (liberal) party. Advocates for business interests and the minimization of state intervention in the economy (following the 2025 election, it did not enter parliament).&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;The presence in parliament of a powerful AfD and the Left Party bloc, which together secured more than one-third (34%) of the seats (having received 29.6% of the vote and additionally benefiting from the proportional redistribution of seats from parties that did not enter parliament), creates constant pressure on the government. Each aid package and funding allocation becomes an object of criticism from opponents of Ukraine and a pretext to &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.ukrinform.ua/rubric-ato/4086199-u-bundestazi-rizko-rozkritikuvali-iniciativu-adn-sodo-rozsliduvanna-dopomogi-ukraini.html&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;accuse&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; Ukraine of «money laundering and financing terrorism» at the expense of German taxpayers. This forces the Merz administration to exercise extreme caution in its public communications and to seek alternative financing mechanisms that would not provoke the electorate, particularly &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.nato.int/en/news-and-events/articles/news/2025/08/13/germany-to-fund-500m-purl-package-for-ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;through European instruments&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt;. Another cause for concern is the success of the newly formed Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) in the eastern Länder, a party &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.radiosvoboda.org/a/sara-vahenknekht-politychnyy-proyekt-prorosiyski-naratyvy/32659937.html&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;known&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; for its pro-Russian and Eurosceptic positions. It &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.dw.com/en/sahra-wagenknecht-alliance-the-rise-and-fall-of-germanys-shooting-star/a-71741165&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;secured&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; 10-12% of the vote in most eastern Länder, although it did not enter the Bundestag.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Merz: campaign promises and realpolitik&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;During and after the election campaign, Friedrich Merz positioned himself as the antithesis of former Chancellor Olaf Scholz. His statements that «&lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.tickaroo.com/e/G09JJq2JKhrOyE9K&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Putin&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; understands only the language of force» and his calls to mobilize financial resources to «secure Kyiv’s military resilience» raised expectations of a fundamental shift in Germany’s policy of supporting Ukraine.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;At the beginning of his term as chancellor, Friedrich Merz &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.deutschlandfunk.de/laut-merz-keine-reichweitenbeschraenkung-mehr-fuer-waffen-an-die-ukraine-selenskyj-am-mittwoch-in-be-100.html&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;stated&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; that Ukraine has the right to strike military targets on Russian territory. One of the first significant decisions of the new government was the official removal of restrictions on the range of weapons supplied by Germany. This marked a significant departure from the escalation management policy pursued by Scholz.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;However, Merz soon encountered the realities of coalition governance and political ambitions that sometimes contradict both common sense and national security considerations.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;The most illustrative example of the gap between expectations and reality was the protracted debate over the Taurus cruise missiles. While in opposition, Merz repeatedly called for their transfer; however, after becoming chancellor, he did not authorize their delivery. In May 2025, the transfer of Taurus &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.tagesspiegel.de/politik/merz-nennt-taurus-lieferung-an-die-ukraine-im-bereich-des-moglichen-13770184.html&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;remained&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; within the realm of possibility, but it has not taken place to date. The chancellor has communicated very cautiously with the German public and &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://youtu.be/wzKRCQmD2GY?si=8I9kH1LQ871IxpuR&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;emphasized&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; that Germany cannot become a party to the war. However, Germany &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://militarnyi.com/uk/news/nimechchyna-uklala-kontrakt-na-rozgortannya-vyrobnytstva-krylatyh-raket-taurus-neo/#google_vignette&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;plans to develop&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; its own long-range strike capabilities under the Taurus NEO program.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Economy&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;The economic situation in which the Merz government is operating is highly unfavorable. After a two-year recession (2023-2024) and &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://think.ing.com/snaps/german-gdp-growth-4q-25/&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;stagnation&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; in 2025, Germany &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-en/news/annual-economic-report-2026-2404976?enodia=eyJleHAiOjE3NzAzOTQ2OTMsImNvbnRlbnQiOnRydWUsImF1ZCI6ImF1dGgiLCJIb3N0Ijoid3d3LmJ1bmRlc3JlZ2llcnVuZy5kZSIsIlNvdXJjZUlQIjoiMTA0LjI4LjEzMC4xNjEiLCJDb25maWdJRCI6IjhkYWRjZTEyNWZkMmMzOTMyYjk0M2I1MmU5ZDJjZDY1MDU3NTRlMTYyMjEyYTJjZTFiYjVhZjE1YzBkNGJiZmUifQ==.VqSsXnv7C5DquwYjqMQAp2ST4_LIoHxNSY2DBCS9zAw=&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;entered&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; 2026 with an official GDP growth forecast of 1.0%. This poses an extremely difficult challenge for the government: how to finance the largest war in Europe since 1945 without increasing social tensions?&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;In a published article, Friedrich Merz &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.bundesregierung.de/resource/blob/2196306/2386014/668ef8d4756aad69373f4418c123b894/2025-09-25-gastbeitrag-bk-ft-data.pdf?download=1&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;proposed&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; an interest-free loan mechanism for Ukraine totaling nearly €140 billion, to be repaid only after Russia compensates Ukraine for the damage it caused. Until then, frozen Russian assets would serve as collateral for the loan.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;In December 2025, the European Commission &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_25_2903&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;approved&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; €90 billion in funding for Ukraine under this mechanism and proposed changes to budgetary rules that would allow loans to Ukraine to be issued through the budget &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_26_90&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;headroom&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; mechanism. On February 4, the European Council &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2026/02/04/council-agrees-position-on-legal-framework-to-provide-90-billion-in-financial-support-to-ukraine/&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;approved&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; the allocation: €30 billion to the macro-financial assistance (Ukraine Facility) and €60 billion to support investments in the defense-industrial sector. In effect, the EU &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_26_90&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;borrows&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; these funds on financial markets under government guarantees. This represents an optimal solution for Berlin, as the assistance is financed at the EU level, allowing these amounts to be excluded from Germany’s national debt and avoiding violations of debt limits.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;In December 2025, Germany &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/innenpolitik/haushalt-2026-beschlossen-100.html&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;adopted&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; its 2026 budget, which increased assistance to Ukraine to €11.5 billion – equivalent to 2.2% of total budget expenditures and 0.2% of the country’s GDP. At the same time, an unprecedented €108.2 billion was &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.bundeshaushalt.de/static/daten/2026/soll/draft/Gesamtplan_und_Uebersichten.pdf&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;allocated&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; for Germany’s own defense, amounting to 2.4% of GDP. The trends are positive; however, behind these record figures lies institutional inertia: Berlin is still attempting to reconcile support for Ukraine with domestic political comfort. For the Kremlin, this signals that Europe’s largest economy fears its own voters more than it fears a Russian attack.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;caption&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Germany’s macroeconomic indicators and assistance to Ukraine&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;table&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Indicator&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;2024&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;2025&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;2026&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.destatis.de/EN/Press/2026/01/PE26_017_811.html&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;GDP growth&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.5%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.2%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;1.0% (forecast)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.destatis.de/DE/Themen/Wirtschaft/Konjunkturindikatoren/Arbeitsmarkt/arb210a.html&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Unemployment&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;6.1%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;6.4%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;6.6%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.destatis.de/EN/Press/2026/01/PE26_019_611.html&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Inflation&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;2.2%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;2.2%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.destatis.de/EN/Press/2026/01/PE26_036_611.html&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;2.1%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Military assistance to Ukraine&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://forbes.ua/news/bundestag-ukhvaliv-byudzhet-na-2024-rik-z-76-mlrd-viyskovoi-dopomogi-ukraini-02022024-18956&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;€7.6 billion&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://suspilne.media/1041329-nimeccina-moze-zbilsiti-dopomogu-ukraini-u-2025-roci-majze-na-2-mlrd-evro-pistorius/&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;€9 billion&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://suspilne.media/1176400-nimeccina-zaplanuvala-ponad-11-mlrd-evro-na-ozbroenna-ukraini-u-budzeti-na-2026-rik/&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;€11.5 billion&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;single-post-footnote&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Sources are indicated in the hyperlinks&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Defense industry&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;During 2022-2024, Germany transferred equipment to Ukraine directly from &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-de/service/archiv-bundesregierung/waffenlieferungen-ukraine-2054514&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Bundeswehr&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; inventories, thereby depleting its reserves. One year after the Bundestag elections, Germany’s strategy for military support for Ukraine changed. It is now focused on building a long-term defense-industrial alliance between Berlin and Kyiv rather than on one-off aid packages. These steps are part of the new &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://americangerman.institute/2025/04/germanys-zeitenwende-2-0-this-time-for-real/&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Zeitenwende 2.0&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; paradigm (the expansion of Germany’s military capabilities after decades of de facto disarmament) introduced by Friedrich Merz’s government. The main instrument for implementing this new strategy is the German government’s &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.handelsblatt.com/politik/deutschland/ruestung-deutschland-legt-zehn-punkte-plan-fuer-kooperation-mit-ukraine-vor/100183971.html&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;ten-point plan&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; to deepen defense cooperation with Ukraine. Its goal is to strengthen the defense industries of both countries and establish joint production.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;The German government is placing its bets on major defense companies, signing multi-year contracts with them for ammunition production and the repair and modernization of military equipment. Companies such as Rheinmetall, Hensoldt, and KNDS are key suppliers and drivers of industrial growth. Their success is a necessary component of Europe’s rearmament. The government is financing advanced weapons systems destined for Ukraine (such as the &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://turdef.com/article/rheinmetall-confirms-first-lynx-ifv-order-for-ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Lynx KF41&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt;), contributing to the modernization of Germany’s defense industry.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;In addition, Germany is interested &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;in relocating the &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;production lines of major German defense companies to Ukraine. This would not only expand production capacity but also address the key logistical problem of lengthy waiting times for the repair and delivery of military equipment. However, German companies face significant difficulties in establishing production in Ukraine. For example, the defense manufacturer Rheinmetall planned to build a &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://english.nv.ua/nation/rheinmetall-readies-ukraine-ammo-plant-in-deepening-defense-partnership-50575561.html&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;plant&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; in Ukraine to produce 155-mm ammunition (with an expected annual output of up to &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.rbc.ua/rus/news/rheinmetall-podvoyit-virobnitstvo-snaryadiv-1754916325.html&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;300,000&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; rounds) and to service armored vehicles. However, according to Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger, construction is progressing more slowly than in EU countries due to complex permitting procedures and organizational challenges. In particular, the Ukrainian side initiated a relocation of the plant, and the search for a new site took longer than expected. At present, the construction start date remains unknown.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;To support joint ventures, the Merz administration introduced state-backed war risk &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.investitionsgarantien.de/main-navigation/wissen/wissenstransfer/fokus-ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;insurance&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt;. This allowed German companies to build production facilities in Ukraine despite the risk of missile strikes. At the same time, President Volodymyr Zelensky &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official/17910&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;announced&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; the launch of Ukrainian drone production in Germany in mid-February 2026.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;In addition, Germany is using the so-called Danish model, under which it finances weapons production directly at Ukrainian factories. For example, in June 2025, it allocated &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.behoerden-spiegel.de/2025/06/03/milliardensummen-fuer-die-ukraine/&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;€5 billion&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; from the federal budget for this program, of which &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://defence-network.com/deutschland-deep-strike-drohnen-ukraine/&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;€400 million&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; will go toward the serial production of BARS and AN-196 Liutyi drones. This approach is economically advantageous, as Ukrainian enterprises have &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.gtai.de/de/trade/ukraine/specials/ukraine-foerderung-1910046&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;lower production costs&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; than their European counterparts.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Conclusion&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Despite the shift in rhetoric under Friedrich Merz compared with his predecessor, Germany continues to provide the minimum necessary level of assistance rather than becoming the industrial backbone of European security. While Ukraine remains the only real pillar sustaining the continent’s security, Germany is attempting to fill the material and political vacuum left by Washington. However, behind rising defense budgets and ambitious plans to localize weapons production lies deep internal vulnerability.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;The presence in the Bundestag of forces exploiting the economic recession and war fatigue creates a constant minefield for the chancellor. Germany remains hostage to both institutional indecision within NATO structures and its own electoral fears. If Berlin fails to convert its industrial potential into real political will, its strategic ambitions may remain nothing more than political rhetoric. The window for building an autonomous system to support Ukraine is closing faster than German bureaucracy can adapt to a reality in which security no longer derives automatically from membership in international organizations.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;reference&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Photo: &lt;a href=&#34;https://depositphotos.com/ua/&#34;&gt;depositphotos.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://voxukraine.org/en/new-arsenal-of-europe-how-the-russian-ukrainian-war-is-changing-germany&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine strikes logistics warehouse, ammunition depot, other military targets in Russian-occupied territories, General Staff says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/23/ukraine-strikes-logistics-warehouse-ammunition.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 15:52:26 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/23/ukraine-strikes-logistics-warehouse-ammunition.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2260404644.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine strikes logistics warehouse, ammunition depot, other military targets in Russian-occupied territories, General Staff says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukrainian forces struck four Russian military targets on the occupied Crimean Peninsula and in the occupied parts of Donetsk and Mykolaiv oblasts, the General Staff said on Feb. 23.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-strikes-oil-depot-air-defenses-in-russian-occupied-territories-military-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>The ‘anniversary effect’: Ukrainians live by a trauma calendar</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/23/the-anniversary-effect-ukrainians-live.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 15:28:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/23/the-anniversary-effect-ukrainians-live.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f0fee2996-0.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;The ‘anniversary effect’: Ukrainians live by a trauma calendar&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!SbKU!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F650af0ad-f453-4eae-8731-79f8e244755c_1500x500.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f650af0ad-f.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;485&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/650af0ad-f453-4eae-8731-79f8e244755c_1500x500.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:485,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:true,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor’s note:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;The war in Ukraine has been going on for nearly four years, and every day brings new challenges and news. The Counteroffensive follows what is happening around the country daily and reports on the most important developments.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Our team works under any conditions, in the cold, without electricity or stable internet. But we continue our work so that you receive reliable information.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Your subscription helps us provide backup power and warm conditions for the team. Support our work. Upgrade to a paid subscription today.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Subscribe for Free!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Subscribe for Free!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Tip Jar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Tip Jar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Natalia wakes up in the middle of the night to check the time. The screen shows the year 2014.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;She blinks, and the digits slowly return to normal.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Outside, it is February 2026. But she is living by a calendar that lags twelve years behind.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“I turn into a function, into a robot. My brain doesn’t care what year it is now — for my brain, these [February] days are simply 2014,” said Natalia Kolosovska, who has been suffering the ‘anniversary effect’ for more than a decade аfter Russia invaded Ukraine for the first time.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!hF6v!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F81c44a14-cca9-40cd-b622-6d17f505605f_594x385.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f81c44a14-c.jpg&#34; width=&#34;448&#34; height=&#34;290.3703703703704&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/81c44a14-cca9-40cd-b622-6d17f505605f_594x385.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:385,&#34;width&#34;:594,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:448,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Russian armored personnel carriers reported to be heading to Simferopol in Crimea, Ukraine on Feb. 28, 2014. (Photo by Bulent Doruk/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images).&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Natalia lives through something each February — the annual reaction to the anniversary of a traumatic event.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The beginning of the full-scale war on February 24th, 2022 became a trauma for millions of Ukrainians; most of them woke up unexpectedly to explosions, shocking news alerts, or calls from relatives saying the war had begun.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Some had to pack their entire lives into suitcases and flee their homes, while others waited in terror, fearing that Russian troops could reach their towns.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Year after year, Ukrainians face what is known as the ‘anniversary effect.’ It involves reliving difficult and distressing emotions as the date of a traumatic event approaches, and it’s not limited to only February 24th — it can last for several days or even weeks.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This happens because the body remembers its response to the event or traumatic period, and it may unconsciously reproduce it each year.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For people abroad it might feel like Ukrainians should have adapted to the war already, but the reality is that the whole nation is going through cyclical retraumatization.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The anniversary effect is an example of how trauma embeds itself in the body and permanently alters the calendars we live by.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!9OH5!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fec2c3a25-c3b2-4770-b207-f9029357daaa_1117x1489.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fec2c3a25-c.jpg&#34; width=&#34;251&#34; height=&#34;334.591763652641&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/ec2c3a25-c3b2-4770-b207-f9029357daaa_1117x1489.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1489,&#34;width&#34;:1117,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:251,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;31-year-old Natalia Kolosovska from the Lviv region. Photo provided by her.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;“I don’t remember what I ate or drank a month ago, but what happened during those days, I remember as if it were yesterday,” said Natalia.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The winter of 2014 was no less difficult for Ukrainians than 2022 would later be. That was when the country was shaken by the Revolution of Dignity, as millions took to the streets demanding European integration. They were protesting against Russian-backed President Viktor Yanukovych, who was steering the country toward authoritarianism.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In Kyiv alone, up to a million people gathered on the central square of Maidan Nezalezhnosti at the peak of the protests. On January 22, 2014, snipers killed the first demonstrators. By the end of February, more than a hundred people were dead. Russia exploited the political instability, moving to annex Crimea and launch its occupation of Donbas.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!Droq!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe6fb7d89-1f1d-4582-bf75-13c58e391e09_660x428.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fe6fb7d89-1.png&#34; width=&#34;426&#34; height=&#34;276.25454545454545&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/e6fb7d89-1f1d-4582-bf75-13c58e391e09_660x428.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:428,&#34;width&#34;:660,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:426,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Revolution of Dignity in Kyiv in 2014. Source: kyiv24.news.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;From the Lviv region, then 19-year-old Natalia followed these events as they unfolded. She was far from the occupied territories, but she experienced their loss as if it were her own.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Since childhood, she said, she had felt a sense of danger coming from Russia. In school, she wrote essays about the Chechen war after watching documentaries about Russian war crimes there. At the age of 10, she asked her mother: “Why has no one in our family served?”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Her brother simply did not want to join the military, and her father had health issues. She recalls thinking even then: “I don’t want to do math exercises either, but I still do them.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;When the Russian threat to Ukraine became more real, Natalia’s parents told her that Crimea and Donbas had “never truly been Ukrainian;” that they “could be traded away” in exchange for an illusory peace.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;She felt isolated, and over time this developed into what is known as the anniversary effect, relived year after year around the dates of traumatic events.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“A psychiatrist once explained something very simple to me. Everything that once existed within your family has spilled over onto a national level and your brain just said: ‘Now it’s everywhere,’” Natalia said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;She suddenly understood why she had been experiencing the anniversary effect for the past decade, despite being far from the epicenter of events. Feb. 24, 2022 added another layer, making the entire month unbearable for Natalia.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The anniversary effect is not always tied to war. It can be associated, for example, with the death of a loved one, a car accident, or even a divorce. Among Americans, anniversary reactions linked to the September 11 terrorist attacks are widespread, even among those who did not directly witness the events.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;id&#34;:454418}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;PollToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;poll-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;“If a trauma hasn’t been processed, it is stored as if it is happening right now… During an anniversary, it resurfaces in the unconscious as though the situation is unfolding again in the present. That’s why we feel fear, the urge to cry, or experience reactions we can’t fully explain, as if nothing is happening, yet we are anxious and our stress levels rise,” explained psychologist Vita Bakovska.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It might be a season, a certain temperature, a smell, or a sound. If someone lost a loved one at a specific age, they may experience a similar reaction when they themselves reach that age — it can simply be the context, Bakovska said. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f0fee2996-0.jpg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/aaddfd6f34.jpg&#34; width=&#34;496&#34; height=&#34;330.6666666666667&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/0fee2996-04b7-436a-8532-2608e8f8cf6d_594x396.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:396,&#34;width&#34;:594,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:496,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Hundreds of people, including many women and children, take shelter inside a metro station as explosions are heard in downtown Kharkiv, Ukraine, Feb. 24, 2022. (Photo by Salwan Georges/The Washington Post via Getty Images).&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;The anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion carries an added layer of turmoil because Ukrainians are still living through the traumatic event and are thus stuck in a state of stress as the war continues.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It’s a collective trauma that has affected people on a massive scale. So even if someone does not personally experience an anniversary effect, they can be ‘emotionally infected’ by others, Bakovska explained.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;But Ukraine is not unique in experiencing a mass anniversary effect due to war trauma.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“To this day, when the anniversary of the August war comes, I feel it. There’s a specific anxiety…And there is a terrible feeling I cannot describe or explain rationally. It’s as if the body itself remembers,” said Mariam Lomsadze, a Georgian woman who lives just steps away from the territories Russia occupied in 2008.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!_Eb-!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0043c759-ff99-4a36-b728-b6f0cd376a17_1600x1600.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f0043c759-f.png&#34; width=&#34;298&#34; height=&#34;298&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/0043c759-ff99-4a36-b728-b6f0cd376a17_1600x1600.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1456,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:298,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Georgian Mariam Lomsadze. Photo from her Facebook.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;The war caught her when she was just 8, in her native village of Nikozi in Georgia. Russia invaded Mariam’s country under the pretext of ‘protecting Russians’ in the separatist regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, similar to how the war in Ukraine began.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!6t9o!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff1ae3b59-2dfa-48c5-965a-fb218de569fc_1600x828.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2ff1ae3b59-2.png&#34; width=&#34;479&#34; height=&#34;247.7245879120879&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/f1ae3b59-2dfa-48c5-965a-fb218de569fc_1600x828.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:753,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:479,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Nikozi village in Georgia. Dashed lines indicate the border with occupied territories. Screenshot from Google Maps.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Mariam did not even realize it was a war at first, she said. Her village bordered South Ossetia, where separatists often held military exercises. So when the first gunfire broke out, the children paid little attention — until the sky turned red with bombs.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;She had to flee to the nearby city of Gori, which would go on to become one of the hardest hit by Russian bombardment. People buried their dead in their own yards because they couldn’t reach the cemetery. Mariam’s family received news by phone of more and more people being killed in her village.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“We spent two nights hiding in a basement. We sat there, all of us, trembling with fear… there were cucumbers, and we couldn’t even eat them properly because there was no water,” Mariam recalled.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Nearly 20 years have passed since the war in Georgia, but the memories still catch up with Mariam, especially as the anniversary approaches.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!GCiR!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F210333b4-8128-43ec-902b-3e1562752044_1200x659.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f210333b4-8.png&#34; width=&#34;533&#34; height=&#34;292.7058333333333&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/210333b4-8128-43ec-902b-3e1562752044_1200x659.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:659,&#34;width&#34;:1200,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:533,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Russian forces started their invasion of Georgia on August 7, 2008. Source: &lt;a href=&#34;http://eurointegration.com.ua/&#34;&gt;eurointegration.com.ua&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Overall, the anniversary effect can manifest on several levels, according to Bakovska. The first is emotional, which presents as unexplained anxiety, irritability, low mood, aggression, or heightened sensitivity. It can also appear on a cognitive level, when intrusive memories surface.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“We may find ourselves sitting in anticipation of a catastrophe, repeating the same thoughts over and over again. This is called rumination. In simple terms, it’s like chewing gum: you keep chewing on the same thoughts and can’t let them go,” Bakovska explained.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;On a physical level, it may involve insomnia, panic attacks, or flare-ups of chronic conditions. Behaviorally, as the psychologist noted, people may try to avoid reminders of the trauma and withdraw into isolation.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Some people try to look away and forget, but I’m the opposite — in that period I actually go back and look at the photographs and the videos from that time. Somehow, doing that makes me calmer. I feel obligated to look at them, so I never forget what Russia did,” Mariam said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Meanwhile, Natalia feels empty as the tragic anniversaries approach. She feels nothing at all because, for her, the realization of how many people are no longer alive is more than her psyche can carry. In 2015–2016, she attended many funerals for people killed by Russia, whom she did not know, simply to be able to cry. There, she said, her grief at least felt valid.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In February, it becomes especially difficult for her to fall asleep. She lives in a constant, high-alert state, bracing for danger. Thunder makes her flinch; it reminds her of shelling.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Since the start of the full-scale invasion, she has also stopped eating green apples because, for some reason, they remind her of tanks. This month, she operates on autopilot — eating, working, going through her daily routines.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;To make sense of her experience, Natalia writes down what she feels before later transforming it into prose or poetry.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!ECpJ!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F78555a6a-d438-4146-9647-a88587fd1eb3_1015x985.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f78555a6a-d.jpg&#34; width=&#34;369&#34; height=&#34;358.0935960591133&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/78555a6a-d438-4146-9647-a88587fd1eb3_1015x985.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:985,&#34;width&#34;:1015,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:369,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Natalia’s poem extract. English translation: “I didn’t have to bury my own. No coffin. No ninth day. No black clothes at home. I didn’t have to hold someone’s hand as it turned cold. I didn’t sit by a hospital bed in the ICU. I didn’t sob into the phone: “Hold on, I’m coming.” But… I had to grieve everyone — without exception, without names, without goodbyes.”&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;And as Natalia sees it, one of the best ways to cope with the anniversary effect is to find people with similar experiences.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“For those who haven’t lived through this, it is pathologically difficult and sometimes impossible to understand,” Natalia said. “Not because they are bad or cruel, or somehow different, but because their scale of pain is different from ours.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor’s note:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;The war in Ukraine has been going on for nearly four years, and every day brings new challenges and news. The Counteroffensive follows what is happening around the country daily and reports on the most important developments.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Our team works under any conditions, in the cold, without electricity or stable internet. But we continue our work so that you receive reliable information.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Your subscription helps us provide backup power and warm conditions for the team. Support our work. Upgrade to a paid subscription today.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Subscribe for Free!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Subscribe for Free!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Tip Jar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Tip Jar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;NEWS OF THE DAY&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;By Myroslava Tanska-Vikulova&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;RUSSIA REFUSES TO REMOVE VICTORY BANNER FROM EMBASSY IN SEOUL:&lt;/strong&gt; In Seoul, a 15-meter long banner reading “Victory will be ours” in Russian &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.chosun.com/english/national-en/2026/02/22/CKQ3SFM5E5HYBNH6AZUX6DAN7U/&#34;&gt;appeared&lt;/a&gt; on the building of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in South Korea a few days before the four year anniversary of the full-scale invasion. This slogan was originally used during the Second World War, but recently has been used with reference to Russia’s full-scale invasion in Ukraine.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Despite South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs demanding the banner’s removal and claiming that this was a violation of diplomatic conventions, Russia has refused.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;RUSSIA PROVIDES IRAN WITH AIR DEFENSE IN SECRET €500M DEAL:&lt;/strong&gt; Iran has &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.ft.com/content/d034cc1a-f5fb-494e-a3c1-466e8e80ed82&#34;&gt;concluded&lt;/a&gt; a secret €500 million agreement with Russia to restore its air defenses which were damaged by last year’s Israeli attacks, the Financial Times reports. The systems were requested by Iran in July 2025,&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;According to the outlet, deliveries are planned for 2027–2029, though Iran may have already received some of these systems. This deal likely has been a way for Russia to repair relations with Iran after it abandoned its ally during Iran’s 12-day war with Israel in 2025, a former US official told the FT.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;GREECE COULD BECOME KEY ROUTE FOR US LNG AHEAD OF RUSSIAN GAS BAN: &lt;/strong&gt;As the EU moves towards a total ban on Russian gas supplies by 2027, Greece is positioning itself as the southern gateway for liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports, predominantly from the US, the FT &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.ft.com/content/f169bb37-4d25-43c3-846d-4849a708a5c2&#34;&gt;reports&lt;/a&gt;. Before the full-scale invasion Russia supplied about 40 per cent of the EU’s gas, by 2024 Russia supplied only 11 per cent – this gap has been filled largely by US LNG.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The main LNG terminal on the island of Revithoussa moves gas north to the Balkans and beyond. The system was set up after 2022 Russia suspended pipeline gas supplies to Bulgaria after the country refused to pay in roubles.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Demand for long-term supplies is growing, with LNG buyers already booking slots for shipments through Revithoussa until 2040, viewing Greece as a strategic energy hub.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;DOG OF WAR:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;This pack of dogs often appears on Khreshchatyk and attracts people’s attention. One of the pups, Mitya, often lags behind the others, and the owner has to make sure he doesn’t fall behind.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!jB8s!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F18a48818-276c-426b-937f-3232283a4dae_960x1280.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f18a48818-2.jpg&#34; width=&#34;960&#34; height=&#34;1280&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/18a48818-276c-426b-937f-3232283a4dae_960x1280.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1280,&#34;width&#34;:960,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Stay safe out there.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Best, &lt;br&gt;Mariana&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/the-anniversary-effect-ukrainians&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>Hungary clashes with EU over oil! ATESH exposes secret fleet in Novorossiysk</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/23/hungary-clashes-with-eu-over.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 15:01:24 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/23/hungary-clashes-with-eu-over.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/0bcd601c82.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Hungary clashes with EU over oil! ATESH exposes secret fleet in Novorossiysk&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdJ1x6wQ0Ms&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine signals new talks with Russia on Feb. 26–27, Kremlin yet to confirm</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/23/ukraine-signals-new-talks-with.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 14:54:40 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/23/ukraine-signals-new-talks-with.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2254293927.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine signals new talks with Russia on Feb. 26–27, Kremlin yet to confirm&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;We are in the process of preparing,&#34; the President&#39;s Office head Kyrylo Budanov said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-signals-new-talks-with-russia-on-feb-26-27/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine could build non-conscript army if Europe helps with funding, Zelensky says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/23/ukraine-could-build-nonconscript-army.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 14:23:17 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/23/ukraine-could-build-nonconscript-army.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2262428430.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine could build non-conscript army if Europe helps with funding, Zelensky says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;The same thing (Vladimir) Putin is doing: he pays each person money for a contract. We want this as well, but we do not have enough funds,&#34; President Volodymyr Zelensky said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-could-have-contract-army-if-europeans-helped-with-funding-zelensky-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Exclusive: Mounting concern in Brussels over Ukraine’s reform backslide</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/23/exclusive-mounting-concern-in-brussels.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 13:36:43 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/23/exclusive-mounting-concern-in-brussels.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2224813694.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Exclusive: Mounting concern in Brussels over Ukraine’s reform backslide&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As Ukraine pushes for a fast-tracked entry to the EU, senior European officials say they are worried about progress on key reforms needed to secure the country’s European aspirations.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ukraine failed to complete 11 &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/reforms/&#34;&gt;reforms&lt;/a&gt; in the last three months of 2025 required to unlock European funds, according&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/exclusive-mounting-concern-in-brussels-over-ukraines-reform-backslide/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>At least 4 killed, 26 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine over past day</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/23/at-least-killed-injured-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 10:49:08 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/23/at-least-killed-injured-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/photo-2026-02-23-10-37-59.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;At least 4 killed, 26 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine over past day&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russia launched 126 drones and an Iskander-M ballistic missile at Ukraine overnight, the Air Force said. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 105 drones.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/at-least-4-killed-26-injured-in-russian-attacks-on-ukraine-over-past-day/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>&#39;Mr. Nobody Against Putin&#39; wins BAFTA award for best documentary</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/23/mr-nobody-against-putin-wins.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 09:51:43 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/23/mr-nobody-against-putin-wins.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2262535435.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;Mr. Nobody Against Putin&#39; wins BAFTA award for best documentary&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The documentary has received wide acclaim for the fact that it shows how the war against Ukraine is not just &#34;(Russian President Vladimir) Putin&#39;s war&#34; but a war sustained by both a climate of fear and open support among the populace within Russia.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/mr-nobody-against-putin-wins-bafta-award-for-best-documentary/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>General Staff: Russia has lost 1,260,500 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/23/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 08:37:27 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/23/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2255409546.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;General Staff: Russia has lost 1,260,500 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The number includes 720 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/general-staff-russia-has-lost-1-259-780-troops-in-ukraine-since-feb-24-2022-2/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Zelensky says Putin has &#39;already started World War III,&#39; calls for stronger pressure on Russia</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/23/zelensky-says-putin-has-already.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 07:02:14 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/23/zelensky-says-putin-has-already.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/866aa280f0.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky says Putin has &#39;already started World War III,&#39; calls for stronger pressure on Russia&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Feb. 23 in an interview with the BBC that Russian President Vladimir Putin has effectively already triggered World War Three, warning that only sustained military and economic pressure can prevent further escalation.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-warns-putin-has-already-started-world-war-three-calls-for-stronger-pressure-on-russia/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Missile strikes reported across Russia as Belgorod faces blackouts and major oil pipeline hub in Tatarstan damaged</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/23/missile-strikes-reported-across-russia.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 03:24:56 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/23/missile-strikes-reported-across-russia.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/img-1665.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Missile strikes reported across Russia as Belgorod faces blackouts and major oil pipeline hub in Tatarstan damaged&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Explosions were reported overnight on Feb. 23 in Russia’s Belgorod, where officials said a large-scale missile strike caused significant damage to local infrastructure, as reports also emerged of attacks targeting energy and oil infrastructure elsewhere in Russia.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Belgorod Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said the city is reportedly facing disruptions&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/missile-strikes-reported-across-russia-as-belgorod-faces-blackouts-and-major-oil-pipeline-hub-in-tatarstan-reportedly-attacked/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Putin tried to KILL Zelenskyy! His response is SHOCKING #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/22/213006.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 22 Feb 2026 21:30:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/22/213006.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/47c41ba320.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Putin tried to KILL Zelenskyy! His response is SHOCKING #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/lQokAGo_aRs&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Iran signs secret missile deal with Russia, FT reports</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/22/iran-signs-secret-missile-deal.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 22 Feb 2026 21:02:44 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/22/iran-signs-secret-missile-deal.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/825a45ef91.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Iran signs secret missile deal with Russia, FT reports&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The arms deal was signed in Moscow in December, and requires Russia to send Iran 500 &#34;Verba&#34; Man-Portable Air-Defense System (MANPADS) launch units and 2,500 9M336 surface-to-air missiles over three years, the Financial Times reported.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/iran-signs-secret-missile-deal-with-russia-ft-reports/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Putin tried to kill Zelenskyy, but &amp;amp;quot;Flamingo&amp;amp;quot; hits 870 miles and destroys Russia’s &amp;amp;quot;super missile&amp;amp;quot;</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/22/putin-tried-to-kill-zelenskyy.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 22 Feb 2026 21:00:37 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/22/putin-tried-to-kill-zelenskyy.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2fd8e0b720.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Putin tried to kill Zelenskyy, but &amp;quot;Flamingo&amp;quot; hits 870 miles and destroys Russia’s &amp;quot;super missile&amp;quot;&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYWiZ1CTK8c&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Battle for History: How Putin turned the past into a weapon of mass destruction | Episode 2</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/22/battle-for-history-how-putin.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 22 Feb 2026 20:00:12 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/22/battle-for-history-how-putin.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/ac73efedeb.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Battle for History: How Putin turned the past into a weapon of mass destruction | Episode 2&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3PJI-_cVBI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Terrorists RECRUITED via TELEGRAM, attack organized by RUSSIA, – Zelenskyy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/22/terrorists-recruited-via-telegram-attack.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 22 Feb 2026 19:58:16 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/22/terrorists-recruited-via-telegram-attack.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/789d22d5ed.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Terrorists RECRUITED via TELEGRAM, attack organized by RUSSIA, – Zelenskyy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/9qTv-ZZKXSQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukraine war latest: Ukraine hits Russian planes, ships in Crimea, artillery in major strikes on occupied territories</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/22/ukraine-war-latest-ukraine-hits.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 22 Feb 2026 19:01:47 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/22/ukraine-war-latest-ukraine-hits.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/crimea.webp&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest: Ukraine hits Russian planes, ships in Crimea, artillery in major strikes on occupied territories&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Key developments on Feb. 21-22: &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Ukraine hits Russian planes, ships in Crimea, artillery in major strikes on occupied territories&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Ukraine confirms Flamingo strike on key Russian ballistic missile factory&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Russia hits American sweets factory with missile in northeastern Ukraine&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Explosions rock Ukraine&#39;s capital and outskirts as Russia launches&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-ukraine-hits-russian-planes-ships-in-crimea-artillery-in-major-strikes-on-occupied-territories/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Russia stages terror attack in Lviv center – civilian terror knows no bounds</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/22/russia-stages-terror-attack-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 22 Feb 2026 19:00:43 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/22/russia-stages-terror-attack-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/ccc1544d5e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia stages terror attack in Lviv center – civilian terror knows no bounds&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjma_2gWW80&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>&amp;amp;quot;Stay away from politics&amp;amp;quot; – Putin&#39;s rule... #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/22/ampquotstay-away-from-politicsampquot-putins.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 22 Feb 2026 18:30:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/22/ampquotstay-away-from-politicsampquot-putins.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/8e0967483b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&amp;quot;Stay away from politics&amp;quot; – Putin&#39;s rule... #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/51u-OI3Rcgs&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Dictator, &amp;amp;quot;king,&amp;amp;quot; or just - Putin! How the ex-KGB agent seized power in the Kremlin</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/22/dictator-ampquotkingampquot-or-just-putin.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 22 Feb 2026 18:01:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/22/dictator-ampquotkingampquot-or-just-putin.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/b23b46e3fe.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Dictator, &amp;quot;king,&amp;quot; or just - Putin! How the ex-KGB agent seized power in the Kremlin&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHK4dY3LseM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Moscow shuts down all 4 airports during Ukrainian drone attack, Russian officials say</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/22/moscow-shuts-down-all-airports.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 22 Feb 2026 17:51:33 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/22/moscow-shuts-down-all-airports.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/01f3348b34.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Moscow shuts down all 4 airports during Ukrainian drone attack, Russian officials say&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Twenty drones were shot down en route to Moscow during the afternoon of Feb. 22, Mayor Sergey Sobyanin claimed.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/moscow-shuts-down-all-4-airports-during-ukrainian-drone-attack-russian-officials-say/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>90% DRONE INTERCEPT &#43; SUNRAY LASER! Ukraine destroys Russia&#39;s energy sector – blackout in Belgorod</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/22/drone-intercept-sunray-laser-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 22 Feb 2026 17:40:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/22/drone-intercept-sunray-laser-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/bdc1b07747.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;90% DRONE INTERCEPT + SUNRAY LASER! Ukraine destroys Russia&#39;s energy sector – blackout in Belgorod&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OU1eeaxVjU&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia hits American sweets factory with missile in northeastern Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/22/russia-hits-american-sweets-factory.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 22 Feb 2026 17:10:20 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/22/russia-hits-american-sweets-factory.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-665638624.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia hits American sweets factory with missile in northeastern Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The factory, located in Trostianets in Sumy Oblast, was struck by a missile, Ukraine&#39;s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said. The plant has operated since the 1990s, and produces a range of well-known products, including Oreo and Milka.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-hits-american-biscuit-factory-with-missile-in-eastern-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Hungary, Slovakia spat with Ukraine deepens as Budapest threatens to block new EU sanctions</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/22/hungary-slovakia-spat-with-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 22 Feb 2026 15:58:42 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/22/hungary-slovakia-spat-with-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/a99f4f01c4.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Hungary, Slovakia spat with Ukraine deepens as Budapest threatens to block new EU sanctions&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Hungary said it would block the EU&#39;s new sanctions package against Russia over halted oil deliveries through Ukraine, the latest development in a deepening spat between Ukraine and its neighbors, Slovakia and Hungary, over Russian oil imports.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/hungary-slovakia-spat-deepens-as-budapest-threatens-to-block-new-eu-sanctions-package/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Moscow chooses strikes over diplomacy, – Zelenskyy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/22/moscow-chooses-strikes-over-diplomacy.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 22 Feb 2026 15:54:09 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/22/moscow-chooses-strikes-over-diplomacy.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/f13cb34600.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Moscow chooses strikes over diplomacy, – Zelenskyy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/fcfhADONcfU&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>How Ukraine stopped trending | Ukraine This Week</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/22/how-ukraine-stopped-trending-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 22 Feb 2026 15:36:33 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/22/how-ukraine-stopped-trending-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/utw-22-02-1-2-2-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;How Ukraine stopped trending | Ukraine This Week&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;In the latest episode of Ukraine This Week, the Kyiv Independent’s Anna Belokur examines how global support for Ukraine has shifted four years into Russia’s full-scale invasion.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/how-ukraine-stopped-trending-ukraine-this-week/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Massive strike on Ukraine: air defense downs over 300 targets! Zelenskyy&#39;s tough response</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/22/massive-strike-on-ukraine-air.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 22 Feb 2026 15:00:33 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/22/massive-strike-on-ukraine-air.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/c209cc9952.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Massive strike on Ukraine: air defense downs over 300 targets! Zelenskyy&#39;s tough response&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCsNCvgHJXs&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Three people were INJURED in the Kyiv region as a result of a RUSSIAN ATTACK  #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/22/three-people-were-injured-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 22 Feb 2026 13:47:35 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/22/three-people-were-injured-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/b77a7111ba.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Three people were INJURED in the Kyiv region as a result of a RUSSIAN ATTACK  #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/9YRxVc6GexE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>General Staff: Russia has lost 1,259,780 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/22/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 22 Feb 2026 10:48:22 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/22/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2257789115.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;General Staff: Russia has lost 1,259,780 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The number includes 890 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/general-staff-russia-has-lost-1-259-780-troops-in-ukraine-since-feb-24-2022/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russian attacks kill 11, injure 38 in Ukraine over past day</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/22/russian-attacks-kill-injure-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 22 Feb 2026 10:26:21 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/22/russian-attacks-kill-injure-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2026-02-22-10-31-08.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian attacks kill 11, injure 38 in Ukraine over past day&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russia launched a large-scale combined drone and missile attack in the early hours of Sunday, firing 50 missiles and 297 long-range kamikaze drones, predominantly towards Kyiv and its suburbs.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-attacks-kill-11-injure-38-in-ukraine-over-past-day/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Consequences of Russian shelling: Zelenskyy shows the scale of destruction #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/22/consequences-of-russian-shelling-zelenskyy.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 22 Feb 2026 10:09:17 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/22/consequences-of-russian-shelling-zelenskyy.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/e0fffdbf66.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Consequences of Russian shelling: Zelenskyy shows the scale of destruction #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/j4CRWlWm5XQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine reportedly strikes oil depot in Russian-occupied Luhansk</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/22/ukraine-reportedly-strikes-oil-depot.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 22 Feb 2026 06:27:59 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/22/ukraine-reportedly-strikes-oil-depot.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/screenshot-2026-02-21-at-10-52-16-pm-1.png&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine reportedly strikes oil depot in Russian-occupied Luhansk&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukraine struck an oil depot in Russian-occupied Luhansk overnight on Feb. 22, Telegram news channel Exilenova+ reported.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-reportedly-strikes-oil-depot-in-russian-occupied-luhansk/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Explosions rock Ukraine&#39;s capital as Russia launches ballistic missiles, injuring 2 in Kyiv Oblast</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/22/explosions-rock-ukraines-capital-as.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 22 Feb 2026 04:07:42 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/22/explosions-rock-ukraines-capital-as.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2255514626.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Explosions rock Ukraine&#39;s capital as Russia launches ballistic missiles, injuring 2 in Kyiv Oblast&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Several rounds of explosions were reported in Kyiv overnight on Feb. 22, leaving a mother and her child injured as Russia launched ballistic missiles at Ukraine.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/explosions-rock-kyiv-as-russia-launches-ballistic-missiles-at-ukraines-capital/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>15 injured, police officer killed as explosions rock western Ukraine&#39;s Lviv in terrorist attack</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/22/injured-police-officer-killed-as.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 22 Feb 2026 01:19:12 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/22/injured-police-officer-killed-as.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/photo-2026-02-21-19-38-53.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;15 injured, police officer killed as explosions rock western Ukraine&#39;s Lviv in terrorist attack&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Explosions as a result of a terrorist attack shook Lviv, injuring 15 and killing a police officer, authorities reported overnight on Feb. 22.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/14-hospitalized-officer-killed-as-explosions-rock-western-ukraines-lviv-in-terrorist-attack/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia kills 4 in Sumy Oblast, strikes ambulance carrying minor hospitalized in blast, targets Mondelez factory</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/22/russia-kills-in-sumy-oblast.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 22 Feb 2026 00:31:46 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/22/russia-kills-in-sumy-oblast.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/trostianetshbthbx0wqaefjad.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia kills 4 in Sumy Oblast, strikes ambulance carrying minor hospitalized in blast, targets Mondelez factory&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;A Russian drone attack in northeastern Ukraine&#39;s Sumy Oblast killed two brothers and a married couple, while a missile attack damaged a production facility belonging to U.S. multinational company Mondelez, authorities reported Feb. 21.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-kills-4-in-sumy-oblast-strikes-ambulance-carrying-minor-hospitalized-in-blast-targets-mondelez-factory/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>DOJ emails expose Trump and global elites, says Glen Grant  #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/21/doj-emails-expose-trump-and.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 23:30:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/21/doj-emails-expose-trump-and.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/00ea34888e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;DOJ emails expose Trump and global elites, says Glen Grant  #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/QAXF9jYVZ64&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Trump’s Positions WEAKEN Over EPSTEIN FILES – What Does This Mean for UKRAINE? | Wrap-Up Analytics</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/21/trumps-positions-weaken-over-epstein.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 23:00:25 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/21/trumps-positions-weaken-over-epstein.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/e71b58a596.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Trump’s Positions WEAKEN Over EPSTEIN FILES – What Does This Mean for UKRAINE? | Wrap-Up Analytics&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RS_ixke1hHo&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>REVOLUTION OF DIGNITY: 2014 events that forever changed Ukraine&#39;s history | Explainer</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/21/revolution-of-dignity-events-that.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 21:00:35 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/21/revolution-of-dignity-events-that.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/9bbb3fd98b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;REVOLUTION OF DIGNITY: 2014 events that forever changed Ukraine&#39;s history | Explainer&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jszXmORh5HA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Zelensky introduces new sanctions on Russian shadow fleet</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/21/zelensky-introduces-new-sanctions-on.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 20:11:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/21/zelensky-introduces-new-sanctions-on.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/572af3041dc440ae743534e3e0ab494c-1771689955-extra-large.png&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky introduces new sanctions on Russian shadow fleet&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;President Volodymyr Zelensky announced Feb. 21 that Ukraine is imposing new sanctions targeting the captains of Russia&#39;s shadow fleet.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-new-sanctions-russian-shadow-fleet/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Battle for History: How Putin turned the past into a weapon of mass destruction | Episode 1</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/21/battle-for-history-how-putin.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 20:00:51 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/21/battle-for-history-how-putin.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/fcc95b56ce.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Battle for History: How Putin turned the past into a weapon of mass destruction | Episode 1&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1Nx78BtDKI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>ZELENSKYY: Ukraine LIBERATING southern territories! Kyiv&#39;s position on territories UNWAVERING</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/21/zelenskyy-ukraine-liberating-southern-territories.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 19:00:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/21/zelenskyy-ukraine-liberating-southern-territories.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/6c0b6ea527.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;ZELENSKYY: Ukraine LIBERATING southern territories! Kyiv&#39;s position on territories UNWAVERING&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELBS0IVOqCI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>BELGOROD IN DARKNESS – massive blackouts in Russia #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/21/belgorod-in-darkness-massive-blackouts.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 17:30:21 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/21/belgorod-in-darkness-massive-blackouts.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/7967392329.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;BELGOROD IN DARKNESS – massive blackouts in Russia #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/rnglkcvfYBs&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>I am grateful to everyone truly ready to help and support us, – Zelenskyy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/21/i-am-grateful-to-everyone.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 17:30:15 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/21/i-am-grateful-to-everyone.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/c0926f67c9.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;I am grateful to everyone truly ready to help and support us, – Zelenskyy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/5vEz1HaPDak&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Europe&#39;s green transition is now a matter of energy security</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/21/europes-green-transition-is-now.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 17:10:57 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/21/europes-green-transition-is-now.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2259337358.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Europe&#39;s green transition is now a matter of energy security&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Europe&#39;s approach to energy security long rested on a simple idea: scale equals safety. That assumption is now being tested in Ukraine — and increasingly proven wrong.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For decades, coal-fired power plants have been the backbone of &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/europe/&#34;&gt;Europe&lt;/a&gt;&#39;s energy system, underpinning industrial growth, modern living standards,&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/europes-green-transition-is-now-a-matter-of-energy-security/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russian troops CAN&#39;T KEEP UP – even with HELP from NORTH KOREA! | Front News</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/21/russian-troops-cant-keep-up.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 17:00:36 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/21/russian-troops-cant-keep-up.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/31e64cf068.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian troops CAN&#39;T KEEP UP – even with HELP from NORTH KOREA! | Front News&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_z487-GlwY&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine hits Russian planes, ships in Crimea, artillery in major strikes on occupied territories</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/21/ukraine-hits-russian-planes-ships.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 16:52:08 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/21/ukraine-hits-russian-planes-ships.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/640334742-1267728915540184-784810911464303773-n.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine hits Russian planes, ships in Crimea, artillery in major strikes on occupied territories&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The final extent of the damage on the Crimean Peninsula is still being assessed, the General Staff said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-hits-russian-planes-ships-and-artillery-in-major-strikes-on-occupied-territories/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian forces liberate 300 km² in the south, — Zelenskyy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/21/ukrainian-forces-liberate-km-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 16:19:48 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/21/ukrainian-forces-liberate-km-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/8c0643ede5.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian forces liberate 300 km² in the south, — Zelenskyy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/n431-zeAyjA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>They’re attacking the railways</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/21/theyre-attacking-the-railways.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 15:10:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/21/theyre-attacking-the-railways.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/edb202cc-a2b7-4d92-b2f4-900336cbad32-872x484.png&#34; alt=&#34;They’re attacking the railways&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!8OPB!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F809049a3-6a45-4957-a3bb-2bd12c362c06_1500x500.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f809049a3-6.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;485&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/809049a3-6a45-4957-a3bb-2bd12c362c06_1500x500.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:485,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:true,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;id&#34;:453408}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;PollToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;poll-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;If you value our work, consider upgrading to support us and get full access to all our writing.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Subscribe for Free!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; 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data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f044f4218-f.jpg&#34; width=&#34;438&#34; height=&#34;246.375&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/044f4218-fb81-49bf-8988-bab7b8050e4b_1600x900.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:819,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:438,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Train driver’s cab. Photo made and provided by Oleh Panov.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Little Oleh steps into the train driver’s cab — hundreds of buttons and levers surround him, each serving a vital function. His father, with steady and confident movements, guides the train forward. For Oleh, these were moments of pride and awe.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Not every child can say, ‘I was in the driver’s cab and saw how everything works,’” Oleh said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;His father used to take him on trips to Mariupol, where they would go to the sea together after his shift.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Today, about 50 years later, Mariupol is occupied, and the driver’s cab no longer means magic for Oleh, but responsibility for hundreds of lives behind his back and the rescue of civilians from Russian missiles.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!b4-a!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F554f926c-ed00-4377-9541-52ad95bab906_1280x1600.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f554f926c-e.jpg&#34; width=&#34;259&#34; height=&#34;323.75&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/554f926c-ed00-4377-9541-52ad95bab906_1280x1600.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1600,&#34;width&#34;:1280,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:259,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Oleh Panov, high-speed railway electromechanic. Photo provided by him.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;This harsh winter, Russia has struck not only energy infrastructure, but also transportation sites. The Russians are targeting the railways because they remain critical for moving across the country and abroad.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This week alone, Russians &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.facebook.com/oleksiikuleba/posts/pfbid02e1NMLX6hTGJeVkuHDD5YqSMe7ovFQuTXAEaKzmTfCp72ZApyyYmE22o1jM9Pijoql&#34;&gt;hit&lt;/a&gt; railway infrastructure in the Donetsk, Sumy, Dnipropetrovsk, and Chernihiv regions. In some of those regions, train traffic &lt;a href=&#34;https://sud.ua/uk/news/ukraine/353738-v-neskolkikh-oblastyakh-izmenili-dvizhenie-poezdov-gde-segodnya-deystvuyut-alternativnye-perevozki&#34;&gt;has been restricted&lt;/a&gt; or replaced with bus transfers. Ukraine’s airspace was closed with the invasion in 2022, and since then the railway has become the only means of transportation — apart from buses and private cars — allowing travel across the country and abroad.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Disrupting railway operations could paralyze the means by which millions of Ukrainians evacuate, receive humanitarian aid, and transport foreign delegations.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;A woman was filming a selfie video and captured the moment a missile struck near a train in Dnipro in June 2025. The video was published by Kyiv Post.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-component-name=&#34;VideoPlaceholder&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;mediaUploadId&#34;:&#34;fc6c3fb0-74d0-4850-9adb-428a6d9d18fc&#34;,&#34;duration&#34;:null}&#39; data-sanitized-class=&#34;native-video-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Oleh first stepped into a train driver’s cab as a child, together with his father, who worked as a locomotive driver in his native Donetsk region. Later, he followed in his father’s footsteps.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“These are very emotional moments: you’re sitting in the locomotive cab, and behind you there are 4,500–5,000 tonnes of metal, and you’re in control of all of it. Later you get used to it, but the first trains stay in your memory for a lifetime,” said Oleh.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Twice, the war intruded on his work. First in his native Donetsk region, and later in Kyiv. Both experiences underscored the importance of his work for the country.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In 2014, Russia did not use terror against critical infrastructure in its invasion, but Oleh recalls that several strikes landed near his train depot in Donetsk.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“I think they were hitting wherever… There was a goal to fire, no matter where,” Oleh said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Hearing explosions somewhere nearby brought out anxiety, you don’t know what might happen to you when you travel to another city [one closer to active fighting],” Oleh said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;id&#34;:453410}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;PollToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;poll-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!guCG!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff196e260-9687-4dc5-9a08-92b1a67ff486_1118x1398.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2ff196e260-9.jpg&#34; width=&#34;258&#34; height=&#34;322.61538461538464&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/f196e260-9687-4dc5-9a08-92b1a67ff486_1118x1398.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1398,&#34;width&#34;:1118,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:258,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Work at a railway depot. Photo made and provided by Oleh Panov.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Back then, Oleh did not know that the same helplessness he saw in 2014 in the eyes of strangers would haunt him again in another invasion. In the first six months of the war, about 4 million people &lt;a href=&#34;https://english.nv.ua/business/railway-operator-evacuates-4-million-people-amid-ukraine-war-50281872.html&#34;&gt;were evacuated&lt;/a&gt; by train from active combat zones.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The railway also transported around 300,000 tons of humanitarian aid and organized medical evacuation trains equipped with the necessary medical equipment to transport injured people.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Humanitarian aid that was sent from Lviv to Kharkiv by train. Video shot and provided by Oleh Panov.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-component-name=&#34;VideoPlaceholder&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;mediaUploadId&#34;:&#34;cb4ff638-4c28-4935-99cf-35e6c79dc207&#34;,&#34;duration&#34;:null}&#39; data-sanitized-class=&#34;native-video-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;There was no official train schedule. Departures were arranged over the phone, Oleh recalled. The depot would simply receive calls telling them where and which train needed to be prepared for departure.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;People gathered for evacuation in March 2022 at the Kyiv depot, where Oleh Panov works. Video provided by Oleh Panov.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-component-name=&#34;VideoPlaceholder&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;mediaUploadId&#34;:&#34;4e5e7734-d416-4b06-8f50-4f7e90e01afe&#34;,&#34;duration&#34;:null}&#39; data-sanitized-class=&#34;native-video-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!ijd_!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2fafec9a-2458-46f7-bb74-0fcb8a0058b3_1600x1066.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f2fafec9a-2.jpg&#34; width=&#34;476&#34; height=&#34;317.11538461538464&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/2fafec9a-2458-46f7-bb74-0fcb8a0058b3_1600x1066.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:970,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:476,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Depot where Oleh works. Photo made and provided by Oleh Panov.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;“The trips were very difficult – there was absolutely no free space on the trains, and a lot of luggage was left on the platforms. The choice was simple: either the suitcase or a person,” Oleh said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;He took his last trip as a driver about three years ago. He remembers the colorful frosty dawn that he saw during that trip.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;After that he retired, but at the age of 55, kept working as an electromechanic at his depot.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!G80m!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd494589a-fba5-4d1f-bc09-d955a470903c_1600x1066.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fd494589a-f.jpg&#34; width=&#34;455&#34; height=&#34;303.125&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/d494589a-fba5-4d1f-bc09-d955a470903c_1600x1066.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:970,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:455,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;The view that Oleh saw as a train driver. Photo made and provided by Oleh Panov.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Oleh’s depot in Kyiv was also attacked during the war, although he was not at work at the time. One of the depot’s locomotives was hit with a Shahed drone.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“There was a sense of danger, but there was practically nowhere to take cover. Thoughts were all over the place, but I had long been aware of the inevitability of such an event,” Oleh said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Despite the danger, the depot workers rushed to extinguish the fire that had broken out and to ensure the safety of the remaining trains. After this situation, the safety protocol changed — at night, trains were moved to other depots, and in the morning they were brought to Kyiv station ready for passenger departures, Oleh said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;At the start of the war, it was harder to hit a moving target, so keeping trains in motion was safer.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Russia has now &lt;a href=&#34;https://unn.ua/en/news/russian-shaheds-started-hitting-moving-targets-an-expert-explained-how-the-russian-army-manages-to-do-this&#34;&gt;learned&lt;/a&gt; to attack trains with Shahed drones equipped with a thermal camera and an internet modem, through which a live video feed is transmitted to the pilots from a distance. Previously, Shahed drones flew with GPS-programmed coordinates and could not adjust their targeting in real time.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This development has helped to target moving objects in Ukraine more often. In the period of August to October 2025 Russia &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.turkiyetoday.com/world/russias-new-precision-drones-devastate-ukraines-vital-rail-network-3208440&#34;&gt;targeted&lt;/a&gt; railways about 300 times, ten times per week on average.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Before that, strikes were primarily carried out against static railway infrastructure — stations, substations, and other fixed facilities. One of the deadliest attacks was the missile strike on the Kramatorsk railway station in the Donetsk region in April 2022, where more than 50 civilians were killed.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Burning locomotive after Russian drone attack in Sumy region. Video from Facebook page Shostka-News.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-component-name=&#34;VideoPlaceholder&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;mediaUploadId&#34;:&#34;5e8effb1-d45d-4c79-a98a-99cbde245e0e&#34;,&#34;duration&#34;:null}&#39; data-sanitized-class=&#34;native-video-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;About 100 railway workers &lt;a href=&#34;https://edition.cnn.com/2026/02/10/europe/ukraines-railway-russia-target-intl&#34;&gt;have been killed&lt;/a&gt; since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“The very concept of danger has become part of everyday life. Once the train departs, all attention is focused on the work. This is our job, and everyone understands the responsibility,” Oleh said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Once the train is en route and there is a threat from the sky, passengers and workers have nowhere to hide.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“You try not to think about what might happen to you or the passengers. Many factors are beyond your control... The driver’s task is to keep a cool head... The safety of the people depends on this,” Oleh said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The strikes at the end of January, during the period when Ukraine was negotiating an energy ceasefire with Russia, introduced the first restrictions on train movement in frontline regions, as Russia switched its focus from energy grid to logistics.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Vadym Busurulov is the head of the Dnipro station, where bus transfers from Zaporizhzhia now go. He remembers when the railway in the Zaporizhzhia region was under attack for nearly a full day.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“The main problem is that it is very inconvenient for people to have to transfer. Overall, everything is organized; the staff handling the bus transfers have adapted as well, and the buses arrive on schedule, in advance of the train’s arrival,” Busurulov said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;At first, buses transported 500–800 people, with about 8–12 trips per day in one direction. As of February 15, with some connections restored, that number has decreased to around 300 passengers, according to Busurulov.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!DMmU!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0bb69bb0-7817-4dcc-bc1f-761f1f99975f_627x836.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f0bb69bb0-7.jpg&#34; width=&#34;243&#34; height=&#34;324&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/0bb69bb0-7817-4dcc-bc1f-761f1f99975f_627x836.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:836,&#34;width&#34;:627,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:243,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Vadym Busurulov. Photo provided by him.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;“The first impression of Zaporizhzhia being cut off from the railway was that it was a harbinger of not very good news. Just like in Mariupol [before occupation]. That’s why we were afraid,” said Natalia Samura, who was sending her daughter to study in Lviv via bus transfers.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Oleh says that the attacks and the resulting energy shortages negatively affect the equipment that depot mechanics work with.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;All the equipment used to repair trains runs on electricity — this includes computers and other sensitive devices. When there are voltage fluctuations, the equipment can also break down. The workload grew this year for his team because of power shortages and the need to keep trains up to working condition.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Oleh finds comfort in photography and his special hobby, which is writing songs with artificial intelligence about working on the railway. This has become something that lifts the spirits of both him and his colleagues during difficult workdays.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;One of Oleh’s AI songs called ‘Express of Hope’.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-component-name=&#34;AudioPlaceholder&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;label&#34;:null,&#34;mediaUploadId&#34;:&#34;85d9dcc0-2df3-4785-a2d3-b064c9b03f57&#34;,&#34;duration&#34;:228.67592,&#34;downloadable&#34;:false,&#34;isEditorNode&#34;:true}&#39; data-sanitized-class=&#34;native-audio-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Here’s a translation of a couple of lines:&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt; “The wind howls, and the train rushes through dark days.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;This crystal path is not for the weak, but for hearts that are strong.”&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In addition to his main duties of repairing and preparing trains for departure, there is another task at Oleh’s depot that, fortunately, rarely occurs. The task is dismantling damaged locomotives and carriages.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Recently, a passenger carriage destroyed with Russian Shahed drones arrived at Oleh’s work.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!Zel_!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2241664e-2cc7-41e9-b256-a7bb41c127a5_1280x960.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f2241664e-2.png&#34; width=&#34;381&#34; height=&#34;285.75&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/2241664e-2cc7-41e9-b256-a7bb41c127a5_1280x960.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:960,&#34;width&#34;:1280,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:381,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;A passenger carriage destroyed by a Shahed drone, which arrived at Oleh’s depot for dismantling. Photo made and provided by Oleh Panov.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Oleh never looked back or allowed fear to take over.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Whatever the circumstances may be, a train driver in the cab thinks first and foremost about safety. Everything else inside you just switches off. You get into the cab and do your job, because behind you there are very, very many people,” Oleh said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor’s Note:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Your support allows us to keep reporting from Ukraine with care and honesty, even in the most difficult moments. Being part of this community means these stories continue to be told.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;If you value our journalism, consider upgrading your subscription to support our work and get full access to everything we publish.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Subscribe for Free!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Subscribe for Free!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Tip Jar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Tip Jar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;NEWS OF THE DAY:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;By Oksana Stepura&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;strong&gt;UKRAINE’S BIGGEST TERRITORIAL GAIN SINCE 2023: U&lt;/strong&gt;kraine’s defense forces have regained control of 300 square kilometers along the southern frontline, &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20260220-zelensky-tells-afp-that-ukraine-is-not-losing-the-war&#34;&gt;claimed&lt;/a&gt; Zelenskyy. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;If true, this would be the &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20260216-ukraine-makes-fastest-battlefield-gain-in-2-5-years&#34;&gt;largest territorial advance&lt;/a&gt; made over such a short period of time since Ukraine’s June 2023 counteroffensive.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The success of the most recent advance is attributed to the recent deactivation of the Russian military’s Starlink terminals, which enabled the occupying army to fly drones into Ukraine.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;This statement came as US-mediated talks in Geneva reportedly made no progress on territorial issues.	&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FICO THREATENS TO CUT ELECTRICITY AID FOR UKRAINE: &lt;/strong&gt;Slovakia’s President Fico has &lt;a href=&#34;https://tvpworld.com/91713000/slovakia-fico-threatens-to-cut-off-emergency-electricity-supplies-to-ukraine&#34;&gt;threatened &lt;/a&gt;to halt emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine, unless Kyiv allows Russian oil to transit to Slovakia through the Druzhba pipeline, which is located partially in Ukraine’s territory. Slovakia is a key provider of energy for Ukraine.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Russian oil has been cut off since late January, after Kyiv claimed the pipeline was damaged by a Russian drone attack.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As an alternative to the Druzhba pipeline, Ukraine has &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2026/02/21/8022045/&#34;&gt;proposed &lt;/a&gt;using the Odesa-Brody pipeline that runs through Ukraine as an alternative route to supply Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;RUSSIAN VOTKINSK MISSILE PLANT WAS HIT: &lt;/strong&gt;Russia’s Votkinsk Machine Building Plant was hit in the Udmurt Republic, OSINT telegram channels &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2026/02/21/8022030/&#34;&gt;reported&lt;/a&gt;. The plant is a critical facility for Russian military production, producing Iskander and Oreshnik missile systems.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Kyiv has not officially claimed responsibility for the attack.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If Ukraine is behind the attack, this would be one of the deepest strikes into Russian territory – reaching about 1,500 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;CAT OF CONFLICT:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;Oksana’s Mary likes to inspect grocery bags. She looks like a fluffy TSA officer.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!aMCQ!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F240ab357-c105-4f72-ba37-48e0004e4516_960x1280.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f240ab357-c.png&#34; width=&#34;960&#34; height=&#34;1280&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/240ab357-c105-4f72-ba37-48e0004e4516_960x1280.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1280,&#34;width&#34;:960,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Stay safe out there.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Best,&lt;br&gt;Anastasiia&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/theyre-attacking-the-railways&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Slovakia, Hungary threaten to halt electricity supplies to Ukraine as Russian oil dispute escalates</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/21/slovakia-hungary-threaten-to-halt.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 15:06:51 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/21/slovakia-hungary-threaten-to-halt.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/c3436f738c.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Slovakia, Hungary threaten to halt electricity supplies to Ukraine as Russian oil dispute escalates&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Such a move would break energy market rules, one expert told the Kyiv Independent.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/slovakian-prime-minister-threatens-to-halt-electricity-supplies-to-ukraine-as-oil-dispute-escalates/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>1500 km deep! Putin&#39;s ballistic plant under ATTACK | Russian terror in Sumy and Odesa</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/21/km-deep-putins-ballistic-plant.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 15:00:57 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/21/km-deep-putins-ballistic-plant.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/0cbbf76295.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;1500 km deep! Putin&#39;s ballistic plant under ATTACK | Russian terror in Sumy and Odesa&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEMc96mVubc&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>SEVEN people were INJURED as a result of Russian strikes on ZAPORIZHZHIA #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/21/seven-people-were-injured-as.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 14:10:14 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/21/seven-people-were-injured-as.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/5030901d99.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;SEVEN people were INJURED as a result of Russian strikes on ZAPORIZHZHIA #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/k-jCj-uF_-A&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine returns 2 children from Russian-occupied Kherson Oblast</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/21/ukraine-returns-children-from-russianoccupied.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 11:22:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/21/ukraine-returns-children-from-russianoccupied.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/aa1e0400fa.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine returns 2 children from Russian-occupied Kherson Oblast&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The children were returned under the Bring Kids Back UA initiative, which finds and returns Ukrainian children from occupied territories and Russia, alongside the Save Ukraine organization.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-returns-two-children-from-russian-occupied-kherson-oblast/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russia injures at least 15 in missile and drone attacks across Odesa, Sumy, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/21/russia-injures-at-least-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 09:53:12 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/21/russia-injures-at-least-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/photo-5246701404661944754-y.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia injures at least 15 in missile and drone attacks across Odesa, Sumy, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The main target was Odesa Oblast, where two people were injured after drones tore into houses and a four-storey apartment block, the emergency services reported on Feb. 21.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-injures-8-in-missile-and-drone-attacks-across-odesa-sumy-and-kherson/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>General Staff: Russia has lost 1,258,890 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/21/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 08:23:39 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/21/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/536f465b51.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;General Staff: Russia has lost 1,258,890 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The number includes 1,010 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day, while Ukrainian forces also downed a helicopter.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/general-staff-russia-has-lost-1-258-890-troops-in-ukraine-since-feb-24-2022/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Putin tightens surveillance screws with new Russian internet law</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/21/putin-tightens-surveillance-screws-with.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 05:26:17 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/21/putin-tightens-surveillance-screws-with.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/6dc5e45cb1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Putin tightens surveillance screws with new Russian internet law&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law on Feb. 20, framed by authorities as a measure to counter security threats and potential attacks, granting Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) broad authority to order the disconnection of individuals from mobile and home internet services.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/putin-signs-law-enabling-fsb-to-order-individual-internet-and-mobile-disconnections-cites-security-concerns/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukraine liberates 300 square km in southern counteroffensive, Zelensky says — here&#39;s what that means</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/21/ukraine-liberates-square-km-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 00:49:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/21/ukraine-liberates-square-km-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2262125376.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine liberates 300 square km in southern counteroffensive, Zelensky says — here&#39;s what that means&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;I won&#39;t go into too many details, but today I can congratulate our army first and foremost —all the defense forces — because as of today, 300 (square) kilometers have been liberated,&#34; Zelensky told Agence France-Presse.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-liberates-300-square-kilometers-in-southern-counteroffensive-zelensky-tells-afp/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Teaser video hints at Ukrainian Flamingo strike on key Russian ballistic missile factory</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/20/teaser-video-hints-at-ukrainian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2026 23:05:51 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/20/teaser-video-hints-at-ukrainian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/screenshot-2026-02-21-at-11-23-07.png&#34; alt=&#34;Teaser video hints at Ukrainian Flamingo strike on key Russian ballistic missile factory&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Votkinsk Plant is a strategic, state-owned defense enterprise and one of the most important missile factories in Russia. It produces Iskander ballistic missiles — used in attacks against Ukraine — and nuclear-armed intercontinental ballistic missiles.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/drone-strikes-russian-ballistic-missile-factory-over-1-300-km-from-ukraines-border/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>NATO IN SHOCK! 10 Ukrainians &amp;amp;quot;DESTROYED&amp;amp;quot; two Alliance battalions!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/20/nato-in-shock-ukrainians-ampquotdestroyedampquot.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2026 23:00:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/20/nato-in-shock-ukrainians-ampquotdestroyedampquot.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/e83a2c8919.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;NATO IN SHOCK! 10 Ukrainians &amp;quot;DESTROYED&amp;quot; two Alliance battalions!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LiqBAncIpc&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukraine halts Russian offensive on Dnipropetrovsk region #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/20/ukraine-halts-russian-offensive-on.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2026 21:30:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/20/ukraine-halts-russian-offensive-on.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/af1ce741ab.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine halts Russian offensive on Dnipropetrovsk region #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Q-Wpjk-FN3o&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>&amp;amp;quot;We can fight for years&amp;amp;quot;: Ukrainian General DOESN&#39;T BELIEVE IN Ukraine&#39;s DEFEAT!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/20/ampquotwe-can-fight-for-yearsampquot.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2026 21:00:44 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/20/ampquotwe-can-fight-for-yearsampquot.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/6c0ca7bd5b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&amp;quot;We can fight for years&amp;quot;: Ukrainian General DOESN&#39;T BELIEVE IN Ukraine&#39;s DEFEAT!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQK74rKqqwY&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Hungary blocks EU&#39;s 90 billion euro loan to Ukraine, demanding Russian oil ahead of war anniversary</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/20/hungary-blocks-eus-billion-euro.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2026 20:52:53 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/20/hungary-blocks-eus-billion-euro.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2256515419.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Hungary blocks EU&#39;s 90 billion euro loan to Ukraine, demanding Russian oil ahead of war anniversary&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;We are blocking the €90 billion EU loan for Ukraine until oil transit to Hungary via the Druzhba pipeline resumes,&#34; Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said on Feb. 20.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/hungary-blocks-eus-90-billion-euro-loan-to-ukraine-demanding-russian-oil-ahead-of-war-anniversary/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Belarus unable to secure visas for Trump&#39;s Board of Peace meeting</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/20/belarus-unable-to-secure-visas.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2026 05:32:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/20/belarus-unable-to-secure-visas.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2173673431.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Belarus unable to secure visas for Trump&#39;s Board of Peace meeting&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Belarusian officials said Feb. 19 that they were unable to obtain visas to travel to the United States for the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace, despite receiving an official invitation to attend.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/belarus-unable-to-secure-visas-board-of-peace/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Polish president ends special refugee support system for Ukrainians, shifts assistance to general foreigner protections</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/19/polish-president-ends-special-refugee.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 23:52:32 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/19/polish-president-ends-special-refugee.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/72e5df1948.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Polish president ends special refugee support system for Ukrainians, shifts assistance to general foreigner protections&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Polish President Karol Nawrocki signed legislation on Feb. 19 transferring support measures for Ukrainian refugees into Poland’s general Law on the Protection of Foreigners, ending a separate legal framework created after Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/polish-president-ends-special-refugee-support-system-for-ukrainians-shifts-assistance-to-general-foreigner-protections/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>1,000–5,000 Cubans are fighting on the side of the occupiers, according to US intelligence #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/19/cubans-are-fighting-on-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 23:30:05 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/19/cubans-are-fighting-on-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/47e40ab75f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;1,000–5,000 Cubans are fighting on the side of the occupiers, according to US intelligence #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/P07jum3QRA0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>&amp;amp;quot;Cannon fodder&amp;amp;quot; from the Caribbean: how Putin buys Cubans for $2000 to fight in Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/19/ampquotcannon-fodderampquot-from-the-caribbean.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 23:00:47 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/19/ampquotcannon-fodderampquot-from-the-caribbean.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/6bde793f40.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&amp;quot;Cannon fodder&amp;quot; from the Caribbean: how Putin buys Cubans for $2000 to fight in Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjIqGIrRkIs&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Trump extends Ukraine-related national emergency, certain US sanctions against Russia for another year</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/19/trump-extends-ukrainerelated-national-emergency.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 21:37:44 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/19/trump-extends-ukrainerelated-national-emergency.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/17f3ba9530.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Trump extends Ukraine-related national emergency, certain US sanctions against Russia for another year&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;U.S. President Donald Trump on Feb. 19 approved a one-year extension of the national emergency and related sanctions first introduced following Russia’s 2014 occupation of Crimea.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/trump-extends-ukraine-related-national-emergency-certain-us-sanctions-against-russia-for-another-year/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>The Kremlin offered Trump $12 trillion as part of the STA (“selling air”) strategy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/19/the-kremlin-offered-trump-trillion.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 21:30:56 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/19/the-kremlin-offered-trump-trillion.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/51ff38fbb9.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;The Kremlin offered Trump $12 trillion as part of the STA (“selling air”) strategy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/iRwPKmwpD_U&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>UNSTOPPABLE CRISIS: the Kremlin can&#39;t stop the ECONOMIC COLLAPSE! Europe&#39;s nuclear umbrella?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/19/unstoppable-crisis-the-kremlin-cant.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 21:00:42 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/19/unstoppable-crisis-the-kremlin-cant.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/bd908b41c7.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;UNSTOPPABLE CRISIS: the Kremlin can&#39;t stop the ECONOMIC COLLAPSE! Europe&#39;s nuclear umbrella?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFWmV6hxQdQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Important that Europeans were present in Switzerland, – Zelenskyy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/19/important-that-europeans-were-present.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 20:38:09 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/19/important-that-europeans-were-present.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/ad20bd4fd2.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Important that Europeans were present in Switzerland, – Zelenskyy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/gXKD2gLD7U8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>🎯 Drones DESTROYED Russian OSA air defense system #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/19/drones-destroyed-russian-osa-air.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 20:30:03 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/19/drones-destroyed-russian-osa-air.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/130be39c06.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🎯 Drones DESTROYED Russian OSA air defense system #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Jml091zsFU8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>HELL in the Pokrovsk and Huliaipole directions! Russia is concentrating troops</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/19/hell-in-the-pokrovsk-and.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 20:00:38 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/19/hell-in-the-pokrovsk-and.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/54d85178cf.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;HELL in the Pokrovsk and Huliaipole directions! Russia is concentrating troops&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQWJr3--b28&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukraine war latest: Ukraine reportedly strikes Russian oil depot in Pskov Oblast, hits Belgorod with missiles</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/19/ukraine-war-latest-ukraine-reportedly.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 19:16:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/19/ukraine-war-latest-ukraine-reportedly.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/6fe90e3cb0.png&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest: Ukraine reportedly strikes Russian oil depot in Pskov Oblast, hits Belgorod with missiles&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Key developments on Feb. 19: &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Ukraine reportedly strikes oil depot in Russia&#39;s Pskov Oblast, targets Belgorod with missiles, leaving blackouts&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;US reportedly presses allies to block Ukraine from full participation at NATO summit&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Moldova, Ukraine investigate alleged Russian-backed plot to assassinate prominent Ukrainians&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Sweden to send cutting-edge air&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-ukraine-reportedly-strikes-russian-oil-depot-in-pskov-oblast-hits-belgorod-with-missiles/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>&#39;Don&#39;t believe in fairy tales&#39; — Russia scrambles for front-line signal after Starlink cut-off</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/19/dont-believe-in-fairy-tales.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 18:18:48 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/19/dont-believe-in-fairy-tales.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-1813800965.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;Don&#39;t believe in fairy tales&#39; — Russia scrambles for front-line signal after Starlink cut-off&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Russia&#39;s assault on Ukraine has gone dark thanks to a recent cut-off of satellite internet.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&#34;Their pilots are now forced to pass on information by radio, and I can intercept those messages,&#34; Tymur, a deputy battalion commander in the Lyman sector, told the Kyiv Independent. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/dont-believe-in-fairy-tales-russia-scrambles-for-front-line-signal-after-starlink-cut-off/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>🇷🇺 Russian delegation headed by PROPAGANDIST again – a signal from Moscow? #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/19/russian-delegation-headed-by-propagandist.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 17:30:26 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/19/russian-delegation-headed-by-propagandist.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/ec3b671862.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🇷🇺 Russian delegation headed by PROPAGANDIST again – a signal from Moscow? #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/eTLQcgkec64&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>THE END IS NEAR? Neither China, Iran, nor North Korea can save Russia!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/19/the-end-is-near-neither.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 17:01:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/19/the-end-is-near-neither.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/feafbbc904.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;THE END IS NEAR? Neither China, Iran, nor North Korea can save Russia!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7jzL9nGEFE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Community Manager</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/19/community-manager.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 16:46:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/19/community-manager.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/copy-of-logo-horizontal-black-01-1-2-5.png&#34; alt=&#34;Community Manager&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Kyiv Independent, Ukraine’s main English-language publication, is looking for a Community Manager.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/community-manager/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>⚔️ Russland versucht, Kupjansk „einzunehmen“, jedoch ohne ERFOLG #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/19/russland-versucht-kupjansk-einzunehmen-jedoch.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 16:21:12 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/19/russland-versucht-kupjansk-einzunehmen-jedoch.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/f0f87f1110.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚔️ Russland versucht, Kupjansk „einzunehmen“, jedoch ohne ERFOLG #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/m3dpQHWjook&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>&#39;Ready to fight&#39; — Baltics face NATO fragility fears in the age of Trump</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/19/ready-to-fight-baltics-face.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 16:09:53 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/19/ready-to-fight-baltics-face.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-1436645152.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;Ready to fight&#39; — Baltics face NATO fragility fears in the age of Trump&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As the crisis in Washington’s relations with its European allies escalated in recent months, it raised a stark question: how secure are the U.S. guarantees for countries bordering Russia?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;U.S. President Donald Trump has not just antagonized NATO allies but even threatened to annex one of&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/does-trumps-turmoil-leave-natos-flank-open-baltics-say-no/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russia recruits over 1,000 citizens of Kenya to fight against Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/19/russia-recruits-over-citizens-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 15:49:32 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/19/russia-recruits-over-citizens-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width=&#34;2880&#34; height=&#34;1594&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/img-3370.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Kenyan captive Evans&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;UKRAINE,&lt;/strong&gt; Feb. 19 — Russia has recruited more than 1,000 citizens of Kenya to fight in its invasion of Ukraine, &lt;a href=&#34;https://apnews.com/article/kenya-russia-ukraine-army-recruits-82c48fb68edf130dc080385b0d3d5887&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;reported&lt;/a&gt; AP, citing Kenyan intelligence. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;On Feb. 18,  parliamentary leader Kimani Ichung’wah presented an intelligence report, accusing Russian embassy officials of working with Russia’s recruitment agencies that lured Kenyans to the military with the false promises of jobs in Russia. He added that the Russian Embassy issued visas for those who have been recruited to the army. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Ichung’wah added that the report shows that at least one Kenya’s citizen was killed, 39 were wounded, and 89 remain on the frontlines. Others returned home. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The parliament leader also warned Kenyan officials that anyone in the country who is involved in Moscow’s recruitment campaign would be held responsible. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;According to BBC, in 2025 nearly 130 recruitment agencies were &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c20gn2d51l1o&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;operating&lt;/a&gt; in Kenya, around five had been flagged, with three already suspended and two others under investigation. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Earlier Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.trtafrika.com/english/article/24948cfac350&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;urged&lt;/a&gt; its citizens who live in Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan to register with the embassy in Moscow to enable “timely monitoring, consular assistance and protection.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;AP reports that Nairobi arrested two recruits last year and released them on bail as they await trial.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-heading&#34;&gt;Read more &lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Russia &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/russia-attacks-kharkiv-region-over-700-times-in-2026-ministry-of-internal-affairs-say/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;attacks&lt;/a&gt; Kharkiv region over 700 times in 2026, Ministry of Internal Affairs say&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-sanitized-class=&#34;has-background&#34;&gt;It’s freezing in Kharkiv. Please consider supporting our newsroom through this cold winter full of Russian attacks that disrupt our electricity and heating. Leave a &lt;a href=&#34;https://buymeacoffee.com/gwaramedia/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;one-time tip&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; or become a &lt;a href=&#34;https://buymeacoffee.com/gwaramedia/membership&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;member of our community&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The post &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/russia-recruits-over-1000-citizens-of-kenya-to-fight-against-ukraine/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;Russia recruits over 1,000 citizens of Kenya to fight against Ukraine&lt;/a&gt; appeared first on &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;Gwara Media&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/russia-recruits-over-1000-citizens-of-kenya-to-fight-against-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>The one problem with Russia&#39;s shadow fleet Europe still hasn&#39;t addressed</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/19/the-one-problem-with-russias.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 15:34:49 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/19/the-one-problem-with-russias.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2238143863.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;The one problem with Russia&#39;s shadow fleet Europe still hasn&#39;t addressed&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Contrary to the rhetoric coming out of the Kremlin, the Russian economy is faltering.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;After years of growth propped up by military spending, Russia&#39;s economy slowed to a standstill in 2025. Unfortunately, the energy trade remains just strong enough to sustain Russian tax revenues: without the steady inflow&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/the-one-problem-with-russias-shadow-fleet-europe-still-hasnt-addressed/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>How Elon’s satellites nearly led to Ukrainian disaster</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/19/how-elons-satellites-nearly-led.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 15:05:56 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/19/how-elons-satellites-nearly-led.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f66e3b1f1-a.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;How Elon’s satellites nearly led to Ukrainian disaster&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!mekX!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc6338f68-7304-49ab-b1a9-7315bffc3663_1500x500.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fc6338f68-7.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;485&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/c6338f68-7304-49ab-b1a9-7315bffc3663_1500x500.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:485,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:true,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Featured subscriber comment:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;“Thank you for the excellent job you all do providing us with a glimpse of real life beyond the headlines. I hope more people reading this will appreciate the importance of becoming paying subscribers to support your work.”&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;By Matthew Fawcett&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Upgrade now to support our work and get full access to all our writing!&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Get Full Access!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Get Full Access!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Tip Jar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Tip Jar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Humans constantly try to find ways to kill their own kind more efficiently,” said ‘Friend Barber’, head of the electronic warfare group of the 125th Separate Mechanised Brigade.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;He’s asked to be identified by only his callsign for security reasons.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Over more than eleven years of war, he’s seen enough of how Russian forces constantly adapt to the battlefield. Each time, it has forced him to search for ways to counter the enemy — seeking creative solutions to protect what matters most: his people.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;But recently, Russians tried to provoke a massive shift on the battlefield that could have been disastrous for the Ukrainian army.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!_3Ln!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F083d0d5e-78e1-4e95-afcd-40098f494255_1066x1600.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f083d0d5e-7.png&#34; width=&#34;228&#34; height=&#34;342.2138836772983&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/083d0d5e-78e1-4e95-afcd-40098f494255_1066x1600.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1600,&#34;width&#34;:1066,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:228,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Friend Barber, head of the electronic warfare group of the 125th Separate Mechanised Brigade. Photo provided by the brigade.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;About a month ago, Ukraine &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2026/01/16/8016424/&#34;&gt;recorded&lt;/a&gt; the first cases of Russians using Elon Musk’s Starlink terminals on strike drones, allowing them to bypass Ukrainian efforts to jam their signals. Previously, the Ukrainian army could disrupt the drones’ navigation so they would fail to reach their target. With Starlinks, however, Russia can operate the drones live to avoid disruption.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This time, Ukraine managed to respond to this new upgrade before it could be scaled, blocking the use of communication terminals for Russian forces on the front line.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Russian forces then lost their connectivity, leading to chaos within their ranks, and they even experienced a temporary halt to assault operations. Ukrainians also launched a counterattack that, according to ISW analysis, may have exploited this Starlink blackout, yielding about 201 square kilometres of recaptured territory.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Russian forces are now actively trying to restore Starlink connectivity by any means necessary. They’ve now begun blackmailing the families of prisoners of war, pressuring them to facilitate a workaround to new Starlink restrictions by registering Starlink terminals in their own names.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This constant adaptation to new circumstances on the battlefield and search for non-linear solutions is the only effective way of fighting an enemy with a significant resource advantage.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;id&#34;:452331}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;PollToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;poll-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!NsRH!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F28fc6439-e687-4fc0-96b3-646a3aaae5de_594x396.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f28fc6439-e.jpg&#34; width=&#34;498&#34; height=&#34;332&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/28fc6439-e687-4fc0-96b3-646a3aaae5de_594x396.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:396,&#34;width&#34;:594,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:498,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;An antenna from a Starlink satellite-based broadband system stands in a yard next to shoes left out to dry on April 7, 2024 in Kupiansk, Ukraine. Photo by Yan Dobronosov/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Friend Barber has been taking part in asymmetric warfare against Russians for more than a decade. It’s a form of combat where unconventional tactics are used to fight back against an adversary who has more resources or manpower.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Before joining the army, he led a regular civilian life: he worked in furniture assembly and car repair, for example.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;After completing his mandatory military service around twenty years ago, he decided he really liked the army. He signed a contract in 2011. He’s been in the military ever since.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“When the war began [in 2014], I could have left the Armed Forces, but I didn’t, because I believed the war had to be seen through to the end. We’ll rest later,” Friend Barber recalled.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;After the full-scale invasion, he grabbed his bags and kissed his wife before setting off for the frontline. He performed various roles, from combat missions to training others in technical surveillance. For him, the turning point was when he realised the war would not end on its own. On the contrary, it required him to stay and learn new skills.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“In 2023, I was badly wounded during an assault, and after that, my career as an assault soldier ended. I got an assignment from the squad commander to start developing a new area of countering enemy small UAVs. In short, it’s electronic warfare,” he explained.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It’s difficult to explain electronic warfare in a way that everyone can understand. Friend Barber accomplishes this through everyday metaphors, just like he used when giving briefings to infantrymen.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“If we take a flashlight and shine it in someone’s eyes, they stop because they can’t see anything. Or it could be the headlights of a car, making it very challenging to drive. This is exactly what electronic warfare devices do when they emit their radio waves; they ‘blind’ the control elements.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;So think of electronic warfare devices, or ‘jammers,’ as emitting chaotic and powerful signals that make it difficult for drones to understand the genuine information they should be receiving.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f66e3b1f1-a.jpg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/11beed6f22.jpg&#34; width=&#34;518&#34; height=&#34;345.3333333333333&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/66e3b1f1-accd-448e-936e-d3c53c85d4a3_594x396.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:396,&#34;width&#34;:594,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:518,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;An employee demonstrates radio-electronic warfare systems of the Ukrainian company Kvertus during its presentation in the Lviv region on May 28, 2024. Photo by YURIY DYACHYSHYN/AFP via Getty Images.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;In reality, it’s not that simple, and the Russians always try to figure out ways to make sure “the high beams from oncoming cars don’t get in the way.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In these conditions, electronic warfare experts like Friend Barber have to deal with new challenges all the time. And the most recent one — with potentially devastating ramifications for Ukraine — was the use of Starlink-enabled strike drones.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Starlink is SpaceX’s satellite internet service, built on a large network of satellites in low Earth orbit. The main difference between such systems and traditional satellite communications is significantly faster internet and potentially greater stability in dynamic conditions.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Elon Musk opened access to Starlink for Ukraine in the early days of the full-scale invasion after an appeal from Kyiv, and it became a crucial communication channel.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;During the Ukrainian counteroffensive in the Kherson region in the fall of 2022, Starlink helped the military maintain stable communications on the battlefield.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Russia has no official access to Starlink, and SpaceX does not operate there.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;But Russians have made a habit of acquiring contraband terminals by having devices registered in countries where the service is permitted, and then physically transporting them to the front lines.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The first &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/ukraine-working-with-spacex-stop-russian-drones-use-starlink-kyiv-says-2026-01-29/&#34;&gt;signs&lt;/a&gt; of Starlink use by Russia were detected some time ago, with analysts tracking Russian drones equipped with Starlink gear since 2024.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;But in early 2026, things escalated when BM-35 drones, which are similar to ‘small’ Shaheds and can fly up to 500 kilometres, were discovered for the first time in the city of Dnipro, a sign that Russia could soon use Shahed-drones with Starlinks to make attacks on civilians even deadlier. A BM-35 drone with a Starlink was also used in Kyiv in late January.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!6gj9!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb1993b26-7e4b-4a7c-888c-6fb1d9413829_960x1280.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fb1993b26-7.jpg&#34; width=&#34;263&#34; height=&#34;350.6666666666667&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/b1993b26-7e4b-4a7c-888c-6fb1d9413829_960x1280.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1280,&#34;width&#34;:960,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:263,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Debris of the BM-35 drone in the Dnipro area. Photo from Serhii Flash’s Telegram Channel.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Previously, many drones could be blinded using electronic warfare, jamming their navigation or control channels.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;But this isn’t possible with Starlink since the connection is – without getting into all the technical details – less vulnerable to electronic warfare methods. The drones can therefore fly at low altitudes, adjusting their route mid-flight to avoid air defence.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“That makes it harder to shoot down, complicates its route, and it transmits data directly to the operator’s screen… the operator can see exactly where it is, what it’s flying over, and gather intelligence in real time,” an air-defence serviceman in Kyiv with the callsign ‘Kit’ (‘Cat’ in English) told &lt;em&gt;The Counteroffensive.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Friend Barber said he has not directly encountered Shaheds equipped with Starlinks in his work, but Russia has used the terminals in other types of drones that operate within smaller ranges near the frontline.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;He works against small drones — such as FPVs — protecting infantry units on the Kharkiv front.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“The enemy uses a large number of drones in combined attacks, and we are taking losses because of this. The hardest part is when I lose a brother-in-arms to the very thing I am now fighting against. It leaves a certain weight, a sense that I failed to do something that was within my power,” he said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Not a single day goes by that Friend Barber does not experience drone attacks on his positions in the Kharkiv region. But there are times when even the infantrymen don’t fully realise how much effort he puts into keeping his comrades safe.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Some infantrymen holding positions say: ‘Come on, guys, there were tons of FPV drones flying. So what were you even doing?’ But when you start explaining it to them, and show the numbers — how many drones actually reached their positions versus how many were launched overall — their attitude changes a bit,” he said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;On February 2, 2026, the Ukrainian government sought to&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/09/russia-scrambles-starlink-access-deactivated-elon-musk-space-x&#34;&gt; block&lt;/a&gt; Russian access to the network by introducing a “white list.” The idea is simple: only verified devices can operate in the country, while all others are disabled. In early February 2026, Kyiv &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/starlink-used-by-russian-forces-deactivated-battlefield-ukraine-says-2026-02-05/&#34;&gt;reported&lt;/a&gt; that the Starlink terminals used by Russian forces had been deactivated.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;But Barber doesn’t believe in permanent decisions.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“There will be an analogue of Starlink that Russians will try to use for further strikes against Ukraine…I’m ready to work with the consequences,” he explained.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!tAlk!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0209b566-5dc4-40f5-a7e3-8b4eba8b2503_887x597.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f0209b566-5.jpg&#34; width=&#34;426&#34; height=&#34;286.7215332581736&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/0209b566-5dc4-40f5-a7e3-8b4eba8b2503_887x597.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:597,&#34;width&#34;:887,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:426,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Russia is announcing “searches” for Ukrainians who want to make money by registering Russian Starlinks. Photo from Serhii Flash’s Telegram Channel.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;After Ukraine began to disconnect illegal Starlink terminals, the Russians &lt;a href=&#34;https://t.me/s/Koord_shtab/18019&#34;&gt;turned&lt;/a&gt; their attention to the vulnerability of prisoners’ families, according to the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The headquarters reported cases of threats and demands to officially register Starlink terminals so they could be used for attacks against Ukraine.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Friend Barber has stayed in the army even after being wounded, since for him it’s not just a job or profession, but a way to regain a future for himself and his family that Russia is trying to take away.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!cap5!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F178b0297-30af-465a-a373-71d12988b06a_1520x1078.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f178b0297-3.png&#34; width=&#34;428&#34; height=&#34;303.6565934065934&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/178b0297-30af-465a-a373-71d12988b06a_1520x1078.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1033,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:428,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Map showing the locations mentioned in the story. Kharkiv region (where “Friend Barber” is currently deployed), and Polohy in Zaporizhzhia region (his hometown, currently under Russian occupation).&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Every time he sees an FPV drone strike in his native Zaporizhzhia region, he feels the urge to drop everything and go there to help. But he knows he is ultimately fighting for his hometown of Polohy, even though it’s hundreds of kilometres away and under Russian occupation.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Right now, he’s needed in the Kharkiv region.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The war forced Barber not only to adapt to constant military upgrades but also to keep his own life in limbo. Whenever he talks about his future and kids, it sounds like a dream that’s bound to come true.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“I want children. First, we need to end this war. And we must restore our territories, we will have to... After all, this is my country, my home, and I want my children to live here.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Featured subscriber comment:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;“Thank you for the excellent job you all do providing us with a glimpse of real life beyond the headlines. I hope more people reading this will appreciate the importance of becoming paying subscribers to support your work.”&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;By Matthew Fawcett&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Upgrade now to support our work and get full access to all our writing.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Get Full Access!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Get Full Access!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Tip Jar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Tip Jar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;NEWS OF THE DAY: &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;By Tania Novakivska&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;RUSSIA PREPARES TO DRAFT RESERVISTS:&lt;/strong&gt; On 18 February, the Russian State Duma passed a bill in its first reading that would strengthen preventive measures against draft evasion, &lt;a href=&#34;https://understandingwar.org/research/russia-ukraine/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-february-18-2026/&#34;&gt;according to&lt;/a&gt; the latest ISW report.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The bill is likely intended to provide a legal basis for prosecuting Russians who criticise conscription of reservists.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;ISW analysts believe that the forced conscription of reservists indicates Moscow’s desire to compensate for the almost complete exhaustion of voluntary recruitment in 2026.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;UKRAINIAN DEFENCE INDUSTRY GREW 50-FOLD DURING THE WAR:&lt;/strong&gt; The sector’s production capacity increased to $50 billion- multiplying 50 times compared to pre-war levels, enabling Ukrainian manufacturers to supply more than half of the Ukrainian army’s weapons needs, &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.ukrinform.ua/rubric-economy/4093094-ukrainskij-opk-zbilsiv-virobnictvo-do-50-milardiv-minoboroni.html&#34;&gt;said &lt;/a&gt;Defence Minister Advisor Hanna Hvozdar at the Munich Conference.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;IRAN STRENGTHENS PROTECTION OF NUCLEAR FACILITIES:&lt;/strong&gt; Amid tensions with the US, Iran &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/satellite-images-show-iran-repairing-fortifying-sites-amid-us-tensions-2026-02-18/&#34;&gt;is rebuilding &lt;/a&gt;facilities destroyed by American and Israeli strikes and strengthening their security, Reuters reported after analysing changes in satellite images of key facilities in Iran’s nuclear programme.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;At the same time, CBS News sources &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-possible-timeline-iran-strikes/&#34;&gt;report &lt;/a&gt;that the military is ready to launch full-scale strikes on Iran as early as this Saturday, as senior National Security officials have informed Trump.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;However, Trump has not yet made a final decision on whether to strike.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;DOGS OF WAR:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;Tania spent her weekends babysitting these three good boys. Their names are Mike, Ron, and Kyi, and their favourite things to do are playing, eating and competing for a place nearest to Tania in bed.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!NsEN!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F77fce8f5-89e0-4e7e-bac3-090c943a6e8a_1514x1600.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f77fce8f5-8.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;1539&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/77fce8f5-89e0-4e7e-bac3-090c943a6e8a_1514x1600.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1539,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Stay safe out there!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Best,&lt;br&gt;Oleksandra and Mariana&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/how-elons-satellites-nearly-led-to&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>ON FIRE IN RUSSIA! SBU destroys oil depot near Pskov: harsh response to Russian terror!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/19/on-fire-in-russia-sbu.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 15:00:19 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/19/on-fire-in-russia-sbu.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/87c3d49dba.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;ON FIRE IN RUSSIA! SBU destroys oil depot near Pskov: harsh response to Russian terror!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QVNkYbpzjk&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>All talk and little action around British architect Norman Foster’s plan to rebuild Kharkiv into “city of future” after Russia’s war</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/19/all-talk-and-little-action.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 14:33:39 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/19/all-talk-and-little-action.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width=&#34;1206&#34; height=&#34;722&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/img-1005.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;British architect Norman Foster and Kharkiv mayor Ihor Terekhov during discussion on rebuilding of the city / Photo: Norman Foster Foundation&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;UKRAINE, KHARKIV&lt;/strong&gt; — Local authorities began discussing the reconstruction of damaged or destroyed spaces and buildings in Kharkiv in April 2022. They &lt;a href=&#34;https://t.me/citykharkivua/4642&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;said&lt;/a&gt; that a famous British architect Norman Foster would take part in designing the city’s rebuilding.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;During these four years, neither Foster, nor his foundation’s team visited Kharkiv, instead communicating. They developed a masterplan for rebuilding of the city and several projects within that masterplan remotely, communicating online with the group of local architects and the Kharkiv mayor, Ihor Terekhov. The Kharkiv architectural community is rather skeptical about Foster’s and his team’s participation in the rebuilding.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“You can’t work like that. You can’t invite someone to come and make us happy. We have to do things differently, explore our problems, and draw on foreign experience,” said Olha Kleitman, one of the architects involved with the project, to Gwara Media.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-heading&#34;&gt;“City of the future”&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Kharkiv is one of Ukraine’s largest cities, located in the northeast, about 20 kilometers from the Russian border. As of November 2025, &lt;a href=&#34;https://suspilne.media/kharkiv/1169634-z-pocatku-povnomasstabnogo-vtorgnenna-u-harkovi-buli-poskodzeni-ci-zrujnovani-ponad-12-tisac-budinkiv-terehov/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;according&lt;/a&gt; to official data, 12,500 buildings in the city had been damaged or destroyed in Russia’s full-scale invasion. Other numbers &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/russian-attacks-destroyed-quarter-of-kharkiv-city-in-almost-4-years-full-scale-invasion-mayor-says/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;show&lt;/a&gt; that Russia’s war damaged 8,200 residential buildings — a quarter of the city. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The scale of destruction increases with each Russian attack. The Kharkiv City Council &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.city.kharkiv.ua/uk/news/igor-terekhov-kharkiv-mozhna-vidnoviti-pislya-viyni-za-dva-tri-roki-50654.html&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;believes&lt;/a&gt; that the city’s reconstruction will only be possible after the end of Russia’s war and estimates it taking up to two-three years.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;On Apr. 4, 2022, during the International Mayors Forum organized by the United Nations, Terekhov asked Foster to assist with Kharkiv’s post-war rebuilding. The British architect agreed and, on Apr. 28, gave a &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFSr93ifmSg&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;speech&lt;/a&gt; at the UN.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-quote&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“What if we bring together the best minds, the best talent, and we work with locals, with people who understand that territory… And together we can recreate the best of the past and  project Kharkiv into a city of the future,” Foster recalled offering to Terekhov.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Norman Foster is the founder of the Foster + Partners architecture bureau and one of the pioneers of high-tech style in architecture. His most famous projects include the 30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin) in London, the reconstruction of the Reichstag in Berlin, and the Apple headquarters in California.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Oleh Dorzdov, the founder of the Kharkiv School of Architecture, who Gwara talked to about Foster’s plan for Kharkiv, said that the concept of the “city of the future” the British architect envisioned is “incredibly complex, long-term, and powerful.” &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;But it required, Drozdov added, the involvement of many different resources and the cooperation among Kharkiv locals, government, activists, and international partners — and that cooperation is absent. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-heading&#34;&gt;“Foster Foundation didn’t hear us” &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Locals were invited to cooperate. Dmytro Fomenko, a Kharkiv architect, created and headed a working group of Kharkiv experts to help foreign colleagues improve their understanding of the city and its context.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This working group reportedly &lt;a href=&#34;https://anticor-kharkiv.org/our-work/pro-te-shcho-foster-u-pryntsypi-ne-mozhe-rozrobyty-henplan-my-znaly-vid-pochatku-shcho-vidbuvaietsia-navkolo-ofitsiynoi-vidbudovy-kharkova-ta-khto-shche-pratsiuie-nad-kontseptsiieiu-vidnovlennia-mis/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;included&lt;/a&gt; guide and architect Maksym Rozenfeld, the head of “Kharkivproekt” Institute Yurii Spasov, landscape architect Olha Kleitman, restorer Volodymyr Novhorodov, and practicing architects Serhii Ilchenko, Oleksandr Strulov, Kostiantyn Krytskyi, and Viktor Zaidenberg. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The group worked with Foster’s team via video conferences. Despite the invitations, foreign colleagues never visited Kharkiv.  Ihor Terekhov, though, has met with Foster in person several times.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-quote&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“Norman Foster visited Uzhhorod once, but Uzhhorod is not Kharkiv,” Olha Kleitman told Gwara Media. Kleitman believes it was a mistake to invite people who “have never been here and do not plan to visit the city as chief designers” to lead Kharkiv’s reconstruction.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“I think the Foster Foundation team didn’t hear us. Why do we call it the reconstruction of Kharkiv when it’s actually building from scratch?” said Kleitman. In her opinion, true reconstruction has to be focused on repurposing unused, abandoned spaces in buildings that stand empty in the city. “We need to focus on what people need &lt;em&gt;right&lt;/em&gt; &lt;em&gt;now&lt;/em&gt;.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Kleitman also describes the way local authorities approach decision-making as “populist” and “having an inferiority complex.” She adds: local architects and other experts themselves must decide what is primary and what is secondary to reconstruction.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-heading&#34;&gt;Foster’s masterplan for Kharkiv&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In December 2022, the Norman Foster Foundation &lt;a href=&#34;https://normanfosterfoundation.org/kharkiv-masterplan/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;published&lt;/a&gt; the “Kharkiv Masterplan,” outlining the results of its cooperation with the Kharkiv team.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The foundation said it took more than 100 meetings to develop it based on the input from over 16,000 responses to public questionnaires from Kharkiv locals. The masterplan published on the website includes five pilot projects.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The heritage project’s task is to create a new architectural landmark in central Kharkiv. The river project aims to transform a six-kilometer (~3,7 miles) strip between the Kharkiv and Nemyshlia rivers into an “ecological space for pedestrians and cyclists.” &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The industry project proposes converting a coal-fired power plant into a clean energy and food hub to “stimulate industrial development” across Kharkiv, and the housing project focuses on making existing buildings safe, modern, and energy efficient. Finally, the science neighbourhood project is about implementing “high-tech industries, research, and startups” that are expected to boost Kharkiv industrial base.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;However, the press service of Kharkiv City Council in response to Gwara Media’s said that, as of February 2026, they developed seven, not five, pilot projects for Kharkiv masterplan. They were developed alongside the UN Economic Commission for Europe and the Norman Foster’s Foundation as part of the UN4Ukrainian Cities project with financial support of Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The Kharkiv City Council also &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.city.kharkiv.ua/uk/news/uchast-normana-fostera-u-vidnovlenni-kharkova-ne-potrebue-koshtiv-miskogo-byudzhetu-57801.html&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;said&lt;/a&gt; that cooperation with Foster on the post-war reconstruction in Kharkiv is financed without using resources from the municipal budget.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The council added that, in collaboration with Foster’s team, they also developed projects for transport and economic strategy. The former aims to develop and modernize the municipal transport system, manage priority of pedestrian and bicycle traffic, and restore transport infrastructure. The latter, according to the city council, is supposed to support local small and medium businesses, create new jobs, develop post-war economic recovery and Kharkiv integration to international economic networks.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-heading&#34;&gt;What is done under Foster’s masterplan &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;City council has talked about collaboration with Foster’s team a lot, but Kharkiv doesn’t have too much to show for it. In September 2023, the Kharkiv:Restart forum was held in Kyiv. There, Mayor Terekhov &lt;a href=&#34;https://t.me/citykharkivua/38629&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;presented&lt;/a&gt; the science neighbourhood project, which was developed together with Foster’s Foundation. In 2025, Kharkiv City Council &lt;a href=&#34;https://t.me/citykharkivua/73878&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;announced&lt;/a&gt; once again that the Foundation designed it, now through their social media. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;It’s one of the five (or seven) pilot projects developed by Foster’s team in collaboration with local experts. The city plans to build it in an area near the Barabashovo market, one of the largest markets in Ukraine, which was partially damaged in Russian strikes.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Foster said that it will be a large location with universities, residential buildings, shops, scientific laboratories, and recreational infrastructure.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;At the same time, Olha Kleitman said that the science neighborhood is a very inappropriate idea for Kharkiv right now. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-quote&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“In general, this park will simply be a competition for what we already have,” the architect explained.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;She repeated that, because foreign experts hadn’t been to Kharkiv, it’s difficult for them to understand a local urban context. For instance, she said, before the full-scale invasion Kharkiv had 36 higher education institutions with spaces that could be now repurposed for science activities instead of building new ones from scratch.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-quote&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“We can’t keep the students we have. And we are destroying the institutions that exist. Why? Just to build these boxes,” said Kleitman.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;h2 data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-heading&#34;&gt;International competition for heritage project &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Within the heritage project envisioned by Foster’s team, in September 2024, the Foundation &lt;a href=&#34;https://t.me/ihor_terekhov/1657&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;announced&lt;/a&gt; an international competition for the design of the reconstruction of the Kharkiv Regional State Administration building and the public area of the nearby Freedom Square, one of the largest squares in Europe. Russia &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/kharkiv-s-maidan-svobody-freedom-square-myths-facts-and-symbols/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;destroyed&lt;/a&gt; the building of administration in 2022, killing 29 people. Now, it was to be restored.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Mayor Terekhov’s idea was for the project to preserve as much of the historic exterior of the administration as possible, as Foster did with the Reichstag in Berlin.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-quote&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“I advocated a competition that would be open to Ukrainian and international architects, the results of which have now been evaluated by a jury of ten local and global experts led by the mayor and myself,” &lt;a href=&#34;https://architecturecompetitions.com/kharkivfreedomsquare/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;said&lt;/a&gt; Foster in his letter on the competition’s website.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Projects from Australia, Israel, and India “won” the competition. However, the jury noted that none of the proposals fully “resolved the design challenge.” The main reasons why none of the projects satisfied the jury were the “overly ambitious goals.” Participants did not take into account the local context and characteristics of the site, and the threat to the monumental essence of Freedom Square nearby — a place that’s significant for Kharkiv locals, jury explained. Each project contained an excessive amount of details. The projects also failed to take into account technical limitations, for example, Kharkiv’s underground infrastructure.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Maksym Rozenfeld, member of the Kharkiv architects working group, said: “None of the projects were good enough. We awarded incentive prizes because there was a prize fund, and we had to do so. But there can be no final decision. We need time to think it over.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The jury noted that this competition is a step for the next stages of planning the restoration of Freedom Square and the Kharkiv Regional State Administration building.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-heading&#34;&gt;City’s own reconstruction projects &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;On Kharkiv:Restart in 2023, Ihor Terekhov also presented other projects of “city’s development” that were “attractive for investors.” &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Mayor Terekhov’s press secretary Mariam Satuieva explained to Gwara Media that these projects were developed by “city and departments with (relevant) expertise” and are not connected to the Foster team’s pilot project list.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;As such, the city developed plans to reconstruct areas along the banks of the Lopan river, which flows through the city center, reconstruct Pryvokzalna Square, and create a green zone in the Zhuravlivka hydropark. Terekhov has also proposed creating a modern transport hub and a shopping, entertainment, and cultural center on the territory of the Levada railway station. None of these places, to Gwara Media’s knowledge, were severely damaged by Russian attacks on the city. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In addition, they made plans to create a “microdistrict” in Oleksiivka, one of the most heavily populated areas of Kharkiv, with new housing, offices, and social facilities.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Separately, as part of reconstruction-related activities, an installation in the form of a map based on Norman Foster’s masterplan for Kharkiv was presented at the Triennale Milano exhibition in August 2025.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-heading&#34;&gt;Current state of things&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In 2023, Olha Kleitman informed the Kharkiv Anti-Corruption Center that cooperation with the Foster Foundation on the city’s rebuilding project had been halted and that the working group was no longer meeting.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Dmytro Fomenko said he hopes that pause won’t last long, adding: “It is important not to lose communication with Foster, not to lose his interest in Kharkiv.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Gwara Media contacted the Foster Foundation with questions about the reconstruction and agreed to arrange a call, but they stopped responding after we sent a list of themes we wanted to talk about.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In December 2025, Kharkiv activist Iryna Kravchenko &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ByQ14t3Ng/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;said&lt;/a&gt; that public discussions around a draft analytical report based on the results of urban planning monitoring. It was intended to serve as the basis for amendments to Foster’s masterplan for Kharkiv.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The Kharkiv City Council &lt;a href=&#34;https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1310Fdy47Vz_3TMW0-UKJPivLUOf38Az9?brid=yCCjNn0nhbKJp1MPxJTgTA&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;has published&lt;/a&gt; this report and announced that discussions will continue until Dec. 29, 2025. Shortly before the deadline, the council removed the announcement from its platforms.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The city council’s spokesperson Yurii Sydorenko answered to Gwara Media that they did hold a discussion but the results of it will be known at the end of January because of “controversial issues” that the compliance commission handles. As of Feb. 18, there’s no information on the results of a discussion.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-heading&#34;&gt;Read more&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;ul data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-list&#34;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;“I won’t go through occupation again” — &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/i-wont-go-through-occupation-again-life-in-ukrainian-village-one-mile-from-russia/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;life in Ukrainian village&lt;/a&gt; one mile from Russia&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p data-sanitized-class=&#34;has-background&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Hi! This is Elza, the author of this text. I saw many articles and news in 2022-2023 about Norman Foster&#39;s involvement in the reconstruction of Kharkiv. Over time, there was less and less mention of this project. So, I wanted to find out what is happening with the reconstruction now and tell you about it. Please, consider supporting our newsroom by &lt;/em&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://buymeacoffee.com/gwaramedia/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;buying us a coffee&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;em&gt; or &lt;/em&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.patreon.com/c/gwaramedia&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;subscribing to our Patreon&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;em&gt;.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The post &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/with-norman-fosters-masterplan-kharkiv-was-to-be-made-into-city-of-future-after-russias-war-for-now-it-is-mostly-talk/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;All talk and little action around British architect Norman Foster’s plan to rebuild Kharkiv into “city of future” after Russia’s war&lt;/a&gt; appeared first on &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;Gwara Media&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/with-norman-fosters-masterplan-kharkiv-was-to-be-made-into-city-of-future-after-russias-war-for-now-it-is-mostly-talk/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 14:21:31 +0100</pubDate>
      
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      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/9a0c2a107e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia publicly pitches $14 trillion economic deal to Trump tied to lifting US sanctions&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;The portfolio of potential U.S.-Russia projects is over $14 trillion,&#34; Kremlin economic negotiator Kirill Dmitriev said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-publicly-pitches-14-trillion-economic-deal-to-trump-tied-to-lifting-sanctions/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/19/analysis-a-year-since-its.html</link>
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      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2260788276.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Analysis: A year since its creation, Ukraine&#39;s flawed, unfinished corps system will be key for front-line stability&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Whether or not this apparent Chinese proverb is authentic, it applies for the Ukrainian military&#39;s corps reform as much as it does for trees.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Ukrainian leadership&#39;s announcement in&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/analysis-a-year-since-its-creation-ukraines-flawed-unfinished-corps-system-will-be-key-for-front-line-stability/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>General Staff: Russia has lost 1,256,910 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022</title>
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    <item>
      <title>&#39;This is the future&#39; — Amid blackouts, these Ukrainian mountain villages have green solution</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/19/this-is-the-future-amid.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 09:17:53 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/19/this-is-the-future-amid.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/20260210-ust-chorna-greenenergy-malashyna-01.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;This is the future&#39; — Amid blackouts, these Ukrainian mountain villages have green solution&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As Russian missiles and drones plunge much of Ukraine into darkness this winter, the mountain community of Ust-Chorna has largely kept the lights on — thanks to green energy.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The district, made up of four villages tucked into a forest valley of western Ukraine, relies on a small network of&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/the-ukrainian-mountain-villages-using-green-energy-to-fight-back-power-cuts/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Hungary, Slovakia halt diesel exports to Ukraine over suspended Russian oil transit</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/19/hungary-slovakia-halt-diesel-exports.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 09:07:11 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/19/hungary-slovakia-halt-diesel-exports.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/4b347947de.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Hungary, Slovakia halt diesel exports to Ukraine over suspended Russian oil transit&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The decision escalates tensions between Kyiv and two of the EU&#39;s most Russia-friendly governments.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/hungary-slovakia-halt-diesel-exports-to-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Zelensky says Ukraine won’t withdraw from Donbas, &#39;won’t lose dignity&#39; as peace talks stall on territory</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/19/zelensky-says-ukraine-wont-withdraw.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 03:49:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/19/zelensky-says-ukraine-wont-withdraw.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/d7d388d666.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky says Ukraine won’t withdraw from Donbas, &#39;won’t lose dignity&#39; as peace talks stall on territory&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;Thousands, dozens of thousands of Ukrainians have been killed on this direction, defending this part of Ukraine,&#34; Zelensky said in an interview with British broadcaster Piers Morgan. &#34;We have to understand that Donbas is a part of our independence.&#34;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-says-ukraine-wont-withdraw-from-donbas-wont-lose-dignity-as-peace-talks-stall-on-territory/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Fact Check: NO TMZ Story About Zelensky Buying Diddy&#39;s Mansion For $61 Million -- Nothing On Their Site</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/18/fact-check-no-tmz-story.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 22:56:29 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/18/fact-check-no-tmz-story.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;Did tabloid news outlet TMZ publish a report saying Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy bought a Los Angeles mansion belonging to Sean &#34;Diddy&#34; Combs for $61 Million? No, that&#39;s not true: Using TMZ&#39;s search box, Lead Stories found no such story about Diddy. Searching for Zelenskyy&#39;s name similarly showed no such TMZ story.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The claim appeared in &lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/akafaceUS/status/2024170943132946441&#34;&gt;a Feb. 18, 2026 X post&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260218212509/https://x.com/akafaceUS/status/2024170943132946441&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) on the @akafaceUS account with text that read:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;Zelensky demanding billions in US aid while secretly dropping $61M on Diddy&#39;s freak-off mansion is honestly an impressive grift.&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Here&#39;s what the post looked like on X at the time this fact check was written:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;DiddZelenski.jpg&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/diddzelenski.jpg&#34; width=&#34;640&#34; height=&#34;352&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: Lead Stories screenshot of X post [x.com/akafaceUS...](https://x.com/akafaceUS/status/2024170943132946441.))&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Lead Stories tested the claim about TMZ by searching TMZ&#39;s own search pages:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.tmz.com/search/?q=zelensky+diddy&#34;&gt;Using the terms Zelenskyy and Diddy&lt;/a&gt; here&#39;s what TMZ&#39;s search function reported (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260218220710/https://www.tmz.com/search/?q=zelensky+diddy&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;):&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;zdidtmz.png&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/zdidtmz.png&#34; width=&#34;795&#34; height=&#34;316&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: Lead Stories screenshot of TMZ search result.)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;To test whether TMZ&#39;s search function will carry out searches for two different people in a single search, &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.tmz.com/search/?q=diddy+trump&#34;&gt;we used the terms Diddy and Trump&lt;/a&gt;, finding (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260218221127/https://www.tmz.com/search/?q=diddy+trump&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) that when two names are in a TMZ story, TMZ&#39;s search engine will find such stories:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;trumpdiddyTMZ.png&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/trumpdiddytmz.png&#34; width=&#34;1098&#34; height=&#34;931&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: Lead Stories screenshot of TMZ search result.)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Lead Stories cross-checked TMZ&#39;s search system by &lt;a href=&#34;https://news.google.com/search?q=TMZ%20report%2C%20Zelensky%20bought%2C%20Diddy%27s%20mansion&amp;hl=en-US&amp;gl=US&amp;ceid=US%3Aen&#34;&gt;asking Google News&#39; index&lt;/a&gt; of thousands of news sites included any mention of the terms TMZ report, Zelenskyy bought, Diddy mansion. Google News reported (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260218221403/https://news.google.com/search?q=TMZ%20report%2C%20Zelensky%20bought%2C%20Diddy%27s%20mansion&amp;hl=en-US&amp;gl=US&amp;ceid=US%3Aen&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) finding no mention of those terms on any of the sites it indexes.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://hoax-alert.leadstories.com/2026/02/fact-check-tmz-did-not-report-zelenskyy-bought-diddy-mansion.html&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Could Witkoff be ousted from Ukraine talks? Senators hear &#39;chatter&#39; of Russian deals</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/18/could-witkoff-be-ousted-from.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 22:06:39 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/18/could-witkoff-be-ousted-from.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/086e598fb2.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Could Witkoff be ousted from Ukraine talks? Senators hear &#39;chatter&#39; of Russian deals&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;U.S. senators visiting Odesa on Feb. 18 struck a cautious tone when asked whether Special Envoy Steve Witkoff should remain at the center of negotiations with Russia.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The remarks place &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/congress/&#34;&gt;Congress&lt;/a&gt; in a delicate position: aware of mounting controversy around the Trump envoy, yet reluctant to directly challenge the&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/could-witkoff-be-ousted-from-ukraine-talks/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine reportedly strikes oil depot in Russia&#39;s Pskov Oblast, targets Belgorod with missiles, leaving blackouts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/18/ukraine-reportedly-strikes-oil-depot.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 21:38:03 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/18/ukraine-reportedly-strikes-oil-depot.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/screenshot-2026-02-18-at-5-28-26-pm-1.png&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine reportedly strikes oil depot in Russia&#39;s Pskov Oblast, targets Belgorod with missiles, leaving blackouts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukraine reportedly struck an oil depot in Russia&#39;s Pskov Oblast and launched missiles at the Russian city of Belgorod, causing power outages in parts of the city, Telegram news channels and local authorities reported overnight Feb. 18-19.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-missiles-strike-russias-belgorod-leaving-power-outages-local-authorities-claim/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>🎯 Ukrainian military drones destroy enemy critical infrastructure #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/18/ukrainian-military-drones-destroy-enemy.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 21:30:15 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/18/ukrainian-military-drones-destroy-enemy.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/b36be9b73f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🎯 Ukrainian military drones destroy enemy critical infrastructure #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ih_GJXQp1-c&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>UNBELIEVABLE! 240 RUSSIAN TARGETS hit SINCE YEAR START – enemy weapons ABLAZE</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/18/unbelievable-russian-targets-hit-since.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 21:00:39 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/18/unbelievable-russian-targets-hit-since.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/3e53e3b9de.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;UNBELIEVABLE! 240 RUSSIAN TARGETS hit SINCE YEAR START – enemy weapons ABLAZE&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ig_dFnKLj80&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>General Staff: Russia has lost 1,256,080 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/18/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 08:10:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/18/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/986d05f390.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;General Staff: Russia has lost 1,256,080 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The number includes 740 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/general-staff-russia-has-lost-1-256-080-troops-in-ukraine-since-feb-24-2022/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Investigation: How Russian drones exploit European technologies to strike Ukraine, and beyond</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/18/investigation-how-russian-drones-exploit.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 06:00:17 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/18/investigation-how-russian-drones-exploit.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/-hor.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Investigation: How Russian drones exploit European technologies to strike Ukraine, and beyond&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Editor&#39;s note:&lt;/strong&gt; This story is part of a cross-border investigative project that involved eight newsrooms, initiated by De Tijd (Belgium) and coordinated by the Kyiv Independent and OCCRP.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A tiny Austrian sensor designed for precise motion control made an impressive journey across the globe. Some time after being&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/investigation-how-russian-drones-exploit-european-technologies-to-strike-ukraine-and-beyond/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russian, Belarusian athletes to compete under national flags at 2026 Winter Paralympics</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/18/russian-belarusian-athletes-to-compete.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 04:25:31 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/18/russian-belarusian-athletes-to-compete.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-479141375.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian, Belarusian athletes to compete under national flags at 2026 Winter Paralympics&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Six Russians and four Belarusians will be allowed to compete at the upcoming Games in Milan. It will be the first time the Russian flag has flown at the Paralympics since 2014.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-belarusian-athletes-to-compete-under-national-flags-at-2026-winter-paralympics/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>💥 Russian losses exceed the number of new recruits – Moscow resorts to extreme measures #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/17/russian-losses-exceed-the-number.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2026 23:30:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/17/russian-losses-exceed-the-number.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/dddc052fbe.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;💥 Russian losses exceed the number of new recruits – Moscow resorts to extreme measures #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/OutimhhRSRM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Cost of the offensive - CATASTROPHIC! Russia suffers critical losses near Pokrovsk</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/17/cost-of-the-offensive-catastrophic.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2026 23:00:31 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/17/cost-of-the-offensive-catastrophic.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/4b9a8017f2.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Cost of the offensive - CATASTROPHIC! Russia suffers critical losses near Pokrovsk&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWUp9aOq8z0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>⚡ UKRAINE recaptured 201 km² in 5 days – the largest gain in 2.5 years #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/17/ukraine-recaptured-km-in-days.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2026 21:30:08 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/17/ukraine-recaptured-km-in-days.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/ea9a6fbaa5.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡ UKRAINE recaptured 201 km² in 5 days – the largest gain in 2.5 years #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/iBL-NiGhbqM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH: AFU recaptures hundreds of square kilometers! First time since 2023!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/17/major-breakthrough-afu-recaptures-hundreds.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2026 21:00:12 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/17/major-breakthrough-afu-recaptures-hundreds.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/66fede9fab.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH: AFU recaptures hundreds of square kilometers! First time since 2023!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElkhN72n_3U&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Military leaders call for a REVIEW of Europe&#39;s defense strategy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/17/military-leaders-call-for-a.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2026 20:30:05 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/17/military-leaders-call-for-a.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/c8947f2070.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Military leaders call for a REVIEW of Europe&#39;s defense strategy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/HcUmAjFfv8M&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest: Drones strike oil, chemical plants in Russia as fresh peace talks begin in Geneva</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/17/ukraine-war-latest-drones-strike.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2026 20:13:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/17/ukraine-war-latest-drones-strike.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/13254ed6f3.png&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest: Drones strike oil, chemical plants in Russia as fresh peace talks begin in Geneva&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Key developments on Feb. 17&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Ukraine, Russia hold US-mediated Geneva talks focused on &#39;practical issues,&#39; negotiations to resume Feb. 18&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;SBU strikes chemical factory used for explosives production deep inside Russia&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Kremlin threatens to deploy navy if Europe seizes more Russian shadow fleet vessels&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Oil refinery, port terminal&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-drones-strike-oil-chemical-plants-in-russia-as-fresh-peace-talks-begin-in-geneva/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine is ready. We don&#39;t need war. We always act in mirror response, – Zelenskyy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/17/ukraine-is-ready-we-dont.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2026 20:03:19 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/17/ukraine-is-ready-we-dont.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/c96b5730d3.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine is ready. We don&#39;t need war. We always act in mirror response, – Zelenskyy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/LowpkrOxNNI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>The largest oil refinery in southern Russia is ON FIRE #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/17/the-largest-oil-refinery-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2026 19:30:41 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/17/the-largest-oil-refinery-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/541955c939.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;The largest oil refinery in southern Russia is ON FIRE #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/OogRbAHypb0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>🇸🇰 Fico: Slovakia cannot give up CHEAP Russian oil #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/17/fico-slovakia-cannot-give-up.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2026 19:30:27 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/17/fico-slovakia-cannot-give-up.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/fdf2a3a1b0.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🇸🇰 Fico: Slovakia cannot give up CHEAP Russian oil #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/JOSKEg8YkNE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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    <item>
      <title>LASERS against RUSSIAN DRONES – &amp;amp;quot;Sunray&amp;amp;quot; system protects Ukrainian skies | Front News</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/17/lasers-against-russian-drones-ampquotsunrayampquot.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2026 19:21:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/17/lasers-against-russian-drones-ampquotsunrayampquot.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/0118bf4414.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;LASERS against RUSSIAN DRONES – &amp;quot;Sunray&amp;quot; system protects Ukrainian skies | Front News&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNywO-ipIf4&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Winter has grounded Ukraine&#39;s interceptor drones, gutting Kyiv&#39;s air defense</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/17/winter-has-grounded-ukraines-interceptor.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2026 18:45:20 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/17/winter-has-grounded-ukraines-interceptor.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2259321504.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Winter has grounded Ukraine&#39;s interceptor drones, gutting Kyiv&#39;s air defense&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;From his base near the hotly contested town of Kostiantynivka, Donetsk Oblast, Vladyslav has, by his own estimates, downed upwards of 60 Russian drones using Ukrainian interceptor drones over the past year.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Winter has exposed many foundational frailties in Ukraine&#39;s air defenses. Relentless &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-warns-of-russian-strikes-ukraine-geneva-peace-talks/&#34;&gt;Russian attacks&lt;/a&gt; utilising Shahed-type attack&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/winter-has-grounded-ukraines-interceptor-drones-gutting-kyivs-air-defense/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Court sets $4.6 million bail for Ukrainian ex-minister in biggest graft case of Zelensky era</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/17/court-sets-million-bail-for.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2026 18:27:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/17/court-sets-million-bail-for.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2261551220.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Court sets $4.6 million bail for Ukrainian ex-minister in biggest graft case of Zelensky era&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The High Anti-Corruption Court on Feb. 17 placed former Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko in custody for two months in a major corruption case and set bail at Hr 200 million ($4.6 million).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The official has been &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/parliament-fires-minister-implicated-in-ukraines-biggest-corruption-scandal/&#34;&gt;investigated&lt;/a&gt; by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) as part of a case involving&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/court-sets-bail-for-ukraines-ex-energy-minister-at-4-6-million/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>WHERE ARE OUR FLAMINGOS? 🚀 Why no missile storm on Russia? – Truth about AFU &amp;amp;quot;surgical strikes&amp;amp;quot;!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/17/where-are-our-flamingos-why.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2026 18:14:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/17/where-are-our-flamingos-why.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/a5396dbed0.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;WHERE ARE OUR FLAMINGOS? 🚀 Why no missile storm on Russia? – Truth about AFU &amp;quot;surgical strikes&amp;quot;!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVqR6VOyXZs&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>ORBÁN IN PANIC! Hungary and Slovakia desperately hunt Putin oil routes around Ukraine!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/17/orbn-in-panic-hungary-and.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2026 18:00:26 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/17/orbn-in-panic-hungary-and.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/ded194dfe7.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;ORBÁN IN PANIC! Hungary and Slovakia desperately hunt Putin oil routes around Ukraine!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KogL7gMyEo&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Kremlin’s insatiable ambitions: only PRESSURE can stop Russia | In Focus</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/17/kremlins-insatiable-ambitions-only-pressure.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2026 17:25:36 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/17/kremlins-insatiable-ambitions-only-pressure.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/196a93ede8.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Kremlin’s insatiable ambitions: only PRESSURE can stop Russia | In Focus&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVifAoy3fbI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>&#39;If you stop, you die&#39; — Inside Ukraine&#39;s last fight for Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/17/if-you-stop-you-die.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2026 17:05:29 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/17/if-you-stop-you-die.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/dsc02891.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;If you stop, you die&#39; — Inside Ukraine&#39;s last fight for Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;DONETSK OBLAST &lt;/strong&gt;— Walking through the mine-infested field under intense Russian drone surveillance was the scariest part of the mission for 22-year-old infantryman Mykola.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&#34;If you stop, you die,&#34; said Mykola, a small-framed soldier with dark circles under his eyes and a tired stare. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&#34;When we were&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/if-you-stop-you-die-inside-ukraines-last-fight-for-pokrovsk-and-myrnohrad/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>SBU strikes chemical factory used for explosives production deep inside Russia</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/17/sbu-strikes-chemical-factory-used.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2026 16:51:46 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/17/sbu-strikes-chemical-factory-used.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/screenshot-2026-02-17-at-5-01-29-pm.png&#34; alt=&#34;SBU strikes chemical factory used for explosives production deep inside Russia&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The attack on the Metafrax Chemicals plant in Perm Krai was carried out overnight between Feb. 16-17 by deep strike specialists from the SBU&#39;s Alpha unit.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/sbu-strikes-chemical-factory-used-for-explosives-production-deep-inside-russia/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>NEW ROUND of negotiations: will they bring us closer to a CEASEFIRE? #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/17/new-round-of-negotiations-will.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2026 16:08:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/17/new-round-of-negotiations-will.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/b5f0b71c03.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;NEW ROUND of negotiations: will they bring us closer to a CEASEFIRE? #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/rAhdxEP1arg&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Kremlin threatens to deploy navy if Europe seizes more Russian shadow fleet vessels</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/17/kremlin-threatens-to-deploy-navy.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2026 15:59:36 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/17/kremlin-threatens-to-deploy-navy.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-1232803251.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Kremlin threatens to deploy navy if Europe seizes more Russian shadow fleet vessels&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Presidential aide Nikolai Patrushev called the European raids on shadow fleet ships &#34;piracy,&#34; and expressed concern that the next step would be a full-fledged blockade.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/kremlin-threatens-to-deploy-navy-if-europe-seizes-more-russian-vessels/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russian drone strike on civilian car kills 3 energy workers in Donetsk Oblast</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/17/russian-drone-strike-on-civilian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2026 13:41:19 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/17/russian-drone-strike-on-civilian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/photo-2026-02-17-12-18-51.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian drone strike on civilian car kills 3 energy workers in Donetsk Oblast&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The civilian car was struck in the town of Mykolaivka, located east of the city of Sloviansk and only around ten kilometers from the front line.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-drone-strike-on-civilian-car-kills-3-energy-workers-in-donetsk-oblast/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russia&#39;s mobilization arithmetic. How many can the Kremlin send to war?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/17/russias-mobilization-arithmetic-how-many.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2026 13:36:08 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/17/russias-mobilization-arithmetic-how-many.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2213618825-1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia&#39;s mobilization arithmetic. How many can the Kremlin send to war?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;When Russia announced a &#34;partial&#34; mobilization in the fall of 2022, its society experienced a genuine shock.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The queues at the Upper Lars border crossing into Georgia and the chaotic roundups of reservists are still fresh in public memory. The Russian authorities learned from that episode and shifted&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russias-mobilization-arithmetic-how-many-can-the-kremlin-send-to-war/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>1 killed, 25 injured across Ukraine as Russia launches latest mass missile, drone attack</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/17/killed-injured-across-ukraine-as.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2026 10:44:21 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/17/killed-injured-across-ukraine-as.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2026-02-17-10-52-53.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;1 killed, 25 injured across Ukraine as Russia launches latest mass missile, drone attack&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;In Odesa, long-range Russian strikes on infrastructure and residential homes saw three civilians injured, according to regional governor Serhii Lysak.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/1-killed-25-injured-across-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>From the Gulag to Ukraine: The Kyiv Independent exposes Russia’s culture of torture in new documentary</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/17/from-the-gulag-to-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2026 09:58:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/17/from-the-gulag-to-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/torture-culture-square-eng-16x9.png&#34; alt=&#34;From the Gulag to Ukraine: The Kyiv Independent exposes Russia’s culture of torture in new documentary&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Kyiv Independent’s War Crimes Investigations Unit will present a new documentary, “Torture Culture,” exposing the systematic torture of Ukrainian civilians in Russian captivity and highlighting Russia’s use of torture throughout history.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/from-the-gulag-to-ukraine-the-kyiv-independent-exposes-russias-culture-of-torture-in-new-documentary/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>General Staff: Russia has lost 1,255,340 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/17/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2026 08:52:57 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/17/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2260987607.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;General Staff: Russia has lost 1,255,340 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The number includes 890 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/general-staff-russia-has-lost-1-255-340-troops-in-ukraine-since-feb-24-2022/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Drones strike multiple Russian regions, sparking major fire at oil refinery in Krasnodar Krai</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/17/drones-strike-multiple-russian-regions.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2026 05:41:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/17/drones-strike-multiple-russian-regions.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/9e2028d151.png&#34; alt=&#34;Drones strike multiple Russian regions, sparking major fire at oil refinery in Krasnodar Krai&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Ilsky oil refinery in Krasnodar Krai, which supplies fuel to Russian troops, processes 6.42 million tons of oil annually, according to Ukraine&#39;s General Staff.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/drones-strike-multiple-russian-regions-sparking-major-fire-at-oil-refinery-in-krasnodar-krai/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukraine&#39;s military turns Russian equipment into &#39;scrap metal&#39; in newly released video</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/17/ukraines-military-turns-russian-equipment.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2026 02:55:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/17/ukraines-military-turns-russian-equipment.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/5fd7f2db57.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine&#39;s military turns Russian equipment into &#39;scrap metal&#39; in newly released video&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Over the past week, the elite Prymary (&#34;Ghosts&#34;) unit targeted several high-value pieces of Russian military equipment, including a Pantsir missile system.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-military-turns-russian-equipment-into-scrap-metal/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Zelensky warns of new Russian strikes on Ukraine as Geneva peace talks resume</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/16/zelensky-warns-of-new-russian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 16 Feb 2026 23:05:55 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/16/zelensky-warns-of-new-russian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/072a3d08d17490d1a2523986aaabe197-1771265657-extra-large.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky warns of new Russian strikes on Ukraine as Geneva peace talks resume&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;President Volodymyr Zelensky said Feb. 16 that Russia is preparing new large-scale attacks on Ukraine&#39;s energy infrastructure as Kyiv&#39;s negotiating team arrived in Geneva for another round of peace talks with the United States and Russia.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-warns-of-russian-strikes-ukraine-geneva-peace-talks/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Aid to Ukraine&#39;s energy sector &amp;amp;amp; Kremlin Pressure – Interview with EU  Commissioner Dan Jørgensen</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/16/aid-to-ukraines-energy-sector.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 16 Feb 2026 22:00:32 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/16/aid-to-ukraines-energy-sector.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/cca55cd651.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Aid to Ukraine&#39;s energy sector &amp;amp; Kremlin Pressure – Interview with EU  Commissioner Dan Jørgensen&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPFUYNoGh8g&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>🇺🇦 Ukraine EXPECTS new ENERGY aid NEXT week #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/16/ukraine-expects-new-energy-aid.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 16 Feb 2026 21:30:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/16/ukraine-expects-new-energy-aid.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/90b1744b28.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🇺🇦 Ukraine EXPECTS new ENERGY aid NEXT week #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/awleD3ghSPo&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>In Munich, Ukraine and Europe face collapse of post-Cold War order</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/16/in-munich-ukraine-and-europe.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 16 Feb 2026 21:25:44 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/16/in-munich-ukraine-and-europe.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2260952238.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;In Munich, Ukraine and Europe face collapse of post-Cold War order&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The U.S.-Europe dynamic was more cordial at the Feb. 13-15 Munich Security Conference than last year, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivering a conciliatory speech.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;But the substance of the relationship remained unchanged, despite the softer rhetoric.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;U.S. President&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/donald-trump&#34;&gt; Donald Trump&lt;/a&gt;&#39;s foreign&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/in-munich-ukraine-and-europe-confront-end-of-post-cold-war-order/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Putin deploys his MERCENARIES TO EUROPE? Poland wants to launch NUCLEAR PROGRAM</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/16/putin-deploys-his-mercenaries-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 16 Feb 2026 21:00:49 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/16/putin-deploys-his-mercenaries-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/6d346a170c.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Putin deploys his MERCENARIES TO EUROPE? Poland wants to launch NUCLEAR PROGRAM&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFjKEsWlLtw&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russians GOT DUPED – occupiers&#39; Starlinks BLOCKED! Major aid package for Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/16/russians-got-duped-occupiers-starlinks.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 16 Feb 2026 20:46:23 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/16/russians-got-duped-occupiers-starlinks.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2e66e5310e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russians GOT DUPED – occupiers&#39; Starlinks BLOCKED! Major aid package for Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeNEcGRGwKA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russians are preparing new energy strikes, — Zelenskyy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/16/russians-are-preparing-new-energy.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 16 Feb 2026 20:22:53 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/16/russians-are-preparing-new-energy.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/16127f5613.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russians are preparing new energy strikes, — Zelenskyy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/NQ6ZPI8iTis&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Lithuania warns against &#39;hollow&#39; Article 5-like guarantees for Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/16/lithuania-warns-against-hollow-article.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 16 Feb 2026 18:45:08 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/16/lithuania-warns-against-hollow-article.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2224490151.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Lithuania warns against &#39;hollow&#39; Article 5-like guarantees for Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Dismissing any approximations to Article 5 as mere &#34;rhetorical expressions,&#34; Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys named financial support for Ukraine&#39;s military or future EU membership as more realistic guarantees.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/lithuania-article-5-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>The Mathematics of War: How to Tell Real Losses From Propaganda</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/16/the-mathematics-of-war-how.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 16 Feb 2026 18:14:41 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/16/the-mathematics-of-war-how.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;single-post-lead&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;On the eve of the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, this war has definitively become the bloodiest armed conflict in Europe since World War II. According to &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.csis.org/analysis/russias-grinding-war-ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;estimates&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), the combined casualties of both sides—killed, wounded, and missing—have reached approximately 1.8 million and could cross the 2 million mark in spring 2026.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;In a conflict of this kind, every casualty figure becomes a weapon. Both Russia and Ukraine classify information about their own losses while actively publishing data on the enemy’s losses. In this “fog of war,” where every number is an instrument of an information operation, the search for truth requires scientific methods.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;This article offers an analysis for a broad readership: who is lying, who is exaggerating, and where an objective picture can be found. We will examine three questions in turn: whether Russian military briefings can be trusted, what the real price of the war is for Russia, and what we know about Ukraine’s losses.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Part 1. The psychology of numbers and Benford’s law&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;To test the reliability of quantitative indicators, one of the most effective tools is Benford’s law, also known as the law of the first significant digit. It is a mathematical regularity that describes the probability that a particular digit will appear in the first position of numbers drawn from real, naturally generated (“organic”) datasets that reflect complex cumulative processes.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Contrary to the intuitive assumption that all nine digits (from 1 to 9) should appear as the first digit of a random number with equal probability (about 11.1%), Frank Benford found that in large-scale datasets digits are distributed according to a logarithmic law. Mathematically, the probability P(d) &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;that the first significant digit of a randomly selected number is d &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;(where d ∈ {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9}&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;) is given by the formula:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/formula-e1771250589372.png&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; width=&#34;1260&#34; height=&#34;118&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;aligncenter size-full wp-image-195495&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Accordingly, the theoretical distribution of first digits in an organic dataset is as follows: the digit 1 appears in the first position in 30.1% of cases; 2—17.6%; 3—12.5%; 4—9.7%; 5—7.9%; 6—6.7%; 7—5.8%; 8—5.1%; and 9—only 4.6% of cases.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;This law is a widely recognized tool in global forensic accounting, auditing, and macroeconomic analysis for detecting signs of falsification in corporate financial statements, &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://voxukraine.org/local-elections-2015-any-trace-of-fraud-ua&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;election protocols&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt;, tax declarations, and epidemiological statistics.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;The psychological basis for the effectiveness of Benford’s law is simple: when a person (or group of people) attempts to fabricate statistical data or invent “random” numbers, they are guided by a false notion of randomness. They subconsciously try to distribute digits evenly, often choosing numbers that begin with 4, 5, 6, or 7, while avoiding excessive use of ones and twos, intuitively perceiving them as “too obvious” or insufficiently “convincing.”&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4&gt;A mathematical deconstruction of propaganda: analyzing Russian Ministry of Defense briefings on Ukraine’s losses&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;From the first days of the full-scale invasion, Russia’s political and military leadership adopted a strategy of total dominance in its domestic information space. The Russian Ministry of Defense &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://voennoedelo.com/en/posts/id1669-russian-mod-issues-new-daily-report-on-ukrainian-losses&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;publishes&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; daily, extraordinarily detailed reports on the destruction of Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel and equipment. These briefings—long associated with Lieutenant General Igor Konashenkov and later transformed into daily written summaries—are intended to create within Russian society a durable illusion of an inevitable and rapid victory, as well as to convince the international community of the futility of further support for Kyiv.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;The daily briefings of Russia’s Ministry of Defense contain figures, precise to the individual, for Ukrainian service members reported “destroyed.” Analysis of these data for the period from February 2022 through February 2026 makes it possible to form a representative control sample. For example, official Ministry of Defense statements feature typical figures such as: “up to 1,075 Ukrainian service members &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://t.me/rian_ru/332824?single&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;destroyed&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt;” in one day on a single axis; total Ukrainian Armed Forces losses for January 19, 2026 are &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://ria.ru/20260120/udar-2068992545.html&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;claimed&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; at “1,240 soldiers”; the “Center” group of forces &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://t.me/donbassr/97982&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;reports&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; the destruction of “480 personnel” or “295 personnel,” the “South” group—“&lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://t.me/OdessaRussi/183896&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;305&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; personnel” or “145 personnel,” the “East” &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://t.me/ukr_2025_ru/225463&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;group&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt;—“up to 960 service members,” and the “West” &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://t.me/notes_veterans/26850&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;group&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt;—“more than 150 personnel” per day. Aggregate daily enemy loss figures are regularly reported at levels such as &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://t.me/rian_ru/321588&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;1,495&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt;, &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://t.me/rian_ru/313697&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;1,245&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt;, or &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://t.me/ukr_2025_ru/293166&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;1,070&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; personnel. Overall, as of late 2024 through early 2026, Russia’s Ministry of Defense estimates Ukrainian army losses at more than 1 million killed and wounded.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;When applying Pearson’s chi-square (x&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;) statistical test, which makes it possible to determine the statistical significance of deviations between empirical data and a theoretical model, the distribution of first digits in the reported figures of “Ukrainian Armed Forces service members destroyed” shows a significant deviation from Benford’s law.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;table&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;First significant digit (d)&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;Benford theoretical distribution (%)&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;Empirical distribution in Russia’s Ministry of Defense data (%)&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;Deviation (%)&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;Deviation assessment&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;1&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;30.1%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;~ 14.5%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;15.60%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Critical underrepresentation (statistically significant)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;2&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;17.6%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;~ 19.2%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;-1.60%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Deviation (not statistically significant)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;3&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;12.5%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;~ 18.7%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;-6.20%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Artificial clustering (statistically significant)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;4&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;9.7%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;~ 16.4%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;-6.70%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Artificial clustering (statistically significant)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;5&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;7.9%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;~ 10.1%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;-2.20%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Deviation (not statistically significant)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;6&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;6.7%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;~ 5.2%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;1.50%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Deviation (not statistically significant)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;7&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;5.8%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;~ 7.8%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;-2.00%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Artificial clustering (statistically significant)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;8&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;5.1%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;~ 5.5%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.40%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Deviation (not statistically significant)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;9&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;4.6%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;~ 2.6%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;2.00%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Deviation (not statistically significant)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;single-post-footnote&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Note: The empirical distribution in the table is an averaged representation of the time-series analysis of Russia’s Ministry of Defense briefings.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;The statistical test shows that the deviation of the observed distribution of first digits from the theoretical one is nonrandom (p – value &amp;lt; 0.001&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;). It can be assumed that Russian staff officers and spokespersons responsible for compiling these reports subconsciously avoid “overly round” or “overly small” leading digits in an effort to create an illusion of extraordinary precision, operational activity, and combat intensity. Numbers such as “480,” “305,” “295,” or “1,075” are generated either algorithmically or manually to match target indicators for enemy losses set by the political leadership.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;A statistically significant deviation in the frequency of digits 1, 3, 4, and 7 from Benford’s law can be regarded as an indicator of falsification, turning statistics into an instrument of reflexive control aimed at a domestic audience to sustain the myth of the relentless success of the so-called “special military operation.” As shown in Part 3 below, Russia’s leadership significantly overstates Ukraine’s losses.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;But there is a caveat. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;b&gt;Benford’s law is a powerful tool, but it has limitations&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span&gt;. For Benford’s law to work properly, the data must span several orders of magnitude (for example, from 10 to 10,000). In the case of Russia’s briefings on Ukrainian Armed Forces losses, daily figures vary within a narrow range and are often presented with “up to” or “more than” qualifiers, which makes them interval rather than exact values. Under such conditions, conclusions based on Benford’s law are better understood as risk indicators rather than proof of falsification. In political statistics, this is &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/3B1D64E822371C461AF3C61CE91AAF6D/S1047198700012808a.pdf/div-class-title-benford-s-law-and-the-detection-of-election-fraud-div.pdf%D1%84&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;described&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; as the forensic pitfall: Deckert, Myagkov, and Ordeshook (2011) show that Benford’s law, as a detection tool, should be applied cautiously—as a red flag, not proof of guilt.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4&gt;Bureaucratic schizophrenia: verifying Russia’s real losses through its own civilian administrative records&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Because Russia’s information space operates under conditions of strict autocratic censorship, an objective analysis of Russian Armed Forces losses requires a different approach. Russia’s Ministry of Defense ceased regular publication of official data on its own military losses in September 2022 (when it &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://meduza.io/en/news/2022/09/21/shoigu-says-5-937-russian-soldiers-have-died-in-ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;reported&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; a figure of 5,937 killed), on the eve of announcing the so-called “partial mobilization.” Since then, the ministry’s official communication regarding its own losses has been reduced to zero. Moreover, Russian legislation has &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.radiosvoboda.org/a/news-derzhduma-rosii-zakonoproiekt-pozbavlennia-voli-za-feiky-pro-armiu/31735732.html&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;criminalized&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; any attempts to independently count losses within the country, classifying such efforts as “discrediting” the armed forces or “spreading false information,” offenses punishable by multi-year prison terms.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;However, the Kremlin’s authoritarian system faces a phenomenon that can be described as “bureaucratic schizophrenia.” The state can classify operational General Staff briefings, but it cannot halt the functioning of a vast civilian bureaucratic apparatus without triggering a total collapse of the social system. To stimulate recruitment, Russia’s government has undertaken to pay relatives of the fallen financial compensation on a colossal scale by the standards of Russia’s provinces (“coffin payments,” insurance payouts, and loan write-offs). Receiving these funds requires strict compliance with legal procedures: obtaining a death certificate (more than 300,000 forms of which have been &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-orders-307-900-death-certificates-for-soldiers-families-since-2022-media-reports/&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;ordered&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; since 2022), opening an inheritance case with a notary, and filing documents with the Social Fund of Russia (SFR). Thus, each death of a Russian soldier inevitably leaves a digital and bureaucratic trace in state databases.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;To ensure that Russia’s authorities were not falsifying these civilian data as well, journalists and researchers aggregated statistics from the National Register of Inheritance Cases of the Federal Notary Chamber of Russia (the number of cases opened for men of conscription age by municipality and region) and official demographic reports from the Federal State Statistics Service (Rosstat) on excess mortality. This dataset was also subjected to verification using Benford’s law.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Unlike Russia’s Ministry of Defense briefings, civilian data are not generated centrally in the offices of military propagandists but are the result of decentralized actions by thousands of independent actors across Russia: notaries, civil registry officials, and social welfare employees. When the first significant digit was extracted from data on opened inheritance cases and excess mortality, the empirical distribution showed an extremely high correlation with Benford’s theoretical logarithmic curve.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;table&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;First significant digit (d)&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;Benford theoretical distribution (%)&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;Empirical distribution from inheritance register and Rosstat data (%)&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;Deviation (%)&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;Deviation assessment&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;1&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;30.10%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;29.80%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.3%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Not statistically significant&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;2&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;17.60%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;18.20%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.6%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Not statistically significant&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;3&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;12.50%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;12.10%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.4%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Not statistically significant&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;4&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;9.70%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;9.50%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.2%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Not statistically significant&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;5&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;7.90%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;8.30%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.4%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Not statistically significant&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;6&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;6.70%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;6.50%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.2%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Not statistically significant&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;7&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;5.80%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;6.10%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;-0.3%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Not statistically significant&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;8&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;5.10%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;5.00%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.1%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Not statistically significant&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;9&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;4.60%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;4.50%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;0.1%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Not statistically significant&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;The correlation coefficient (R&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;) between the empirical and theoretical distributions exceeds 0.95. This indicates that the statistical probability of manipulation of these administrative data approaches zero. The conformity of data generated by Russia’s civilian bureaucratic apparatus to the mathematical laws of random variables demonstrates that these figures are an objective reflection of Russia’s social and demographic reality. Therefore, analysis based on these sources can be considered reliable.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Part 2. Arithmetic absurdity: how Russia fabricates statistics&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;The fabricated nature of Russia’s military briefings on Ukrainian losses is demonstrated not only by statistical analysis but also by violations of the fundamental laws of arithmetic in the calculation of cumulative losses of Ukrainian military equipment.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;As of February 15, 2026, &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://t.me/mod_russia/61174&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;according to&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; Russia’s Ministry of Defense, Russian forces have destroyed a colossal quantity of Ukrainian weaponry, including more than 670 military aircraft, 283 helicopters, more than 114,000 unmanned aerial vehicles, 650 surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems, and 27,704 tanks and armored fighting vehicles.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;To understand the absurdity of these figures, it is sufficient to consult international databases of military capabilities. According to the &lt;/span&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt;World Air Forces 2022&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt; &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=83735&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;reference&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt;, before the full-scale invasion the Ukrainian Air Force had only 318 aircraft in total, including Soviet-era platforms. Of these, 98 were combat aircraft and 112 were helicopters. Even if one adds to this list all aircraft and helicopters transferred to Ukraine by partner countries since 2022 (OSINT analysts at Oryx &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2022/04/answering-call-heavy-weaponry-supplied.html&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;estimate&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; this at roughly 150+ units), the total size of Ukraine’s aviation has never even approached 953 units. Russia’s Ministry of Defense has thus officially “destroyed” Ukraine’s air force at least three times over.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;A similar situation applies to armored vehicles. When the Armed Forces of Ukraine &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://novayagazeta.eu/about&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;had&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; a total of about &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://novayagazeta.eu/articles/2023/06/16/something-doesnt-add-up-en&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;8,165 tanks&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; and armored fighting vehicles (including Soviet-era equipment and the first tranches of military aid), Russia’s army had already officially reported (on July 12, 2023) the “destruction” of &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://t.me/swodki/270996&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;9,915&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; such vehicles. The &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://t.me/mod_russia/61174&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;claim&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; of 27,704 destroyed armored vehicles as of February 15, 2026 is a mathematical impossibility, as this figure substantially exceeds the entire available fleet of tanks and armored fighting vehicles not only of Ukraine but also of the combined forces of many European NATO member states prior to their rearmament.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;As for personnel, as early as mid-2022—when the war had lasted only a few months—the cumulative figures of “destroyed” Ukrainian service members in Russia’s Ministry of Defense briefings had reached levels that would have implied the loss of combat effectiveness of 80% of the entire Ukrainian Armed Forces. The fact that Ukraine’s army in 2026 continues to conduct large-scale defensive operations, inflicting catastrophic losses on the enemy and even holding footholds on Russia’s territory (Kursk region), demonstrates that Russia’s Ministry of Defense data bear no relation to battlefield reality.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4&gt;The scale of confirmed Russian losses based on internal data&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Based on the mathematically demonstrated reliability of Russia’s registries, the projects &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://meduza.io/feature/2023/07/10/47-tysyach-pogibshih-rossiyskih-soldat&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Mediazona&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; and BBC Russian Service, with support from &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://zona.media/article/2023/07/10/stats&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Meduza&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt;, systematically aggregate Russia’s irrecoverable losses.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Their methodology consists of two components: a name-by-name list of the dead and a statistical estimate based on the Register of Inheritance Cases.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;By monitoring open sources—statements by regional governors, obituaries in the local press, photographs from cemeteries, as well as analysis of database leaks (such as lists from the Wagner Group and leaks from motor rifle brigades)—as of February 13, 2026, researchers had verified the names of 177,433 dead Russian soldiers. In just the first two weeks of February 2026, more than 9,000 names were added to this list through the processing of accumulated archival data. Among those &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/over-177-000-russian-soldiers-killed-in-ukraine-identified-by-media-investigation/&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;identified by name&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; are 6,414 officers, including 12 generals of Russia’s army. The largest absolute losses have been recorded among natives of Bashkortostan, Tatarstan, Sverdlovsk region, and Krasnodar Krai.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Because not every death is reported in newspapers or announced by governors, the name-by-name list represents only a lower bound of total losses. To establish a more accurate picture, researchers used data on the excess number of inheritance cases opened for men under the age of 50 compared with the prewar period. Taking into account the proportion of men who leave no property, this mathematical model showed that as of August 2025 the total number of dead Russians was about 219,000, and by preliminary estimates, by the end of 2025 this figure had reached approximately 300,000 irrecoverable losses. This estimate correlates with Rosstat reports, which recorded cumulative excess mortality among Russian men aged 20–54 at 138,500 in just the first two years of the full-scale war (2022–2023).&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;In addition, beginning in mid-2024, a mass wave of court petitions filed by Russia’s Ministry of Defense military units seeking to have missing soldiers declared dead has been recorded (around 90,000 such cases by the end of 2025). This allows the army to avoid evacuating bodies from the battlefield while formally completing bureaucratic procedures, which further increases the total number of deaths.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4&gt;Intelligence consensus: everyone sees the same thing&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Official Ukrainian &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.facebook.com/GeneralStaff.ua/posts/pfbid0E7iCupeC493E35AQQbDWrYdmeqK36Wsek9GdwNLU6C9uQ9YPEz5rBmJkWke4KnQ6l?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZYDXiLgoqSJE_ua5OAbTmtLk0gc3YSUdirCLO1GHVhiAfKT0-HVVzBHdX_dnICmjHFloIbzyEIzo5_aHwWMjhpoGgVVL_C5a98gq7_PVBg-4BtZ2YpEJaHbIL3SUlkrLdX42nrbjp_UQIgkVZ7T8Gy2dIYVrvdJuPXcyAQmcsU7Ww&amp;amp;__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;data&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; (more than 1.25 million), which Russia &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://tass.ru/politika/26271779&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;calls&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; an “invention of the Kyiv regime,” in fact underpin the consensus estimates of leading think tanks. For example, the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), in a &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.csis.org/analysis/russias-grinding-war-ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;report&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; published in early 2026, estimates Russia’s total losses (killed, wounded, and missing in action) at 1.2 million. Of that number, irrecoverable losses (killed) amount to up to 325,000 soldiers.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;table&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Source&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Estimated total Russian losses&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Date&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Washington&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;about 1.2 million&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;January 2026&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Ukrainian Armed Forces General Staff&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;more than 1,252,000&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;February 2026&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;UK Ministry of Defence&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;1,168,000—1,213,000&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;December 2025—January  2026&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;William J. Burns, Former Director of the CIA&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;about 1.1 million&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;January  2026&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Estonian Foreign Intelligence Service&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;about 1 million&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;February 2026&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Secret Intelligence Service (MI6), United Kingdom&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;about 1 million (240,000 killed)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;September 2025&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Moreover, this figure follows logically from &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://meduza.io/feature/2025/08/29/2000-chelovek-v-nedelyu-stolko-teryala-rossiya-na-pike-svoego-nastupleniya-v-donbasse&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;mathematical calculations&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; based on Russia’s civilian registries (219,000–300,000 confirmed deaths). Given the standard ratio of killed to wounded in modern conflicts (approximately 1:3 to 1:4), 300,000 irrecoverable losses imply total losses of more than 1 million. Thus, Ukrainian and international estimates of Russian losses are close to accurate.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;The Dutch Oryx project, which uses the most conservative and rigorous methodology (recording only equipment losses with clear photo or video confirmation and geolocation), has &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2022/02/attack-on-europe-documenting-equipment.html&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;documented&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; Russia’s loss of 24,099 units of heavy military equipment. Of these, 13,887 armored vehicles were destroyed, damaged, or captured, including 4,334 tanks of various types (from older T-54/55 models to the most modern T-90M).&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Ukrainian Armed Forces estimates of Russian equipment losses (~11,672 tanks &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.zsu.gov.ua/&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;as of&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; February 15, 2026) are higher than Oryx’s visually confirmed figures (4,300 tanks), because OSINT captures only the lower bound of losses, as many vehicles destroyed in rear areas or in tree lines are never recorded on video, especially given the scale of FPV drone use and long-range artillery.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Part 3. What we know about Ukraine’s losses&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;The question of Ukrainian losses is the most sensitive aspect of this analysis. Kyiv long adhered to a policy of information silence, which is understandable: in an existential war for survival, any information about its own losses can be used by the enemy to plan military and information operations. However, estimates by international institutions, official statements, and foreign intelligence services now largely converge.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;In February 2026, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in an interview with &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlzsddedMvM&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;France 2&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; that 55,000 Ukrainian service members had been killed on the battlefield. He added that a “large number” of service members are still considered missing in action (according to estimates by the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, the number of missing Ukrainians ranges from 35,000 to 84,500). Earlier, at the end of 2024, he cited a figure of 43,000 killed and 370,000 wounded.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;In January 2026, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.csis.org/analysis/russias-grinding-war-ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;published&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; an estimate according to which Ukraine’s total military losses (killed, wounded, and missing in action) amount to 500,000–600,000. Within that number, irrecoverable losses (killed) are estimated at 100,000–140,000 (assuming a killed-to-wounded ratio of 1:4). This estimate correlates with counts by the independent &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://ualosses.org/uk/soldiers/&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;UALosses&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; project, which maintains a name-by-name list of Ukrainian losses based on public obituaries: as of early 2026, it had confirmed the names of more than 92,000 dead Ukrainian service members. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.economist.com/interactive/graphic-detail/2025/07/09/russias-summer-ukraine-offensive-looks-like-its-deadliest-so-far&#34;&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt;The Economist&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt;, in summer 2025, also estimated the number of dead Ukrainians at 73,000–140,000.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Regardless of which specific figure is considered most accurate, the main conclusion remains unchanged: even by the highest estimates, Ukrainian Armed Forces losses are at least 2–2.5 times lower than Russia’s losses (600,000 versus 1.2 million). This indicates significantly higher effectiveness of Ukraine’s Defense Forces.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Part 4. Nonobvious consequences: what lies behind the numbers&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;h4&gt;The erosion of Lanchester’s square law and the “drone war” paradox&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Classical military theory (including &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/trenttelenko/status/1814759906102096052?s=46&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Lanchester’s square law&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt;) holds that in combined-arms combat, an army’s combat power is proportional to the square of its manpower, provided there is a concentration of massed firepower and a mechanized breakthrough. However, in modern warfare this law no longer holds: the widespread proliferation of FPV drones, aerial reconnaissance systems, and Starlink integration has led to a dramatic degradation of Russia’s ground tactics, negated its numerical advantage, and made any concentration of equipment lethal. West Point (the U.S. Military Academy) analysts have &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://mwi.westpoint.edu/the-return-of-the-tactical-crisis/&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;described&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; this as a “return of the tactical crisis”—a situation in which firepower once again exceeds the capacity for maneuver, as it did in the late nineteenth century.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;It has been visually confirmed that Russia has &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2022/02/attack-on-europe-documenting-equipment.html&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;lost&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; more than 13,800 armored vehicles (more than its entire &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://carnegie-production-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/static/files/Massicot-Reconstitution-final.pdf&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;prewar&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; active fleet) and&lt;/span&gt; &lt;span&gt;has been forced to abandon massed mechanized assaults and shift to “meat assaults”: continuous attacks by small infantry groups of 2–5 soldiers. Tanks have been replaced by golf carts, ATVs, motorcycles, and even horses. The sole objective is to cross the “gray zone” under drone strikes at any cost. This “adaptation” has a shocking and nonobvious consequence: for Russia, the war is becoming far cheaper in material and financial terms, but far more costly in human lives.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4&gt;The price of territory&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Tactical degradation to the level of a frontal war of attrition reminiscent of World War I has produced extreme statistics on the “cost” of territory. According to analysts, in 2024–2025 Russia’s army &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://understandingwar.org/research/russia-ukraine/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-december-31-2025/&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;lost&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; an average of 102 soldiers killed and wounded for every square kilometer of Ukrainian territory captured. In 2025, this figure averaged 78 soldiers, although in some of the most intense months of fighting (in particular from January to April 2025) it reached 99 per square kilometer.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Thus, innovations by Ukraine’s Defense Forces in unmanned systems have effectively “broken” Lanchester’s law for Russia’s army, turning it into a slow-moving force capable of advancing (for example, &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.russiamatters.org/news/russia-ukraine-war-report-card/russia-ukraine-war-report-card-feb-11-2026&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;capturing&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; less than 1% of Ukraine’s territory in 2025—about 0.93%) only at the cost of enormous losses.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4&gt;“Deathonomics” and the Kremlin’s social engineering&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;A question that often concerns Western analysts is why astronomical human losses (more than 1 million killed and wounded) have not led to a mass social explosion or antiwar protests in Russia. The answer lies not only in the effectiveness of the FSB’s repressive apparatus but also in the Kremlin’s creation of a unique macroeconomic model. Researcher Vladislav Inozemtsev, in a &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.ifri.org/en/papers/deathonomics-social-political-and-economic-costs-war-russia&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;report&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; for the French think tank IFRI (February 2026), described this phenomenon as “Deathonomics”—an “economy of death.”&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Russia’s political leadership has deliberately transformed the war into an unprecedented mechanism for the redistribution of national wealth. Geographic and demographic analysis of losses confirmed through obituaries (including Mediazona &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://en.zona.media/article/2026/02/13/casualties_eng-trl&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;data&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt;) reveals a cynical policy of social engineering. Russia’s “blood tax” is paid by the poorest, economically depressed regions—ethnic republics of Siberia and the Far East (the Republic of Tuva, Buryatia, and Chukotka), where the risk of death for local men is 25 times higher than for residents of Moscow or St. Petersburg. Bashkortostan and Tatarstan also suffer enormous absolute losses. Putin’s regime is effectively buying the population’s loyalty by paying astronomical sums for the deaths of their sons and husbands, which has produced a paradoxical &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.ifri.org/en/papers/deathonomics-social-political-and-economic-costs-war-russia&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;consumption “boom”&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; in Russia’s villages and small towns. Death has thus become the most profitable business.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;But this model is a financial pyramid scheme. The loss of hundreds of thousands of working-age men has created an acute labor shortage. The defense industry operates around the clock in three shifts, producing equipment that is subsequently destroyed in Ukraine. Trillions of unbacked rubles are fueling an inflationary spiral. Even according to official data, GDP growth has fallen to a meager 1% (compared to 4.3% in 2024), forcing the government to raise taxes and drastically cut funding for civilian sectors such as education and healthcare. Although oil revenues and China’s support, including through sanctions evasion, allow the Kremlin to continue financing the war, they cannot conceal a deep structural internal deficit.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Another nonobvious consequence of the “Deathonomics” is the rapid aging of Russia’s army. Because the younger mobilization pool has largely been exhausted (or has left the country—&lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-65790759&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;estimates&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; range from half a million to more than a million people who relocated in 2022 alone), in 2025–2026 the army has been replenished primarily by older “commercial volunteers” attracted by financial incentives.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;According to &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://ru.themoscowtimes.com/2024/10/09/tri-chetverti-stariki-v-rossiiskoi-armii-nachali-zhalovatsya-na-nabor-slishkom-vozrastnih-kontraktnikov-a144398&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;statistical&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; data, the average age of a Russian soldier killed at the front is approaching 50, and the most common category of fatalities is men aged 46–52. Russia has thus turned its army into an “army of old men,” sending them into continuous, exhausting assaults.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4&gt;A geopolitical game: Munich 2026&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;According to analysts, the intensification of Russia’s offensive in late 2025 and early 2026 (especially on the Pokrovsk and Kupiansk axes), accompanied by record losses (30,000–35,000 killed and wounded per month for minimal advances of only a few square kilometers), was aimed less at achieving a strategic military breakthrough than at creating a cognitive illusion of invincibility among Western leaders.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;The Kremlin is deliberately demonstrating to the world its willingness to expend an unlimited number of its own citizens’ lives. This “madman strategy” is intended to convince the U.S. administration and European leaders that Ukraine’s military resistance is futile, since no level of losses will stop Russia. At the same time, Russia continues its systematic campaign to destroy Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, reinforcing the narrative that Ukraine cannot sustain a war of attrition.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;This information-psychological strategy has achieved a degree of success in the West. In the information space (for example, through media leaks in outlets such as the &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.ft.com/content/50d3d86b-2d2a-4d06-845e-a4e089382cad?shareType=nongift&#34;&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt;Financial Times&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; or &lt;/span&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt;Axios&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;span&gt;) significant pressure is building on Ukraine to compel it to make territorial concessions (including recognition of the loss of the Donbas and the relinquishment of Crimea) in exchange for promises of Western security guarantees or a freezing of the conflict until summer 2026. Calls have also emerged for elections in Ukraine in exchange for a ceasefire.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;In response to this pressure, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/live/2OKPcElOq7c&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;speaking&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; at the Munich Security Conference on February 14, 2026, criticized the idea of “appeasing” the aggressor. He directly called Vladimir Putin a “slave to war” and compared attempts by Western partners to pressure Ukraine into territorial concessions in exchange for an illusory peace to the shameful Munich Agreement of 1938, when the surrender of Czechoslovakia to Hitler failed to prevent a much larger war.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Zelenskyy emphasized that for Kyiv, any approach that demands concessions solely from Ukraine while Russia continues its terror and wages a hybrid war against Europe is categorically unacceptable. Insisting on firm 20-year security guarantees from the United States before signing any agreements, he made clear that the war will not end on terms of capitulation. Ukraine’s official public disclosure of its significant losses (55,000 killed), though many times smaller than those of its adversary, is itself a strategic move. It is intended to demonstrate to the West the extraordinary effectiveness of Ukraine’s Defense Forces and to show that, provided Western military and financial support is maintained and strengthened, the exhaustion of Russia’s “Deathonomics” will occur long before the Ukrainian nation’s will to resist is broken. Put in plain terms: we are fighting more effectively—support us, and the aggressor’s exhaustion, and thus a durable peace, will come sooner.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Conclusions&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;The information space of the Russia–Ukraine war is deeply asymmetric. Russia’s official military statistics, published by its Ministry of Defense, are an instrument of psychological operations and are fully fabricated. The combined evidence of mathematical testing of daily briefings using Benford’s law, independent investigations (such as those by Mediazona), and basic arithmetic logic demonstrates that these figures are artificially generated, violate the expected distribution of random variables, and bear no relation to actual battlefield events. Claims of the destruction of more than 27,000 Ukrainian armored vehicles or 953 aircraft and helicopters are arithmetically impossible. Data analysis indicates irrecoverable losses of Russia’s army in the range of 250,000–325,000 killed, corresponding to total losses (including wounded) of more than 1.2 million personnel. Comparative analysis shows that the Armed Forces of Ukraine General Staff’s estimates of Russian losses (more than 1.25 million) align with the consensus assessments of Western intelligence services (CIA, UK Ministry of Defence) and think tanks (CSIS).&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;The war in Ukraine has triggered irreversible transformations in military strategy and tactics. Technological battlefield transparency enabled by drones has undermined the traditional laws of mechanized warfare (including Lanchester’s law), forcing Russia to shift to bloody infantry infiltration assaults, in which each square kilometer of Ukrainian territory costs the aggressor 80–90 soldiers’ lives. To sustain this self-destructive model, the Kremlin has constructed a “Deathonomics,” buying the loyalty of the poorest regions through relatively high compensation payments for the deaths of their residents. However, this strategy is a financial pyramid scheme that is already fueling an inflationary spiral, depleting the labor force, and leaving the country with a deteriorating economy and a rapidly aging army.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;On the geopolitical stage, particularly during the 2026 Munich Security Conference, Moscow’s willingness to expend hundreds of thousands of Russian lives in the furnace of war remains its principal lever in attempts to pressure the West into forcing Ukraine to capitulate. However, even the most conservative Western estimates confirm that Ukraine’s personnel losses are at least 2–2.5 times lower than Russia’s. Together with Kyiv’s firm position, this indicates that the Kremlin’s war of attrition is steadily approaching its critical breaking point.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;reference&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Photo: &lt;a href=&#34;https://depositphotos.com/ua/&#34;&gt;depositphotos.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://voxukraine.org/en/the-mathematics-of-war-how-to-tell-real-losses-from-propaganda&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>Croatia rejects transporting Russian oil to Hungary, Slovakia as flows via Ukraine halted</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/16/croatia-rejects-transporting-russian-oil.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 16 Feb 2026 17:48:30 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/16/croatia-rejects-transporting-russian-oil.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/633940983-1431509145109041-5340485677101228728-n.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Croatia rejects transporting Russian oil to Hungary, Slovakia as flows via Ukraine halted&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;A barrel bought from Russia may appear cheaper to some countries, but helps fund war and attacks on Ukrainian people. It’s time to stop that war profiteering,&#34; Croatian Economy Minister Ante Susnjar said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/croatia-rejects-transporting-russian-oil-to-hungary-slovakia-as-flows-via-ukraine-halted/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>&#39;We will take action&#39; — Ukraine ramps up fight against illegal gas dealers with online chat bot</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/16/we-will-take-action-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 16 Feb 2026 17:43:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/16/we-will-take-action-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/dbr.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;We will take action&#39; — Ukraine ramps up fight against illegal gas dealers with online chat bot&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Members of the public, businesspeople, and journalists will be able to upload information about dodgy dealings in the fuel market to the a chat bot called StopShadowBot on the popular messaging app Telegram.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/we-will-take-action-ukraine-ramps-up-fight-against-illegal-gas-dealers-with-online-bot/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>At night, the Armed Forces of Ukraine struck an oil terminal in the Krasnodar region #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/16/at-night-the-armed-forces.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 16 Feb 2026 17:30:04 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/16/at-night-the-armed-forces.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/9038199564.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;At night, the Armed Forces of Ukraine struck an oil terminal in the Krasnodar region #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/E6SlXg8c3aM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>WOW! TECH VICTORY OF UKRAINIAN ARMY: Russia out of oil, UAVs downed, NATO in shock after &amp;quot;Hedgehog&amp;quot;</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/16/wow-tech-victory-of-ukrainian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 16 Feb 2026 17:02:33 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/16/wow-tech-victory-of-ukrainian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/760a62387a.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;WOW! TECH VICTORY OF UKRAINIAN ARMY: Russia out of oil, UAVs downed, NATO in shock after &amp;quot;Hedgehog&amp;quot;&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnKSEjlCR-U&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>WAR CONTINUES DESPITE TALKS! Ukraine methodically destroys Russia&#39;s energy sector</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/16/war-continues-despite-talks-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 16 Feb 2026 17:00:29 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/16/war-continues-despite-talks-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/d146781479.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;WAR CONTINUES DESPITE TALKS! Ukraine methodically destroys Russia&#39;s energy sector&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRycxBEOGs8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Russia scales up offensive from north of Pokrovsk, Ukrainian military says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/16/russia-scales-up-offensive-from.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 16 Feb 2026 16:42:33 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/16/russia-scales-up-offensive-from.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/5dfc17423f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia scales up offensive from north of Pokrovsk, Ukrainian military says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The 7th Corps report comes as Ukraine clings to its last positions in Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad in eastern Donetsk Oblast, both of which have mostly been occupied by Russia, Emil Kastehelmi, a military analyst with the Black Bird Group, told the Kyiv Independent.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-scales-up-offensive-from-north-of-pokrovsk-ukrainian-military-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>“Only hurt remains” — Bidding farewell to veteran, his three children killed in Russian drone attack on Bohodukhiv </title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/16/only-hurt-remains-bidding-farewell.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 16 Feb 2026 16:39:19 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/16/only-hurt-remains-bidding-farewell.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width=&#34;1900&#34; height=&#34;1267&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/dsc06169-2.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Vessel for holy water with aspergillum inside, behind him — a small white coffin. Priests to the left, people gathered for the funerals to the right.&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;UKRAINE, SKOVORODYNIVKA &lt;/strong&gt;— The biers for the ceremony were set up in advance. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;First, funeral workers carried out Hryhorii Shykula’s coffin, the largest of the four. He was 34 when the Russian kamikaze drone hit their new family house in Bohodukhiv and killed him and his children, about two years after a Russian mine explosion took his foot. Next, Vladislav and Ivan’s twin coffins were brought out, both wrapped in the deep blue fabric like their father’s. They were two years old. Myroslava’s coffin is the last. It’s small and covered in white. She was born on Jan. 1, 2025. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;At least a hundred people attended the funeral on Feb. 13. Nine priests came from different parishes of the Zolochiv community of Kharkiv oblast, adjacent to the border with Russia and constantly hit with their drones and glide bombs. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“On Feb. 11, we buried a family — Svitlana and her 10-year-old son Mykhailo. And now, this family has died. They slept in the house they bought, the house they’ve dreamed about. And it became fatal for them,” said Father Stephan to Gwara, his grey eyes wet. Today, along with other priests, he will perform a funeral service in Russian, as it’s often held in Ukraine Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate*, but speak the words of comfort to friends and relatives of Hryhorii’s family in Ukrainian. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Olha Krivohub, 35, couldn’t come to the funeral of her husband and children — 35 weeks pregnant, she was hospitalized with a head injury after the attack. During that night on Feb. 11, she left Hryhorii with the kids while they played and fell asleep on another couch. The Russian drone strike threw Olha on the roof. A neighbour had found her and carried her away, burnt and concussed and crying for her sons. Then, the flames spread after the strike reached the gas pipes and triggered another explosion. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“She is in pain,” Oleksandra, Olha’s sister-in-law, said to the question of Olha’s current state. She was trying to hold her tears in long pauses between words. “The entire world, all warmth was taken away from her. Only hurt remains.” Olha hoped for the war’s end, Oleksandra shares, and named her daughter to honor this feeling. “Myroslava,” translated from Ukrainian, means ‘glory to peace’. “The war isn’t over. The war took them away.” &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“Who could have raised their hand and dared to kill this family? I can’t imagine. They are not warriors… They are inhuman,” Viktor Kovalenko, the head of the Zolochiv regional military administration, spoke at the service. His voice was rough, cracking with emotion. Ukraine’s soldiers who serve at the frontline in the northern Kharkiv region “will avenge” the family, he added. He knelt near the twins&#39; coffins and put his hand on one of them. “Lord, take them to you.” &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Anatolii Yeliseiev, starosta of Hryhorii’s community, said both Hryhorii and Olha wanted a big family, like the one they had growing up. After Hryhorii’s injury on the battlefield, he went through hospital, subsequent rehabilitation, and then finally returned to his wife and sons waiting for him. “All of them wanted to live.” &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;They didn’t even manage to get the official documents that they owned the new house, Yeliseiev added. Spent a single night there, and the next night, Russian drones hit Bohodukhiv. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The priests read psalms. They called the family “slain innocents” (nevynnoubiienni, “невинноубієнні” in Ukrainian). They read from Thessalonians: that the dead in Christ will rise first. “After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet Lord in the air.”** The Russian Federation destroys families like this one, Father Stepah said. “These families couldn’t threaten anyone.” &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Ivan, Hryhorii’s brother, was the first to approach the dead to say goodbye. According to starosta, Hryhorii had followed his example to go to the army. Both of them were demobilized. Ivan laid red carnations on the blue of his brother&#39;s coffin and pressed a kiss to it.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Other soldiers who came to the funerals didn&#39;t speak much. They stood in small groups, sticking to the edges of the crowd. Making way for others. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“They were happy, fun, friendly, what can I say?” one of Hryhorii’s brothers-in-arms says, after refusing to share his name. “He only did good.” &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The man and his children were being buried next to Hryhorii and Ivan’s father. The post-it notes are put onto coffins. Each with the gentle, short version of the name of the person inside written on it: a clue for funeral workers. Priests put holy water into the graves. Asked everybody to throw a handful of freshly dug earth into the graves next. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The edges of graves were slippery, the snow around them overtaken with a thin, icy layer. Ivan went first again. Threw his four handfuls of soil. Like many after him, he used the snow to wash the cemetery from his hands.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;From where the family’s house was located, one can see half of the city of Bohoduhiv. Almost four days after the Russian drone hit here, what remains of the home Hryhorii and Olha wished for still smells like things burnt and ashen. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Workers are already rebuilding the neighbouring house. Installing a new carcass for the roof. Covering it with a protective layer of film to guard against the rain and snow. They&#39;re shouting instructions and precautions to each other, loud in the quiet of the street.  &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Halyna, a woman who lived in the house, tells Gwara that, seconds before her home was destroyed, her cat bothered her and she went to let him go outdoors. She believes that saved her from a Russian drone. Halyna didn’t get to meet her new neighbours properly. They had just moved in at the beginning of last week and, a few days later, she saw their house burn down. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Photo credit&lt;/em&gt;: Vessel for holy water with aspergillum in front of the line of coffins standing on the biers between the priests and those who gathered on the funeral of Hryhorii Shykula and his three infant children, killed by a Russian drone attack on Bohodukhiv. Feb. 13, 2026 / Gwara Media, Polina Kulish&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;* Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (&lt;a href=&#34;https://kiis.com.ua/?lang=eng&amp;cat=reports&amp;id=1443&amp;page=1&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;6% of respondents to a poll&lt;/a&gt; in Ukraine go to UOC-MP’s churches). It was banned in 2024. &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;** (1 Thessalonians 4:17). &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-heading&#34;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Read more&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;ul data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-list&#34;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;“Train of invincibility” keeps Kharkiv rail passengers &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/train-of-invincibility-keeps-kharkiv-rail-passengers-warm-during-coldest-winter-since-russias-full-scale-invasion/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;warm during coldest winter since Russia’s full-scale invasion&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;“I followed the order.” Kharkiv court sentences Russian soldier &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/i-followed-the-order-kharkiv-court-sentences-russian-soldier-who-killed-ukrainian-pows-in-vovchansk-to-life-imprisonment/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;who killed Ukrainian POWs in Vovchansk to life imprisonment&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The post &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/only-hurt-remains-bidding-farewell-to-veteran-his-three-children-killed-in-russian-drone-attack-on-bohodukhiv/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;“Only hurt remains” — Bidding farewell to veteran, his three children killed in Russian drone attack on Bohodukhiv &lt;/a&gt; appeared first on &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;Gwara Media&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/only-hurt-remains-bidding-farewell-to-veteran-his-three-children-killed-in-russian-drone-attack-on-bohodukhiv/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>Britain and Germany call for PREPARATIONS for war with Russia #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/16/britain-and-germany-call-for.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 16 Feb 2026 16:11:27 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/16/britain-and-germany-call-for.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2868bc6775.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Britain and Germany call for PREPARATIONS for war with Russia #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/QQEfjaNHC-o&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>How war disrupted my love story</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/16/how-war-disrupted-my-love.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 16 Feb 2026 16:08:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/16/how-war-disrupted-my-love.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fe030210b-6.png&#34; alt=&#34;How war disrupted my love story&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!djue!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0cbf9728-4ee3-4c45-80e0-e519001caef3_1500x500.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f0cbf9728-4.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;485&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/0cbf9728-4ee3-4c45-80e0-e519001caef3_1500x500.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:485,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:true,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor’s Note:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt; In a country at war, where thousands of loved ones are separated by the front, captivity, or distance, love is an act of endurance.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Thank you for staying with us, especially now. Consider upgrading your subscription to support our reporting and keep reading without limits.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Get Full Access!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Get Full Access!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Tip Jar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Tip Jar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;We’re sitting in the kitchen. I’m cutting apples. My boyfriend Maks is making the dough for an apple pie. It’s a rare moment of domestic normalcy when you’re dating a serviceman, the kind that invites conversations about the future.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;But then he punctuates it: “... If I don’t die.” &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;That phrase often slithers into our conversations about the future — about marriage, about buying a house, even into his silly promises to try and make me like snow (by taking me sledding after the war). A year and a half into my relationship with a serviceman, even the most ordinary plans come with that merciless condition attached.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Nonetheless, sometimes this dreary sentiment transforms into something unexpectedly encouraging. “So, you found a new job, and I transferred to another unit. Things are going to be stressful, but the most important thing is to survive, right?”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fe030210b-6.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/9b63d2ab6f.png&#34; width=&#34;286&#34; height=&#34;381.3333333333333&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/e030210b-61b6-4470-b9a3-3605b322bdcb_960x1280.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1280,&#34;width&#34;:960,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:286,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Us on a Ferris Wheel in Dnipro, July 2025. Maks’ face is censored for safety reasons.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ukrainian society has grown familiar with certain narratives about relationships with military servicemen: long-term couples separated by mobilization, or relationships that begin and exist almost entirely long-distance. Online, some women have sparked controversy by saying they wouldn’t date soldiers because of uncertainty. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Less visible are relationships that fall somewhere in between — those that begin shortly before enlistment and develop in fragments, shaped by brief visits, Zoom calls, and constant uncertainty.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Relationships during the war exist in this foggy space, marked by somewhat-rushed intimacy, hazy plans, and a future that’s always spoken of with that “if” in mind. The uncertainty of war spreads far beyond geopolitics to a question that is almost pedestrian in a non-war setting: when to love and commit.  &lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;id&#34;:450625}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;PollToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;poll-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;After the paywall:&lt;br&gt;-How does war disrupt the expected timeline of intimacy and commitment?&lt;br&gt;- How does love survive when the future can’t be planned?&lt;br&gt;- What helps Oksana handle distance and uncertainty?&lt;br&gt;-What parts of wartime relationships remain unseen?&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
      &lt;p&gt;
          &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/how-war-disrupted-my-love-story&#34;&gt;
              Read more
          &lt;/a&gt;
      &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/how-war-disrupted-my-love-story&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian delegation heads to Geneva for talks! Europe urges citizens to prepare for war!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/16/ukrainian-delegation-heads-to-geneva.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 16 Feb 2026 15:00:53 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/16/ukrainian-delegation-heads-to-geneva.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/bcc8d36af7.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian delegation heads to Geneva for talks! Europe urges citizens to prepare for war!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wl9KHm4jaYs&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian veteran with disability injured in car explosion in Odesa, marking 2nd such incident in 10 days</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/16/ukrainian-veteran-with-disability-injured.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 16 Feb 2026 14:34:55 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/16/ukrainian-veteran-with-disability-injured.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/img-74b92f91c000309edf57c14aa1bd9f75.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian veteran with disability injured in car explosion in Odesa, marking 2nd such incident in 10 days&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has classified the car bombing as a terrorist attack and opened a criminal investigation, the agency said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/veteran-with-disability-injured-in-car-explosion-in-odesa-source-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian forces hit several &#39;important&#39; Russian military targets in 3 regions, General Staff says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/16/ukrainian-forces-hit-several-important.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 16 Feb 2026 13:22:58 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/16/ukrainian-forces-hit-several-important.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/d57a834dab.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian forces hit several &#39;important&#39; Russian military targets in 3 regions, General Staff says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The strikes targeted areas where Moscow had concentrated its troops, along with a Russian communications hub and a drone control center, the report read.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-drones-hit-several-important-russian-military-targets-in-3-regions-general-staff-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>How the Kyiv International School continues to learn, care, and lead in the hardest days</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/16/how-the-kyiv-international-school.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 16 Feb 2026 12:33:05 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/16/how-the-kyiv-international-school.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/d9a5e82534.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;How the Kyiv International School continues to learn, care, and lead in the hardest days&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Over the past several weeks, Kyiv has once again been pushed to its limits.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/no-russias-attacks-on-energy-infrastructure-are-not-retaliation-for-ukraines-strikes-on-oil-refineries/&#34;&gt;Massive Russian attacks&lt;/a&gt; crippled infrastructure across the city and surrounding  region, leaving thousands &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/over-1-500-apartment-buildings-remain-without-heating-in-kyiv-local-authorities-say/&#34;&gt;without stable electricity, heat, or water&lt;/a&gt;. The strikes coincided with some of the &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/chart-of-the-week-ukraine-sees-its-coldest-january-in-16-years/&#34;&gt;harshest winter conditions this season&lt;/a&gt; — plunging  temperatures,&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/how-the-kyiv-international-school-continues-to-learn-care-and-lead-in-the-hardest-days/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Over 1,500 apartment buildings remain without heating in Kyiv after Russian attacks, local authorities say</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/16/over-apartment-buildings-remain-without.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 16 Feb 2026 12:17:56 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/16/over-apartment-buildings-remain-without.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/d8516f6343.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Over 1,500 apartment buildings remain without heating in Kyiv after Russian attacks, local authorities say&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Two districts on the east bank of the Dnipro River were the most affected, leaving 1,100 residential buildings without heating, Kateryna Pop, a spokesperson for the Kyiv City Military Administration, said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/over-1-500-apartment-buildings-remain-without-heating-in-kyiv-local-authorities-say/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Investigation: European companies keep the motors of Russia&#39;s war machine running</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/16/investigation-european-companies-keep-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 16 Feb 2026 11:13:47 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/16/investigation-european-companies-keep-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/eremenko-improved-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Investigation: European companies keep the motors of Russia&#39;s war machine running&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h2 data-sanitized-id=&#34;key-findings&#34;&gt;Key findings:&lt;/h2&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Since launching its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia has sought supplies of motor oil additives and lubricants from third countries to maintain its military-industrial capacity and keep vehicles and heavy machinery running.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Russian private companies continue to utilize European logistics chains to secure a steady supply of essential&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/investigation-european-companies-keep-the-motors-of-russias-war-machine-running/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian refugee shot dead in North Carolina, suspect detained</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/16/ukrainian-refugee-shot-dead-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 16 Feb 2026 11:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/16/ukrainian-refugee-shot-dead-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/-2026-02-16-123210.png&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian refugee shot dead in North Carolina, suspect detained&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;This is a second time for the past year, when a Ukrainian woman who is a refugee and is hiding for safety in North Carolina, gets murdered by a man,&#34; said the brother of the late Kateryna Tovmash.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-refugee-shot-dead-in-north-carolina-suspect-detained/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>At least 13 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine over past day</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/16/at-least-injured-in-russian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 16 Feb 2026 10:57:22 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/16/at-least-injured-in-russian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2261384754.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;At least 13 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine over past day&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russian forces attacked Ukraine with four Zirkon anti-ship hypersonic missiles, an Iskander-M ballistic missile, a Kh-31 medium-range missile, and 62 drones, of which about 40 were Shahed-type, the Air Force said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/at-least-13-injured-in-russian-attacks-on-ukraine-over-past-day-2/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>In Germany, Ukrainian veteran&#39;s role in Nord Stream attack tests wartime law</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/16/in-germany-ukrainian-veterans-role.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 16 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/16/in-germany-ukrainian-veterans-role.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2231514802.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;In Germany, Ukrainian veteran&#39;s role in Nord Stream attack tests wartime law&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A former Ukrainian officer, Serhii Kuznietsov, spends his days in near-total isolation at Hamburg&#39;s detention center. He is accused by Germany of destroying Russia&#39;s Nord Stream gas pipelines months after the start of the all-out war.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Arrested in August while on vacation with his family in&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/in-germany-a-ukrainian-nord-stream-suspect-becomes-a-test-for-wartime-law/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>General Staff: Russia has lost 1,254,450 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/16/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 16 Feb 2026 08:51:34 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/16/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2183768979.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;General Staff: Russia has lost 1,254,450 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The number includes 1,180 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/general-staff-russia-has-lost-1-254-450-troops-in-ukraine-since-feb-24-2022/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ex-energy minister charged in Ukraine&#39;s biggest corruption case</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/16/exenergy-minister-charged-in-ukraines.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 16 Feb 2026 07:45:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/16/exenergy-minister-charged-in-ukraines.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/de65633a99.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ex-energy minister charged in Ukraine&#39;s biggest corruption case&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Herman Halushchenko, Ukraine&#39;s former energy minister, was charged of money laundering and involvement in a criminal group as part of the country&#39;s major corruption scandal, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) announced on Feb. 16.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ex-energy-minister-charged-in-ukraines-biggest-corruption-case/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russian attacks on Sumy Oblast injure 4, damage &#39;medical infrastructure&#39;</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/16/russian-attacks-on-sumy-oblast.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 16 Feb 2026 05:57:37 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/16/russian-attacks-on-sumy-oblast.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/e23db1d427.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian attacks on Sumy Oblast injure 4, damage &#39;medical infrastructure&#39;&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Sumy Oblast Governor Oleh Hryhoriv reported that a Russian drone targeted unspecified &#34;medical infrastructure&#34; in the city of Sumy overnight on Feb. 14-15, causing damage to the target.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-attacks-on-sumy-oblast-injure-4-damage-medical-infrastructure/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>&#39;Mass obstruction&#39; — Draft officers injured in Odesa following confrontation with &#39;civilian group&#39;</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/16/mass-obstruction-draft-officers-injured.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 16 Feb 2026 02:02:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/16/mass-obstruction-draft-officers-injured.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/522fdd2a7f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;Mass obstruction&#39; — Draft officers injured in Odesa following confrontation with &#39;civilian group&#39;&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Multiple enlistment officers were hospitalized after a &#34;group of civilians&#34; allegedly carried out an attack on the personnel in Odesa on Feb. 15, the Odesa Oblast Regional Recruitment Center reported.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/mass-obstruction-draft-officers-injured-in-odesa-following-confrontation-with-civilian-group/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>&#39;Air defense is a daily necessity&#39; — Zelensky says additional aid packages expected by Feb. 24 following return from Munich</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/15/air-defense-is-a-daily.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 15 Feb 2026 23:53:49 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/15/air-defense-is-a-daily.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2261223348-612x612.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;Air defense is a daily necessity&#39; — Zelensky says additional aid packages expected by Feb. 24 following return from Munich&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;There were many meetings, and most importantly – there will be new support packages for Ukraine. The key priority is missiles for air defense, for protection against ballistic missiles,&#34; Zelensky said in his evening address on Feb. 15.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/air-defense-is-a-daily-necessity-zelensky-says-additional-aid-packages-expected-soon-following-return-from-munich/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>For 12 years, a couple from near KYIV has been rescuing wild birds #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/15/for-years-a-couple-from.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 15 Feb 2026 22:30:03 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/15/for-years-a-couple-from.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/4c9683d61e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;For 12 years, a couple from near KYIV has been rescuing wild birds #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/KO0FhvO_v-I&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian drone attack targets multiple Russian oblasts, Bryansk reportedly left largely without electricity</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/15/ukrainian-drone-attack-targets-multiple.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 15 Feb 2026 22:07:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/15/ukrainian-drone-attack-targets-multiple.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/e6727d6e8e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian drone attack targets multiple Russian oblasts, Bryansk reportedly left largely without electricity&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russian officials reported a large-scale drone attack targeting multiple regions on Feb. 15, including areas near Moscow and Bryansk Oblasts.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-drone-attack-targets-multiple-russian-oblasts-bryansk-left-largely-without-electricity/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>How a couple near Kyiv is saving hundreds of birds amid the sound of missiles  | HOMO AMANS</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/15/how-a-couple-near-kyiv.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 15 Feb 2026 22:00:20 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/15/how-a-couple-near-kyiv.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/5d8ea1e871.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;How a couple near Kyiv is saving hundreds of birds amid the sound of missiles  | HOMO AMANS&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Frev7XKEHhA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukrainians &amp;amp;quot;destroyed&amp;amp;quot; TWO NATO battalions during military exercises #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/15/213012.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 15 Feb 2026 21:30:12 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/15/213012.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/0d169e0bac.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainians &amp;quot;destroyed&amp;quot; TWO NATO battalions during military exercises #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/nVuF7knOslE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>How did the UAF wipe out Russia&#39;s oil industry and &amp;amp;quot;destroy&amp;amp;quot; two NATO battalions in an hour?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/15/how-did-the-uaf-wipe.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 15 Feb 2026 21:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/15/how-did-the-uaf-wipe.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/ab7e33b08e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;How did the UAF wipe out Russia&#39;s oil industry and &amp;quot;destroy&amp;quot; two NATO battalions in an hour?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fW7YWeYijo&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Starsky, where are the hundreds of &amp;amp;quot;Flamingos&amp;amp;quot; flying to Russia? #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/15/starsky-where-are-the-hundreds.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 15 Feb 2026 20:30:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/15/starsky-where-are-the-hundreds.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/1cdf80fff0.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Starsky, where are the hundreds of &amp;quot;Flamingos&amp;quot; flying to Russia? #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/GKKDToLiYj8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest: Ukraine destroys half of Russia&#39;s &#39;key&#39; Pantsir air defense systems, security service says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/15/ukraine-war-latest-ukraine-destroys.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 15 Feb 2026 20:19:46 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/15/ukraine-war-latest-ukraine-destroys.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2246739667.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest: Ukraine destroys half of Russia&#39;s &#39;key&#39; Pantsir air defense systems, security service says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Key developments on Feb. 14-15:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Ukraine destroys half of Russia&#39;s &#39;key&#39; Pantsir air defense systems, security service says&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Ukraine hits Russia&#39;s BK-16 landing craft in Crimea and other targets in Russian-occupied territories, military says&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Zelensky, Rubio discuss air defense for Ukraine, possibility of leader-level&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-ukraine-destroys-half-of-russias-key-pantsir-air-defense-systems-security-service-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>WHERE are hundreds of &amp;amp;quot;FLAMINGOS&amp;amp;quot;and why are surgical strikes MANY TIMES more effective?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/15/where-are-hundreds-of-ampquotflamingosampquotand.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 15 Feb 2026 20:00:03 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/15/where-are-hundreds-of-ampquotflamingosampquotand.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/d76a70216f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;WHERE are hundreds of &amp;quot;FLAMINGOS&amp;quot;and why are surgical strikes MANY TIMES more effective?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aszCCw42kgc&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>33-38 thousand Russian servicemen – these are Russia&#39;s MONTHLY losses #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/15/thousand-russian-servicemen-these-are.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 15 Feb 2026 19:32:44 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/15/thousand-russian-servicemen-these-are.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/ce18d06662.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;33-38 thousand Russian servicemen – these are Russia&#39;s MONTHLY losses #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/8OXd2HGIJVU&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>I discussed air defense missiles with every leader in Munich, – Zelenskyy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/15/i-discussed-air-defense-missiles.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 15 Feb 2026 19:22:19 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/15/i-discussed-air-defense-missiles.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/258d309d76.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;I discussed air defense missiles with every leader in Munich, – Zelenskyy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/i2_QpQ5pXmE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia revives election-day truce offer, proposes UN rule for Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/15/russia-revives-electionday-truce-offer.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 15 Feb 2026 19:05:48 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/15/russia-revives-electionday-truce-offer.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2261407397.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia revives election-day truce offer, proposes UN rule for Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russia said it is ready to halt strikes on Ukraine for a single day of voting and floated UN-backed &#34;temporary external governance,&#34; after Zelensky said elections could be held following two months of a ceasefire.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/we-will-not-sink-to-kyivs-practices-russia-offers-ukraine-a-vote-day-truce-and-a-plan-for-outside-rule-afterwards/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>BURNING EAGLE &amp;amp;amp; 1.2M OCCUPIERS ELIMINATED: Ukraine DESTROYS Russia’s war machine!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/15/burning-eagle-ampamp-m-occupiers.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 15 Feb 2026 19:02:45 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/15/burning-eagle-ampamp-m-occupiers.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/e98ead9b0e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;BURNING EAGLE &amp;amp; 1.2M OCCUPIERS ELIMINATED: Ukraine DESTROYS Russia’s war machine!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIqkdCjTY1U&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Putin offers Russians &amp;amp;quot;LADA&amp;amp;quot; and &amp;amp;quot;MOSKVITCH&amp;amp;quot; cars instead of imported ones #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/15/putin-offers-russians-ampquotladaampquot-and.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 15 Feb 2026 18:30:20 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/15/putin-offers-russians-ampquotladaampquot-and.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/443012ab6f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Putin offers Russians &amp;quot;LADA&amp;quot; and &amp;quot;MOSKVITCH&amp;quot; cars instead of imported ones #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/gNgHsH3H1cg&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Europe&#39;s new gamble on Russia&#39;s exiles, explained</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/15/europes-new-gamble-on-russias.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 15 Feb 2026 18:18:32 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/15/europes-new-gamble-on-russias.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2258483882.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Europe&#39;s new gamble on Russia&#39;s exiles, explained&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Nearly four years after Russia&#39;s expulsion from the Council of Europe, the Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) has launched a new platform for dialogue with exiled Russian forces.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The move is a major shift in how &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/europe/&#34;&gt;Europe&lt;/a&gt; engages with Russian opposition figures at a time when Moscow remains isolated from&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/europes-new-gamble-on-russias-exiles-explained/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>BOUGHT A CAR – PAID FOR A MISSILE! Putin Introduces an “Air Tax”: Why have car prices in RF doubled?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/15/bought-a-car-paid-for.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 15 Feb 2026 18:00:50 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/15/bought-a-car-paid-for.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/13ab2c3e75.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;BOUGHT A CAR – PAID FOR A MISSILE! Putin Introduces an “Air Tax”: Why have car prices in RF doubled?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEBpz0LbMEw&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>LIVE | 3,000 km of fear: will “FLAMINGO” change the war?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/15/live-km-of-fear-will.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 15 Feb 2026 16:54:21 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/15/live-km-of-fear-will.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/0c11cb866c.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;LIVE | 3,000 km of fear: will “FLAMINGO” change the war?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8HDxG6Rxx4&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Zelenskyy and Rubio: meeting at MSC-2026. What was discussed at the meeting? #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/15/zelenskyy-and-rubio-meeting-at.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 15 Feb 2026 15:36:49 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/15/zelenskyy-and-rubio-meeting-at.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/9b71b9f6ca.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelenskyy and Rubio: meeting at MSC-2026. What was discussed at the meeting? #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Xx20dkIn_Cw&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>The &amp;amp;quot;MUNICH&amp;amp;quot; effect! Zelenskyy and Rubio have found a way to counter Putin and his energy blackmail</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/15/the-ampquotmunichampquot-effect-zelenskyy-and.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 15 Feb 2026 15:01:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/15/the-ampquotmunichampquot-effect-zelenskyy-and.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/038d69a267.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;The &amp;quot;MUNICH&amp;quot; effect! Zelenskyy and Rubio have found a way to counter Putin and his energy blackmail&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWk3mVSEYtg&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine and Russia in the Epstein files | Ukraine This Week</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/15/ukraine-and-russia-in-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 15 Feb 2026 14:32:31 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/15/ukraine-and-russia-in-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/img-2781.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine and Russia in the Epstein files | Ukraine This Week&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;In the latest episode of Ukraine This Week, the Kyiv Independent’s Anna Belokur examines how Ukraine appears in recently released Jeffrey Epstein files. The files reference flight arrangements for models linked to Kyiv agencies, a failed real estate deal in Lviv, and brief mentions of Ukraine’s 2019 presidential election.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-and-russia-in-the-epstein-files-ukraine-this-week/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Former Energy Minister detained at border in Ukraine&#39;s biggest corruption case, NABU says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/15/former-energy-minister-detained-at.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 15 Feb 2026 12:02:42 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/15/former-energy-minister-detained-at.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2166009085.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Former Energy Minister detained at border in Ukraine&#39;s biggest corruption case, NABU says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Former Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko was detained while attempting to cross the state border, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) said on Feb. 15.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/former-energy-minister-detained-at-border-in-ukraines-biggest-corruption-scandal-nabu-reported/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>At least 3 killed, 15 injured in Russian attacks across Ukraine over past day</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/15/at-least-killed-injured-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 15 Feb 2026 10:11:40 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/15/at-least-killed-injured-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/photo-2026-02-15-10-30-01.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;At least 3 killed, 15 injured in Russian attacks across Ukraine over past day&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;President Volodymyr Zelensky said Feb. 15 that Russia launched around 1,300 drones, more than 1,200 guided bombs, and 50 mostly ballistic missiles at Ukraine over the past week, targeting energy infrastructure and residential areas.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/at-least-3-killed-15-injured-in-russian-attacks-on-ukraine-over-past-day/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>General Staff: Russia has lost 1,253,270 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/15/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 15 Feb 2026 08:51:33 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/15/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2260781451.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;General Staff: Russia has lost 1,253,270 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russia has lost around 1,253,270 troops in Ukraine since the beginning of its full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported on Feb. 15, 2026.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/general-staff-russia-has-lost-1-253-270-troops-in-ukraine-since-feb-24-2022/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian drones strike oil depot in Russia&#39;s Krasnodar Krai, local authorities claim</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/15/ukrainian-drones-strike-oil-depot.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 15 Feb 2026 06:07:48 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/15/ukrainian-drones-strike-oil-depot.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-1209343725-1-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian drones strike oil depot in Russia&#39;s Krasnodar Krai, local authorities claim&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukrainian drones struck several targets throughout southern Russia&#39;s Krasnodar Krai overnight on Feb. 14-15, including an oil depot, Governor Veniamin Kondratyev said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-drones-strike-oil-depot-in-russias-krasnodar-krai-local-authorities-claim/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine destroys half of Russia&#39;s &#39;key&#39; Pantsir air defense systems, security service says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/15/ukraine-destroys-half-of-russias.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 15 Feb 2026 01:32:51 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/15/ukraine-destroys-half-of-russias.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/bd479a8af6.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine destroys half of Russia&#39;s &#39;key&#39; Pantsir air defense systems, security service says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Alpha unit of Ukraine&#39;s Security Service (SBU) destroyed half of Russia&#39;s stockpile of the coveted Pantsir air defense system, the SBU announced Feb. 14.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-destroys-half-of-russias-key-pantsir-air-defense-systems-security-service-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>UKRAINE will win on ONE condition: GLEN GRANT has announced IT! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/14/ukraine-will-win-on-one.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 14 Feb 2026 23:30:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/14/ukraine-will-win-on-one.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/b6825d4ac7.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;UKRAINE will win on ONE condition: GLEN GRANT has announced IT! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Qr5NuNMT9X4&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>&amp;amp;quot;Flamingo&amp;amp;quot; FLIES 3,000 km – and TERRIFIES PUTIN: Glen Grant analyses Ukrainian ballistics</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/14/ampquotflamingoampquot-flies-km-and-terrifies.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 14 Feb 2026 23:00:25 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/14/ampquotflamingoampquot-flies-km-and-terrifies.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/be33875161.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&amp;quot;Flamingo&amp;quot; FLIES 3,000 km – and TERRIFIES PUTIN: Glen Grant analyses Ukrainian ballistics&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGdGlOgnS9Y&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Azerbaijan&#39;s president accuses Russia of &#39;deliberate attack&#39; on country&#39;s embassy in Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/14/azerbaijans-president-accuses-russia-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 14 Feb 2026 21:59:32 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/14/azerbaijans-president-accuses-russia-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2cd3212275.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Azerbaijan&#39;s president accuses Russia of &#39;deliberate attack&#39; on country&#39;s embassy in Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;There were three attacks on the energy infrastructure of Azerbaijan in Ukraine, and there were also three attacks on the Azerbaijani embassy in Ukraine,&#34; Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev told the independent outlet Ukrainska Pravda.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/azerbaijans-president-accuses-russia-of-deliberate-attack-on-countrys-embassy-in-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>I feel like the IOC took my MEDAL away from me, says Ukrainian athlete HERASKEVYCH #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/14/i-feel-like-the-ioc.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 14 Feb 2026 21:30:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/14/i-feel-like-the-ioc.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/cc309d7e92.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;I feel like the IOC took my MEDAL away from me, says Ukrainian athlete HERASKEVYCH #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/B9f0A32N28c&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>DOUBLE STANDARDS:Why did the IOC PUNISH Heraskevych for the HELMET OF MEMORY of the FALLEN athletes?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/14/double-standardswhy-did-the-ioc.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 14 Feb 2026 21:00:31 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/14/double-standardswhy-did-the-ioc.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/f57392b89d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;DOUBLE STANDARDS:Why did the IOC PUNISH Heraskevych for the HELMET OF MEMORY of the FALLEN athletes?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsaAti-s08I&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Munich now! Heated discussions about PEACE after Russia&#39;s WAR against Ukraine #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/14/munich-now-heated-discussions-about.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 14 Feb 2026 19:39:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/14/munich-now-heated-discussions-about.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/276b780dc1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Munich now! Heated discussions about PEACE after Russia&#39;s WAR against Ukraine #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/EYmeYAKqSWc&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>EU accession process &#39;designed for peace,&#39; needs &#39;solution&#39; to bring Ukraine into bloc sooner, official says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/14/eu-accession-process-designed-for.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 14 Feb 2026 19:24:54 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/14/eu-accession-process-designed-for.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2259303505.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;EU accession process &#39;designed for peace,&#39; needs &#39;solution&#39; to bring Ukraine into bloc sooner, official says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;(W)e have to find a solution to bridge the gap between the current methodology and the geopolitical challenges. We cannot wait any longer,&#34; European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/eu-accession-process-designed-for-peace-needs-to-find-solution-to-bring-ukraine-into-bloc-sooner-official-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>The world was shocked by RF&#39;s anti-record. Zelenskyy named the conditions for REAL PEACE in Munich</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/14/the-world-was-shocked-by.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 14 Feb 2026 19:00:53 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/14/the-world-was-shocked-by.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/0d6c2367e0.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;The world was shocked by RF&#39;s anti-record. Zelenskyy named the conditions for REAL PEACE in Munich&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9ztE3tujmU&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Zelensky meets US Secretary of State Rubio at Munich Security Conference</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/14/zelensky-meets-us-secretary-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 14 Feb 2026 18:47:08 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/14/zelensky-meets-us-secretary-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2261102724.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky meets US Secretary of State Rubio at Munich Security Conference&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference on Feb. 14, Presidential Office Spokesperson Serhii Nykyforov told the Kyiv Independent.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-meets-us-secretary-of-state-rubio-at-munich-security-conference/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Why Russia’s attacks on Ukraine’s energy grid aren’t ‘revenge’ for Kyiv’s deep strike campaign</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/14/why-russias-attacks-on-ukraines.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 14 Feb 2026 18:13:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/14/why-russias-attacks-on-ukraines.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/d1c0e47f76.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Why Russia’s attacks on Ukraine’s energy grid aren’t ‘revenge’ for Kyiv’s deep strike campaign&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;After its largest winter mass attack on Feb. 3, Russia&#39;s Defense Ministry said the strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure were carried out &#34;in response to terrorist attacks by Kyiv on civilian objects&#34; in Russia. Some state media described the attack as &#34;another act of retribution.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/no-russias-attacks-on-energy-infrastructure-are-not-retaliation-for-ukraines-strikes-on-oil-refineries/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Donbas will remain Ukrainian – period! Zelenskyy’s message to Putin #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/14/donbas-will-remain-ukrainian-period.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 14 Feb 2026 17:51:49 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/14/donbas-will-remain-ukrainian-period.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/1b4d6c1325.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Donbas will remain Ukrainian – period! Zelenskyy’s message to Putin #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/NjUX2QJkPAo&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>In Russia, an A-60 aircraft, a rare laser weapon carrier, has been hit! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/14/in-russia-an-a-aircraft.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 14 Feb 2026 17:30:17 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/14/in-russia-an-a-aircraft.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/79f7ce764e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;In Russia, an A-60 aircraft, a rare laser weapon carrier, has been hit! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/jHi7py-uHEs&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>IMF lifts prior conditions for Ukraine loan program, Prime Minister says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/14/imf-lifts-prior-conditions-for.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 14 Feb 2026 17:28:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/14/imf-lifts-prior-conditions-for.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2256401986.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;IMF lifts prior conditions for Ukraine loan program, Prime Minister says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;According to Svyrydenko, the program will be considered at the next meeting of the IMF Executive Board, while there has been &#34;much discussion about how this will be done.&#34;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/imf-lifts-prior-conditions-for-ukraine-loan-program/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine hits Russia&#39;s BK-16 landing craft in Crimea and other targets in Russian-occupied territories, military says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/14/ukraine-hits-russias-bk-landing.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 14 Feb 2026 17:16:04 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/14/ukraine-hits-russias-bk-landing.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-1556050535.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine hits Russia&#39;s BK-16 landing craft in Crimea and other targets in Russian-occupied territories, military says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The General Staff reported that Russia&#39;s BK-16 landing vessel, a high-speed landing craft for coastal operations and troop transport, was &#34;successfully hit&#34; on Feb. 12 in Russian-occupied Crimea.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-hits-bk-16-landing-craft-and-other-targets-in-russian-occupied-territories-military-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian FLAMINGO reached St. Petersburg as elite RF divisions burn near Kursk!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/14/ukrainian-flamingo-reached-st-petersburg.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 14 Feb 2026 17:00:29 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/14/ukrainian-flamingo-reached-st-petersburg.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/b43c958238.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian FLAMINGO reached St. Petersburg as elite RF divisions burn near Kursk!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6cH11mQOFY&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Territorial concessions by Ukraine won&#39;t bring peace, Zelensky says in Munich</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/14/territorial-concessions-by-ukraine-wont.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 14 Feb 2026 16:49:42 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/14/territorial-concessions-by-ukraine-wont.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2261084537.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Territorial concessions by Ukraine won&#39;t bring peace, Zelensky says in Munich&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;It would be an illusion to believe that this war can now be reliably ended by dividing Ukraine – just as it was an illusion to believe that sacrificing Czechoslovakia would save Europe from a greater war,&#34; Zelensky said at the Munich Security Conference.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-gives-a-speech-at-munich-conference-warns/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Zelenskyy at MSC-2026: Putin is the SLAVE of this WAR #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/14/zelenskyy-at-msc-putin-is.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 14 Feb 2026 16:24:25 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/14/zelenskyy-at-msc-putin-is.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/65efeabcef.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelenskyy at MSC-2026: Putin is the SLAVE of this WAR #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/xwqyPgxRMpk&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>MSC-2026: day two. UKRAINE – at the conference #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/14/msc-day-two-ukraine-at.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 14 Feb 2026 16:15:44 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/14/msc-day-two-ukraine-at.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/72738f0874.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;MSC-2026: day two. UKRAINE – at the conference #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/fjzY81M-GV0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>LIVE | Ukraine at MSC-2026: Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s press conference</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/14/live-ukraine-at-msc-volodymyr.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 14 Feb 2026 15:33:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/14/live-ukraine-at-msc-volodymyr.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/b0873f6294.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;LIVE | Ukraine at MSC-2026: Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s press conference&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_e2KQVFxqs&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>MUNICH 2026: Zelenskyy’s speech, NEGOTIATIONS with NATO and MEETING with Marco Rubio</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/14/munich-zelenskyys-speech-negotiations-with.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 14 Feb 2026 15:00:19 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/14/munich-zelenskyys-speech-negotiations-with.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/d48917bf17.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;MUNICH 2026: Zelenskyy’s speech, NEGOTIATIONS with NATO and MEETING with Marco Rubio&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0iMWZcSKBo&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>BREAKING: Russia killed opposition leader Navalny with dart frog poison, UK official says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/14/breaking-russia-killed-opposition-leader.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 14 Feb 2026 14:57:30 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/14/breaking-russia-killed-opposition-leader.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-1230835122.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;BREAKING: Russia killed opposition leader Navalny with dart frog poison, UK official says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;Only the Russian government had the means, motive and opportunity to deploy this lethal toxin against Alexei Navalny during his imprisonment in Russia,&#34; she said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/breaking-russia-killed-opposition-leader-navalny-with-dart-frog-poison-uk-official-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>What is the price of the month of war for PUTIN? Zelenskyy voiced at MSC-2026 #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/14/what-is-the-price-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 14 Feb 2026 14:55:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/14/what-is-the-price-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/907cab80c6.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;What is the price of the month of war for PUTIN? Zelenskyy voiced at MSC-2026 #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/PY3qv7m8uoM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>ZELENSKYY at the Munich Conference-2026. FULL SPEECH</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/14/zelenskyy-at-the-munich-conference.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 14 Feb 2026 14:35:14 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/14/zelenskyy-at-the-munich-conference.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/af06bd5ea4.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;ZELENSKYY at the Munich Conference-2026. FULL SPEECH&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqenCQA3sAc&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>General Staff: Russia has lost 1,252,020 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/14/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 14 Feb 2026 09:24:49 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/14/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2260784489.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;General Staff: Russia has lost 1,252,020 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The number includes 1,070 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/war-general-staff-russia-has-lost-1-250-950-troops-in-ukraine-since-feb-24-2022/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Over 177,000 Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine identified by media investigation</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/14/over-russian-soldiers-killed-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 14 Feb 2026 05:34:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/14/over-russian-soldiers-killed-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2257917657-612x612.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Over 177,000 Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine identified by media investigation&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russian independent media outlet Mediazona, in collaboration with the BBC Russian service, has confirmed the identities of 177,433 Russian military personnel killed in Ukraine.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/over-177-000-russian-soldiers-killed-in-ukraine-identified-by-media-investigation/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>&#39;Terrorizing the civilian population&#39; — At least 2 injured in Russian drone attack on Kyiv Oblast</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/14/terrorizing-the-civilian-population-at.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 14 Feb 2026 03:53:56 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/14/terrorizing-the-civilian-population-at.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/65a0ba303a.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;Terrorizing the civilian population&#39; — At least 2 injured in Russian drone attack on Kyiv Oblast&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The attack targeted the Vyshhorod district of Ukraine&#39;s national capital region, which is located on the northern outskirts of Kyiv. Regional Governor Mykola Kalashnyk reported that a man and a woman were hospitalized with injuries stemming from the attack.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/terrorizing-the-civilian-population-2-injured-in-russian-drone-attack-on-kyiv-oblast/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Zelensky meets with Iranian opposition figure Reza Pahlavi</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/14/zelensky-meets-with-iranian-opposition.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 14 Feb 2026 00:58:36 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/14/zelensky-meets-with-iranian-opposition.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/hbdlktxxgaes1ai.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky meets with Iranian opposition figure Reza Pahlavi&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Reza Pahlavi, Iranian opposition figure and exiled son of the country&#39;s last monarch, on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference on Feb. 13.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-meets-iranian-opposition-reza-pahlavi/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukrainian ballistic missile range: FP9 and “FLAMINGO” are not the only developments #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/13/ukrainian-ballistic-missile-range-fp.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2026 23:30:03 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/13/ukrainian-ballistic-missile-range-fp.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/7d1e466969.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian ballistic missile range: FP9 and “FLAMINGO” are not the only developments #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/420bJSuwunw&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Rubio skips Ukraine meeting with European leaders at Munich conference</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/13/rubio-skips-ukraine-meeting-with.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2026 23:03:28 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/13/rubio-skips-ukraine-meeting-with.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2260928758.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Rubio skips Ukraine meeting with European leaders at Munich conference&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio skipped a Berlin Format Ukraine meeting at the Munich Security Conference, the Financial Times reported Feb. 13, raising concerns among European officials amid broader transatlantic tensions.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/rubio-skips-ukraine-meeting-european-leaders-munich/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>FLAMINGO hits over 1000 km, ROBOTS replace INFANTRY – Russia can&#39;t break through!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/13/flamingo-hits-over-km-robots.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2026 23:00:12 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/13/flamingo-hits-over-km-robots.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/c425fb6b7a.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;FLAMINGO hits over 1000 km, ROBOTS replace INFANTRY – Russia can&#39;t break through!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cit6WmH15UQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>«FLAMINGO» EFFECT: ARSENALS with WEAPONS are burning ALL OVER RUSSIA! #Shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/13/flamingo-effect-arsenals-with-weapons.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2026 21:30:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/13/flamingo-effect-arsenals-with-weapons.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/4d5a73b4df.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;«FLAMINGO» EFFECT: ARSENALS with WEAPONS are burning ALL OVER RUSSIA! #Shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/JzeBLrX8PJg&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Zelensky has to &#39;get moving&#39; on peace deal, Trump says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/13/zelensky-has-to-get-moving.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2026 21:14:48 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/13/zelensky-has-to-get-moving.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2260956019.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky has to &#39;get moving&#39; on peace deal, Trump says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;Russia wants to make a deal and Zelensky is going to have to get moving, otherwise he&#39;s going to miss a great opportunity,&#34; Trump claimed when speaking to reporters on Feb. 13. &#34;He has to move.&#34;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-has-to-get-moving-trump-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>MISSILE ATTACK IN RUSSIA: UAVs attack the economy, and “Flamingos” finish off the warehouses!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/13/missile-attack-in-russia-uavs.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2026 21:00:17 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/13/missile-attack-in-russia-uavs.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/306da063ca.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;MISSILE ATTACK IN RUSSIA: UAVs attack the economy, and “Flamingos” finish off the warehouses!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0MbqvdOmAA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukraine War Latest: UK to spend $545M on hypersonic weapons after Ukraine battlefield lessons</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/13/ukraine-war-latest-uk-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2026 19:58:30 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/13/ukraine-war-latest-uk-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/ac54f9faea.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine War Latest: UK to spend $545M on hypersonic weapons after Ukraine battlefield lessons&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Key developments on Feb. 13&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Ukraine&#39;s battlefield lessons drive UK to spend over $545 million on &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-battlefield-lessons-drive-uk-to-spend-over-545-million-on-hypersonic-long-range-weapons-for-2026/&#34;&gt;hypersonic, long-range weapons&lt;/a&gt; in 2026&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Using &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/using-starlink-ruse-ukrainian-cyber-forces-trick-russian-soldiers-into-revealing-positions-donating-to-armed-forces/&#34;&gt;Starlink ruse&lt;/a&gt;, Ukrainian cyber forces trick Russian soldiers into revealing positions, donating to armed forces&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&#39;Modern Ukrainian technology, battle-tested&#39; — Zelensky &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-technology-proven-in-battle-zelensky-unveils-1st-drone-produced-by-german-ukrainian-joint-venture/&#34;&gt;unveils 1st drone&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-uk-to-spend-545m-on-hypersonic-weapons-after-ukraine-battlefield-lessons/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>SYBIHA at MSC-2026: PEACE in exchange for UKRAINIAN SOVEREIGNTY – no way! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/13/sybiha-at-msc-peace-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2026 19:52:15 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/13/sybiha-at-msc-peace-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/471b980eba.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;SYBIHA at MSC-2026: PEACE in exchange for UKRAINIAN SOVEREIGNTY – no way! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/-IsOmBYEqRo&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Using Starlink ruse, Ukrainian cyber forces trick Russian soldiers into revealing positions, donating to armed forces</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/13/using-starlink-ruse-ukrainian-cyber.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2026 19:27:52 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/13/using-starlink-ruse-ukrainian-cyber.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/4bf9514cb0.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Using Starlink ruse, Ukrainian cyber forces trick Russian soldiers into revealing positions, donating to armed forces&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The group received $5,870 from Russian soldiers seeking to restore connectivity which it is donating to fundraising efforts for Ukrainian drones.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/using-starlink-ruse-ukrainian-cyber-forces-trick-russian-soldiers-into-revealing-positions-donating-to-armed-forces/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>EU says no shortcut to Ukraine reforms amid 2027 membership speculation</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/13/eu-says-no-shortcut-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2026 18:37:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/13/eu-says-no-shortcut-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/hbbwrjnaqaa-wan.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;EU says no shortcut to Ukraine reforms amid 2027 membership speculation&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;Let&#39;s have this discussion, with one baseline: full membership comes only after full reforms,&#34; Marta Kos, the European Commissioner for Enlargement, said on Feb. 13 in Tallinn.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/eu-says-no-shortcut-to-reforms-amid-2027-membership-speculation/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>LAVROV IN EPSTEIN&#39;S FILES. The Kremlin knew TRUMP&#39;s secrets! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/13/lavrov-in-epsteins-files-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2026 18:30:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/13/lavrov-in-epsteins-files-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/d3d8ea97fd.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;LAVROV IN EPSTEIN&#39;S FILES. The Kremlin knew TRUMP&#39;s secrets! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/14oPy7CelJg&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Epstein files: 1,000 claims on Putin, Trump secrets, Lavrov’s alleged role</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/13/epstein-files-claims-on-putin.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2026 18:00:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/13/epstein-files-claims-on-putin.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/035ada8ee5.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Epstein files: 1,000 claims on Putin, Trump secrets, Lavrov’s alleged role&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-O0dPrGf0tA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukraine struck $100 million Russian Nebo-U radar system in occupied Crimea, General Staff claims</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/13/ukraine-struck-million-russian-nebou.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2026 17:42:46 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/13/ukraine-struck-million-russian-nebou.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-1257298662.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine struck $100 million Russian Nebo-U radar system in occupied Crimea, General Staff claims&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ukraine struck a Russian 55Zh6U &#34;Nebo-U&#34; long-range radar station, estimated to cost around $100 million, near Yevpatoriia in occupied Crimea, the General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces &lt;a href=&#34;https://t.me/GeneralStaffZSU/34976&#34;&gt;reported&lt;/a&gt; on Feb. 13.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Nebo-U is a strategic early-warning radar designed to detect aerodynamic and ballistic targets at&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-says-it-struck-100-million-russian-nebo-u-radar-system-in-occupied-crimea/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Demand for Russian oil is falling! Even India has turned away! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/13/demand-for-russian-oil-is.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2026 17:30:27 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/13/demand-for-russian-oil-is.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/ff604d12e7.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Demand for Russian oil is falling! Even India has turned away! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Sk8ronvfy8o&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>&#39;Modern Ukrainian technology, battle-tested&#39; — Zelensky unveils 1st drone produced by German-Ukrainian joint venture</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/13/modern-ukrainian-technology-battletested-zelensky.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2026 17:19:49 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/13/modern-ukrainian-technology-battletested-zelensky.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2260901890.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;Modern Ukrainian technology, battle-tested&#39; — Zelensky unveils 1st drone produced by German-Ukrainian joint venture&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The facility is expected to produce up to 10,000 drones within a year, all of which will be delivered to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-technology-proven-in-battle-zelensky-unveils-1st-drone-produced-by-german-ukrainian-joint-venture/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>LIVE | MSC-2026. SPOTLIGHT on Security Guarantees for UKRAINE: participation of ANDRII SYBIHA</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/13/live-msc-spotlight-on-security.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2026 17:14:44 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/13/live-msc-spotlight-on-security.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/86b3bc4f26.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;LIVE | MSC-2026. SPOTLIGHT on Security Guarantees for UKRAINE: participation of ANDRII SYBIHA&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMJrSD0fJzo&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>ANOTHER FAILURE! Why are MASSIVE BOMBARDMENTS not helping Russia ON THE FRONT?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/13/another-failure-why-are-massive.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2026 17:00:42 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/13/another-failure-why-are-massive.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/7cdd67ff07.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;ANOTHER FAILURE! Why are MASSIVE BOMBARDMENTS not helping Russia ON THE FRONT?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPSUP8FKqiM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russia confirms $12 trillion pitch to Trump tied to Ukraine deal — White House stays silent on proposals</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/13/russia-confirms-trillion-pitch-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2026 16:43:44 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/13/russia-confirms-trillion-pitch-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2248998179.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia confirms $12 trillion pitch to Trump tied to Ukraine deal — White House stays silent on proposals&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Russia appeared to confirm on Feb. 13 the existence of a sweeping U.S.-Russia economic proposal known in Kyiv as the &#34;Dmitriev package,&#34; days after President Volodymyr Zelensky first disclosed it publicly. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Ukrainian president said on Feb. 6 that intelligence had briefed him on what he&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-confirms-12-trillion-pitch-to-trump/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Editorial Assistant</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/13/editorial-assistant.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2026 16:06:29 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/13/editorial-assistant.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/copy-of-logo-horizontal-black-01-1-2-4.png&#34; alt=&#34;Editorial Assistant&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Kyiv Independent, Ukraine’s main English-language publication, is looking for an Editorial Assistant.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/editorial-assistant/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Right now! Zelenskyy arrives at the Munich Security Conference #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/13/right-now-zelenskyy-arrives-at.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2026 16:05:27 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/13/right-now-zelenskyy-arrives-at.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/e0e0018f04.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Right now! Zelenskyy arrives at the Munich Security Conference #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/K8Dw9VaFW9U&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Regarding the torture of Ukrainians</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/13/regarding-the-torture-of-ukrainians.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2026 16:04:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/13/regarding-the-torture-of-ukrainians.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2170911866.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Regarding the torture of Ukrainians&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Torturing prisoners is not merely a war crime that Russians perpetrate, it&#39;s part of Russian culture. Susan Sontag&#39;s 20-year-old essays may help us understand it.&lt;em&gt; &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In the Kyiv Independent&#39;s latest investigative documentary &#34;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7Ei6mAf3mQ&#34;&gt;Torture Culture&lt;/a&gt;,&#34; we examine the sufferings that Russians systematically inflict&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/regarding-the-torture-of-ukrainians/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
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      <title>From Stalin to Putin – Russia’s history of torture | Documentary</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/13/from-stalin-to-putin-russias.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2026 16:02:26 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/13/from-stalin-to-putin-russias.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/torture-2-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;From Stalin to Putin – Russia’s history of torture | Documentary&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Torture in Russian captivity is systematic. In a new documentary, The Kyiv Independent’s War Crimes Investigations Unit uncovers the torture of Ukrainian civilians held by Russian forces and traces the roots of these practices through Russian history.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/from-stalin-to-putin-russias-history-of-torture-documentary/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukraine&#39;s battlefield lessons drive UK to spend over $545 million on hypersonic, long-range weapons in 2026</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/13/ukraines-battlefield-lessons-drive-uk.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2026 15:50:39 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/13/ukraines-battlefield-lessons-drive-uk.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/552c8d3889.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine&#39;s battlefield lessons drive UK to spend over $545 million on hypersonic, long-range weapons in 2026&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;To meet this new era of rising threats, we need hard power, strong alliances, and sure diplomacy,&#34; U.K. Defense Secretary John Healey said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-battlefield-lessons-drive-uk-to-spend-over-545-million-on-hypersonic-long-range-weapons-for-2026/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Urgent! Minister FEDOROV called for additional PATRIOT systems to be transferred to KYIV #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/13/urgent-minister-fedorov-called-for.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2026 15:30:31 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/13/urgent-minister-fedorov-called-for.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/d978e4fde6.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Urgent! Minister FEDOROV called for additional PATRIOT systems to be transferred to KYIV #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Ovpq4C_XDv8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>$38 BILLION FOR THE AFU! Munich gives the &amp;amp;quot;GREEN LIGHT&amp;amp;quot; for the complete rearmament of Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/13/billion-for-the-afu-munich.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2026 15:01:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/13/billion-for-the-afu-munich.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/717f75ff49.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;$38 BILLION FOR THE AFU! Munich gives the &amp;quot;GREEN LIGHT&amp;quot; for the complete rearmament of Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hF5Ybcm-ucs&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukraine&#39;s Unmanned Systems Forces release footage of strikes on Russian airfield in Crimea, other targets in occupied territories</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/13/ukraines-unmanned-systems-forces-release.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2026 14:52:05 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/13/ukraines-unmanned-systems-forces-release.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/ccea7331e8.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine&#39;s Unmanned Systems Forces release footage of strikes on Russian airfield in Crimea, other targets in occupied territories&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukraine&#39;s Unmanned System Forces struck on Feb. 12 an airfield, the Kirova electrical substation, and a data center, among other targets.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-unmanned-systems-forces-release-footage-of-strikes-on-russian-airfield-in-crimea-other-targets-in-occupied-territories/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Allies pledge 35 Patriot missiles for Ukraine — sounds a lot, but is it?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/13/allies-pledge-patriot-missiles-for.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2026 13:53:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/13/allies-pledge-patriot-missiles-for.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/9a388a22ed.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Allies pledge 35 Patriot missiles for Ukraine — sounds a lot, but is it?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukraine is set to receive 35 missiles for U.S.-produced Patriot air defense systems from its partners soon, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said on Feb. 12.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/allies-pledge-35-patriot-missiles-for-ukraine-sounds-a-lot-but-is-it/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Nearly 11,000 North Korean troops stationed in Russia&#39;s Kursk Oblast at start of 2026,  media reports</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/13/nearly-north-korean-troops-stationed.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2026 13:49:58 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/13/nearly-north-korean-troops-stationed.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/5be25a2598.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Nearly 11,000 North Korean troops stationed in Russia&#39;s Kursk Oblast at start of 2026,  media reports&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Approximately 10,000 North Korean combat troops and 1,000 engineer troops are currently stationed in the front-line Russian region, according to the National Intelligence Service (NIS).&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/nearly-11-000-north-korean-troops-stationed-in-russias-kursk-oblast-at-start-of-2026-media-reports/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Russia just laid out its Ukraine war endgame — here&#39;s what Moscow actually wants</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/13/russia-just-laid-out-its.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2026 13:16:29 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/13/russia-just-laid-out-its.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-1233484658.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia just laid out its Ukraine war endgame — here&#39;s what Moscow actually wants&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As the United States renews its diplomatic push to end Russia&#39;s war against Ukraine, Moscow is making something clear: its position has not changed.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;While U.S., Ukrainian, and Russian officials met for &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-ready-to-hold-new-round-of-talks-with-russia-in-us-on-feb-17-18-moscow-yet-to-confirm/&#34;&gt;trilateral talks&lt;/a&gt; in January and again in early February — with another round expected next&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-just-laid-out-its-ukraine-war-endgame/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Russia brings back &#39;pseudo-historian&#39; Medinsky to head peace talks, reversing shift toward &#39;constructive&#39; diplomacy</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/13/russia-brings-back-pseudohistorian-medinsky.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2026 12:57:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/13/russia-brings-back-pseudohistorian-medinsky.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/d37f45aa86.webp&#34; alt=&#34;Russia brings back &#39;pseudo-historian&#39; Medinsky to head peace talks, reversing shift toward &#39;constructive&#39; diplomacy&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The next round of talks is set to take place in Geneva on Feb. 17–18.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-brings-back-pseudo-historian-medinsky-to-lead-peace-talks/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Whither Trump&#39;s peace in Ukraine?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/13/whither-trumps-peace-in-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2026 12:42:27 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/13/whither-trumps-peace-in-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2229498321.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Whither Trump&#39;s peace in Ukraine?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Since the beginning of this year, President Donald Trump has turned much of his personal attention to foreign policy, from Venezuela to Greenland to Iran. Cuba, Mexico, Canada, South Africa, Nigeria, Syria, and perhaps other countries are also in his sights.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The pace of foreign forays has been frenetic and&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/whither-trumps-peace-in-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Zelensky arrives at Munich Security Conference for talks with European, US officials</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/13/zelensky-arrives-at-munich-security.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2026 12:19:51 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/13/zelensky-arrives-at-munich-security.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/screenshot-2026-02-13-at-12-16-20-pm.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky arrives at Munich Security Conference for talks with European, US officials&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;On the agenda is the first joint Ukrainian-German drone production enterprise, as well as bilateral and multilateral meetings with partners,&#34; President Volodymyr Zelensky said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-arrives-at-munich-security-conference/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Zelensky&#39;s ex-chief of staff Yermak to represent Ukrainian athlete in IOC case, lawyer says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/13/zelenskys-exchief-of-staff-yermak.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2026 11:20:50 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/13/zelenskys-exchief-of-staff-yermak.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2201299846.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky&#39;s ex-chief of staff Yermak to represent Ukrainian athlete in IOC case, lawyer says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Heraskevych, who is expected to be represented by Yermak,  said on Feb. 10 that he had been barred from using a custom helmet at the 2026 Winter Olympics that honors Ukrainian athletes killed in Russia’s war.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelenskys-ex-chief-of-staff-yermak-to-represent-ukrainian-athlete-in-ioc-case-lawyer-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Start of the Munich Security Conference: Zelenskyy already in Germany #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/13/start-of-the-munich-security.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2026 11:13:49 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/13/start-of-the-munich-security.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/d96af00708.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Start of the Munich Security Conference: Zelenskyy already in Germany #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/2mRAxIyO7po&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>At least 9 killed, 28 injured in Russian attacks across Ukraine over past day</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/13/at-least-killed-injured-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2026 11:06:38 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/13/at-least-killed-injured-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/photo-2026-02-13-12-04-43.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;At least 9 killed, 28 injured in Russian attacks across Ukraine over past day&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russia launched an Iskander-M ballistic missile and 154 attack drones overnight at Ukraine, according to the Air Force.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/at-least-9-killed-28-injured-in-russian-attacks-across-ukraine-over-past-day/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>General Staff: Russia has lost 1,250,950 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/13/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2026 08:26:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/13/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-1973459214.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;General Staff: Russia has lost 1,250,950 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The number includes 800 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/general-staff-russia-has-lost-1-250-950-troops-in-ukraine-since-feb-24-2022/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Several Ukrainian children abducted to Russia returned in initiative backed by Melania Trump, White House says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/13/several-ukrainian-children-abducted-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2026 05:06:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/13/several-ukrainian-children-abducted-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/aec2e822cc.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Several Ukrainian children abducted to Russia returned in initiative backed by Melania Trump, White House says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Several Ukrainian children previously taken to Russia have been returned to their families in Ukraine, U.S. First Lady Melania Trump announced on Feb. 12.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/several-ukrainian-children-abducted-to-russia-returned-in-initiative-backed-by-melania-trump-white-house-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>&#39;It means more than any medal&#39; — Ukraine&#39;s skeleton racer sacrifices Olympic dream to honor war victims</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/13/it-means-more-than-any.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2026 05:00:15 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/13/it-means-more-than-any.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2261196462.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;It means more than any medal&#39; — Ukraine&#39;s skeleton racer sacrifices Olympic dream to honor war victims&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor&#39;s note: This story has been updated with comments from President Volodymyr Zelensky and Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Wearing a helmet commemorating Ukrainian athletes killed by Russia is not allowed, the  International Olympic Committee (IOC) ruled on Feb. 12.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Vladyslav Heraskevych, Ukraine&#39;s skeleton racer, was&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/it-means-more-than-any-medal-ukraines-skeleton-racer-sacrifices-olympic-dream-to-honor-war-victims/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine will not accept a bad peace deal, Zelensky says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/13/ukraine-will-not-accept-a.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2026 01:55:30 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/13/ukraine-will-not-accept-a.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2252049725.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine will not accept a bad peace deal, Zelensky says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;In an interview with The Atlantic, President Volodymyr Zelensky said he would rather accept no deal than pressure Ukrainians into a bad one, insisting that any settlement to end the war must ensure a dignified, lasting peace.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-will-not-accept-a-bad-peace-deal-zelensky-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Four injured as Russian strikes target energy infrastructure in Odesa</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/12/four-injured-as-russian-strikes.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 12 Feb 2026 23:52:04 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/12/four-injured-as-russian-strikes.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2260799914.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Four injured as Russian strikes target energy infrastructure in Odesa&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Four people were injured in an overnight attack as Russian forces struck energy facilities and other critical infrastructure in Odesa on Feb. 12-Feb. 13, regional officials said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-strikes-target-energy-infrastructure-odesa/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>How does a family from KYIV live WITHOUT LIGHT and HEAT at -20°C? #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/12/how-does-a-family-from.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 12 Feb 2026 22:30:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/12/how-does-a-family-from.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/40f43a07a1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;How does a family from KYIV live WITHOUT LIGHT and HEAT at -20°C? #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/c-SBaPwGLmU&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Attacks on thermal power plants at -20°C and terror from the cold! Russian missiles target the light</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/12/attacks-on-thermal-power-plants.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 12 Feb 2026 22:00:57 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/12/attacks-on-thermal-power-plants.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/4f1f9252b3.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Attacks on thermal power plants at -20°C and terror from the cold! Russian missiles target the light&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFLQoqhS-Tg&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>“I had no intention of breaking the rules. My helmet is about honoring great people,” – Heraskevych</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/12/i-had-no-intention-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 12 Feb 2026 21:53:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/12/i-had-no-intention-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/6561c54053.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;“I had no intention of breaking the rules. My helmet is about honoring great people,” – Heraskevych&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/H5dQ8YhdqGM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian “FLAMINGO” incinerated ARSENAL with MISSILES in RUSSIA! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/12/ukrainian-flamingo-incinerated-arsenal-with.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 12 Feb 2026 21:30:08 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/12/ukrainian-flamingo-incinerated-arsenal-with.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/3d1de338a7.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian “FLAMINGO” incinerated ARSENAL with MISSILES in RUSSIA! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/PoAHnck8o-Q&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Strike on Volgograd hits Russia’s rear; 1.3M losses, NATO signals collapse</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/12/strike-on-volgograd-hits-russias.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 12 Feb 2026 21:00:47 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/12/strike-on-volgograd-hits-russias.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/30f1e9cc4e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Strike on Volgograd hits Russia’s rear; 1.3M losses, NATO signals collapse&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYREOJIg28g&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>The Kremlin begs Musk to return Starlink to Russians #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/12/the-kremlin-begs-musk-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 12 Feb 2026 20:30:04 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/12/the-kremlin-begs-musk-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/66a68159c0.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;The Kremlin begs Musk to return Starlink to Russians #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/RKmdEy0dN8g&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukraine secures nearly $38 billion in military aid after Ramstein meeting</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/12/ukraine-secures-nearly-billion-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 12 Feb 2026 20:08:05 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/12/ukraine-secures-nearly-billion-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2261260482.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine secures nearly $38 billion in military aid after Ramstein meeting&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukraine&#39;s partners pledged nearly $38 billion in new military aid following the meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in the Ramstein format on Feb. 12, Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-defense-minister-outlines-ukraines-military-priorities-ahead-of-ramstein-meeting/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Russian air defense worth $50 million destroyed! Ukraine delivers a painful blow!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/12/russian-air-defense-worth-million.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 12 Feb 2026 20:00:33 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/12/russian-air-defense-worth-million.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/08d4bab54d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian air defense worth $50 million destroyed! Ukraine delivers a painful blow!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0F7eYvWw34&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>LIVE | Winter OLYMPICS. Disqualification of HERASKEVYCH. Official statement by UKRAINE</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/12/live-winter-olympics-disqualification-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 12 Feb 2026 18:56:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/12/live-winter-olympics-disqualification-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/8a7665004d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;LIVE | Winter OLYMPICS. Disqualification of HERASKEVYCH. Official statement by UKRAINE&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKYvCLPuL6o&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Kyiv Independent documentary ‘Can You Hear Me?’ to screen in Europe on anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/12/kyiv-independent-documentary-can-you.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 12 Feb 2026 09:24:21 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/12/kyiv-independent-documentary-can-you.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/premiere-of-can-you-hear-me-ukraine-kyiv-december-12-2024-the-kyiv-independ.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Kyiv Independent documentary ‘Can You Hear Me?’ to screen in Europe on anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;A documentary by The Kyiv Independent about Ukrainian military medics working on the front lines of Russia’s war will be screened in three European capitals in February, marking the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/kyiv-independent-documentary-can-you-hear-me-to-screen-in-europe-on-anniversary-of-russias-full-scale-invasion/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukrainian skeleton racer disqualified at Olympics for helmet honoring athletes killed in Russia&#39;s war</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/12/ukrainian-skeleton-racer-disqualified-at.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 12 Feb 2026 09:20:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/12/ukrainian-skeleton-racer-disqualified-at.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2260504946.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian skeleton racer disqualified at Olympics for helmet honoring athletes killed in Russia&#39;s war&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;This is price of our dignity,&#34; skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych wrote on X after the IOC&#39;s annoucement of his disqualification.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-skeleton-racer-disqualified-at-olympics-for-helmet-honoring-athletes-killed-in-russias-war/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian drones reportedly strike military plant in Russia&#39;s Tambov Oblast</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/12/ukrainian-drones-reportedly-strike-military.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 12 Feb 2026 03:34:46 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/12/ukrainian-drones-reportedly-strike-military.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/screenshot-2026-02-11-at-9-04-37-pm.png&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian drones reportedly strike military plant in Russia&#39;s Tambov Oblast&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukrainian drones struck a Russian military plant in Michurinsk, Tambov Oblast, overnight on Feb. 11-12, the Telegram news channel Astra reported, citing local residents.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tambov-draft/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Russia targets Kyiv, Ukrainian cities with ballistic missiles as Moscow stalls on peace talks</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/12/russia-targets-kyiv-ukrainian-cities.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 12 Feb 2026 01:48:42 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/12/russia-targets-kyiv-ukrainian-cities.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/61647668c2.png&#34; alt=&#34;Russia targets Kyiv, Ukrainian cities with ballistic missiles as Moscow stalls on peace talks&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said the ballistic missiles were targeting the city&#39;s infrastructure facilities.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-targets-kyiv-ukrainian-cities-with-ballistic-missiles-as-moscow-stalls-on-peace-talks/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>&#39;Remembrance is not a violation&#39; — third Ukrainian athlete barred from wearing helmet at Olympics</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/11/remembrance-is-not-a-violation.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 23:44:17 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/11/remembrance-is-not-a-violation.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2255966965.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;Remembrance is not a violation&#39; — third Ukrainian athlete barred from wearing helmet at Olympics&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Short track speed skater Oleh Handei said his helmet bore a line from Ukrainian poet Lina Kostenko: &#34;Where there is heroism, there is no final defeat.&#34; It was banned from the Olympics on the grounds of being a &#34;political slogan.&#34;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/remembrance-is-not-a-violation-third-ukrainian-athlete-barred-from-wearing-helmet-at-olympics/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>Ukraine needs &#39;specific date&#39; for entry into EU, Zelensky says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/11/ukraine-needs-specific-date-for.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 21:58:53 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/11/ukraine-needs-specific-date-for.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/dd6ed8a142.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine needs &#39;specific date&#39; for entry into EU, Zelensky says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;I am absolutely confident that if ... there is no date, then Russia will do everything to block the process,&#34; President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Feb. 11.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-needs-specific-date-for-entry-into-eu-zelensky-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>⚡️ Secret LASER WEAPON in Ukraine&#39;s arsenal – and CHEAP too! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/11/secret-laser-weapon-in-ukraines.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 21:30:04 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/11/secret-laser-weapon-in-ukraines.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/c46fce506e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡️ Secret LASER WEAPON in Ukraine&#39;s arsenal – and CHEAP too! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/FJrxiqqHGlM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukrainian Star Wars: SUNRAY laser and Russia&#39;s newest drone, the “KLIN&amp;amp;quot; destroyed for the first time</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/11/ukrainian-star-wars-sunray-laser.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 21:00:41 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/11/ukrainian-star-wars-sunray-laser.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/853f75a336.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian Star Wars: SUNRAY laser and Russia&#39;s newest drone, the “KLIN&amp;quot; destroyed for the first time&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lA9-q_jhLn8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>US military aid to Ukraine dropped 99% in 2025, report finds</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/11/us-military-aid-to-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 20:59:34 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/11/us-military-aid-to-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/f4090b305f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;US military aid to Ukraine dropped 99% in 2025, report finds&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;European countries stepped in to fill the gap, increasing military aid to Ukraine by 67% and non-military support by 59% in 2025, according to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/us-military-aid-to-ukraine-dropped-99-in-2025-report-finds/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>❗️RUSSIANS are afraid to storm armored vehicles: EXPERT explains WHY #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/11/russians-are-afraid-to-storm.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 20:30:20 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/11/russians-are-afraid-to-storm.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/34dc1c7dbb.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️RUSSIANS are afraid to storm armored vehicles: EXPERT explains WHY #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/w8FN9rgw5yY&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest: Russian losses in Ukraine &#39;astonishing,&#39; former MI6 chief says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/11/ukraine-war-latest-russian-losses.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 20:12:52 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/11/ukraine-war-latest-russian-losses.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2258310233.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest: Russian losses in Ukraine &#39;astonishing,&#39; former MI6 chief says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Key developments on Feb. 11&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Russian losses in Ukraine &#39;astonishing,&#39; former MI6 chief says;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Russian strike on Kharkiv Oblast killed 3 toddlers and their father, pregnant mother injured;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Ukraine confirms drone strike on Russia&#39;s Volgograd oil refinery, Rubicon barracks in occupied Zaporizhzhia Oblast;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Europe has identified&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-128/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>💥 Pokrovsk under siege by 150,000 troops – why Huliaipole surprised Russia?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/11/pokrovsk-under-siege-by-troops.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 20:00:51 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/11/pokrovsk-under-siege-by-troops.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/0457b49df6.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;💥 Pokrovsk under siege by 150,000 troops – why Huliaipole surprised Russia?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSCBnIhim6o&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>🇭🇺 ORBAN promises WAR on HUNGARY if it votes for the OPPOSITION! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/11/orban-promises-war-on-hungary.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 19:31:20 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/11/orban-promises-war-on-hungary.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/c947e25100.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🇭🇺 ORBAN promises WAR on HUNGARY if it votes for the OPPOSITION! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/st052Jv32Rg&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>❗️ Orbán plays a dangerous game: Is Ukraine a bargaining chip? Expert explains</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/11/orbn-plays-a-dangerous-game.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 19:00:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/11/orbn-plays-a-dangerous-game.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/11aa549dbc.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️ Orbán plays a dangerous game: Is Ukraine a bargaining chip? Expert explains&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vOq0nWGl-s&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>SBU sends text warning Russians are trying to recruit Ukrainians to register Starlink terminals</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/11/sbu-sends-text-warning-russians.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 18:59:25 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/11/sbu-sends-text-warning-russians.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2152729024.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;SBU sends text warning Russians are trying to recruit Ukrainians to register Starlink terminals&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The messages come a week after Ukraine&#39;s defense ministry agreed with Starlink&#39;s parent company, SpaceX, to introduce mandatory registration for the internet terminals in Ukraine, a move meant to prevent their use by Russian forces.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/sbu-sends-messages-to-holders-of-ukrainian-phone-numbers-warning-russians-trying-to-recruit-ukrainians-to-register-block-starlink-terminals/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>How &#39;Mr. Nobody Against Putin&#39; struggles with uncomfortable truths of wartime Russia</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/11/how-mr-nobody-against-putin.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 18:49:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/11/how-mr-nobody-against-putin.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/mr-nobody-poster-kopier-2-2-1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;How &#39;Mr. Nobody Against Putin&#39; struggles with uncomfortable truths of wartime Russia&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&#34;I wish I could be as brave as them,&#34; says Pavel Talankin, a school videographer in the industrial town of Karabash, speaking of Russians who protested the invasion of Ukraine in its first days. &#34;But I&#39;m not.&#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The line is not self-pitying so much&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/how-mr-nobody-against-putin-fails-to-answer-the-uncomfortable-truth-of-wartime-russia/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>🤯 RUSSIA chooses NATO country for first STRIKE against ALLIANCE #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/11/russia-chooses-nato-country-for.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 18:30:25 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/11/russia-chooses-nato-country-for.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/ad5b3b2cb7.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🤯 RUSSIA chooses NATO country for first STRIKE against ALLIANCE #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ZrGpAmTW6es&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Europe has identified sites to train Ukrainian troops inside Ukraine, EU top diplomat says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/11/europe-has-identified-sites-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 18:23:15 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/11/europe-has-identified-sites-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-1246365005-m-1674723833vz7l2.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Europe has identified sites to train Ukrainian troops inside Ukraine, EU top diplomat says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;We have been discussing the training of Ukrainian soldiers, also on the soil of Ukraine,&#34; Kaja Kallas, the EU&#39;s high representative for foreign affairs, said in Brussels on Feb. 11 before a meeting of EU defense ministers.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/kallas-says-that-europe-has-found-sites-to-train-ukrainian-troops-inside-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russian TV threatens to burn Europe: SOLOVYOV&#39;s nuclear ultimatums and plans to strike BRITAIN</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/11/russian-tv-threatens-to-burn.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 18:01:29 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/11/russian-tv-threatens-to-burn.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/46c0435d58.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian TV threatens to burn Europe: SOLOVYOV&#39;s nuclear ultimatums and plans to strike BRITAIN&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6hVsI4TeJ4&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>❗️ Scandal at the OLYMPICS: Ukraine refused to compromise with the IOC #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/11/scandal-at-the-olympics-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 17:30:05 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/11/scandal-at-the-olympics-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/93834e1624.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️ Scandal at the OLYMPICS: Ukraine refused to compromise with the IOC #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/BLN2mYCecgM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukraine ready to hold new round of talks with Russia in US on Feb. 17-18. Moscow yet to confirm</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/11/ukraine-ready-to-hold-new.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 17:29:57 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/11/ukraine-ready-to-hold-new.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/1efdb844d8.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine ready to hold new round of talks with Russia in US on Feb. 17-18. Moscow yet to confirm&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;According to the president, the negotiations would be hosted by the U.S. and will take place on Feb. 17 and Feb. 18. The talks, however, depend on Russia&#39;s agreement to take part, something that Ukraine and the U.S. have not yet received.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-ready-to-hold-new-round-of-talks-with-russia-in-us-on-feb-17-18-moscow-yet-to-confirm/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>LIVE | Secret Russian testing ground destroyed! It&#39;s all thanks to Ukrainian ballistics!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/11/live-secret-russian-testing-ground.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 17:22:51 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/11/live-secret-russian-testing-ground.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/0d9daf28fc.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;LIVE | Secret Russian testing ground destroyed! It&#39;s all thanks to Ukrainian ballistics!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcWYs6i5LXY&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Chart of the week: Ukraine sees its coldest January in 16 years</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/11/chart-of-the-week-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 17:09:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/11/chart-of-the-week-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/img-1268.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Chart of the week: Ukraine sees its coldest January in 16 years&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Last month was likely Ukraine’s coldest January since 2010, according to an analysis of preliminary Copernicus Climate Change Service weather data provided by Europe&#39;s EUMETSAT satellite agency.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Temperatures in Ukraine last month reached reported lows of -20 degrees Celsius (-4 degrees Fahrenheit), rarely climbing above zero.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/chart-of-the-week-ukraine-sees-its-coldest-january-in-16-years/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Why Ukraine refuses to abandon Pokrovsk, explained</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/11/why-ukraine-refuses-to-abandon.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 17:08:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/11/why-ukraine-refuses-to-abandon.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/img-2296.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Why Ukraine refuses to abandon Pokrovsk, explained&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;As global attention has shifted to Ukraine’s energy crisis, the fighting on the eastern front has not slowed. The Kyiv Independent’s Francis Farrell speaks with Volodymyr Polevyi, head of public affairs for the 7th Rapid Response Corps of the Air Assault Forces, about the battle for Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad in Donetsk Oblast.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/why-ukraine-refuses-to-abandon-pokrovsk-explained/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>SCANDAL at the OLYMPICS! Outcry over Russia&#39;s crimes: why is the IOC demanding SILENCE?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/11/scandal-at-the-olympics-outcry.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 17:00:04 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/11/scandal-at-the-olympics-outcry.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/b3d19fd032.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;SCANDAL at the OLYMPICS! Outcry over Russia&#39;s crimes: why is the IOC demanding SILENCE?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2e5IKbz1_0Q&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>NEW MILITARY BASE of Russians near MELITOPOL – declassified #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/11/new-military-base-of-russians.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 15:30:28 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/11/new-military-base-of-russians.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/fe90591ccc.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;NEW MILITARY BASE of Russians near MELITOPOL – declassified #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/dn_LKV0Yb3I&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russia’s December toll in Ukraine was about twice Soviet Afghan war losses, former MI6 chief says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/11/russias-december-toll-in-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 15:05:26 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/11/russias-december-toll-in-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-1093187050.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia’s December toll in Ukraine was about twice Soviet Afghan war losses, former MI6 chief says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Former MI6 chief Richard Moore said about 30,000 Russian troops were killed in December, roughly twice the Soviet Afghan war death toll.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/putin-has-already-lost-x-mi6-chief-sir-richard-moore/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>💔129-drone attack: Ukraine readies laser air defense; Russia killed a father and three children!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/11/drone-attack-ukraine-readies-laser.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 15:01:11 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/11/drone-attack-ukraine-readies-laser.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/3133c728d9.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;💔129-drone attack: Ukraine readies laser air defense; Russia killed a father and three children!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iiJz_RvLLsQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Explosions reported in Lviv as Russia launches hypersonic Kinzhal missiles</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/11/explosions-reported-in-lviv-as.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 14:14:34 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/11/explosions-reported-in-lviv-as.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-1238292778.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Explosions reported in Lviv as Russia launches hypersonic Kinzhal missiles&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Kyiv Independent reporters on the ground reported hearing two explosions around 2:50 p.m. local time.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/breaking-russia-attacked-western-lviv-oblast-with-missiles/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Vertical Video Creator</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/11/vertical-video-creator.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 14:12:54 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/11/vertical-video-creator.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/copy-of-logo-horizontal-black-01-1-3-3.png&#34; alt=&#34;Vertical Video Creator&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Kyiv Independent, Ukraine’s main English-language publication, is looking for a Vertical Video Creator.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/vertical-video-creator-2/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>European Parliament approves 90 billion euro loan to Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/11/european-parliament-approves-billion-euro.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 13:59:46 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/11/european-parliament-approves-billion-euro.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2201134335.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;European Parliament approves 90 billion euro loan to Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The European Parliament voted to approve a 90 billion euros ($107 billion) loan to Ukraine, securing a large chunk of the country&#39;s budgetary and military needs for the next two years as the war approaches its fourth anniversary.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/european-parliament-approves-90-billion-euro-loan-to-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Store Marketing &amp;amp;amp; Growth Manager</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/11/store-marketing-ampamp-growth-manager.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 13:58:43 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/11/store-marketing-ampamp-growth-manager.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/copy-of-logo-horizontal-black-01-1-2-3.png&#34; alt=&#34;Store Marketing &amp;amp; Growth Manager&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Kyiv Independent, Ukraine’s main English-language publication, is looking for a Store Marketing &amp; Growth Manager.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/store-marketing-growth-manager-2/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Volunteers fill gaps in Kyiv’s response as Russian strikes deepen blackouts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/11/volunteers-fill-gaps-in-kyivs.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 13:57:27 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/11/volunteers-fill-gaps-in-kyivs.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/upd-starenki-20.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Volunteers fill gaps in Kyiv’s response as Russian strikes deepen blackouts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Valentyna Popova, an 85-year-old retired mathematician, lives in an apartment block on Kyiv’s east bank that is only minutes away from a city-installed &#34;Invincibility Point,&#34; an emergency winter heating hub offering warmth, a place to charge devices, and sometimes tea or hot meals.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;She, however, is&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/volunteers-fill-gaps-in-kyivs-response-as-russian-strikes-deepen-blackouts/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine energy CEO urges Europe, NATO to prepare for Russian strikes on power grid</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/11/ukraine-energy-ceo-urges-europe.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 13:23:15 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/11/ukraine-energy-ceo-urges-europe.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/0ac162bd1c.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine energy CEO urges Europe, NATO to prepare for Russian strikes on power grid&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;Learn from us and don&#39;t underestimate the threat coming from Russia,&#34; Maksym Timchenko, the head of DTEK, said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-energy-ceo-urges-europe-nato-to-prepare-for-russian-strikes-on-power-grid/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russia effectively dismisses US-Ukraine peace framework, says it contradicts &#39;real&#39; American plan</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/11/russia-effectively-dismisses-usukraine-peace.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 12:39:30 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/11/russia-effectively-dismisses-usukraine-peace.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/c9cdca0647.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia effectively dismisses US-Ukraine peace framework, says it contradicts &#39;real&#39; American plan&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The comments mark the third consecutive day of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov&#39;s criticism of the U.S. approach.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-effectively-dismisses-us-ukraine-peace-framework/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>We need to stop calling Ukrainians resilient</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/11/we-need-to-stop-calling.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 12:33:29 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/11/we-need-to-stop-calling.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2254778941.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;We need to stop calling Ukrainians resilient&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Take a moment to imagine this: In the depths of the coldest winter in years, a neighboring country decides to destroy your country&#39;s infrastructure. Why? Your neighbor wants your land, but it&#39;s struggling to win on the battlefield.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Your neighbor has spent years trying to grind&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/we-need-to-stop-calling-ukrainians-resilient/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>&#39;Russian army is not preparing to stop&#39; — 3 toddlers among 9 killed in attacks on Ukraine over past day</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/11/russian-army-is-not-preparing.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 11:48:19 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/11/russian-army-is-not-preparing.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/photo-2026-02-11-11-09-29.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;Russian army is not preparing to stop&#39; — 3 toddlers among 9 killed in attacks on Ukraine over past day&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russia launched 129 drones at Ukraine overnight, the Air Force said. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 112.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/at-least-killed-injured-in-russian-attacks-on-ukraine-over-past-day-2/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Zelensky won&#39;t announce elections on war anniversary amid talks of US-driven timeline, source says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/11/zelensky-wont-announce-elections-on.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 11:13:09 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/11/zelensky-wont-announce-elections-on.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2246881534.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky won&#39;t announce elections on war anniversary amid talks of US-driven timeline, source says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As of now, President Volodymyr Zelensky does not plan to announce presidential elections or a referendum on a possible peace deal with Russia on Feb. 24, a source in the President&#39;s Office familiar with the matter told the Kyiv Independent on Feb. 11.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The comment came after the&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-wont-announce-elections-on-invasion-anniversary/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>The hidden cost of Putin’s war: A more dependent Russia</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/11/the-hidden-cost-of-putins.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 09:01:11 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/11/the-hidden-cost-of-putins.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/upd-upd-gettyimages-2232412770.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;The hidden cost of Putin’s war: A more dependent Russia&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Russian President Vladimir Putin has increasingly characterized his all-out war against Ukraine as a struggle for &#34;sovereignty,&#34; yet what limited territorial gains Russia has achieved since 2022 pale in significance to the staggering dependence on China that has emerged.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;While the Kremlin had already been pursuing a &#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russias-quest-for-sovereignty-leads-to-beijing/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>General Staff: Russia has lost 1,249,380 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/11/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 08:38:12 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/11/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2260404484.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;General Staff: Russia has lost 1,249,380 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The number includes 820 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/general-staff-russia-has-lost-1-248-560-troops-in-ukraine-since-feb-24-2022-2/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine&#39;s ballooning debt, explained</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/11/ukraines-ballooning-debt-explained.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 07:51:24 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/11/ukraines-ballooning-debt-explained.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/4407502e68.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine&#39;s ballooning debt, explained&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ukraine&#39;s debt is ballooning. By the end of last year, the country owed over $213 billion to creditors — a hair&#39;s breadth away from the size of the country&#39;s entire economy.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;That doesn&#39;t include a new &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/eu-leaders-agree-on-105-billion-loan-to-secure-ukraines-financing-through-2027/&#34;&gt;90-billion-euro loan&lt;/a&gt; to Kyiv agreed by&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-ballooning-debt-explained/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Another Ukrainian athlete says IOC barred helmet honoring &#39;Ukrainian bravery&#39; at Olympics</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/11/another-ukrainian-athlete-says-ioc.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 07:01:50 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/11/another-ukrainian-athlete-says-ioc.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2249410195-612x612-1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Another Ukrainian athlete says IOC barred helmet honoring &#39;Ukrainian bravery&#39; at Olympics&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Kateryna Kotsar, a Ukrainian freestyle skier, said on Feb. 10 that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) barred her from using a custom helmet with the inscription &#34;Be Brave like Ukrainians&#34; at the 2026 Winter Olympics.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-athlete-says-ioc-barred-helmet-honoring-ukrainian-bravery-at-olympics/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>More than 11,000 subscribers without power in Zaporizhzhia following Russian drone attack</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/11/more-than-subscribers-without-power.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 04:23:24 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/11/more-than-subscribers-without-power.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/592afd7f47.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;More than 11,000 subscribers without power in Zaporizhzhia following Russian drone attack&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;A Russian drone attack on Zaporizhzhia late on Feb. 10 left over 11,000 subscribers without electricity in the city, local officials reported.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/more-than-11-000-subscribers-without-power-in-zaporizhzhia-following-russian-drone-attack/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>3 toddlers, 1 other killed in Russian strike on Kharkiv Oblast</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/11/toddlers-other-killed-in-russian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 00:42:17 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/11/toddlers-other-killed-in-russian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/photo-2026-02-10-18-23-52.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;3 toddlers, 1 other killed in Russian strike on Kharkiv Oblast&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;A Russian strike on Bohodukhiv, Kharkiv Oblast, killed four people, including three toddlers, and injured two others, Governor Oleh Syniehubov reported overnight Feb. 11.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/3-toddlers-1-other-killed-in-russian-strike-on-kharkiv-oblast/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukrainian drones reportedly strike Russia&#39;s Volgograd oil refinery</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/11/ukrainian-drones-reportedly-strike-russias.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 00:05:33 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/11/ukrainian-drones-reportedly-strike-russias.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/screenshot-2026-02-10-at-5-10-01-pm.png&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian drones reportedly strike Russia&#39;s Volgograd oil refinery&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukrainian drones targeted Russia&#39;s Volgograd oil refinery overnight Feb. 11, setting the site ablaze, local media reported.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-drones-reportedly-strike-russias-volgograd-oil-refinery/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>❗️&amp;amp;quot;10 ways to turn on a blocked STARLINK&amp;amp;quot;: Russians are desperate #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/10/ampquot-ways-to-turn-on.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 23:30:12 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/10/ampquot-ways-to-turn-on.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/abf5fef832.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️&amp;quot;10 ways to turn on a blocked STARLINK&amp;quot;: Russians are desperate #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/mAyl_X9eK1g&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>🔥  A SOLID &amp;amp;quot;GRAY ZONE&amp;amp;quot;: What is happening NOW on the ZAPORIZHIA FRONT?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/10/a-solid-ampquotgray-zoneampquot-what.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 23:00:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/10/a-solid-ampquotgray-zoneampquot-what.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/18469e648d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🔥  A SOLID &amp;quot;GRAY ZONE&amp;quot;: What is happening NOW on the ZAPORIZHIA FRONT?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aadTjNkfLaw&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>⁉️ PUTIN&#39;S DILEMMA: the number of LIES must exceed the number of &amp;amp;quot;VICTORIES&amp;amp;quot; #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/10/putins-dilemma-the-number-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 21:30:05 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/10/putins-dilemma-the-number-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/98cd329984.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⁉️ PUTIN&#39;S DILEMMA: the number of LIES must exceed the number of &amp;quot;VICTORIES&amp;quot; #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/_0gm2NJHvpU&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukraine war latest: Russia threatens families of Ukrainian POWs to register Starlink terminals</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/10/ukraine-war-latest-russia-threatens.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 21:14:31 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/10/ukraine-war-latest-russia-threatens.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/58534b6ab7.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest: Russia threatens families of Ukrainian POWs to register Starlink terminals&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Key developments on Feb. 10&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Russia threatens families of Ukrainian POWs to register Starlink terminals, Ukraine says;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;More arms purchases for Ukraine under NATO-led PURL initiative on the way;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;11-year-old child killed alongside mother after Russia strikes Sloviansk with glide bombs;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Japan to join NATO-led initiative to purchase US weapons&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-russia-threatens-families-of-ukrainian-pows-to-register-starlink-terminals-ukraine-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>😡 Why was Ukraine&#39;s skeleton racer BANNED from honoring athletes KILLED by Russia?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/10/why-was-ukraines-skeleton-racer.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 21:00:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/10/why-was-ukraines-skeleton-racer.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/4fb1b43223.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;😡 Why was Ukraine&#39;s skeleton racer BANNED from honoring athletes KILLED by Russia?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACG6tyTRIJM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>⚡️ Ukrainian athlete refuses to shake hands with Russian woman at the 2026 Olympics #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/10/ukrainian-athlete-refuses-to-shake.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 20:07:48 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/10/ukrainian-athlete-refuses-to-shake.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/9ffd587da3.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡️ Ukrainian athlete refuses to shake hands with Russian woman at the 2026 Olympics #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/v6ju184GCHQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>EU declines to speculate on Ukraine&#39;s entry date amid reports of 2027 push</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/10/eu-declines-to-speculate-on.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 19:57:42 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/10/eu-declines-to-speculate-on.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/742abaf29c.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;EU declines to speculate on Ukraine&#39;s entry date amid reports of 2027 push&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;It is clear that EU integration can contribute to our common objective: securing peace and prosperity for Ukraine,&#34; a European Commission spokesperson said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/eu-ukraine-2027-bid/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia broke the energy ceasefire. The West can enforce one that lasts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/10/russia-broke-the-energy-ceasefire.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 19:54:57 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/10/russia-broke-the-energy-ceasefire.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2258210586.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia broke the energy ceasefire. The West can enforce one that lasts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Russia is back to destroying Ukraine&#39;s critical infrastructure, following several days of reprieve facilitated by U.S. President Donald Trump&#39;s diplomatic push. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Moscow&#39;s brief pause on terror was unmasked as a magnified attack days later. Russian drones and missiles &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/mass-attack-ukraine-emergency-power-outages/&#34;&gt;were launched&lt;/a&gt; on Ukraine&#39;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-broke-the-energy-ceasefire-the-west-can-enforce-one-that-lasts/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>🔥 Russian &amp;amp;quot;LANCET&amp;amp;quot; destroyed by Ukrainian CHEAP UAV for $30,000 #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/10/193004.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 19:30:04 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/10/193004.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/0d2364ee1f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🔥 Russian &amp;quot;LANCET&amp;quot; destroyed by Ukrainian CHEAP UAV for $30,000 #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/0VSQqGyuYF0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>More arms purchases for Ukraine under NATO-led PURL initiative on the way, US ambassador says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/10/more-arms-purchases-for-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 19:22:21 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/10/more-arms-purchases-for-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/5d3f999520.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;More arms purchases for Ukraine under NATO-led PURL initiative on the way, US ambassador says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Three European nations — Norway, Germany, and the Netherlands — have contributed the most to the program, the ambassador added.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/more-arms-purchases-for-ukraine-under-nato-led-purl-initiative-on-the-way-us-ambassador-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>The Belarusian woman at the center of Epstein’s final days</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/10/the-belarusian-woman-at-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 19:12:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/10/the-belarusian-woman-at-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/karynaepstein-collage-new.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;The Belarusian woman at the center of Epstein’s final days&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The U.S. Department of Justice on Jan. 30 published over 3 million documents in accordance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The publication of the Epstein files unearths corruption and human trafficking in countries across the globe. In Belarus, the story had another twist.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The files flesh out Epstein&amp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/the-belarusian-woman-at-the-center-of-epsteins-final-days/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>&#39;Everyone is waiting for spring&#39; — How Kyiv&#39;s hardest hit district is coping with no heating</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/10/everyone-is-waiting-for-spring.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 19:07:26 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/10/everyone-is-waiting-for-spring.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2260383457.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;Everyone is waiting for spring&#39; — How Kyiv&#39;s hardest hit district is coping with no heating&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The east bank of Kyiv has been hit hardest by Russia’s latest attacks on the capital’s energy infrastructure, leaving tens of thousands of residents facing much of the winter without central heating as nighttime temperatures drop to -19°Celsius.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&#34;They destroyed our thermal power&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/everyone-is-waiting-for-spring-how-kyivs-hardest-hit-district-is-coping-with-no-heating/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukrainian missiles destroy Putin’s main training ground — end of Kremlin’s secret weapon?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/10/ukrainian-missiles-destroy-putins-main.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 19:00:04 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/10/ukrainian-missiles-destroy-putins-main.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/d12ff34f0e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian missiles destroy Putin’s main training ground — end of Kremlin’s secret weapon?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bWNpwleTe0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>🤯 ORBAN blames UKRAINE for the drop in HIS RATINGS #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/10/orban-blames-ukraine-for-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 17:30:31 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/10/orban-blames-ukraine-for-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/93bdca89fe.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🤯 ORBAN blames UKRAINE for the drop in HIS RATINGS #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/hiYQU3iXh_g&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>&#39;Multidimensional crisis&#39; — Kyiv&#39;s civil society calls on Mayor Klitschko to give public press conference amid energy crisis</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/10/multidimensional-crisis-kyivs-civil-society.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 17:16:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/10/multidimensional-crisis-kyivs-civil-society.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/cab2fb128f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;Multidimensional crisis&#39; — Kyiv&#39;s civil society calls on Mayor Klitschko to give public press conference amid energy crisis&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;Kyiv today is in a state of multidimensional crisis — managerial, infrastructural, and communicational,&#34; an open letter reads.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/civil-society-calls-on-kyiv-mayor-klitschko-to-give-public-press-conference-amid-energy-crisis/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>LIVE | 🚀 BALLISTICS FOR DEEP STRIKES: FP9 shifts the balance of war</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/10/live-ballistics-for-deep-strikes.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 17:14:28 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/10/live-ballistics-for-deep-strikes.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/9dccdced77.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;LIVE | 🚀 BALLISTICS FOR DEEP STRIKES: FP9 shifts the balance of war&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkz5JRYv17w&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>ORBAN&#39;S anti-Ukrainian rhetoric is intensifying! India and the West are finishing off the RF economy</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/10/orbans-antiukrainian-rhetoric-is-intensifying.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 17:00:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/10/orbans-antiukrainian-rhetoric-is-intensifying.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/1abac0ec4b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;ORBAN&#39;S anti-Ukrainian rhetoric is intensifying! India and the West are finishing off the RF economy&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JmMUu-wJuU&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Analysis: What we know about Zelensky’s &#39;opening&#39; of Ukraine&#39;s drones, weapons exports</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/10/analysis-what-we-know-about.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 16:57:08 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/10/analysis-what-we-know-about.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2187899946.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Analysis: What we know about Zelensky’s &#39;opening&#39; of Ukraine&#39;s drones, weapons exports&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;President Volodymyr Zelensky announced Feb. 8 the opening of 10 offices for weapons export throughout the European Union by the end of 2026.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&#34;Today, we are opening exports,&#34; Zelensky wrote. But the reality is a little different.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ukraine&#39;s arms makers often lament that they can make&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/analysis-what-we-know-about-zelenskys-opening-of-weapons-exports/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russia threatens families of Ukrainian POWs to register Starlink terminals, Ukraine says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/10/russia-threatens-families-of-ukrainian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 15:39:09 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/10/russia-threatens-families-of-ukrainian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/25789268a0.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia threatens families of Ukrainian POWs to register Starlink terminals, Ukraine says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukraine says Russian forces are threatening families of Ukrainian POWs to get Starlink terminals registered for battlefield use.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-using-pows-families-to-register-starlink-terminals-ukraine-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>❗️OLYMPICS 2026: Ukrainian athlete seeks JUSTICE #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/10/olympics-ukrainian-athlete-seeks-justice.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 15:30:42 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/10/olympics-ukrainian-athlete-seeks-justice.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/c80ceecd7d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️OLYMPICS 2026: Ukrainian athlete seeks JUSTICE #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/jeiMuOaNvBs&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine moves its power grid underground to shield it from Russian attacks</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/10/ukraine-moves-its-power-grid.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 15:09:41 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/10/ukraine-moves-its-power-grid.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2259327092-1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine moves its power grid underground to shield it from Russian attacks&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;So far, Ukraine has secured one substation in an underground concrete bunker with a second one underway, Vitaliy Zaichenko, CEO of Ukrenergo, Ukraine’s state-grid operator, told the Kyiv Independent.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-moves-its-power-grid-underground-to-shield-it-from-russian-attacks/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>€90 BILLION FOR WEAPONS! As Russia attacks babies in Zaporizhzhia, Europe’s financial battering ram</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/10/billion-for-weapons-as-russia.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 15:01:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/10/billion-for-weapons-as-russia.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/ad1cf297fb.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;€90 BILLION FOR WEAPONS! As Russia attacks babies in Zaporizhzhia, Europe’s financial battering ram&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XH24IWhyEac&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>11-year-old child killed alongside mother after Russia strikes Sloviansk with glide bombs</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/10/yearold-child-killed-alongside-mother.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 14:30:19 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/10/yearold-child-killed-alongside-mother.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2026-02-10-14-41-22.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;11-year-old child killed alongside mother after Russia strikes Sloviansk with glide bombs&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The attack brings the official number of children confirmed killed by Russia&#39;s war to 681, according to statistics published by the Prosecutor General&#39;s Office.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/11-year-old-child-killed-alongside-mother-after-russia-strikes-sloviansk-with-glide-bombs/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russia reportedly restricts Telegram in latest push to tighten internet control</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/10/russia-reportedly-restricts-telegram-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 12:24:58 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/10/russia-reportedly-restricts-telegram-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2205105387-1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia reportedly restricts Telegram in latest push to tighten internet control&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russian lawmaker Andrei Svintsov said Telegram may face restrictions because it &#34;does not fully comply with the requirements&#34; of Russian law.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-reportedly-restricts-telegram/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Japan to join NATO-led initiative to buy US weapons for Ukraine, media reports</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/10/japan-to-join-natoled-initiative.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 11:21:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/10/japan-to-join-natoled-initiative.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/819cf5bbb2.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Japan to join NATO-led initiative to buy US weapons for Ukraine, media reports&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;According to the NHK report, aid that Tokyo could fund for Ukraine through the program would be limited to non-lethal provisions.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/japan-to-join-nato-led-initiative-to-purchase-us-weapons-for-ukraine-media-reports-2/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia says &#39;long way to go&#39; in Ukraine peace talks as Lavrov rejects US optimism</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/10/russia-says-long-way-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 11:07:45 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/10/russia-says-long-way-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/ac88100cb2.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia says &#39;long way to go&#39; in Ukraine peace talks as Lavrov rejects US optimism&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned against what he described as excessive optimism surrounding the talks.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-says-long-way-to-go-in-ukraine-peace-talks/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>&#39;Second stage&#39; of Ukrainian military&#39;s corps reform underway, Syrskyi says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/10/second-stage-of-ukrainian-militarys.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 10:00:27 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/10/second-stage-of-ukrainian-militarys.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/617814184-1249643907331092-1692394928003996565-n.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;Second stage&#39; of Ukrainian military&#39;s corps reform underway, Syrskyi says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;The increase in enemy losses is one of the results of the corps reform,&#34; read Syrskyi&#39;s quote in the post on the Ukrainian General Staff&#39;s Facebook page.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/second-stage-of-ukrainian-militarys-corps-reform-underway-syrskyi-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>EU chief diplomat calls Olympics crowd boos of JD Vance a sign of &#39;European pride&#39;</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/10/eu-chief-diplomat-calls-olympics.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 09:55:09 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/10/eu-chief-diplomat-calls-olympics.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2259656960-1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;EU chief diplomat calls Olympics crowd boos of JD Vance a sign of &#39;European pride&#39;&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;Well, I guess we have heard a lot of not-so-nice words from the United States regarding Europe,&#34; EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/eu-chief-diplomat-calls-olympics-crowd-boos-of-jd-vance-a-sign-of-european-pride/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Moldova&#39;s new prime minister makes first official visit to Ukraine to deepen EU, security ties</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/10/moldovas-new-prime-minister-makes.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 09:19:21 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/10/moldovas-new-prime-minister-makes.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/haxtoyyaaamfrin.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Moldova&#39;s new prime minister makes first official visit to Ukraine to deepen EU, security ties&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;We stand with Ukraine as neighbours and friends,&#34; Moldovan Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu said upon arrival.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/moldovas-new-prime-minister-visits-kyiv/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>General Staff: Russia has lost 1,248,560 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/10/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 08:41:29 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/10/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2257221968.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;General Staff: Russia has lost 1,248,560 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The number includes 980 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/general-staff-russia-has-lost-1-248-560-troops-in-ukraine-since-feb-24-2022/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Senior Russian official says Moscow needs &#39;security guarantees&#39;</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/10/senior-russian-official-says-moscow.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 06:53:23 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/10/senior-russian-official-says-moscow.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/8abf549e50.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Senior Russian official says Moscow needs &#39;security guarantees&#39;&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;We recognize that a peaceful settlement in Ukraine must take into account Ukraine&#39;s security interests, but the key importance, of course, is Russia&#39;s security interests,&#34; Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said on Feb. 10.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/senior-russian-official-says-moscow-needs-security-guarantees/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Pope Leo sends 80 generators, thousands of medicines to Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/10/pope-leo-sends-generators-thousands.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 01:35:17 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/10/pope-leo-sends-generators-thousands.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/837f6c2ca0.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Pope Leo sends 80 generators, thousands of medicines to Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Pope Leo XIV has sent 80 electric generators along with medicines and food supplies to Ukraine to help civilians cope with the effects of freezing winter temperatures and constant attacks, the Vatican said on Feb. 9.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/pope-leo-sends-80-generators-thousands-of-medicines-to-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>IOC bars Ukrainian athlete’s helmet honoring athletes killed during war</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/10/ioc-bars-ukrainian-athletes-helmet.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 00:13:15 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/10/ioc-bars-ukrainian-athletes-helmet.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/heraskevych.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;IOC bars Ukrainian athlete’s helmet honoring athletes killed during war&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych said on Feb. 10 that he has been barred from using a custom helmet at the 2026 Winter Olympics, that honors Ukrainian athletes killed by Russia’s war.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ioc-bars-ukrainian-athletes-helmet-honoring-athletes-killed-during-war/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>🧨 Multiple RUSSIAN LOGISTICS HUBS targeted #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/09/multiple-russian-logistics-hubs-targeted.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 09 Feb 2026 21:30:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/09/multiple-russian-logistics-hubs-targeted.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/e89c96abe2.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🧨 Multiple RUSSIAN LOGISTICS HUBS targeted #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/5FqoCiiUfRw&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian Mi-24 helicopter crew killed during combat mission</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/09/ukrainian-mi-helicopter-crew-killed.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 09 Feb 2026 21:06:25 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/09/ukrainian-mi-helicopter-crew-killed.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2209802602.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian Mi-24 helicopter crew killed during combat mission&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The crew of a Ukrainian Mi-24 helicopter was killed while carrying out a combat mission, the 11th Separate Army Aviation Brigade “Kherson” reported.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-mi-24-helicopter-crew-killed-during-combat-mission/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia&#39;s Arctic shadow war: How Moscow’s most-probed front fuels its Ukraine invasion</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/09/russias-arctic-shadow-war-how.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 09 Feb 2026 21:05:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/09/russias-arctic-shadow-war-how.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-1232959672.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia&#39;s Arctic shadow war: How Moscow’s most-probed front fuels its Ukraine invasion&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Norway’s Svalbard fiber optic cables — a pair carrying vital Arctic satellite data from SvalSat, the world’s largest commercial ground station — thread through waters dangerously close to Russia’s reach.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Kremlin&#39;s Nagurskoye air base on Franz Josef Land is just 260&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russias-arctic-shadow-war-how-moscows-most-probed-front-fuels-its-ukraine-invasion/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>🚀 Ukrainian UAVs will be manufactured in GERMANY, and 10 weapon hubs will open across EUROPE</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/09/ukrainian-uavs-will-be-manufactured.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 09 Feb 2026 21:00:11 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/09/ukrainian-uavs-will-be-manufactured.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/bc818c4faf.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🚀 Ukrainian UAVs will be manufactured in GERMANY, and 10 weapon hubs will open across EUROPE&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1X7WQRN7ks&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>TOTAL BLOCKADE: STARLINK still isn&#39;t working for the Russians! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/09/total-blockade-starlink-still-isnt.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 09 Feb 2026 20:30:05 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/09/total-blockade-starlink-still-isnt.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/82c137effe.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;TOTAL BLOCKADE: STARLINK still isn&#39;t working for the Russians! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/PKkOn6ZBLvk&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>🛰️ ALGORITHMS WIN: Starlink down in Russia, Kapustin Yar ablaze. What replaced tanks in Ukraine?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/09/algorithms-win-starlink-down-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 09 Feb 2026 20:00:03 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/09/algorithms-win-starlink-down-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/3a700b84ee.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🛰️ ALGORITHMS WIN: Starlink down in Russia, Kapustin Yar ablaze. What replaced tanks in Ukraine?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nyXd4GkOeo&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Behind the Guns: Western Tools, Russian Firepower</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/09/behind-the-guns-western-tools.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 09 Feb 2026 18:57:20 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/09/behind-the-guns-western-tools.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f0baecf8c-0.png&#34; alt=&#34;Behind the Guns: Western Tools, Russian Firepower&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f0baecf8c-0.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/68cb4db50d.png&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;849&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/0baecf8c-0695-4805-a5ff-b98020d3c4c6_1916x1117.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:849,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:1078927,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:&#34;image/png&#34;,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:true,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:&#34;[frontelligence.substack.com/i/1863750...](https://frontelligence.substack.com/i/186375000?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0baecf8c-0695-4805-a5ff-b98020d3c4c6_1916x1117.png)&#34;,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;The war has increasingly become a war of drones, but this does not mean that other means of warfare have lost their relevance. This is evident from personnel loss data we analyzed across multiple Russian units, as well as from feedback provided by Ukrainian units. Based on this large dataset, we conclude that as of 2025 roughly one quarter to one third of battlefield losses are still caused by artillery and mortar fire. While drones have become the leading cause of losses, artillery continues to play a critical role, and this is unlikely to change in the near future. Instead, what we observe is a process of tactical adaptation and a rethinking of how artillery is employed.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Unsurprisingly, despite the growing prominence of drones, Russia has not abandoned efforts to expand the production of artillery ammunition, propellant, and gun barrels. After Russian forces began experiencing serious ammunition shortages as early as 2023, Moscow turned to imported ammunition from Iran and North Korea as a stopgap measure. However, this approach proved to be only a short- to medium-term solution. Over time, Russian units encountered persistent quality, compatibility, and reliability issues with imported ammunition, reinforcing the need for a long-term domestic solution.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In response, the Russian military-industrial complex accelerated its modernization and expansion efforts, urgently seeking additional human, technological, and financial resources to meet frontline demand. This required scaling the entire production chain, from propellant manufacturing and shell casting to final assembly and precision machining.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In a recent analytical report published by the Ukrainian military-focused outlet &lt;em&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://militarnyi.com/en/news/russian-orders-for-artillery-ammunition-in-2024-2025-what-has-changed-in-percentage-terms/&#34;&gt;Militarnyi&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/em&gt;, citing Russian internal documents, specific production figures were disclosed. According to the report, in 2024 the Russian army received 1.428 million 120 mm mortar rounds. In 2025, deliveries increased to 1.961 million, a year-on-year rise of 37.3 percent.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In total, the Russian defense industry received orders for 1.558 million 152 mm artillery shells of all types in 2024. In 2025, this figure rose to 1.717 million, an increase of 10.2 percent.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Taken together, these figures point that to sustain this level of output, Russia must increasingly rely on domestic production capacity rather than external suppliers. Moreover, as artillery barrels wear out or are destroyed, maintaining firepower requires not only a steady supply of shells but also the continuous replacement of barrels.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Our team, in cooperation with another analytical company &lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/dallasparkua&#34;&gt;Dallas&lt;/a&gt;, obtained and analyzed unique Russian procurement documents related to Plant No. 9, a key manufacturer of artillery barrels for the Koalitsiya and Msta self-propelled howitzers, tank guns for the T-90 and T-14 Armata, as well as for modernized T-62 and T-72 tanks. The plant also produces naval rocket depth-charge launchers RBU-1000 and RBU-6000 and is the original developer of the Soviet D-30 howitzer, which remains in use by the Russian army in its war against Ukraine.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Despite international sanctions imposed by the EU, the United States, Ukraine, Japan, and Switzerland, the plant has been undergoing continuous modernization since at least 2016. As of April 2025, the contractor ZAO “Zenit-Investprom” had prepared and delivered updated design documentation to the plant, which we were able to obtain. We concluded that Russia has been expanding production facilities and modernizing equipment at the site, a process that would be impossible without access to Western-origin machinery and technology.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;I. Facility Modernization and Capacity Expansion&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;Plant No. 9 is located within the Uralmash industrial zone, a major center of heavy industry that has historically included both civilian and military production facilities in Yekaterinburg, Russia. By comparing satellite imagery with technical schematics from 2025, we identified the facilities designated for reconstruction and technical re-equipment and marked them in dark red on the map. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!1NvQ!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe7a9490b-8a0e-4b9c-81ee-f28967a61c7e_1912x1064.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fe7a9490b-8.png&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;810&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/e7a9490b-8a0e-4b9c-81ee-f28967a61c7e_1912x1064.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:810,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:4635505,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:&#34;image/png&#34;,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:&#34;[frontelligence.substack.com/i/1863750...](https://frontelligence.substack.com/i/186375000?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe7a9490b-8a0e-4b9c-81ee-f28967a61c7e_1912x1064.png)&#34;,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;In total, six facilities were identified, including two metalworking workshops and a galvanic production facility. One of the metalworking buildings (called MSK) houses production for several products, including the Armata platform and the Koalitsiya self-propelled howitzer. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!n_4b!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fbafabfa7-3063-447d-b59d-7aa1cf016b94_1698x1206.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fbafabfa7-3.png&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;1034&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/bafabfa7-3063-447d-b59d-7aa1cf016b94_1698x1206.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1034,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:1385245,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:&#34;image/png&#34;,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:&#34;[frontelligence.substack.com/i/1863750...](https://frontelligence.substack.com/i/186375000?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fbafabfa7-3063-447d-b59d-7aa1cf016b94_1698x1206.png)&#34;,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;MSK building floor plan&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;The reconstruction of this building is aimed at establishing an integrated production facility for the serial manufacture of components and assemblies for the 152 mm 2A88 artillery system used in the 2S35 Koalitsiya self-propelled howitzer. The facility consists of two workshops: Workshop No. 23, designated for the machining and final manual finishing of components and assemblies for the Koalitsiya system, and Workshop No. 25, where the assembly of components and finished products takes place, along with commissioning, painting, preservation, packaging, assembly of spare parts kits, and shipment to the warehouse.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!R1y_!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F176d9dd0-a4dd-4b94-890e-538b169fb00c_758x188.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f176d9dd0-a.png&#34; width=&#34;758&#34; height=&#34;188&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/176d9dd0-a4dd-4b94-890e-538b169fb00c_758x188.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:188,&#34;width&#34;:758,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:55917,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:&#34;image/png&#34;,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:&#34;[frontelligence.substack.com/i/1863750...](https://frontelligence.substack.com/i/186375000?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F176d9dd0-a4dd-4b94-890e-538b169fb00c_758x188.png)&#34;,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;Screenshot from a document disclosing the purpose of the facility&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Notably, the word &lt;em&gt;Armata&lt;/em&gt;, often associated with the so-called “ghost tank,” also appears in the documentation, with an entire section of the MSK facility dedicated to it. We assess that references to “Armata” in this context most likely concern the production of fire control systems or guns/barrels, originally created for Armata, and later repurposed for other vehicles.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!7GKz!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F015d1c21-0e6e-4f2a-a125-caa9fc5267e5_699x167.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f015d1c21-0.png&#34; width=&#34;699&#34; height=&#34;167&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/015d1c21-0e6e-4f2a-a125-caa9fc5267e5_699x167.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:167,&#34;width&#34;:699,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:45310,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:&#34;image/png&#34;,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:&#34;[frontelligence.substack.com/i/1863750...](https://frontelligence.substack.com/i/186375000?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F015d1c21-0e6e-4f2a-a125-caa9fc5267e5_699x167.png)&#34;,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;Screenshot from a document disclosing the purpose of the MSK facility&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;The full project documentation, including floor plans, technical details, and specifications, is provided for download at the end.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;II. Sanctions and Imports&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;The key finding of our analysis is that this expansion, as well as its earlier iterations, would have been impossible without Western machinery. Nearly all critical elements of production and reconstruction rely on modern, high-precision industrial equipment sourced almost exclusively from Europe and Taiwan.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!GRnB!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fff8a5ba7-b595-4154-af25-6ce01a6cc2da_1516x1072.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fff8a5ba7-b.png&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;1030&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/ff8a5ba7-b595-4154-af25-6ce01a6cc2da_1516x1072.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1030,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:1193574,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:&#34;image/png&#34;,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:&#34;[frontelligence.substack.com/i/1863750...](https://frontelligence.substack.com/i/186375000?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fff8a5ba7-b595-4154-af25-6ce01a6cc2da_1516x1072.png)&#34;,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;Screenshot showing compiled excerpts from project documentation detailing imported machinery designated for installation on the production floor&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Importantly, this is not a case of small components or dual-use consumer electronics being repurposed for military use. Instead, the expansion depends on large-scale industrial machinery that is inherently easier to track and regulate. Below, we present this equipment broken down by country of origin and manufacturer:&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;1. &lt;strong&gt;Taiwan&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Company: KAFO&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;Vertical milling machining center VMC-21100+&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;Company: Glory&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;CNC centerless grinding machine Glory APC 24S NC&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!SO6O!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb0338aea-8212-457a-8f5e-590c5cff7afa_2560x1816.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fb0338aea-8.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;1033&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/b0338aea-8212-457a-8f5e-590c5cff7afa_2560x1816.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1033,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:&#34;IMG_2046-scaled-1.jpg&#34;,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;IMG_2046-scaled-1.jpg&#34; title=&#34;IMG_2046-scaled-1.jpg&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Kafo VMC-21100. Source: machinestation.us&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;2. &lt;strong&gt;Italy&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Company: TACCHI&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;Multifunctional CNC turning machining center for rough machining TACCHI HD/3 450×4000&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;Multifunctional CNC turning machining center TACCHI HD/3 450×10000&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!gVIT!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Feb0d0ea9-3d53-4569-b24e-f2f08a65b3ac_1500x962.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2feb0d0ea9-3.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;934&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/eb0d0ea9-3d53-4569-b24e-f2f08a65b3ac_1500x962.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:934,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;TACCHI HD/3. Source: electron-services.co.uk&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Company: PARPAS&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;Horizontal milling machining center OMV Electra&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;3. Germany&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Company: DMG MORI&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;3-axis vertical CNC milling machine DMC 650V&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;3-axis vertical CNC milling machine DMC 650V MillTap 700&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;CNC turret lathe DMG Beta 800&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;CNC bar-fed turret lathe DMG Alpha 500&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!stap!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F43944b1e-f9f1-43ca-87d4-df1d9d1f977a_1160x680.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f43944b1e-f.png&#34; width=&#34;1160&#34; height=&#34;680&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/43944b1e-f9f1-43ca-87d4-df1d9d1f977a_1160x680.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:680,&#34;width&#34;:1160,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:899158,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:&#34;image/png&#34;,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:&#34;[frontelligence.substack.com/i/1863750...](https://frontelligence.substack.com/i/186375000?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F43944b1e-f9f1-43ca-87d4-df1d9d1f977a_1160x680.png)&#34;,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;Liebherr LC500. Source: liebherr.com&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Company: LIEBHERR&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;CNC gear hobbing machine LC500&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;Vertical CNC gear shaping machine LFS 1200&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;Vertical CNC gear shaping machine LFS 300&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;CNC turret lathe DMG Gamma 1250&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;Company: HERMLE AG&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;5-axis machining center C42U&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;4. Britain&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!Pxc3!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F66ba5f6a-58d1-4f72-a8a0-5aad43523087_500x352.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f66ba5f6a-5.png&#34; width=&#34;500&#34; height=&#34;352&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/66ba5f6a-58d1-4f72-a8a0-5aad43523087_500x352.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:352,&#34;width&#34;:500,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:&#34;JONES &amp; SHIPMAN PROGRIND 1045 EASY Reciprocating Surface Grinders -  MachineTools.com&#34;,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;JONES &amp; SHIPMAN PROGRIND 1045 EASY Reciprocating Surface Grinders -  MachineTools.com&#34; title=&#34;JONES &amp; SHIPMAN PROGRIND 1045 EASY Reciprocating Surface Grinders -  MachineTools.com&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;PROGRIND 1045 EASY. Source: machinetools.com&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Company: JONES &amp; SHIPMAN&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;Surface grinding machine PROGRIND 1045 EASY&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;Overall, Russia plans to supply and install at least &lt;strong&gt;22 large&lt;/strong&gt; industrial machines at the modernized facility, including gear-shaping, milling, and other multifunctional production equipment.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The documents also show that this is not a one-time upgrade or modernization effort, but part of a decade-long process to expand and improve production, with the current phase accelerated by the war. For example, in a series of letters sent in 2014 to the Director of the Department of Basic Industries at the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade, the CEO of Plant No. 9 requested an expert review to confirm that certain production equipment could not be manufactured domestically and therefore had to be imported.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!4GFd!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fef32dac8-11b4-4432-904a-48cc370426f3_1527x1032.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fef32dac8-1.png&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;984&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/ef32dac8-11b4-4432-904a-48cc370426f3_1527x1032.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:984,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:1181344,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:&#34;image/png&#34;,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:&#34;[frontelligence.substack.com/i/1863750...](https://frontelligence.substack.com/i/186375000?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fef32dac8-11b4-4432-904a-48cc370426f3_1527x1032.png)&#34;,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;In these letters, the requests concerned the procurement of APC 24S-NC equipment from the Taiwanese company Glory, as well as the German LFS 1200 system.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;III. Implications&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;Despite a decade-long import-substitution strategy, Russia has not achieved independence from foreign machinery imports. Nearly all critical stages of manufacturing at Plant No. 9, not just auxiliary processes, still rely on high-precision industrial equipment from Europe and East Asia. The purchase and export of such large machinery is inherently easier to monitor and control than smaller appliances, which are more difficult to track and enforce, particularly on secondary markets.&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Rising numbers and increased production efficiency strongly indicate that Russia is circumventing sanctions not just on paper, but in practice. While sanctions undoubtedly complicate procurement, the documents reviewed do not reveal any significant concerns or a lack of confidence on the Russian side regarding their ability to acquire this equipment - a rather troubling signal in the fourth year of the war.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Thank you for reading. We are pleased to announce that in the coming weeks, after nearly three months of work, we will be completing a comprehensive report covering internal data, systemic challenges within the Russian military, insights into Russia’s senior decision-making circles and their views on the war, as well as a range of exclusive information not available elsewhere. The full report will be made available to our paid subscribers as a thank you for the financial support they have provided. We have also included a link below to a shared drive containing the referenced files.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;We would also like to note that our partners, the Dallas analytical company, provide a significant amount of leaked Russian data to journalists and other researchers through&lt;a href=&#34;https://dallas-park.com/&#34;&gt; their own platform&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
      &lt;p&gt;
          &lt;a href=&#34;https://frontelligence.substack.com/p/behind-the-guns-western-tools-russian&#34;&gt;
              Read more
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      &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://frontelligence.substack.com/p/behind-the-guns-western-tools-russian&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>Ukrainian ombudsman gets over 6,000 complaints against enlistment officers in 2025 — 333 times more than at all-out war&#39;s start</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/09/ukrainian-ombudsman-gets-over-complaints.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 09 Feb 2026 18:03:12 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/09/ukrainian-ombudsman-gets-over-complaints.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/bf9e409f3d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian ombudsman gets over 6,000 complaints against enlistment officers in 2025 — 333 times more than at all-out war&#39;s start&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The number of complaints has increased 333 times since the start of the full-scale invasion, according to Ukraine&#39;s Human Rights Ombudsman, Dmytro Lubinets.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-ombudsman-receives-over-6-000-complaints-against-enlistment-officers-in-2025/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>❗️The headquarters of &amp;quot;AKHMAT&amp;quot; near KURSK was attacked by Ukrainian UAVs #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/09/the-headquarters-of-quotakhmatquot-near.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 09 Feb 2026 17:32:16 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/09/the-headquarters-of-quotakhmatquot-near.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/b4314189cb.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️The headquarters of &amp;quot;AKHMAT&amp;quot; near KURSK was attacked by Ukrainian UAVs #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/InlgZfWSv6w&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>S-400 – on fire, occupiers without Starlink! Belgorod and Kursk are getting used to the darkness</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/09/s-on-fire-occupiers-without.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 09 Feb 2026 17:00:41 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/09/s-on-fire-occupiers-without.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/939892b43d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;S-400 – on fire, occupiers without Starlink! Belgorod and Kursk are getting used to the darkness&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m88q0-Hhfus&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>US boards Venezuela-linked shadow fleet vessel in Indian Ocean</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/09/us-boards-venezuelalinked-shadow-fleet.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 09 Feb 2026 16:51:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/09/us-boards-venezuelalinked-shadow-fleet.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/hatxifrbkaanluy.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;US boards Venezuela-linked shadow fleet vessel in Indian Ocean&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The vessel is part of the &#34;shadow fleet,&#34; a group of tankers used by Moscow to export oil in violation of international sanctions, according to Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR).&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/us-boards-venezuela-linked-shadow-fleet-tanker-in-indian-ocean/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>Russia reporter</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/09/russia-reporter.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 09 Feb 2026 16:08:23 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/09/russia-reporter.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/copy-of-logo-horizontal-black-01-1-3-1.png&#34; alt=&#34;Russia reporter&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Kyiv Independent, Ukraine’s main English-language publication, is looking for a Russia reporter.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-reporter/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Brussels reporter</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/09/brussels-reporter.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 09 Feb 2026 15:53:57 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/09/brussels-reporter.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/copy-of-logo-horizontal-black-01-1-3-.png&#34; alt=&#34;Brussels reporter&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Kyiv Independent, Ukraine’s main English-language publication, is looking for a Brussels reporter.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/brussels-reporter/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Exclusive: Russia’s worst attack on substations halves Ukraine’s nuclear power output</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/09/exclusive-russias-worst-attack-on.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 09 Feb 2026 15:37:35 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/09/exclusive-russias-worst-attack-on.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2166009033.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Exclusive: Russia’s worst attack on substations halves Ukraine’s nuclear power output&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russia launched its worst-ever attack on Ukraine&#39;s nuclear-connected substations on Feb. 7, cutting the volume of electricity generated by the country&#39;s nuclear power by around 50%, Vitaliy Zaichenko, CEO of Ukrenergo, the state grid operator, told the Kyiv Independent.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-repairs-nuclear-substation-but-situation-remains-critical-after-mass-attack/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>🤯 Russia Recruits CONVICTS and DRUG ADDICTS for SABOTAGE #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/09/russia-recruits-convicts-and-drug.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 09 Feb 2026 15:30:04 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/09/russia-recruits-convicts-and-drug.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/1d7ca438bd.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🤯 Russia Recruits CONVICTS and DRUG ADDICTS for SABOTAGE #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ad4grO_vgds&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>LIVE | ❗️ The US sets a DEADLINE: end the war by JUNE! “FLAMINGO” destroys KAPUSTIN YAR!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/09/live-the-us-sets-a.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 09 Feb 2026 15:15:48 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/09/live-the-us-sets-a.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/84b22c9713.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;LIVE | ❗️ The US sets a DEADLINE: end the war by JUNE! “FLAMINGO” destroys KAPUSTIN YAR!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDnyrYncuPM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>The hidden health impact of Russia&#39;s attacks on Ukraine&#39;s energy grid</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/09/the-hidden-health-impact-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 09 Feb 2026 15:10:35 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/09/the-hidden-health-impact-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2260135497.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;The hidden health impact of Russia&#39;s attacks on Ukraine&#39;s energy grid&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As Russian strikes continue to cut off heating and electricity across Ukraine, a Kyiv doctor says she is seeing health effects accumulate in her clinic.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Since late December, Russia has carried out multiple waves of strikes targeting Ukraine&#39;s power generation and heating infrastructure. In Kyiv, those attacks have&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/the-hidden-health-impact-of-russias-attacks-on-ukraines-energy-grid/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>We’re approaching our breaking point</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/09/were-approaching-our-breaking-point.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 09 Feb 2026 15:02:58 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/09/were-approaching-our-breaking-point.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f34537343-6.png&#34; alt=&#34;We’re approaching our breaking point&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!JNzI!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F96639309-1940-4bff-a857-9caa17b3f286_1500x500.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f96639309-1.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;485&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/96639309-1940-4bff-a857-9caa17b3f286_1500x500.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:485,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:true,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor’s Note:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Our team continues reporting under freezing temperatures, power outages, and constant instability in Ukraine. Heat, electricity, and reliable internet are never guaranteed, but the work doesn’t stop.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Your subscription covers backup power and warm essentials. Internally, I’ve seen a surge of our team asking for mental health services. Your subscription covers that too.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Support our work — upgrade to a paid subscription today.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Get Full Access!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Get Full Access!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Tip Jar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Tip Jar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;It’s hard to admit, but we’re exhausted, like so many other Ukrainians.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The year started off on an especially brutal note, with Russian attacks battering cities almost every night. The cold takes a particular toll on the body, increasing stress and exhaustion – and that’s even without considering the heating problems&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;With your permission, the Ukraine-based team at The Counteroffensive will take a break this week. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Tim is hard at working trying to commission a story from outside the country that we’ll run later in the week. And if there’s breaking news, we’ll jump into action.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;We are sincerely grateful to our readers for their constant support, which allows us to continue working even in such circumstances.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Read on to see what our reporters say they’ll do with their week: &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Myroslava, managing editor&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!EAUp!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F40502b45-0d9f-4b45-a845-c8b09700e0ae_960x1280.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f40502b45-0.jpg&#34; width=&#34;214&#34; height=&#34;285.3333333333333&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/40502b45-0d9f-4b45-a845-c8b09700e0ae_960x1280.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1280,&#34;width&#34;:960,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:214,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Me and my little boy in the Kyiv region, January 2026.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Every time I get even the smallest break from work, I feel a kind of joy that’s almost childlike. A whole week off feels like a rare gift. Lately, I’ve been working so much that I hardly get to just be with my little son, not multitasking, not rushing, but truly just being present for every moment. I am not planning any trips or big events.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I just want to spend quiet time with my family, which has become tough after I had to leave Kyiv while my husband needed to stay behind.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This rest comes with a quiet sadness; we’re not all together. Still, I want to fill these days with the smallest, most important things: playing with my son, hugging him, watching him learn to sit, stand, and eat on his own. These are our little daily victories. I also hope to see my parents in Kyiv, whom I don’t visit nearly as often as I’d like.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It won’t be an extraordinary week, but it will let me slow down and take a break from constant thoughts of work. Right now, that’s exactly what I need.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Mariana, creative editor&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I’ll sound unhinged saying this, but I want to go back to my cold apartment in Kyiv.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For more than two weeks, I’ve stayed with my parents in the Volyn region because I felt I couldn’t cope on my own: my mental and physical health had deteriorated badly. I’m still dealing with heightened anxiety, depressive episodes, and the swing between emotional overload and complete numbness — all of which come and go whenever I feel I’m losing control. Now it seems like I’ve truly lost it.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I’m tired. It sounds to me like a failure, like a weakness I sometimes feel I’m not allowed to have. At the same time, I’m slowly learning to look for the smallest things that give meaning to living another day. I already ordered puzzles to my home address in Kyiv, bought concert tickets, and want to visit the theater. For the first time in a long while, the darkness has brought back my fear of being alone. This week, I want to feel at peace being by myself again.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Video: One evening, my parents and I watched my childhood videos after I arrived in my hometown, Kovel, in the Volyn region.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-component-name=&#34;VideoPlaceholder&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;mediaUploadId&#34;:&#34;1dbdee1a-f418-4533-b5ce-5e1a2c6b9801&#34;,&#34;duration&#34;:null}&#39; data-sanitized-class=&#34;native-video-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Nastia, reporter&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I would like to view the news as simply a professional task. But news reports with dry statistics tell of the new reality facing everyone I’m close to. When I am safe, I still receive messages from my friends about how cold it is in Kyiv, that there was a nearby hit, or that they barely have power.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!Iipy!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc9747728-de0b-4b35-8362-96096bf60c6e_960x1280.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fc9747728-d.png&#34; width=&#34;259&#34; height=&#34;345.3333333333333&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/c9747728-de0b-4b35-8362-96096bf60c6e_960x1280.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1280,&#34;width&#34;:960,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:259,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Me with my mom Natalia and my cat Frosia. January 2026.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;You can’t separate yourself entirely from the experiences of other people that you’re covering either: each of them leaves another scar in your chest and drains you emotionally. I feel like I could use the break to restore my mental state.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This week, I want to do quiet things — reading, watching new television series or my favorite old ones, spending time with my sister, who isn’t going to school because of blackouts and the cold, and doing something creative — drawing or building small animal Lego sets. I haven’t allowed this for myself in a long time.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Tania, reporter&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This winter, my favorite city in the world is plunging into darkness and cold due to Russian attacks. As a reporter, I serve as a quiet observer.  But I am also a person who lives through the stories we talk about. Almost every day, I feel the cold creeping through two layers of sweaters and automatically scream in fear during another ballistic attack on the city, when even the foundations of our house seem to shake.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Now I am recovering from another depressive episode and returning to my studies at the university. The time we will get for ourselves will help me breathe a little, ground myself, start working on my thesis, and maybe even visit my hometown and my parents!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Sasha, reporter&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I value my personal space and time, but at some point, lonely days in a small Kyiv apartment with no electricity and no heat became unbearable. I see this week off as a chance not to worry about my family in Zaporizhzhia from afar, but to spend some time with them, despite the danger. Also, I will use this time to work on my Master’s thesis – it’s high time to start!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!7poo!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F87581c0f-2439-47f0-b5c3-e7d6ab447a18_650x1280.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f87581c0f-2.png&#34; width=&#34;154&#34; height=&#34;303.26153846153846&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/87581c0f-2439-47f0-b5c3-e7d6ab447a18_650x1280.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1280,&#34;width&#34;:650,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:154,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;My laptop died, so I joined my evening classes using a smartphone. January 2026&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Oleksandra,&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;strong&gt;reporter&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I’m usually a busy bee, trying to keep up with my career goals, being a good mom, and generally working towards making my dreams come true. I’m in remission after cancer and battling severe depression, so routine and mental stability are essential for this whole system to work. But blackouts and constant cold throw me off my usual daily routine more than I’d care to admit.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I really appreciate the opportunity to stop and redirect my attention to myself, to focus on how I feel and what my current mental state is. A week seems like a short time, but for me it’s five extra days to relax with a cup of coffee, spend time with my child, or schedule a long-delayed doctor’s appointment.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f34537343-6.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/d9dafd1d77.png&#34; width=&#34;252&#34; height=&#34;336&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/34537343-6d87-4e85-978a-9f900fca8e20_960x1280.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1280,&#34;width&#34;:960,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:252,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;My daughter and I went to feed the ducks on the banks of the Dnipro river. January 2026.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Oksana,&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;strong&gt;reporter&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br&gt;For a person like me, whose nervous system craves certainty, power outages proved to be challenging. When the power outages are unpredictable, I begin to second guess every part of my day. &lt;em&gt;“Should I go to sleep or wash my hair? Should I cook or go to sleep?” &lt;/em&gt;My inner dialogue starts to feel like a hyperactive roommate — always rushing somewhere and incapable of giving me time to breathe.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;It would be lovely to just breathe during the break. Perhaps I will read some books that might help my creativity awaken from its slumber. It often feels as though power outages chip away at my imagination and curiosity. Perhaps I will recover my buried whimsy? Maybe my boyfriend, who is in the military, will be able to get a day off, and I will go to Kharkiv to visit him so we can spend a few rare, delightful days together. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!EvJV!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F386f5cef-3a02-427f-b9f5-aa4a1ffe0180_960x1280.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f386f5cef-3.png&#34; width=&#34;223&#34; height=&#34;297.3333333333333&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/386f5cef-3a02-427f-b9f5-aa4a1ffe0180_960x1280.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1280,&#34;width&#34;:960,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:223,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;My silly beaver plushie, who looks as stressed as I feel, is looking at “Dracula” by Bram Stoker, a book I might read during my time off.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Nastia, reporter&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;After four years of war, living with constant stress and tension has started to feel like the norm. We go through our daily routines on autopilot, despite ongoing danger, power and heating outages, freezing cold, and endless challenges.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I want to focus on what helps me stay grounded. To remind myself what a real normal life should look like: not a dark and cold home, but meeting loved ones in cozy cafes, spending time with my 2-year-old daughter in playrooms filled with joy, children’s laughter, and the kind of carefree fun childhood is meant to be.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!fZqu!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe7cd0a93-ce40-49a0-be8d-8709c432dfa9_960x1280.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fe7cd0a93-c.jpg&#34; width=&#34;254&#34; height=&#34;338.6666666666667&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/e7cd0a93-ce40-49a0-be8d-8709c432dfa9_960x1280.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1280,&#34;width&#34;:960,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:254,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Me and my baby girl in a playroom, January 2026&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Earlier, spending a week off this way might have seemed mundane to me, something that wouldn’t truly feel like rest in a bigger sense. But now, creating small pockets of warmth and normality has proven to be more than enough to help me keep moving forward.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Liza, office manager&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Constant drone and missile attacks practically destroyed my sleep schedule and my desire to study and read more books. I would like to use this as a chance to study and get back on track with my daily routine - walks, reading, yoga when I feel overwhelmed.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I don’t want it to be a strict schedule, but rather flexible, so there won’t be any harsh deadlines that make me more anxious in these circumstances.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Also, because of the cold weather I haven’t had a chance to meet up with friends or visit my grandma in the village where she lives, a place with no wi-fi that feels like a retreat from social media. This will be a great chance to spend a week socializing and recharging my mental battery with comforting people and cozy conversations.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor’s Note:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Our team continues reporting under freezing temperatures, power outages, and constant instability in Ukraine. Heat, electricity, and reliable internet are never guaranteed, but the work doesn’t stop.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Your subscription helps us cover the basics our journalists need to keep going, from backup power to warm essentials. Despite everything, we keep bringing you stories because we understand our responsibility to you, our readers.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Support our work — upgrade to a paid subscription today.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Get Full Access!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Get Full Access!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Tip Jar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Tip Jar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Tim Mak and candidate for Congress George Conway talk about post-Trump reforms, and his Ukraine strategy.&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div data-component-name=&#34;VideoPlaceholder&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;mediaUploadId&#34;:&#34;cb35c5be-2250-4634-ac85-bc5c94f5aa8d&#34;,&#34;duration&#34;:null}&#39; data-sanitized-class=&#34;native-video-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;DARK KYIV:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;Instead of the usual Dog of War, today we are publishing a photo of Kyiv in the dark. This is how Mariana’s neighborhood looks now.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!FuCu!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc3d9b7cd-c397-4d7c-b533-5d797333bfd1_2048x1365.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fc3d9b7cd-c.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;970&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/c3d9b7cd-c397-4d7c-b533-5d797333bfd1_2048x1365.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:970,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Stay safe out there.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Best,&lt;br&gt;The Counteroffensive team&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/were-approaching-our-breaking-point&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>💔 UAVs in ODESA and KHARKIV. Russia recruits CRIMINALS for SABOTAGE</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/09/uavs-in-odesa-and-kharkiv.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 09 Feb 2026 15:00:45 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/09/uavs-in-odesa-and-kharkiv.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/8d59e54d69.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;💔 UAVs in ODESA and KHARKIV. Russia recruits CRIMINALS for SABOTAGE&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQCCG06wsk4&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Germany indicts Ukrainian national over alleged Russian-backed sabotage plot</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/09/germany-indicts-ukrainian-national-over.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 09 Feb 2026 14:56:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/09/germany-indicts-ukrainian-national-over.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/d52065f4a2.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Germany indicts Ukrainian national over alleged Russian-backed sabotage plot&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The suspect, identified as Yevhen B., was detained in Switzerland in May 2025 and extradited to Germany in December.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/germany-indicts-ukrainian-national-in-alleged-russian-backed-sabotage-plot/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine destroys nearly 6,000 Russian FPV drones in major strike on military targets, General Staff says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/09/ukraine-destroys-nearly-russian-fpv.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 09 Feb 2026 14:43:20 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/09/ukraine-destroys-nearly-russian-fpv.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/9ef3867f92.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine destroys nearly 6,000 Russian FPV drones in major strike on military targets, General Staff says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukraine targeted a Russian drone warehouse in Rostov-on-Don, located in Rostov Oblast, destroying three containers filled with FPV drones and their components, according to the report.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-destroys-nearly-6-000-fpv-drones-in-large-scale-strike-on-russian-military-targets-general-staff-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine, France move toward joint arms production with new agreement</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/09/ukraine-france-move-toward-joint.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 09 Feb 2026 13:52:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/09/ukraine-france-move-toward-joint.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/xl-11-5370959896.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine, France move toward joint arms production with new agreement&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;We are moving from supplies to joint production and long-term solutions that systematically strengthen our defense,&#34; Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-france-move-toward-joint-arms-production-with-new-agreement/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Mazda quietly returns to Russian market despite 2022 &#39;exit,&#39; report says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/09/mazda-quietly-returns-to-russian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 09 Feb 2026 13:17:38 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/09/mazda-quietly-returns-to-russian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-1165810912.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Mazda quietly returns to Russian market despite 2022 &#39;exit,&#39; report says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Mazda&#39;s Russian subsidiary has publicly introduced two crossover models — the CX-5 and CX-50 — sourced from a plant in China and sold with official warranties.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/mazda-quietly-returns-to-russian-market-despite-2022-exit/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Newsmax, conservative US network, launching Ukraine news channel this spring</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/09/newsmax-conservative-us-network-launching.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 09 Feb 2026 12:55:22 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/09/newsmax-conservative-us-network-launching.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2166055865.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Newsmax, conservative US network, launching Ukraine news channel this spring&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Newsmax, founded by Chris Ruddy, a close ally of U.S. President Donald Trump, will open a full-fledged editorial office in Ukraine to produce local and regional news content.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/newsmax-a-conservative-us-network-to-launch-ukraine-tv-channel/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Alleged assailants in shooting of Russian General Alekseev plead guilty, FSB claims</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/09/alleged-assailants-in-shooting-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 09 Feb 2026 12:33:36 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/09/alleged-assailants-in-shooting-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/al-212cp-jpg.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Alleged assailants in shooting of Russian General Alekseev plead guilty, FSB claims&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The FSB earlier said Alekseev&#39;s attackers were two individuals, Lyubomyr Korba and Viktor Vasin, who allegedly acted on Ukraine&#39;s orders. Kyiv denied these claims.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/alleged-assailants-in-attack-on-russian-general-alekseev-plead-guilty-russias-fsb-claims/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia accuses US of backing out of alleged Ukraine territory surrender agreement</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/09/russia-accuses-us-of-backing.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 09 Feb 2026 12:31:58 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/09/russia-accuses-us-of-backing.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2259583016.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia accuses US of backing out of alleged Ukraine territory surrender agreement&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;It seems that they proposed it and we were ready — and now they are not,&#34; Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-accuses-us-of-backing-out-of-alleged-ukraine-surrender-agreement/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>At least 5 killed, 36 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine over past day</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/09/at-least-killed-injured-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 09 Feb 2026 10:02:59 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/09/at-least-killed-injured-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/photo-2026-02-09-09-45-01.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;At least 5 killed, 36 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine over past day&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russia launched 11 Iskander-M ballistic missiles and 149 drones at Ukraine overnight, the Air Force said. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 116 drones.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/at-least-5-killed-39-injured-in-russian-attacks-on-ukraine-over-past-day/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Budapest blasts conscription in Ukraine, backs Hungarian suspected of smuggling draft evaders</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/09/budapest-blasts-conscription-in-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 09 Feb 2026 09:26:44 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/09/budapest-blasts-conscription-in-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/1539cced11.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Budapest blasts conscription in Ukraine, backs Hungarian suspected of smuggling draft evaders&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Hungarian government said on Feb. 8 that it is providing consular protection to its citizen detained by Ukraine over allegedly trying to help five Ukrainian draft-age men illegally cross the border.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/budapest-voices-support-for-hungarian-suspected-of-smuggling-ukrainian-men-across-border/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russian ATTACK on Odesa: “Shahed” drones hit the city #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/09/russian-attack-on-odesa-shahed.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 09 Feb 2026 09:25:08 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/09/russian-attack-on-odesa-shahed.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/0ec1edcaeb.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian ATTACK on Odesa: “Shahed” drones hit the city #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/5Pyz5sJ_-qU&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>General Staff: Russia has lost 1,247,580 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/09/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 09 Feb 2026 08:09:05 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/09/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/cdc38cd5e7.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;General Staff: Russia has lost 1,247,580 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The number includes 1,250 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/general-staff-russia-has-lost-1-247-580-troops-in-ukraine-since-feb-24-2022/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Mstyslav Chernov&#39;s film &#39;2,000 Meters to Andriivka&#39; wins Directors Guild of America award</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/09/mstyslav-chernovs-film-meters-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 09 Feb 2026 02:25:50 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/09/mstyslav-chernovs-film-meters-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-1759941515-1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Mstyslav Chernov&#39;s film &#39;2,000 Meters to Andriivka&#39; wins Directors Guild of America award&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukrainian director and journalist Mstyslav Chernov’s film &#34;2,000 Meters to Andriivka&#34; received the award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Documentary at the 2026 Directors Guild of America award ceremony on Feb. 7.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/mstyslav-chernovs-film-2-000-meters-to-andriivka-wins-directors-guild-of-america-award/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>PENTAGON and TWO UKRAINIAN DRONE MAKERS – now working together! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/08/pentagon-and-two-ukrainian-drone.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 08 Feb 2026 21:30:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/08/pentagon-and-two-ukrainian-drone.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/db02af05b3.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;PENTAGON and TWO UKRAINIAN DRONE MAKERS – now working together! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/KYZgAJwsDnE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>🎯 MISSILE GAME-CHANGER and Ukrainians in the PENTAGON. USA: end the war by JUNE – is it possible?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/08/missile-gamechanger-and-ukrainians-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 08 Feb 2026 21:00:20 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/08/missile-gamechanger-and-ukrainians-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/3c0b4f7af6.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🎯 MISSILE GAME-CHANGER and Ukrainians in the PENTAGON. USA: end the war by JUNE – is it possible?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3XcpdA7smY&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian ENERGY COMPANIES are restoring substations attacked by RUSSIA #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/08/ukrainian-energy-companies-are-restoring.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 08 Feb 2026 19:31:22 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/08/ukrainian-energy-companies-are-restoring.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/fd374e96d4.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian ENERGY COMPANIES are restoring substations attacked by RUSSIA #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/rTiUZTt2uKE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest: Zelensky warns of &#39;risk&#39; US, Russia could strike bilateral deals on Ukraine without Kyiv</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/08/ukraine-war-latest-zelensky-warns.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 08 Feb 2026 19:14:03 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/08/ukraine-war-latest-zelensky-warns.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/3909b64449.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest: Zelensky warns of &#39;risk&#39; US, Russia could strike bilateral deals on Ukraine without Kyiv&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Key developments on Feb. 7-8:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Zelensky warns of &#39;risk&#39; US, Russia could strike bilateral deals on Ukraine without Kyiv&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Russia causes &#39;significant damage&#39; to thermal plants, nuclear facilities in mass attack on Ukraine power grid&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Ukraine hits &#39;important&#39; Russian cruise missile fuel plant in&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-2026-02-07-08/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>THOUSANDS of drones and missiles AGAINST UKRAINE – ESCALATION amid Russian failures</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/08/thousands-of-drones-and-missiles.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 08 Feb 2026 19:00:16 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/08/thousands-of-drones-and-missiles.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/3176fb6223.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;THOUSANDS of drones and missiles AGAINST UKRAINE – ESCALATION amid Russian failures&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D50r00HMhc8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>🏚 Russians took MY HOME: emotions of a UKRAINIAN woman from occupied TOKMAK #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/08/russians-took-my-home-emotions.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 08 Feb 2026 18:30:05 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/08/russians-took-my-home-emotions.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/75ade28c22.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🏚 Russians took MY HOME: emotions of a UKRAINIAN woman from occupied TOKMAK #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/LyUIPaSAsms&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>General Staff: Russia has lost 1,246,330 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/08/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 08 Feb 2026 08:41:50 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/08/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2258313139.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;General Staff: Russia has lost 1,246,330 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The number includes 1,040 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/general-staff-russia-has-lost-1-246-330-troops-in-ukraine-since-feb-24-2022/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Pro-Ukrainian partisans disable military communication infrastructure in Russia&#39;s Belgorod Oblast, group claims</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/08/062827.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 08 Feb 2026 06:28:27 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/08/062827.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/screenshot-2026-02-08-at-12-12-44-am.png&#34; alt=&#34;Pro-Ukrainian partisans disable military communication infrastructure in Russia&#39;s Belgorod Oblast, group claims&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;An agent of our movement set fire to a hardware module at the base of a communication tower. As a result of the destruction of the ground equipment, all the infrastructure installed on the mast was completely de-energized and put out of action,&#34; the Atesh partisan group announced.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/pro-ukrainian-partisans-disable-military-communication-infrastructure-in-russias-belgorod-oblast-group-claims/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>❌ Putin&#39;s hit a DANGEROUS POINT: 2026 is gonna be a DECISIVE year in all aspects! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/07/putins-hit-a-dangerous-point.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 07 Feb 2026 23:30:19 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/07/putins-hit-a-dangerous-point.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/4fb5c70405.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❌ Putin&#39;s hit a DANGEROUS POINT: 2026 is gonna be a DECISIVE year in all aspects! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/kXw-ucyPAa8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>&amp;amp;quot;The first FRONTLINE that can crack inside RUSSIA is the&amp;amp;quot; – @AnnafromUkraine  | Wrap-Up Analytics</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/07/ampquotthe-first-frontline-that-can.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 07 Feb 2026 23:00:30 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/07/ampquotthe-first-frontline-that-can.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/c5afd7ab81.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&amp;quot;The first FRONTLINE that can crack inside RUSSIA is the&amp;quot; – @AnnafromUkraine  | Wrap-Up Analytics&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kv-ysSF4iLo&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
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      <title>🤖 AMERICAN microchips inside &amp;amp;quot;SHAHED&amp;amp;quot;? #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/07/213006.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 07 Feb 2026 21:30:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/07/213006.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/59fafc6b24.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🤖 AMERICAN microchips inside &amp;quot;SHAHED&amp;quot;? #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/EzJA4DOfnYY&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Shadow EXPORT OF MICROCHIPS: RUSSIA&#39;s schemes, sanction evasion, and &amp;amp;quot;FINDINGS&amp;amp;quot; inside WEAPONS</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/07/shadow-export-of-microchips-russias.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 07 Feb 2026 21:00:25 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/07/shadow-export-of-microchips-russias.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/9759e92489.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Shadow EXPORT OF MICROCHIPS: RUSSIA&#39;s schemes, sanction evasion, and &amp;quot;FINDINGS&amp;quot; inside WEAPONS&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXVXNEJlEfM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine&#39;s Neptune missiles strike energy facilities in Russia&#39;s Bryansk Oblast, governor claims</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/07/ukraines-neptune-missiles-strike-energy.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 07 Feb 2026 20:41:33 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/07/ukraines-neptune-missiles-strike-energy.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/5db112f898.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine&#39;s Neptune missiles strike energy facilities in Russia&#39;s Bryansk Oblast, governor claims&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;The Armed Forces of Ukraine attacked our region using long-range Neptune missiles and HIMARS multiple rocket launcher systems,&#34; Bryansk Oblast Governor Alexander Bogomaz claimed. &#34;As a result of the attack, power supply was disrupted in seven municipalities.&#34;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-neptune-missiles-strike-energy-facilities-in-russias-bryansk-oblast-governor-claims/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Russia&#39;s Belgorod Oblast faces blackouts, heating shortages for 3rd time this week</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/07/russias-belgorod-oblast-faces-blackouts.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 07 Feb 2026 20:16:50 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/07/russias-belgorod-oblast-faces-blackouts.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/4c32450bdb.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia&#39;s Belgorod Oblast faces blackouts, heating shortages for 3rd time this week&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Blackouts and heating outages were reported in the Russian city of Belgorod on Feb. 7 after alleged attacks on a local thermal power plant and electrical substation.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russias-belgorod-oblast-faces-blackouts-heating-shortages-for-3rd-time-this-week/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Intensity of RUSSIAN ATTACKS – sharply decreased #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/07/intensity-of-russian-attacks-sharply.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 07 Feb 2026 19:30:38 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/07/intensity-of-russian-attacks-sharply.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/96e303706f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Intensity of RUSSIAN ATTACKS – sharply decreased #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/P2b_G2nIxW8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>X-101 PRODUCTION BURNS: Russia’s STRATEGIC MISSILE PLANT is on FIRE as enemy front LOSES intensity</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/07/x-production-burns-russias-strategic.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 07 Feb 2026 19:00:59 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/07/x-production-burns-russias-strategic.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/c16db4b32d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;X-101 PRODUCTION BURNS: Russia’s STRATEGIC MISSILE PLANT is on FIRE as enemy front LOSES intensity&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wL-wn3yMs28&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Orban declares Ukraine &#39;enemy&#39; of Hungary</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/07/orban-declares-ukraine-enemy-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 07 Feb 2026 18:01:32 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/07/orban-declares-ukraine-enemy-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2257056643.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Orban declares Ukraine &#39;enemy&#39; of Hungary&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban criticized Ukraine for calling on the EU halt imports of cheap Russian energy. &#34;Anyone who says this is an enemy of Hungary, so Ukraine is our enemy,&#34; he said at a rally on Feb. 7.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/orban-declares-ukraine-enemy-of-hungary/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>🐧 This is RUSSIAN WAR CAMOUFLAGE – penguins, trash piles, and toilets #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/07/this-is-russian-war-camouflage.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 07 Feb 2026 17:30:19 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/07/this-is-russian-war-camouflage.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/7aeeb07e7b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🐧 This is RUSSIAN WAR CAMOUFLAGE – penguins, trash piles, and toilets #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/oY0y1dIPIrU&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>🔥 CHAOS – Russians WITHOUT STARLINK! Assaults in PENGUIN CAMOUFLAGE. NEW START Treaty EXPIRED!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/07/chaos-russians-without-starlink-assaults.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 07 Feb 2026 17:00:44 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/07/chaos-russians-without-starlink-assaults.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/6fa49c2764.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🔥 CHAOS – Russians WITHOUT STARLINK! Assaults in PENGUIN CAMOUFLAGE. NEW START Treaty EXPIRED!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LN34wqL2oA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>UK reportedly weighs seizure of Russian shadow fleet tanker, marking new enforcement tactic</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/07/uk-reportedly-weighs-seizure-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 07 Feb 2026 16:58:31 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/07/uk-reportedly-weighs-seizure-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/975234e24e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;UK reportedly weighs seizure of Russian shadow fleet tanker, marking new enforcement tactic&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;British defense officials told the Guardian that military options for seizing ships were discussed during consultations among NATO allies.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/uk-reportedly-weighs-seizure-of-russian-shadow-fleet-tanker-marking-new-enforcement-tactic/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>💥 One NPP unit shut down after RUSSIAN shelling – Zelenskyy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/07/one-npp-unit-shut-down.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 07 Feb 2026 16:49:12 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/07/one-npp-unit-shut-down.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/65fdffdca0.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;💥 One NPP unit shut down after RUSSIAN shelling – Zelenskyy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/WoLOfkbWi-4&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>⚡️ Ukrainian nuclear power plants reduced GENERATION due to Russian shelling! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/07/ukrainian-nuclear-power-plants-reduced.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 07 Feb 2026 15:30:37 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/07/ukrainian-nuclear-power-plants-reduced.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/b7755ed63c.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡️ Ukrainian nuclear power plants reduced GENERATION due to Russian shelling! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/eq-wXmfyfOY&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukraine&#39;s state postal service under fire for ads that appear to sexualize minors</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/07/ukraines-state-postal-service-under.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 07 Feb 2026 15:26:05 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/07/ukraines-state-postal-service-under.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/87f946a771.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine&#39;s state postal service under fire for ads that appear to sexualize minors&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The controversy erupted after promotional photos appeared on social media showing models styled as schoolgirls in a classroom setting, wearing outfits widely perceived as sexualized versions of high school uniforms.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-state-postal-service-faces-backlash-over-ad-campaign-accused-of-sexualizing-minors/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>&#39;Structural shift&#39;— EU ban on Russian gas set to harm Moscow long term, despite loopholes</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/07/structural-shift-eu-ban-on.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 07 Feb 2026 15:18:50 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/07/structural-shift-eu-ban-on.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/adabc23e24.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;Structural shift&#39;— EU ban on Russian gas set to harm Moscow long term, despite loopholes&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The European Union has approved a long-promised ban on Russian gas imports, a measure meant to lock in the bloc’s shift away from Moscow’s energy supplies nearly four years into Russia&#39;s full-scale war against Ukraine.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Still, the new ban contains major loopholes, meaning that&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/structural-shift-eu-ban-on-russian-gas-set-to-harm-russia-long-term-despite-loopholes/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Trump lifts extra 25% tariff on India after pledge to curb Russian oil imports</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/07/trump-lifts-extra-tariff-on.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 07 Feb 2026 15:03:44 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/07/trump-lifts-extra-tariff-on.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2198746304.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Trump lifts extra 25% tariff on India after pledge to curb Russian oil imports&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;India&#39;s Ministry of Commerce has not publicly confirmed the White House&#39;s claim that New Delhi agreed to halt imports of Russian oil.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/trump-lifts-extra-25-tariff-on-india/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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    <item>
      <title>🚨 &amp;amp;quot;Kalibrs&amp;amp;quot; &amp;amp;amp; &amp;amp;quot;Zircons&amp;amp;quot; pound Ukraine&#39;s energy grid! ZELENSKYY demands WESTERN REACTION</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/07/150131.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 07 Feb 2026 15:01:31 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/07/150131.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/4b02312aa8.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🚨 &amp;quot;Kalibrs&amp;quot; &amp;amp; &amp;quot;Zircons&amp;quot; pound Ukraine&#39;s energy grid! ZELENSKYY demands WESTERN REACTION&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvlZWeHrYKc&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukraine hits &#39;important&#39; Russian cruise missile fuel plant in Tver Oblast, drones spark &#39;massive fire&#39;</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/07/ukraine-hits-important-russian-cruise.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 07 Feb 2026 13:01:23 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/07/ukraine-hits-important-russian-cruise.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/324y392743423-2.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine hits &#39;important&#39; Russian cruise missile fuel plant in Tver Oblast, drones spark &#39;massive fire&#39;&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Data from the FIRMS satellite monitoring service, which tracks fires worldwide in near real time, showed active burning on the plant&#39;s territory following the strike.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-hits-important-russian-cruise-missile-fuel-plant/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>As global sports ease sanctions on Russia and Belarus, attention turns to Olympics</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/07/as-global-sports-ease-sanctions.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 07 Feb 2026 11:48:27 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/07/as-global-sports-ease-sanctions.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2259723331.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;As global sports ease sanctions on Russia and Belarus, attention turns to Olympics&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;One of the most talked-about moments at the Olympics came from Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych. After his race in Beijing in 2022, just days before Russia launched its full-scale invasion, he held up a sign reading &#34;No war in Ukraine.&#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;But his appeal went largely unheard.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Four&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/as-global-sports-ease-sanctions-on-russia-and-belarus-attention-turns-to-olympics/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Russia deploying Oreshnik missile in Belarus to &#39;draw country into war,&#39; Zelensky warns</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/07/russia-deploying-oreshnik-missile-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 07 Feb 2026 11:41:23 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/07/russia-deploying-oreshnik-missile-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/150fee3ef8.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia deploying Oreshnik missile in Belarus to &#39;draw country into war,&#39; Zelensky warns&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;We will make sure that &#39;Oreshnik&#39; does not even start operating,&#34; President Volodymyr Zelensky said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-warns-russia-deploying-oreshnik-missile-in-belarus-to-draw-country-into-war/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Zelensky warns of &#39;risk&#39; US, Russia could strike bilateral deals on Ukraine without Kyiv</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/07/zelensky-warns-of-risk-us.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 07 Feb 2026 10:01:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/07/zelensky-warns-of-risk-us.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/f0b13bce33.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky warns of &#39;risk&#39; US, Russia could strike bilateral deals on Ukraine without Kyiv&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;We clearly state that Ukraine will not support even potential agreements about us without us,&#34; President Volodymyr Zelensky said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-warns-of-risk-us-russia-could-strike-bilateral-deals-on-ukraine-without-kyiv/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>General Staff: Russia has lost 1,245,290 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/07/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 07 Feb 2026 08:56:41 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/07/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/e1fe9d0831.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;General Staff: Russia has lost 1,245,290 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The number includes 730 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/general-staff-russia-has-lost-1-245-290-troops-in-ukraine-since-feb-24-2022/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Russia launches mass attack on Ukraine, triggers emergency power outages</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/07/russia-launches-mass-attack-on.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 07 Feb 2026 06:57:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/07/russia-launches-mass-attack-on.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/photo-2026-02-07-00-57-56-2-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia launches mass attack on Ukraine, triggers emergency power outages&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russia carried out a mass attack on Ukraine&#39;s energy infrastructure in the early hours of Feb. 7, triggering emergency power outages across most regions, Ukraine&#39;s state grid operator Ukrenergo said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/mass-attack-ukraine-emergency-power-outages/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Drone discovered on Moldovan territory near Ukraine border</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/07/drone-discovered-on-moldovan-territory.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 07 Feb 2026 01:51:48 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/07/drone-discovered-on-moldovan-territory.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/moldova-drone.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Drone discovered on Moldovan territory near Ukraine border&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;An unidentified drone was found on Moldovan territory on Feb. 6, Moldovan authorities reported.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/drone-discovered-on-moldovan-territory-near-ukraine-border/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>US approves $185 million sale of spare parts for Ukraine’s vehicles and weapon systems</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/07/us-approves-million-sale-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 07 Feb 2026 00:45:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/07/us-approves-million-sale-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-1244028095-1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;US approves $185 million sale of spare parts for Ukraine’s vehicles and weapon systems&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The U.S. Department of State on Feb. 6 approved a potential $185 million “Foreign Military Sale” to Ukraine for spare parts and related equipment to support U.S.-supplied vehicles and weapon systems.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;According to the &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.dsca.mil/Press-Media/Major-Arms-Sales/Article-Display/Article/4399552/ukraine-class-ix-spare-parts&#34;&gt;announcement&lt;/a&gt;, the package includes Class IX spare parts and logistical support&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/us-approves-185-million-sale-of-spare-parts-for-ukraines-vehicles-and-weapon-systems/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>⚡️ Ukrainian interceptors will become the BASIS of the European DRONE WALL #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/06/ukrainian-interceptors-will-become-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 23:30:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/06/ukrainian-interceptors-will-become-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/fafb504c4d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡️ Ukrainian interceptors will become the BASIS of the European DRONE WALL #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/770AwutdQt8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>WAR OF THE FUTURE: Why expensive missile LOSE to cheap UAV &amp;amp;amp; what the new &amp;amp;quot;Drone Wall&amp;amp;quot; looks like</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/06/war-of-the-future-why.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 23:00:22 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/06/war-of-the-future-why.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/44e5adf57b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;WAR OF THE FUTURE: Why expensive missile LOSE to cheap UAV &amp;amp; what the new &amp;quot;Drone Wall&amp;quot; looks like&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsIdBGN1TZ4&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Second round of ABU DHABI TALKS: summary of agreements #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/06/second-round-of-abu-dhabi.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 22:30:09 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/06/second-round-of-abu-dhabi.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/4a7bfccb49.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Second round of ABU DHABI TALKS: summary of agreements #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ho78VlTHhbE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>🎲 NUCLEAR BLACKMAIL TRAP: can Trump CONTROL the situation, or the Kremlin plays its OWN GAME?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/06/nuclear-blackmail-trap-can-trump.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 22:00:51 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/06/nuclear-blackmail-trap-can-trump.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/db7bb4fbd4.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🎲 NUCLEAR BLACKMAIL TRAP: can Trump CONTROL the situation, or the Kremlin plays its OWN GAME?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_9deLb6oT4&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>⚡️ GRU general shot in MOSCOW: what is known? #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/06/gru-general-shot-in-moscow.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 21:30:03 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/06/gru-general-shot-in-moscow.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/79d92aa88a.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡️ GRU general shot in MOSCOW: what is known? #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/AzQPSgwnaSE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>UKRAINIAN BALLISTICS can reach MOSCOW. ATTACK on GRU general  &amp;amp;amp; COLLAPSE of Russian communications!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/06/ukrainian-ballistics-can-reach-moscow.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 21:00:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/06/ukrainian-ballistics-can-reach-moscow.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/3515c9943a.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;UKRAINIAN BALLISTICS can reach MOSCOW. ATTACK on GRU general  &amp;amp; COLLAPSE of Russian communications!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N97JkubZmpY&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>UKRAINIAN BALLISTICS FP-9: this can be used to hit MOSCOW! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/06/ukrainian-ballistics-fp-this-can.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 19:31:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/06/ukrainian-ballistics-fp-this-can.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/4c0e665bc1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;UKRAINIAN BALLISTICS FP-9: this can be used to hit MOSCOW! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ltcU6Os_tog&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Zelensky announces Air Force personnel changes amid regional air defense concerns</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/06/zelensky-announces-air-force-personnel.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 19:25:35 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/06/zelensky-announces-air-force-personnel.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2254593268-1-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky announces Air Force personnel changes amid regional air defense concerns&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The changes will target units that are responsible for intercepting Russian unmanned aerial vehicles, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-announces-air-force-personnel-changes-amid-regional-air-defense-concerns/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>FP9 TERRIFIES MOSCOW! Ukraine develops its own BALLISTIC MISSILE | Weapons with Starsky</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/06/fp-terrifies-moscow-ukraine-develops.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 19:00:49 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/06/fp-terrifies-moscow-ukraine-develops.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/1082ac9895.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;FP9 TERRIFIES MOSCOW! Ukraine develops its own BALLISTIC MISSILE | Weapons with Starsky&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnJWdCjs2hQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>💡 RESILIENCE POINT in KYIV: light and food for CIVILIANS in -20°C frost #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/06/resilience-point-in-kyiv-light.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 18:30:09 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/06/resilience-point-in-kyiv-light.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/6a8c310e0a.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;💡 RESILIENCE POINT in KYIV: light and food for CIVILIANS in -20°C frost #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/T7XzYh9EjmM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Moldovan president rejects Nobel Peace Prize nomination, says Ukrainian POWs deserve it instead</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/06/moldovan-president-rejects-nobel-peace.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 18:22:57 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/06/moldovan-president-rejects-nobel-peace.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/5e46c39702.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Moldovan president rejects Nobel Peace Prize nomination, says Ukrainian POWs deserve it instead&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;Today, I was watching Ukrainian (prisoners of war) who returned home from Russia, and these are the people who deserve the Peace Prize,&#34; Moldovan President Maia Sandu said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/moldovas-sandu-rejects-nobel-peace-prize-nomination-says-ukrainian-pows-deserve-it-instead/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>KYIV&#39;S &amp;amp;quot;POINTS OF RESILIENCE&amp;amp;quot;: How the EU HELPS Ukraine endure WINTER</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/06/kyivs-ampquotpoints-of-resilienceampquot-how.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 18:00:59 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/06/kyivs-ampquotpoints-of-resilienceampquot-how.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/de3313873a.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;KYIV&#39;S &amp;quot;POINTS OF RESILIENCE&amp;quot;: How the EU HELPS Ukraine endure WINTER&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0ihLsxCdLo&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Zelensky&#39;s ex-chief of staff Yermak meets top officials, keeps his influence, investigation shows</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/06/zelenskys-exchief-of-staff-yermak.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 17:43:33 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/06/zelenskys-exchief-of-staff-yermak.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/63b5fca322.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky&#39;s ex-chief of staff Yermak meets top officials, keeps his influence, investigation shows&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Some of the meetings could have been linked to Yermak&#39;s role in a corruption case involving state nuclear power monopoly Energoatom, the biggest corruption investigation during Zelensky&#39;s presidency, the news outlet reported.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelenskys-ex-chief-of-staff-yermak-meets-top-officials-keeps-his-influence-investigation-shows/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>The Ukrainian origins of avant-garde artist Kazimir Malevich, long mislabelled as Russian</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/06/the-ukrainian-origins-of-avantgarde.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 17:30:55 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/06/the-ukrainian-origins-of-avantgarde.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/0f1afffcfa.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;The Ukrainian origins of avant-garde artist Kazimir Malevich, long mislabelled as Russian&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In 2016, Natalia Zabolotna, then director of the Kyiv-based art gallery Mystetskyi Arsenal, proposed naming Kyiv’s main airport, Boryspil International Airport, after the famous avant-garde artist Kazimir Malevich.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Her idea was far from eccentric. Across Europe, airports serve as sites of cultural self-definition, carrying the names of compatriots&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/the-ukrainian-origins-of-avant-garde-artist-kazimir-malevich-long-mislabelled-as-russian/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>&amp;amp;quot;BRADLEY&amp;amp;quot; on THE ZAPORIZHIA FRONT: effective in both HEAT and COLD #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/06/ampquotbradleyampquot-on-the-zaporizhia-front.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 17:30:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/06/ampquotbradleyampquot-on-the-zaporizhia-front.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/fa957e0455.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&amp;quot;BRADLEY&amp;quot; on THE ZAPORIZHIA FRONT: effective in both HEAT and COLD #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/CTCSVeSjCxI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>€2 BILLION FOR UKRAINE DEFENSE: Bradley vehicles storm assaults &amp;amp;amp; failed FSB CYBERATTACK on Poland</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/06/billion-for-ukraine-defense-bradley.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 17:00:27 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/06/billion-for-ukraine-defense-bradley.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/4fc85f235d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;€2 BILLION FOR UKRAINE DEFENSE: Bradley vehicles storm assaults &amp;amp; failed FSB CYBERATTACK on Poland&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nb3JHsdNLZs&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Drone crashes at Polish military base, operator detained</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/06/drone-crashes-at-polish-military.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 16:49:57 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/06/drone-crashes-at-polish-military.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2256646570-1-1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Drone crashes at Polish military base, operator detained&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The drone, a small commercially available model, crashed at the 1st Air Cavalry Battalion&#39;s base in the Lodz province after snagging a tree. No damage was recorded, the Polish military police reported.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/drone-crashes-at-polish-military-base-operator-detained/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>&#39;18 prisoners in 24 hours&#39; — Ukraine&#39;s Azov International reveals video of Dobropillia clearing operation</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/06/prisoners-in-hours-ukraines-azov.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 16:36:19 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/06/prisoners-in-hours-ukraines-azov.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/screenshot-2026-02-06-at-5-14-44-pm.png&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;18 prisoners in 24 hours&#39; — Ukraine&#39;s Azov International reveals video of Dobropillia clearing operation&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Russian soldiers — roughly the size of an entire platoon — were taken prisoner during the final clearing of the village of Zoloty Kolodiaz near Dobropillia in Donetsk Oblast.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/18-prisoners-in-24-hours-azov-international-reveals-details-of-dobropillia-clearing-operation/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine must meet EU agricultural standards by 2028, says minister</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/06/ukraine-must-meet-eu-agricultural.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 16:14:55 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/06/ukraine-must-meet-eu-agricultural.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2160423002.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine must meet EU agricultural standards by 2028, says minister&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukraine must fully align its agricultural standards with the European Union by the end of 2028, Ukraine&#39;s Deputy Economy Minister Tasas Vysostky said on Feb. 6, as the country continues its push for membership.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-must-meet-eu-agricultural-standards-by-2028-says-minister/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Canadian female fighter at the forefront of Ukraine&#39;s drone war</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/06/canadian-female-fighter-at-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 16:12:25 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/06/canadian-female-fighter-at-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/canadian-fpv-pilot-1-4-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Canadian female fighter at the forefront of Ukraine&#39;s drone war&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Kyiv Independent’s Jared Goyette speaks with a Canadian volunteer, Brittney Shki-Giizis, who left the Canadian military to fight in Ukraine. A former tank instructor, she explains why she chose to come to the front, how she learned Ukrainian to serve in a Ukrainian unit, and how the war’s shift toward drones led her to become an FPV (first-person view) drone pilot.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/canadian-female-fighter-at-the-forefront-of-ukraines-drone-war/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine Reforms Tracker Weekly — Issue 44</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/06/ukraine-reforms-tracker-weekly-issue.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 16:01:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/06/ukraine-reforms-tracker-weekly-issue.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/6ebba5fe3e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine Reforms Tracker Weekly — Issue 44&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor’s note: This is issue 44 of Ukrainian lawmaker Yaroslav Zhelezniak’s weekly &#34;Ukraine Reforms Tracker&#34; covering events from Jan. 13–Feb. 6, 2026. The digest highlights steps taken in the Ukrainian parliament related to business, economics, and international financial programs.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h2 data-sanitized-id=&#34;imf-benchmarks-and-soft-commitments&#34;&gt;&lt;code&gt;IMF benchmarks and&lt;/code&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-reforms-tracker-weekly-issue-44/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>EU proposes &#39;powerful&#39; 20th Russia sanctions package with full ban on oil maritime services</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/06/eu-proposes-powerful-th-russia.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 15:41:32 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/06/eu-proposes-powerful-th-russia.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/fbca6da2bd.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;EU proposes &#39;powerful&#39; 20th Russia sanctions package with full ban on oil maritime services&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;The new package of sanctions covers energy, financial services, and trade,&#34; European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/eu-proposes-powerful-20th-russia-sanctions-package-with-full-ban-on-oil-maritime-services/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>❗️ Blocking STARLINK has paralyzed the RUSSIAN ARMY #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/06/blocking-starlink-has-paralyzed-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 15:30:03 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/06/blocking-starlink-has-paralyzed-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/11a07c725f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️ Blocking STARLINK has paralyzed the RUSSIAN ARMY #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/3zHcRrWOLFI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>CHAOS and FRIENDLY FIRE – Russians LOST STARLINK on the FRONTLINE! Ukraine in the EU by 2027?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/06/chaos-and-friendly-fire-russians.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 15:01:25 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/06/chaos-and-friendly-fire-russians.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/12557d286f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;CHAOS and FRIENDLY FIRE – Russians LOST STARLINK on the FRONTLINE! Ukraine in the EU by 2027?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8pem1GUv10&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Vehicle explosion kills soldier in Odesa, authorities suspect terrorist attack</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/06/vehicle-explosion-kills-soldier-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 14:36:33 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/06/vehicle-explosion-kills-soldier-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/627237892-1226119366328108-5498747347109274038-n.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Vehicle explosion kills soldier in Odesa, authorities suspect terrorist attack&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The victim of the explosion, which took place early in the morning, was a 21-year-old local man, local police wrote after the incident.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/vehicle-explosion-kills-soldier-in-odesa-authorities-suspect-terrorist-attack/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Former Ukraine border guard chief embroiled in bribery scandal dismissed from military</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/06/former-ukraine-border-guard-chief.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 13:15:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/06/former-ukraine-border-guard-chief.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/946c70634c.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Former Ukraine border guard chief embroiled in bribery scandal dismissed from military&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Serhiy Deineko, who headed the State Border Guard from 2019 to Jan. 4, 2026, was charged last month in relation to a 204,000 euro bribery scheme.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/former-ukraine-border-guard-chief-embroiled-in-bribery-scandal-dismissed-from-military/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest live: Kyiv carried out 3 offensive operations in 2025, including 2 inside Russia, Syrskyi says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/06/ukraine-war-latest-live-kyiv.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 13:01:22 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/06/ukraine-war-latest-live-kyiv.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/6fdd858aec.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest live: Kyiv carried out 3 offensive operations in 2025, including 2 inside Russia, Syrskyi says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Live coverage of Russia’s war against Ukraine with breaking news and frontline updates, updated 6 times today. Ukraine launched three offensive operations in 2025, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said on Feb. 6, according to RBC Ukraine.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-update-2026-02-06/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>US ambassador questions troop presence in Poland after official says Trump doesn&#39;t deserve Nobel Prize</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/06/us-ambassador-questions-troop-presence.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 12:26:34 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/06/us-ambassador-questions-troop-presence.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2228046207.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;US ambassador questions troop presence in Poland after official says Trump doesn&#39;t deserve Nobel Prize&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Poland has been among the United States&#39; closest allies in Europe since the 1990s.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/us-ambassador-questions-troop-presence-in-poland-after-official-says-trump-doesnt-deserve-nobel-prize/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Russia derides Macron&#39;s attempt at dialogue with Putin as &#39;pathetic diplomacy&#39;</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/06/russia-derides-macrons-attempt-at.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 11:03:48 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/06/russia-derides-macrons-attempt-at.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2259461355.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia derides Macron&#39;s attempt at dialogue with Putin as &#39;pathetic diplomacy&#39;&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;If you want to call and talk about something serious, then call. Putin will always pick up the phone,&#34; Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-derides-macrons-attempt-at-dialogue-with-putin/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>US Treasury chief ties new Russia sanctions to progress in Ukraine peace talks</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/06/us-treasury-chief-ties-new.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 10:06:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/06/us-treasury-chief-ties-new.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2260088551.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;US Treasury chief ties new Russia sanctions to progress in Ukraine peace talks&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the U.S. would take &#34;under consideration&#34; additional measures targeting Russia&#39;s so-called shadow fleet.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/us-treasury-chief-ties-new-russia-sanctions-to-progress-in-ukraine-peace-talks/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>BREAKING: Russian General Vladimir Alekseev shot multiple times in Moscow, Russian media reports</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/06/breaking-russian-general-vladimir-alekseev.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 09:07:56 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/06/breaking-russian-general-vladimir-alekseev.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/0d087266be.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;BREAKING: Russian General Vladimir Alekseev shot multiple times in Moscow, Russian media reports&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;He has been rushed to hospital and the gunman fled the scene, according to reports.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-general-vladimir-alekseev-shot-multiple-times-in-moscow-russian-media-reports/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russia launches Friday morning rush hour missile, drone attack on Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/06/russia-launches-friday-morning-rush.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 08:31:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/06/russia-launches-friday-morning-rush.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2259737488.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia launches Friday morning rush hour missile, drone attack on Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Air raid alerts were issued shortly before 9 a.m. Kyiv time, with Ukraine&#39;s Air Force warning of Shahed-type drones and missiles in the country&#39;s airspace.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-launches-friday-morning-rush-hour-missile-drone-attack-on-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Trump backs Orban ahead of April elections in Hungary</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/06/trump-backs-orban-ahead-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 02:16:55 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/06/trump-backs-orban-ahead-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/ae701e2912.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Trump backs Orban ahead of April elections in Hungary&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;U.S. President Donald Trump publicly endorsed Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban ahead of Hungary’s upcoming parliamentary elections in a Feb. 5 post on his Truth Social platform.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/trump-backs-orban-ahead-of-april-elections-in-hungary/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Power, heating outages reported in Russia’s Belgorod Oblast following missile attack</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/06/power-heating-outages-reported-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 00:38:50 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/06/power-heating-outages-reported-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/5b967741b6.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Power, heating outages reported in Russia’s Belgorod Oblast following missile attack&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Blackouts and heating outages were reported in Russia’s Belgorod Oblast overnight on Feb. 6 following a reported missile attack that damaged key energy infrastructure, including a thermal power plant and an electrical substation.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/power-heating-outages-hit-russias-belgorod-oblast-following-reported-missile-attack/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Editorial: What happens when oligarchs own media</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/06/editorial-what-happens-when-oligarchs.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 00:13:26 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/06/editorial-what-happens-when-oligarchs.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2260093453.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Editorial: What happens when oligarchs own media&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Those who choose to slash institutions that inform the public at moments like this render direct assistance to authoritarian regimes.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/editorial-what-happens-when-oligarchs-own-media/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>The Kremlin CANNOT ADVANCE! Russian assaults are being repelled by Ukrainian defenses</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/05/the-kremlin-cannot-advance-russian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2026 21:46:43 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/05/the-kremlin-cannot-advance-russian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/3a574a10e7.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;The Kremlin CANNOT ADVANCE! Russian assaults are being repelled by Ukrainian defenses&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTrBIiuGjk8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>⏳ Two years and 800,000 soldiers! Zelenskyy CALCULATES the end of Russia’s offensive in DONBAS</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/05/two-years-and-soldiers-zelenskyy.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2026 21:35:15 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/05/two-years-and-soldiers-zelenskyy.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/1fcdd4e369.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⏳ Two years and 800,000 soldiers! Zelenskyy CALCULATES the end of Russia’s offensive in DONBAS&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvic3Tm8qeI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>RUSSIA masks all its wars behind the OLYMPIC GAMES #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/05/russia-masks-all-its-wars.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2026 21:30:08 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/05/russia-masks-all-its-wars.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/18ca40a424.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;RUSSIA masks all its wars behind the OLYMPIC GAMES #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/m3Qfosh1nvc&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Epstein&#39;s Russia connections, explained</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/05/epsteins-russia-connections-explained.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2026 20:56:58 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/05/epsteins-russia-connections-explained.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/new-epstein-collage-ki.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Epstein&#39;s Russia connections, explained&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Polish Prime Minister &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/donald-tusk/&#34;&gt;Donald Tusk&lt;/a&gt; became the first high-ranking official to ask the question on everyone’s mind — Was convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein working with Russia?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;He added that Poland would investigate possible links between Epstein and Russian intelligence services.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The latest batch of Epstein-related documents, released&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/was-jeffrey-epstein-a-russian-asset-inside-his-extensive-ties-to-putins-inner-circle/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>🤯 RUSSIANS with WWII maps are attacking DONETSK REGION #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/05/russians-with-wwii-maps-are.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2026 20:30:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/05/russians-with-wwii-maps-are.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/5e63c1d7cb.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🤯 RUSSIANS with WWII maps are attacking DONETSK REGION #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/39gbzrAYj5M&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>⚡️ Ukraine’s FLAMINGOS hit &amp;amp;quot;ORESHNIK&amp;amp;quot; launch range, – Zelenskyy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/05/195258.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2026 19:52:58 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/05/195258.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/dc510502e5.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡️ Ukraine’s FLAMINGOS hit &amp;quot;ORESHNIK&amp;quot; launch range, – Zelenskyy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/8HwwJRbXSUc&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>💥 Missile barrages in the midst of PEACE NEGOTIATIONS: Russian tactics now! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/05/missile-barrages-in-the-midst.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2026 19:30:50 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/05/missile-barrages-in-the-midst.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/f03af2f750.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;💥 Missile barrages in the midst of PEACE NEGOTIATIONS: Russian tactics now! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/WR11JV332kU&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>New START expires, frees US, Russia from decades of nuclear arms restrictions</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/05/new-start-expires-frees-us.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2026 19:10:49 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/05/new-start-expires-frees-us.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2259459743.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;New START expires, frees US, Russia from decades of nuclear arms restrictions&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&#34;If it expires, it expires,&#34; U.S. President Donald Trump said in his interview with The New York Times when asked about his intentions to extend the New START treaty that officially ended on Feb. 5.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The expiration would put an end to the last bilateral agreement limiting&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/new-start-expires-releases-us-russia-from-decades-of-nuclear-arms-restrictions/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>🩸 KREMLIN&#39;S BLOODY &amp;amp;quot;DIPLOMACY&amp;amp;quot;: Sabotage of &amp;amp;quot;ENERGY CEASEFIRE&amp;amp;quot; and HYPOCRISY at Abu Dhabi TALKS</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/05/190020.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2026 19:00:20 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/05/190020.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/b1e9f6b8c8.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🩸 KREMLIN&#39;S BLOODY &amp;quot;DIPLOMACY&amp;quot;: Sabotage of &amp;quot;ENERGY CEASEFIRE&amp;quot; and HYPOCRISY at Abu Dhabi TALKS&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_RJUuqjo-g&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>As Russian losses in Ukraine mount, the Kremlin strains to avoid full mobilization</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/05/as-russian-losses-in-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2026 17:57:24 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/05/as-russian-losses-in-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2213618559.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;As Russian losses in Ukraine mount, the Kremlin strains to avoid full mobilization&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As casualties in Ukraine continue to mount, the Kremlin is seeking new sources of manpower while trying to avoid the political shock of full mobilization.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Just days before the New Year, Russian leader Vladimir Putin &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-update-2025-12-30/&#34;&gt;signed laws&lt;/a&gt; expanding military conscription. The changes allow year-round drafting and authorize the use of&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/inside-russias-2026-draft-strategy/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Nuclear CONFRONTATION reaches its PEAK! ☢️ New START treaty expires TODAY #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/05/nuclear-confrontation-reaches-its-peak.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2026 17:31:26 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/05/nuclear-confrontation-reaches-its-peak.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/52f1bfe9ca.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Nuclear CONFRONTATION reaches its PEAK! ☢️ New START treaty expires TODAY #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/SP0Ylr6S3Ag&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>☢️ END OF CONTROL ERA: New START treaty expired. Russia LOSING new NUCLEAR RACE from the start!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/05/end-of-control-era-new.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2026 17:00:03 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/05/end-of-control-era-new.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/4bb211eacb.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;☢️ END OF CONTROL ERA: New START treaty expired. Russia LOSING new NUCLEAR RACE from the start!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IkW_t2cTcE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>⚡️ UKRAINE will maintain 800K ARMY after WAR, – Zelenskyy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/05/ukraine-will-maintain-k-army.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2026 16:41:21 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/05/ukraine-will-maintain-k-army.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/5d3f77ab46.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡️ UKRAINE will maintain 800K ARMY after WAR, – Zelenskyy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/6yWFilbx69U&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>EU ambassador pushes back on criticism of Europe&#39;s decision-making</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/05/eu-ambassador-pushes-back-on.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2026 16:04:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/05/eu-ambassador-pushes-back-on.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/katari-na-mathernova-1-1-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;EU ambassador pushes back on criticism of Europe&#39;s decision-making&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Kyiv Independent’s Oleksiy Sorokin speaks with Katarina Mathernova, the European Union Ambassador to Ukraine, after Russia&#39;s large-scale missile and drone attack on Kyiv during one of the coldest days of the winter, leaving parts of the city without heat and electricity.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/eu-ambassador-pushes-back-on-criticism-of-europes-decision-making/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Kyiv eases draft rules for some energy workers as Russian attacks deepen crisis</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/05/kyiv-eases-draft-rules-for.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2026 16:02:51 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/05/kyiv-eases-draft-rules-for.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-1247620410.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Kyiv eases draft rules for some energy workers as Russian attacks deepen crisis&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The government has allowed companies that manufacture and repair transformer equipment to retain 100% of their draft-eligible employees, Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko said on Feb. 5.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/kyiv-eases-draft-rules-for-some-energy-workers-as-russian-attacks-deepen-crisis/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukraine battlefield update: Strategic, operational, and defense technology shifts — next KI Insights monthly briefing</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/05/ukraine-battlefield-update-strategic-operational.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2026 15:36:47 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/05/ukraine-battlefield-update-strategic-operational.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/website-3x2-5-.png&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine battlefield update: Strategic, operational, and defense technology shifts — next KI Insights monthly briefing&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ukraine’s armed forces face mounting challenges along the southern and eastern fronts, where new technology, tactical shifts, force regeneration, and resource constraints are reshaping the battlefield. What are the key dynamics driving current operations, and how might they evolve in the months ahead?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Join an exclusive KI Insights&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-battlefield-update-strategic-operational-and-defense-technology-shifts-next-ki-insights-monthly-briefing/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>🤔 Rubio hints at an UNEXPECTED BREAKTHROUGH in peace talks #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/05/rubio-hints-at-an-unexpected.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2026 15:30:12 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/05/rubio-hints-at-an-unexpected.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2d252bb30c.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🤔 Rubio hints at an UNEXPECTED BREAKTHROUGH in peace talks #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/7p3WFm5aOw8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>🇺🇦 157 UKRAINIANS – home! POWs exchange after a long pause #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/05/ukrainians-home-pows-exchange-after.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2026 15:02:32 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/05/ukrainians-home-pows-exchange-after.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2147a59cb8.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🇺🇦 157 UKRAINIANS – home! POWs exchange after a long pause #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/j7NgEe09v3s&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>DECISIVE day in UAE. U.S. hints at NEGOTIATION BREAKTHROUGH!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/05/decisive-day-in-uae-us.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2026 15:00:23 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/05/decisive-day-in-uae-us.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/48b0f0a523.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;DECISIVE day in UAE. U.S. hints at NEGOTIATION BREAKTHROUGH!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Z5IbxVeLCc&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukraine war latest live: Russian drones hit railway, Invincibility Train sheltering civilians in Sumy Oblast</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/05/ukraine-war-latest-live-russian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2026 14:54:08 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/05/ukraine-war-latest-live-russian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/image-2026-02-05-15-11-40.png&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest live: Russian drones hit railway, Invincibility Train sheltering civilians in Sumy Oblast&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Live coverage of Russia’s war against Ukraine with breaking news and frontline updates, updated 5 times today. Russian forces carried out a mass drone attack on railway infrastructure in Ukraine&#39;s Sumy Oblast overnight, damaging rail facilities and striking an Invincibility Train used to provide warmth and basic services to civilians, Ukrainian officials reported on Feb. 5.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-update-2026-02-05/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>“Train of invincibility” keeps Kharkiv rail passengers warm during coldest winter since Russia’s full-scale invasion </title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/05/train-of-invincibility-keeps-kharkiv.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2026 13:54:47 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/05/train-of-invincibility-keeps-kharkiv.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width=&#34;1900&#34; height=&#34;1267&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/0aff2b329a.jpg&#34; alt=&#39;Woman with a battery-powered generator in &#34;carriage of invincibility&#34;&#39; data-sanitized-class=&#34;attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;UKRAINE, KHARKIV&lt;/strong&gt;, Feb. 5 —  Leaning against the wall of the long train corridor, Yulia Berko watches her son play with other children in the compartment. She waits for her train to Odesa, the city south of Ukraine, one of the places in the country where the weather is still around 0°C (32°F). &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“It’s cozy here, and kids can draw and play, so we came here to warm up,” Yulia says. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The carriage is full of visitors, some of them covered in blankets. In some compartments, large thermoses with hot drinks and instant food are on display. The train isn’t moving — it’s not supposed to, for now.  &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;On Feb. 4, Russia launched another massive attack at Kharkiv, severely damaging power infrastructure, and &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/cherez-rosijski-ataki-u-harkovi-bez-tepla-zalishilisya-blizko-100-tisyach-rodin-shmigal/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;leaving&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;em&gt; nearly 100,000 locals&lt;/em&gt; without heating as temperatures dropped to -20°C (-4°F). &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;To help Kharkiv, Ukrainian railway company Ukrazaliznytsia &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1D7LLuYq5c/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;sent&lt;/a&gt; six carriages of invincibility, where anyone could keep warm, find an internet connection, charge their devices, and so on. Two other carriages were sent to Kyiv, which also suffered from the Russian attack. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The name “trains of invincibility&#34; refers to the “points of invincibility” — special places set up by Ukrainian authorities across the country that operate around the clock and free of charge during power, heating or communications outages. They provide basic necessities, including heat, water, internet access, electricity for charging devices and lighting.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;From 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., each carriage accommodates up to 50 people at a time and includes a separate children compartment with children’s literature, coloring books and cartoons — and pet-friendly compartments. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“We heat up carriages, and provide hot drinks for those who come to warm up,” says train conductor Natalia Mykhailenko when asked about her duties. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Zhanna Andriianova, another visitor of the “train of invincibility” shares that she came here to drink a hot coffee and spend time with her family, while waiting for her train. She doesn’t share where she’s going.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“This is really helpful, during these cold times,&#34; Zhanna says with a smile on her face. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Earlier, the US Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham &lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/LindseyGrahamSC/status/2018701286976221271&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;urged&lt;/a&gt; President Donald Trump to provide Ukraine with Tomahawk long-range missiles in response to Russian attacks on the country’s power infrastructure.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-heading&#34;&gt;Read more &lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;ul data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-list&#34;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Russian forces &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/russian-forces-continue-their-attacks-on-kharkiv-energy-infrastructure-leaving-people-without-heating-electricity/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;continue&lt;/a&gt; their attacks on Kharkiv energy infrastructure, leaving people without heating, electricity&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p data-sanitized-class=&#34;has-background&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Hi, Nazar’s on duty! I visited “trains of invincibility&#34; to show you how Ukrainians even in the coldest and darkest times find the way to pull themselves together and keep warm and hope in their hearts. If you want to warm us up in Gwara’s newsroom, please consider&lt;/em&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://buymeacoffee.com/gwaramedia&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt; buying us a (hot) coffee&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;em&gt; or becoming a &lt;/em&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://buymeacoffee.com/gwaramedia/membership&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;member of our community&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;em&gt;.   &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The post &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/train-of-invincibility-keeps-kharkiv-rail-passengers-warm-during-coldest-winter-since-russias-full-scale-invasion/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;“Train of invincibility” keeps Kharkiv rail passengers warm during coldest winter since Russia’s full-scale invasion &lt;/a&gt; appeared first on &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;Gwara Media&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/train-of-invincibility-keeps-kharkiv-rail-passengers-warm-during-coldest-winter-since-russias-full-scale-invasion/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>I tested Russia&#39;s AI. It knows the truth, but it&#39;s been trained to lie</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/05/i-tested-russias-ai-it.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2026 13:35:32 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/05/i-tested-russias-ai-it.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-1800875079.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;I tested Russia&#39;s AI. It knows the truth, but it&#39;s been trained to lie&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;When a Russian-speaking user asks Alice, Russia&#39;s most popular AI system, who started the war in Ukraine, the answer comes without hesitation: Ukraine did, backed by the West. The Bucha massacre? Staged. Nazi government in Kyiv? Confirmed.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This is not a fringe chatbot. This is Russia&#39;s&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/how-russia-turned-ai-into-a-cognitive-weapon-or/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>BREAKING: &#39;Catastrophe&#39; for Russia as forces lose Starlink access across front line in Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/05/breaking-catastrophe-for-russia-as.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2026 13:23:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/05/breaking-catastrophe-for-russia-as.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/256fd1ebce.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;BREAKING: &#39;Catastrophe&#39; for Russia as forces lose Starlink access across front line in Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;The enemy at the front doesn&#39;t have a problem, the enemy has a catastrophe,&#34; Serhiy &#34;Flash&#34; Bezkrestnov said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/not-a-problem-a-catastrophe-russias-starlinks-switch-off-across-front-line/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>European officials warn Russian veterans could play a role in Moscow’s shadow war</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/05/european-officials-warn-russian-veterans.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2026 13:21:54 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/05/european-officials-warn-russian-veterans.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/52535beb00.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;European officials warn Russian veterans could play a role in Moscow’s shadow war&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Europe must ban entry to all Russian veterans of the war against Ukraine or face a surge in crime rates and hybrid attacks, Estonian officials have warned.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/estonia/&#34;&gt;Estonian&lt;/a&gt; Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna warned that battle-hardened &#34;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/02/01/putin-send-thousands-criminals-wreak-havoc-across-europe/&#34;&gt;ex-prisoners and rapists&lt;/a&gt;&#34; could flood Europe after the war and carry out nefarious&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/europe-fears-flood-of-russian-veterans-could-feed-moscows-hybrid-war/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Pentagon invites 2 Ukrainian drone makers to &#39;The Gauntlet&#39; — $1.1 billion in contracts at stake</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/05/pentagon-invites-ukrainian-drone-makers.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2026 11:48:35 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/05/pentagon-invites-ukrainian-drone-makers.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/a198fd72b6.png&#34; alt=&#34;Pentagon invites 2 Ukrainian drone makers to &#39;The Gauntlet&#39; — $1.1 billion in contracts at stake&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Following the first phase, the Pentagon says it will order $150 million in prototypes from successful competitors.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/pentagon-invites-2-ukrainian-drone-makers-to-the-gauntlet-1-1-billion-in-contracts-at-stake/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>BREAKING: Ukraine, Russia agree on exchange of &#39;314 prisoners&#39; during peace talks, US envoy says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/05/breaking-ukraine-russia-agree-on.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2026 11:30:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/05/breaking-ukraine-russia-agree-on.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2216911228-1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;BREAKING: Ukraine, Russia agree on exchange of &#39;314 prisoners&#39; during peace talks, US envoy says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Delegations from Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S. reached an agreement to swap &#34;314 prisoners&#34; between Kyiv and Moscow on the second day of peace talks in Abu Dhabi on Feb. 5, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/breaking-ukraine-russia-agree-on-exchange-of-314-prisoners-during-peace-talks-us-envoy-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine strikes Russia&#39;s Oreshnik launch site in Kapustin Yar with Flamingo missiles, General Staff says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/05/ukraine-strikes-russias-oreshnik-launch.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2026 11:12:23 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/05/ukraine-strikes-russias-oreshnik-launch.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-1601803715.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine strikes Russia&#39;s Oreshnik launch site in Kapustin Yar with Flamingo missiles, General Staff says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The General Staff attributed the strikes to &#34;using long-range strike weapons of Ukrainian production, particularly the FP-5 &#39;Flamingo.&#39;&#34;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-strikes-russias-oreshnik-launch-site-in-kapustin-yar-with-flamingo-missiles-general-staff-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>&#39;Ukraine cannot be left alone&#39; — Polish prime minister arrives in Kyiv as Russian strikes deepen energy crisis</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/05/ukraine-cannot-be-left-alone.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2026 09:09:20 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/05/ukraine-cannot-be-left-alone.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/324324324242423-2.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;Ukraine cannot be left alone&#39; — Polish prime minister arrives in Kyiv as Russian strikes deepen energy crisis&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk is expected to later hold talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/polands-prime-minister-arrives-in-kyiv-amid-energy-crisis/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine, US, Russia begin 2nd day of peace talks in Abu Dhabi</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/05/ukraine-us-russia-begin-nd.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2026 08:25:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/05/ukraine-us-russia-begin-nd.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/photo-2026-02-04-18-26-25.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine, US, Russia begin 2nd day of peace talks in Abu Dhabi&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;We are working in the same formats as yesterday: trilateral consultations, group work, and further synchronization of positions,&#34; Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-us-russia-begin-2nd-day-of-peace-talks-in-abu-dhabi/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>EBRD provides record 2.9 billion euros to Ukraine in 2025, prioritizing war-hit energy sector</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/05/ebrd-provides-record-billion-euros.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2026 08:00:30 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/05/ebrd-provides-record-billion-euros.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/16fb25443c.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;EBRD provides record 2.9 billion euros to Ukraine in 2025, prioritizing war-hit energy sector&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Energy investments made up over 1.2 billion euros of the bank&#39;s financing to Ukraine last year, providing support for gas imports, decentralized generation, emergency repairs, as well as long-term reconstruction of the energy sector, the bank said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ebrd-provides-record-2-9-billion-to-ukraine-in-2025-prioritizing-war-hit-energy-sector/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>European LNG imports from key Russian terminal rise 8% year-over-year, reach nearly 1.7 million tons in January, watchdog finds</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/05/european-lng-imports-from-key.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2026 04:49:08 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/05/european-lng-imports-from-key.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/03a7e7756f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;European LNG imports from key Russian terminal rise 8% year-over-year, reach nearly 1.7 million tons in January, watchdog finds&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russia&#39;s flagship liquified natural gas (LNG) export terminal, Yamal LNG, exported a total of 1,690,517 metric tons of LNG to European markets last month, accounting for an 8% increase compared to January 2025, German environmental NGO Urgewald found in a report published Feb. 4.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/european-lng-imports-from-key-russian-terminal-rise-8-year-over-year-imports-reached-nearly-1-7-tons-in-january-watchdog-finds/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Explosions, damage reported in Kyiv amid Russian drone attack</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/05/explosions-damage-reported-in-kyiv.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2026 02:58:12 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/05/explosions-damage-reported-in-kyiv.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/10580e29f5.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Explosions, damage reported in Kyiv amid Russian drone attack&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;After a short pause in attacks on Kyiv at the request of U.S. President Donald Trump, Russia has resumed attacks on the capital in recent days as residents continue to contend with freezing temperatures.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/explosions-damage-reported-in-kyiv-amid-russian-drone-attack/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>&#39;Targeted attack&#39; — Tens of thousands without power in Zaporizhzhia as Russia hammers region&#39;s energy system</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/05/targeted-attack-tens-of-thousands.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2026 00:24:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/05/targeted-attack-tens-of-thousands.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2247211053.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;Targeted attack&#39; — Tens of thousands without power in Zaporizhzhia as Russia hammers region&#39;s energy system&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;The Russians are conducting a targeted attack on Zaporizhzhia and the region all day long. As a result of the attacks, over 53,000 subscribers...are without electricity,&#34; Governor Ivan Fedorov reported.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/targeted-attack-tens-of-thousands-without-power-in-zaporizhzhia-as-russia-hammers-regions-energy-system/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>At least 55,000 Ukrainian soldiers killed in Russia&#39;s war, with many more missing, Zelensky tells French media</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/04/at-least-ukrainian-soldiers-killed.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2026 23:12:44 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/04/at-least-ukrainian-soldiers-killed.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/4d44de68c5.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;At least 55,000 Ukrainian soldiers killed in Russia&#39;s war, with many more missing, Zelensky tells French media&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;It would also cost Russia &#34;800,000 more corpses&#34; to take eastern Ukraine by force, President Volodymyr Zelensky told France TV in a Feb. 4 interview.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/at-least-55-000-ukrainian-soldiers-killed-in-russias-war-with-many-more-missing-zelensky-tells-french-media/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia claims US &#39;ignored&#39; offers to extend nuclear arms control agreement as key treaty set to expire</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/04/russia-claims-us-ignored-offers.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2026 21:53:46 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/04/russia-claims-us-ignored-offers.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/fa340652e6.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia claims US &#39;ignored&#39; offers to extend nuclear arms control agreement as key treaty set to expire&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The New START Treaty, signed by Russia and the U.S. in 2010 and set to expire on Feb. 5, 2026, places mutual limits on strategic nuclear warheads and launchers.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-claims-us-ignored-offers-to-extend-nuclear-arms-control-agreement-as-treaty-set-to-expire/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Keith Kellogg says he left Trump&#39;s White House to be &#39;free to talk&#39; about Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/04/keith-kellogg-says-he-left.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2026 21:34:47 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/04/keith-kellogg-says-he-left.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2199666884.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Keith Kellogg says he left Trump&#39;s White House to be &#39;free to talk&#39; about Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Keith Kellogg, formerly U.S. President Donald Trump&#39;s envoy on Ukraine and widely regarded in Kyiv as one of the most pro-Ukrainian voices in the White House, said his work on Ukraine is far from over after leaving government at the end of 2025.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A highly decorated, retired&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/keith-kellogg-says-he-left-trumps-white-house-to-be-free-to-talk-about-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>🚀 Arm UKRAINE with &amp;amp;quot;TOMAHAWKS&amp;amp;quot; – NOW! Senator GRAM’s appeal to TRUMP #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/04/arm-ukraine-with-ampquottomahawksampquot-now.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2026 21:30:05 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/04/arm-ukraine-with-ampquottomahawksampquot-now.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/4e8bdd6d8b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🚀 Arm UKRAINE with &amp;quot;TOMAHAWKS&amp;quot; – NOW! Senator GRAM’s appeal to TRUMP #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/_GYHgPTnKmo&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>🚀 GRAHAM&#39;S ULTIMATUM: Senator DEMANDS White House Weapons for WAR BREAKTHROUGH</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/04/grahams-ultimatum-senator-demands-white.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2026 21:00:35 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/04/grahams-ultimatum-senator-demands-white.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/8a287fbbe5.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🚀 GRAHAM&#39;S ULTIMATUM: Senator DEMANDS White House Weapons for WAR BREAKTHROUGH&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cer2t5YxvlU&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Kyiv groans a collective ‘WTF?’ to Trump’s latest Putin comments</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/04/kyiv-groans-a-collective-wtf.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2026 20:32:28 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/04/kyiv-groans-a-collective-wtf.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2259266410.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Kyiv groans a collective ‘WTF?’ to Trump’s latest Putin comments&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;U.S. President Donald Trump&#39;s claim that his Russian counterpart &#34;kept his word&#34; by not launching mass missile and drone strikes against Ukraine&#39;s energy infrastructure for a week has been met with bewilderment and dismay in Kyiv.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&#34;I believe this is either a&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/kyiv-groans-a-collective-wtf-to-trumps-latest-putin-comments/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>POKROVSK SECTOR: Russian mechanized assaults under FOG cover  #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/04/pokrovsk-sector-russian-mechanized-assaults.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2026 20:30:05 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/04/pokrovsk-sector-russian-mechanized-assaults.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/62152d1d48.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;POKROVSK SECTOR: Russian mechanized assaults under FOG cover  #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/BCYPzOJtjhE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>PEACE TALKS in ABU DHABI: Zelenskyy reveals DETAILS #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/04/peace-talks-in-abu-dhabi.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2026 20:11:43 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/04/peace-talks-in-abu-dhabi.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/aabf8feeb2.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;PEACE TALKS in ABU DHABI: Zelenskyy reveals DETAILS #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/iWoLAj_0bgI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Kyiv bureau among those axed by Jeff Bezos&#39; Washington Post, hundreds of journalists laid off</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/04/kyiv-bureau-among-those-axed.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2026 20:05:58 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/04/kyiv-bureau-among-those-axed.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2257983026.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Kyiv bureau among those axed by Jeff Bezos&#39; Washington Post, hundreds of journalists laid off&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;I was just laid off by The Washington Post in the middle of a warzone. I have no words. I&#39;m devastated,&#34; Ukraine correspondent Lizzie Johnson wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/jeff-bezos-washington-post-shuts-down-kyiv-bureau-fires-staff/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>EU agrees details on 90 billion euro lifeline to Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/04/eu-agrees-details-on-billion.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2026 19:35:39 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/04/eu-agrees-details-on-billion.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/dsc07527-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;EU agrees details on 90 billion euro lifeline to Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The proposal will now be put to the European Parliament. If approved, the cash could arrive by spring.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/eu-agrees-details-on-90-billion-euro-lifeline-to-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>⚔️ TANKS ENTER THE FIGHT: Pokrovsk under MAXIMUM PRESSURE. Ukraine repels mechanized assaults</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/04/tanks-enter-the-fight-pokrovsk.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2026 19:00:21 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/04/tanks-enter-the-fight-pokrovsk.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/9c4c8f2a2b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚔️ TANKS ENTER THE FIGHT: Pokrovsk under MAXIMUM PRESSURE. Ukraine repels mechanized assaults&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGiXWGb81E8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>North Korean troops in Russia attack Ukrainian border communities, HUR says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/04/north-korean-troops-in-russia.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2026 18:39:11 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/04/north-korean-troops-in-russia.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2258927721.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;North Korean troops in Russia attack Ukrainian border communities, HUR says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukraine’s military intelligence says North Korean troops fighting under Russian command are attacking Ukrainian border communities from Russia’s Kursk Oblast.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/north-korean-troops-carry-out-attacks-on-ukraines-border-area-ukraines-military-intelligence-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>🤡 NATO&#39;s existence once again upsets RUSSIANS! Another HISTERIA on Russian TV #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/04/natos-existence-once-again-upsets.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2026 18:30:11 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/04/natos-existence-once-again-upsets.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/6b0a70e70d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🤡 NATO&#39;s existence once again upsets RUSSIANS! Another HISTERIA on Russian TV #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Zkf4q194xM8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>PSEUDO-HISTORY &amp;amp; DISINFORMATION: Kremlin&#39;s propaganda machine NEVER STOPS | Hatespeech</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/04/180138.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2026 18:01:38 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/04/180138.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/c6c06ad55d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;PSEUDO-HISTORY &amp;amp; DISINFORMATION: Kremlin&#39;s propaganda machine NEVER STOPS | Hatespeech&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWXfMnCfBQk&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>🇺🇦 🇸🇪 Ukrainian weapons to be assembled in SWEDEN! STOCKHOLM made an ANNOUNCEMENT #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/04/ukrainian-weapons-to-be-assembled.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2026 17:30:17 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/04/ukrainian-weapons-to-be-assembled.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/60c3d8997f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🇺🇦 🇸🇪 Ukrainian weapons to be assembled in SWEDEN! STOCKHOLM made an ANNOUNCEMENT #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/NEzXp4sMkIs&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukraine appoints Oleh Luhovskyi as interim head of Foreign Intelligence Service</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/04/ukraine-appoints-oleh-luhovskyi-as.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2026 17:13:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/04/ukraine-appoints-oleh-luhovskyi-as.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/photo-2026-01-13-14-19-46.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine appoints Oleh Luhovskyi as interim head of Foreign Intelligence Service&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed Major General Oleh Luhovskyi as acting head of Ukraine&#39;s Foreign Intelligence Service on Feb. 4.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-appoints-oleh-luhovskyi-as-interim-head-of-foreign-intelligence-service/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>$325 million — that&#39;s how much it cost Russia to bomb Ukraine in latest missile, drone attack, HUR says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/04/million-thats-how-much-it.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2026 17:09:53 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/04/million-thats-how-much-it.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2259210219.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;$325 million — that&#39;s how much it cost Russia to bomb Ukraine in latest missile, drone attack, HUR says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;These funds could have financed Russia&#39;s Jewish Autonomous Oblast for &#34;an entire year,&#34; HUR said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/mass-attack-on-ukraines-energy-infrastructure-cost-russia-almost-325-million-ukrainian-intelligence-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>COLLAPSE IN SIGHT: West tightens NOOSE around RUSSIA! Sweden sends radars &amp;amp; air defense to UKRAINE</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/04/collapse-in-sight-west-tightens.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2026 17:01:31 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/04/collapse-in-sight-west-tightens.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/c42442f158.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;COLLAPSE IN SIGHT: West tightens NOOSE around RUSSIA! Sweden sends radars &amp;amp; air defense to UKRAINE&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOo9NPHtw18&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>LIVE | 🛩 Russia&#39;s aviation crash: Su-30 and Su-34 destroyed in 24 hours! Putin&#39;s &amp;quot;truce&amp;quot; FAILED!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/04/live-russias-aviation-crash-su.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2026 17:00:50 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/04/live-russias-aviation-crash-su.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/125dffd510.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;LIVE | 🛩 Russia&#39;s aviation crash: Su-30 and Su-34 destroyed in 24 hours! Putin&#39;s &amp;quot;truce&amp;quot; FAILED!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9pKUbFWzIM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>As Ukrainians freeze, donated energy equipment sits unused</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/04/as-ukrainians-freeze-donated-energy.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2026 16:10:55 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/04/as-ukrainians-freeze-donated-energy.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2256542110.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;As Ukrainians freeze, donated energy equipment sits unused&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Critical energy generation equipment donated by Ukraine&#39;s partners has been left idle and unconnected to the grid for years, as Russian attacks cripple the country&#39;s energy system during its coldest winter in decades.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Russia has plunged Ukraine into a catastrophic &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/energy-crisis/&#34;&gt;energy crisis&lt;/a&gt;, damaging around 8.5&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/as-ukrainians-freeze-donated-energy-equipment-sits-unused/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Keith Kellogg on how Putin views Russia&#39;s war against Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/04/keith-kellogg-on-how-putin.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2026 16:02:58 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/04/keith-kellogg-on-how-putin.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/keithkellogg-1-2-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Keith Kellogg on how Putin views Russia&#39;s war against Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Kyiv Independent’s Tim Zadorozhnyy speaks with Keith Kellogg, former U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine, about why he believes Russia has failed to achieve its goals in Ukraine, how Russian President Vladimir Putin views his military campaign, and what is preventing the war from ending.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/keith-kellogg-on-how-putin-views-russias-war-against-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>⚡️ Right now! Ukraine, Russia, and the US are in Abu Dhabi for talks #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/04/right-now-ukraine-russia-and.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2026 15:30:17 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/04/right-now-ukraine-russia-and.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/f5439f55ef.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡️ Right now! Ukraine, Russia, and the US are in Abu Dhabi for talks #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/KQgl4qt_b98&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Why cold, darkness worsen PTSD among ex-POWs</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/04/why-cold-darkness-worsen-ptsd.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2026 15:02:55 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/04/why-cold-darkness-worsen-ptsd.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2ff1c8553c-f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Why cold, darkness worsen PTSD among ex-POWs&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!UbOy!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff01a7747-6a57-45b8-9dd2-52a8562f6a81_1500x500.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2ff01a7747-6.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;485&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/f01a7747-6a57-45b8-9dd2-52a8562f6a81_1500x500.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:485,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:true,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Featured subscriber comment:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;“You are all great journalists and write so passionately.”&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;By Denise Wallace&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Support our journalism and get full access to everything we publish by upgrading your subscription.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Get Full Access!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Get Full Access!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Tip Jar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Tip Jar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor’s note: The following article depicts scenes of violence and torture.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“I’ve started having bad dreams. I remember my punishment cell. It was constantly cold there. Even in summer, it was always cold in our cell,” said Oleksii Anulia, who spent nearly ten months in Russian captivity in 2022.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It has been three years since he was released from the punishment cell, where the air was saturated with mold and the stench of urine and feces.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Yet, this winter Oleksii has begun waking in the middle of the night to flashbacks, as the darkness and cold in his own home resembles the conditions of captivity.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;He is not alone. Traumatic memories have &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.instagram.com/p/DUAviuBiLN1/?img_index=2&#34;&gt;intensified&lt;/a&gt; among former prisoners of war, with the onset of blackouts, as power outages have become a powerful trigger.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Cold is one of the forms of torture Russian forces systematically use against Ukrainians held in Russian prisons. Today, that same cold has turned into a tool of pressure on civilians, aimed at breaking society and forcing Ukraine into concessions.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!o2ET!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F33aa5d6a-273b-4f89-ba18-515b67a42873_1080x1440.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f33aa5d6a-2.jpg&#34; width=&#34;222&#34; height=&#34;296&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/33aa5d6a-273b-4f89-ba18-515b67a42873_1080x1440.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1440,&#34;width&#34;:1080,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:222,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Former Ukrainian POW Oleksii Anulia holding his book about his experience in captivity and well-known Patron, the dog. Photo from his social media.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;February 1 marked the end of the so-called ‘energy ceasefire’ between Russia and Ukraine, initiated by Donald Trump and purportedly meant to shield Ukrainians from mass strikes during the harshest cold of the winter. This month, Ukraine is experiencing its most severe cold spell of the season, with temperatures in some northern cities dropping to −28°C (−18.4°F).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For prisoners of war, cold has become an all-consuming psychological trigger, demonstrating how exposure to low temperatures can evoke long-lasting consequences for mental health…&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;… And how methods of torture in captivity can be adapted far beyond the trenches.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;id&#34;:444367}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;PollToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;poll-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Oleksii’s flashbacks to his captivity started again in late autumn when Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure sent it into its first major blackout of the year.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It had been a long time since Oleksii last had nightmares — almost two years — so long that he started to think he might even be free from them.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;At the time, he was returning home to Chernihiv after a trip to the United States, where he presented his book about captivity.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“I came back into darkness. The moment I arrived in Kyiv, I realized it was a one-way road — fifty kilometers of uninterrupted darkness. Two or three cars coming toward you, that’s it. The contrast after California felt like I’d arrived in the afterlife,” Oleksii recalled.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!wzJf!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4b6563d1-eaf3-44b6-a483-18728ef3623c_594x396.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f4b6563d1-e.jpg&#34; width=&#34;406&#34; height=&#34;270.6666666666667&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/4b6563d1-eaf3-44b6-a483-18728ef3623c_594x396.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:396,&#34;width&#34;:594,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:406,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;A vehicle with headlight on a non-illuminated road during blackout hours in Kyiv on December 10, 2025. (Photo by Roman PILIPEY / AFP via Getty Images).&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;His legs and arms began to seize up again because of the cold, reminding him of how his limbs had rotted in captivity. For the first time in a while, his dreams showed him the days he had tried to forget.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Oleksii Anulia was captured by the Russians in March 2022 when he was defending Chernihiv from the Russian offensive alongside his father. He was the only survivor among his unit at their positions in the village of Lukashivka, 18 kilometers from the city, where he hid in a ditch while the Russians cleared the settlement.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;He hid there for a full day until a local resident handed him over to the Russians. Forty minutes later, Russian soldiers surrounded him.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Russians initially intended to execute him. Instead, Oleksii was taken in for interrogation, marking the start of his personal hell.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Oleksii was taken to a torture site near the border of Belarus, in the village of Vyshneve. In front of him, during interrogations, other prisoners were shot, raped, and stabbed to death. Oleksii himself was stripped naked, and positioned in such a way that he was forced to defecate onto another prisoner lying beneath him.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2ff1c8553c-f.jpg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/421ccb5f3b.jpg&#34; width=&#34;486&#34; height=&#34;273.6&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/f1c8553c-ff47-4608-9128-1f548b323072_1080x608.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:608,&#34;width&#34;:1080,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:486,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Oleksii was writing his book about captivity on the torture side in Vyshneve in the Chernihiv region. Photo from his social media.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Later, Oleksii was moved to Russia’s Kursk region, where he spent a little over a month in a pretrial detention center.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“There was very severe ‘intake’ there. They beat us for seven hours straight. I couldn’t go to the toilet even once during the 40 days I was there. I had [bruises] so bad that I couldn’t sit down,” Oleksii said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In May 2022, he was flown to a maximum-security penal colony in the town of Donskoy in Russia’s Tula region. There, Russians use the most brutal methods of torture: Ukrainian prisoners are not allowed to sleep at night, to move, or to sit.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This colony now appears in Oleksii’s dreams.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Cold is a traumatic event even in peaceful circumstances. In February 2021, when Texas was hit by a severe snowstorm accompanied by freezing temperatures, 4.5 million people were left without electricity.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Nearly one in five who experienced this &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0277953622008292&#34;&gt;showed&lt;/a&gt; symptoms of post-traumatic stress. Those who were left without electricity for the longest time were three-times more likely to &lt;a href=&#34;https://hromadske.ua/zdorovya/258275-iak-kholod-vplyvaye-na-nas-ta-shcho-z-tsym-robyty&#34;&gt;develop&lt;/a&gt; PTSD symptoms.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Winter &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.military.com/benefits/veterans-health-care/why-winter-blues-make-ptsd-symptoms-worse-and-what-veterans-can-do-about-it.html&#34;&gt;exacerbates&lt;/a&gt; the symptoms of the disorder among veterans like Oleksii. When the days become shorter, circadian rhythms, which regulate sleep, metabolism, hormones and body temperature, are disrupted. Serotonin production decreases, which directly affects mood.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;People who have experienced trauma like Oleksii can be triggered by signals, both external (darkness, feeling confined, lack of light) and internal (trembling, numbness, physiological reactions to cold). The brain and body continue to react as if the danger is still present, even though the person is now in a safer environment.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“For [POW], a sudden change in light, darkness – these are triggers [of flashbacks]. Some people even experience disorientation… A person freezes, sits with a stony face as if they are not here. And sometimes the opposite – they start to move chaotically, waving their arms, making sudden movements,” said Hanna Khomenko, a crisis psychologist who works with released Ukrainian POWs.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!2KUL!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Feb65824f-8b37-45b2-86f9-60ad93cabb6d_1024x682.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2feb65824f-8.png&#34; width=&#34;409&#34; height=&#34;272.400390625&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/eb65824f-8b37-45b2-86f9-60ad93cabb6d_1024x682.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:682,&#34;width&#34;:1024,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:409,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;A worker of the penal colony in the town of Donskoy, Russia. Photo by Media Initiative for Human Rights.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;While he was in the penal colony in the Tula region, Oleksii was placed in a punishment cell for more than 100 days, where he remained until his release on December 31, 2022.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It was impossible to get warm in the cell. He was brutally beaten and starved, with no option besides eating a worm or a mouse to calm his exhausted stomach.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Now I dream about dampness, constant cold urine. I’m standing in it in my slippers, my legs are constantly freezing and festering,” Oleksii said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In his dreams, he constantly tries to wrap himself in a mesh blanket which lets the cold through the holes in the fabric.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The warmest thing in captivity was a thin sheet. Under it, Oleksii curled up into the fetal position and wrapped himself, rubbing his legs to warm his body. Now, as soon as it gets cold in his home, he feels it through his broken toes, later seeping into his nightmares.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;People with PTSD &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.ptsduk.org/10-unexpected-physical-symptoms-of-ptsd/9/&#34;&gt;are&lt;/a&gt; generally more sensitive to cold than others, which is why the lack of heating in their homes can be harder for them to endure.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Their nervous systems are in a state of heightened stress which causes the body to increase blood flow to vital organs such as the heart and lungs while reducing circulation to the extremities. In addition, chronic stress can constrict blood vessels, further impairing blood flow. This causes an affected person to feel even colder.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In Oleksii’s hometown of Chernihiv, city authorities suspended hot water service citywide last week because the current energy capacity is insufficient to heat residential buildings. Indoor temperatures which can drop to only a few degrees above freezing trigger Oleksii’s physical reactions.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“I can see it in the children. I can see that they have no opportunity to develop or study, no chance to get enough sleep or wash with warm water. For my son, taking a hot shower has already become something like a luxury,” the former serviceman said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!p-aD!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Faec4dae1-eb3f-4042-9033-1a6092331a63_594x396.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2faec4dae1-e.jpg&#34; width=&#34;402&#34; height=&#34;268&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/aec4dae1-eb3f-4042-9033-1a6092331a63_594x396.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:396,&#34;width&#34;:594,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:402,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;A Ukrainian serviceman released from Russian captivity waves from the bus during POW exchange on August 14, 2025 in Chernihiv Oblast, Ukraine. Photo by Maksym Kishka/Suspilne Ukraine/JSC “UA:PBC”/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Meanwhile, prisoners of war who remain in Russian captivity are forced to endure freezing temperatures in even worse conditions. POWs are subject to constant darkness and cold which are inescapable. About 2,500 Ukrainian prisoners of war &lt;a href=&#34;https://t.me/mvs_ukraine/53786&#34;&gt;are&lt;/a&gt; still held in Russia or in occupied territories.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Russia has effectively stopped or delayed prisoner exchanges, using them as a tool of pressure on Ukraine in negotiations. Earlier, Ukraine &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polytics/4081044-russia-delaying-peace-talks-starting-with-humanitarian-track-zelensky.html&#34;&gt;announced&lt;/a&gt; a planned exchange of 1,000 for 1,000, scheduled for the end of 2025, but the Russian side postponed it.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Oleksii feels a deep sense of injustice. After fighting to survive against hunger and cold, he has returned to similar conditions. However, Oleksii believes he does not have the right to give up either. Movement and walks in the forest have become his escape. In captivity, he was forbidden even to move.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For Oleksii, it is evident that hardship brings people together.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;At home, his family tries to keep warm together, huddling in one room so it doesn’t feel quite as cold. Between the moments of cold conditions and trauma, Oleksii has fully devoted his time to his children, rediscovering how to play board games by candlelight.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“There is no such phrase as ‘I’m tired’ in my vocabulary. I can see how much my children need this. And I see it in other children — those whose parents were killed in torture prisons [whom Oleksii helps]. Right now, I feel like I am the same kind of father to them as well,” he said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Featured subscriber comment:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;“You are all great journalists and write so passionately.”&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;By Denise Wallace&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Support our journalism and get full access to everything we publish by upgrading your subscription.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Get Full Access!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Get Full Access!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Tip Jar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Tip Jar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;NEWS OF THE DAY:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;By Anastasiia Kryvoruchenko&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;RUSSIA-U.S. NUCLEAR PACT EXPIRES&lt;/strong&gt;: On Thursday, the last U.S.-Russia nuclear deterrence pact expires, AP &lt;a href=&#34;https://apnews.com/article/russia-us-nuclear-weapons-treaty-putin-trump-5b1af24b0b3e65a8acb6ca7153018beb&#34;&gt;reported&lt;/a&gt;. Opening up the possibility of the resumption of a nuclear arms race between the two largest nuclear arsenals in the world, after a half-century of nuclear deterrence.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Russia is willing to restrain the growth of its nuclear weapons for another year if the U.S. does the same, Putin said. However, a White House official who spoke on the condition of anonymity said that Trump is expected to make a decision regarding nuclear arms control on his “own timeline”.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Trump has repeatedly advocated for limiting nuclear arms and would like to include China in a pact on nuclear arms control.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;EU STATES LEAVE ZOOM AND TEAMS TO DISTANCE U.S.&lt;/strong&gt;: Last week, Paris announced that 2.5 million public sector employees will stop using American video conferencing tools by 2027, AP &lt;a href=&#34;https://apnews.com/article/europe-digital-sovereignty-big-tech-9f5388b68a0648514cebc8d92f682060&#34;&gt;reported&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;An increasing number of other European governments, including Austria and Germany, are following this move. This will strengthen confidentiality and cyber security while also distancing the U.S. amid the recent tensions between the U.S. and Europe over Greenland.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;MORE UKRAINIANS READY TO CEDE DONBAS, BUT WITH SECURITY GUARANTEES&lt;/strong&gt;: In 2022, more than 80 percent of Ukrainians considered ceding territory to Russia unacceptable. Now, 40 percent are willing to give up Donbas, but only under the condition of lasting peace and strong security guarantees from European and American partners, The New York Times &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/04/world/europe/ukraine-russia-war-donbas-region.html&#34;&gt;reported&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The issue of control of the Donbas territory is a key point in the Abu Dhabi peace talks. Zelensky has previously mentioned the possibility of creating a demilitarized zone separating the two countries.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;CAT OF CONFLICT:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;Today’s Cat of Conflict is Oleksandra’s cat Compote (it’s also the name of a Ukrainian winter drink made from boiled fruit). Compote isn’t the biggest fan of his new sweater, but without it he gets really cold.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!9Y7N!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F05f31925-809a-4634-8cce-48ae05b23cf5_1200x1600.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f05f31925-8.png&#34; width=&#34;1200&#34; height=&#34;1600&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/05f31925-809a-4634-8cce-48ae05b23cf5_1200x1600.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1600,&#34;width&#34;:1200,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Stay safe out there.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Best,&lt;br&gt;Mariana, Oleksandra&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/why-cold-darkness-worsen-ptsd-among&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>💥 Russians BREAK truce despite ABU DHABI MEETING. New &amp;quot;RAMSTEIN&amp;quot; for Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/04/russians-break-truce-despite-abu.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2026 15:01:08 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/04/russians-break-truce-despite-abu.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/5a5bc1d2b3.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;💥 Russians BREAK truce despite ABU DHABI MEETING. New &amp;quot;RAMSTEIN&amp;quot; for Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYdeTC6sNTY&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest live: 7 dead, 8 injured as Russia  strikes Donetsk Oblast city market with cluster munitions</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/04/ukraine-war-latest-live-dead.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2026 14:48:54 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/04/ukraine-war-latest-live-dead.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2026-02-04-15-11-30.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest live: 7 dead, 8 injured as Russia  strikes Donetsk Oblast city market with cluster munitions&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Live coverage of Russia’s war against Ukraine with breaking news and frontline updates, updated 5 times today. Russian forces attacked the city of Druzhkivka in Donetsk Oblast with cluster munitions in the morning of Feb. 4, Donetsk Oblast governor Vadym Filashkin reported.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-update-2026-02-04/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>&#39;The worst damage we have seen&#39; — Ukraine&#39;s energy crisis deepens after latest mass Russian attack</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/04/the-worst-damage-we-have.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2026 13:24:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/04/the-worst-damage-we-have.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2258504559-1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;The worst damage we have seen&#39; — Ukraine&#39;s energy crisis deepens after latest mass Russian attack&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;This is a war crime committed by Russia,&#34; Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-still-recovering-from-the-biggest-russian-attack-on-its-energy-infrastructure/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukraine peace talks set to resume in Abu Dhabi day after Russia&#39;s largest strike this winter</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/04/ukraine-peace-talks-set-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2026 10:51:43 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/04/ukraine-peace-talks-set-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/21c6176648.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine peace talks set to resume in Abu Dhabi day after Russia&#39;s largest strike this winter&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Negotiators are convening in Abu Dhabi for two days of talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the United States on Feb. 4–5, part of ongoing efforts to broker an end to Moscow&#39;s full-scale war against Ukraine.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/peace-talks-set-to-resume-in-abu-dhabi-day-after-largest-russian-strike-on-ukraine-this-winter/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Blackouts reported in Russia&#39;s Belgorod Oblast amid missile, drone attack</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/04/blackouts-reported-in-russias-belgorod.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2026 10:34:54 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/04/blackouts-reported-in-russias-belgorod.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/tg-image-757116943.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Blackouts reported in Russia&#39;s Belgorod Oblast amid missile, drone attack&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Supernova Telegram channel published several videos and photos from local residents showing the sounds of air raid sirens and explosions.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/blackouts-reported-in-russias-belgorod-oblast-amid-drone-attack/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Chart of the week: Ukraine&#39;s electricity imports hit record high as Russian attacks devastate energy system</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/04/chart-of-the-week-ukraines.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2026 08:38:46 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/04/chart-of-the-week-ukraines.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/electricity-import-take-2-02-5-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Chart of the week: Ukraine&#39;s electricity imports hit record high as Russian attacks devastate energy system&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ukraine imported record volumes of electricity in January 2026 according to analyst group ExPro, as Russia continued efforts to systematically erase Ukraine&#39;s power infrastructure. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The country imported 900 gigawatt hours of electricity last month, a 40% increase compared to December 2025, ExPro &lt;a href=&#34;https://expro.com.ua/en/tidings/in-january-2026-ukraine-imported-record-volumes-of-electricity&#34;&gt;said&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Russia has launched thousands of&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/chart-of-the-week-ukraines-electricity-imports-hit-record-high/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Putin &#39;kept his word&#39; — Trump reacts to latest Russian strike on Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/04/putin-kept-his-word-trump.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:57:43 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/04/putin-kept-his-word-trump.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2259266779.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Putin &#39;kept his word&#39; — Trump reacts to latest Russian strike on Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;U.S. President Donald Trump said on Feb. 3 that Vladimir Putin had &#34;kept his word&#34; on a temporary truce on strikes against Ukraine&#39;s energy infrastructure, remarks that came after Russia targeted Ukraine&#39;s power plants overnight.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/putin-kept-his-word-trump-reacts-to-latest-russian-attack-on-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukrainian 10-kilometer KILLZONES stop RUSSIANS at the FRONT #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/03/ukrainian-kilometer-killzones-stop-russians.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2026 23:30:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/03/ukrainian-kilometer-killzones-stop-russians.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/618c53a54c.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian 10-kilometer KILLZONES stop RUSSIANS at the FRONT #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/-lu7chrmjoY&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>&#39;You cannot reward monsters&#39; — US lawmakers demand increased pressure on Russia</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/03/you-cannot-reward-monsters-us.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2026 23:07:46 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/03/you-cannot-reward-monsters-us.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/020326sp-31.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;You cannot reward monsters&#39; — US lawmakers demand increased pressure on Russia&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;During a Feb. 3 press conference in Washington, D.C., the U.S. Congressional Ukraine Caucus called for increased pressure on Russia, including new sanctions, and said it is one signature away from forcing a vote on the Ukraine Support Act.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/us-lawmakers-demand-increased-pressure-on-russia/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>⚡️ POKROVSK: quad bike assaults UNDER FOG COVER! What&#39;s happening near KUPYANSK now?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/03/pokrovsk-quad-bike-assaults-under.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2026 23:00:48 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/03/pokrovsk-quad-bike-assaults-under.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/c8b3610be6.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡️ POKROVSK: quad bike assaults UNDER FOG COVER! What&#39;s happening near KUPYANSK now?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dy5sGMFAAxE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>🤯 ORBAN is terrified of LOSING his seat! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/03/orban-is-terrified-of-losing.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2026 21:30:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/03/orban-is-terrified-of-losing.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/c4d2c17bec.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🤯 ORBAN is terrified of LOSING his seat! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/-5K7ej6stJs&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>ORBÁN&#39;S LAST CHANCE: BUYING VOTES before elections in &amp;amp;quot;EXTREME ALERT&amp;amp;quot; mode</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/03/orbns-last-chance-buying-votes.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2026 21:00:20 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/03/orbns-last-chance-buying-votes.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/ef36080c11.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;ORBÁN&#39;S LAST CHANCE: BUYING VOTES before elections in &amp;quot;EXTREME ALERT&amp;quot; mode&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UL2c4J0IWlE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>What will TRUMP say about Russia breaking the truce? – Zelenskyy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/03/what-will-trump-say-about.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2026 20:58:44 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/03/what-will-trump-say-about.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/f345c9acbc.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;What will TRUMP say about Russia breaking the truce? – Zelenskyy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/QP9EIfDURAg&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russian drone strike on Zaporizhzhia kills 2, injures at least 8, including children</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/03/russian-drone-strike-on-zaporizhzhia.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2026 20:09:16 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/03/russian-drone-strike-on-zaporizhzhia.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/screenshot-2026-02-03-at-9-11-29-pm.png&#34; alt=&#34;Russian drone strike on Zaporizhzhia kills 2, injures at least 8, including children&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;A Russian drone strike hit Zaporizhzhia on Feb. 3, killing two 18-year-olds and injuring at least eight others, including three children, Ukrainian authorities said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-drone-strike-on-zaporizhzhia-kills-2-injures-at-least-8-including-children/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>🇺🇦 Ukrainian ARTILLERISTS work under a SHOWER of Russian FPV drones #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/03/ukrainian-artillerists-work-under-a.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2026 19:30:41 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/03/ukrainian-artillerists-work-under-a.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/d26a91f451.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🇺🇦 Ukrainian ARTILLERISTS work under a SHOWER of Russian FPV drones #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/QkOlXlzWI9o&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>🔥 Russian aviation&#39;s CRASH: Su-30 &amp;amp;amp; Su-34 DOWN in ONE DAY! Putin&#39;s &amp;amp;quot;TRUCE&amp;amp;quot; and FRONTLINE losses</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/03/russian-aviations-crash-su-ampamp.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2026 19:00:04 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/03/russian-aviations-crash-su-ampamp.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/707cffd9d4.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🔥 Russian aviation&#39;s CRASH: Su-30 &amp;amp; Su-34 DOWN in ONE DAY! Putin&#39;s &amp;quot;TRUCE&amp;quot; and FRONTLINE losses&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0oHU9mUfuUM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Polish court jails man who allegedly offered to kill Zelensky for Russia</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/03/polish-court-jails-man-who.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2026 18:26:52 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/03/polish-court-jails-man-who.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/73549dd633.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Polish court jails man who allegedly offered to kill Zelensky for Russia&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Pavel K., a 50-year old resident of the town of Hrubieszów, had been charged with espionage.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/polish-court-jails-man-who-allegedly-offered-to-kill-zelensky-for-russia/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>How Soviet nostalgia and silence enable wartime complicity on Russian YouTube</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/03/how-soviet-nostalgia-and-silence.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2026 17:42:54 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/03/how-soviet-nostalgia-and-silence.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/screenshot-2026-01-22-at-15-41-21.png&#34; alt=&#34;How Soviet nostalgia and silence enable wartime complicity on Russian YouTube&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&#34;Everyone was equal,&#34; the kerchiefed babushka of Eli from Russia — a YouTuber who documents everyday life and regional culture across the Russian Federation — tells her granddaughter wistfully, recalling life in the Soviet Union.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&#34;There were no rich and poor.&#34; And as &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/missile-attack/&#34;&gt;Russian missiles strike&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/nostalgia-silence-and-wartime-complicity-on-russian-youtube/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>&#39;This is our life&#39; — staff at Kyiv&#39;s National Botanical Garden battle to keep plants alive amid war, sub-zero temperatures</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/03/this-is-our-life-staff.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2026 17:36:41 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/03/this-is-our-life-staff.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/kyiv-botanical-garden-heating-2026-01-30-16.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;This is our life&#39; — staff at Kyiv&#39;s National Botanical Garden battle to keep plants alive amid war, sub-zero temperatures&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;On a bitterly cold winter morning inside Kyiv’s M.M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden, scientist Liudmyla Buyun checks a thermometer mounted against the glass wall of a greenhouse. She pauses, notes the reading, and moves on. The routine repeats several times a day, and sometimes through the night.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/how-kyivs-national-botanical-garden-survives-amid-war-and-blackouts/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>❗️ Prisoners and foreign mercenaries – Russia uses them to replenish its ARMY in 2026 #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/03/prisoners-and-foreign-mercenaries-russia.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2026 17:30:25 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/03/prisoners-and-foreign-mercenaries-russia.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/811dd78c5a.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️ Prisoners and foreign mercenaries – Russia uses them to replenish its ARMY in 2026 #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/gwJvnH-_fLA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>How Russia rebuilt hacker gangs to attack the West, leading to a US indictment</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/03/how-russia-rebuilt-hacker-gangs.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2026 17:26:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/03/how-russia-rebuilt-hacker-gangs.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/upd-gettyimages-635963777.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;How Russia rebuilt hacker gangs to attack the West, leading to a US indictment&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Muleshoe, population 5,000, sits in the Texas Panhandle, next to the New Mexico state line, and about as far away from Ukraine as anywhere can be.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A small, arid town linked to the outside world by a patchwork of county roads and a smattering of private airports for single-engine&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/how-russian-spies-revived-local-hacker-gangs-to-attack-ukraine-and-the-west/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>❗️ Russia can&#39;t win! Recruiting FOREIGN MERCENARIES &amp;amp;amp; TERROR against civilians WON&#39;T HELP</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/03/russia-cant-win-recruiting-foreign.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2026 17:08:47 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/03/russia-cant-win-recruiting-foreign.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/a1e7370395.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️ Russia can&#39;t win! Recruiting FOREIGN MERCENARIES &amp;amp; TERROR against civilians WON&#39;T HELP&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nTa1lHgKD0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>RUTTE criticizes RUSSIA: are you REALLY ready for a CEASEFIRE? #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/03/rutte-criticizes-russia-are-you.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2026 16:21:15 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/03/rutte-criticizes-russia-are-you.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/ea763373a1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;RUTTE criticizes RUSSIA: are you REALLY ready for a CEASEFIRE? #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/At6r6XdWReg&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>⚡️ Russia broke the ENERGY TRUCE – attacks resume, Zelenskyy says #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/03/russia-broke-the-energy-truce.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2026 15:50:28 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/03/russia-broke-the-energy-truce.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/66c994c809.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡️ Russia broke the ENERGY TRUCE – attacks resume, Zelenskyy says #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/kw6ph3hMigg&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>⚡️ UKRAINE is under attack in 20-degree FREEZING TEMPERATURES – RUTTE has made a statement! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/03/ukraine-is-under-attack-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2026 15:30:48 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/03/ukraine-is-under-attack-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/604c743033.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡️ UKRAINE is under attack in 20-degree FREEZING TEMPERATURES – RUTTE has made a statement! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/jLlj_gNbWz0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>LIVE | 🧸 CHILD DRAFT: Russia&#39;s crime that gives you CHILLS!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/03/live-child-draft-russias-crime.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2026 15:21:58 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/03/live-child-draft-russias-crime.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/7d63fab6f2.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;LIVE | 🧸 CHILD DRAFT: Russia&#39;s crime that gives you CHILLS!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=st1lATMYEBw&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Rethinking Ukraine&#39;s economy</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/03/rethinking-ukraines-economy.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2026 15:08:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/03/rethinking-ukraines-economy.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-1237815161.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Rethinking Ukraine&#39;s economy&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;What kind of an economy does Ukraine have?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This question is not of abstract interest. International financial institutions, supporting governments, private investors — anyone with an economic interest in &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/ukraine/&#34;&gt;Ukraine&lt;/a&gt; needs to know what they have a stake in. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Without having a realistic macroeconomic framework, it&#39;s hard to&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/rethinking-ukraines-economy/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>❄️ BATTLE FOR HEAT: 9TH ATTACK on THERMAL POWER PLANT. Ukraine survived a 6‑HOUR shelling</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/03/battle-for-heat-th-attack.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2026 15:01:37 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/03/battle-for-heat-th-attack.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/5dd10a4644.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❄️ BATTLE FOR HEAT: 9TH ATTACK on THERMAL POWER PLANT. Ukraine survived a 6‑HOUR shelling&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z70XgsSZxs4&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Membership Retention Manager</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/03/membership-retention-manager.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2026 14:58:24 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/03/membership-retention-manager.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/copy-of-logo-horizontal-black-01-1-2-2.png&#34; alt=&#34;Membership Retention Manager&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Kyiv Independent, Ukraine’s main English-language publication, is looking for a Membership Retention Manager.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/membership-retention-manager/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Donations Manager</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/03/donations-manager.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2026 14:43:20 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/03/donations-manager.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/f20f57e0db.png&#34; alt=&#34;Donations Manager&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Kyiv Independent, Ukraine’s main English-language publication, is looking for a Donations Manager.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/donations-manager/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>NATO chief confident allies will commit $15 billion in US arms for Ukraine in 2026</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/03/nato-chief-confident-allies-will.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2026 14:21:14 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/03/nato-chief-confident-allies-will.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2259185657.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;NATO chief confident allies will commit $15 billion in US arms for Ukraine in 2026&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;I&#39;m absolutely confident that the money will be there,&#34; Rutte said during a press conference alongside President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv when asked about the figure requested by Ukraine.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/allies-likely-to-pledge-15-billion-in-us-arms-for-ukraine-in-2026-nato-chief-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest live: Russian FPV drone training center hit, General Staff says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/03/ukraine-war-latest-live-russian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2026 12:56:15 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/03/ukraine-war-latest-live-russian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2241041835.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest live: Russian FPV drone training center hit, General Staff says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Live coverage of Russia’s war against Ukraine with breaking news and frontline updates, updated 4 times today. A Russian first-person view (FPV) drone training center was among several targets hit by Ukrainian forces over the past day, the General Staff reported on Feb. 3.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-update-2026-02-03/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>POWERFUL massive strike: at night, Russians attacked the Dnipropetrovsk region #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/03/powerful-massive-strike-at-night.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2026 11:51:46 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/03/powerful-massive-strike-at-night.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/dcfbf77081.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;POWERFUL massive strike: at night, Russians attacked the Dnipropetrovsk region #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/wvJlyHVYn3Y&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Zelenskyy and Rutte honored the memory of fallen Ukrainian defenders #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/03/zelenskyy-and-rutte-honored-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2026 11:43:57 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/03/zelenskyy-and-rutte-honored-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/73978060c1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelenskyy and Rutte honored the memory of fallen Ukrainian defenders #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/wCQfcwvzavg&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>US says 3 Ukraine investment projects achievable in 2026 under joint fund</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/03/us-says-ukraine-investment-projects.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2026 11:10:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/03/us-says-ukraine-investment-projects.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2201330792.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;US says 3 Ukraine investment projects achievable in 2026 under joint fund&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The U.S. believes launching three projects under a joint U.S.-Ukrainian investment fund created under the so-called minerals deal last year is achievable, but ambitious, a senior U.S. official told reporters on Feb. 2.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/us-says-3-ukraine-investment-projects-achievable-in-2026-under-joint-fund/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>NATO chief arrives in Kyiv as Russia bombards Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/03/nato-chief-arrives-in-kyiv.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2026 11:05:15 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/03/nato-chief-arrives-in-kyiv.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/7634ca6c66.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;NATO chief arrives in Kyiv as Russia bombards Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Rutte spoke at a meeting of the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine&#39;s parliament.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/nato-chief-arrives-in-kyiv-as-russia-bombards-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>How Ukraine appears in the latest Epstein files</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/03/how-ukraine-appears-in-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2026 10:48:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/03/how-ukraine-appears-in-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/epstein-collage-4.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;How Ukraine appears in the latest Epstein files&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The U.S. Department of Justice on Jan. 31 published over 3 million documents in accordance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Some of them had a direct connection to Ukraine.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The files linked to late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein include email conversations with at least two&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/how-ukraine-appears-in-the-latest-epstein-files/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>West agrees to respond militarily to Russia&#39;s ceasefire violations in Ukraine, FT reports</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/03/west-agrees-to-respond-militarily.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2026 09:42:49 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/03/west-agrees-to-respond-militarily.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/435753d66b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;West agrees to respond militarily to Russia&#39;s ceasefire violations in Ukraine, FT reports&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;A more extensive Russian attack would trigger a coordinated Western-led military response backed by U.S. forces, initiated 72 hours after the initial breach, the Financial Times reported.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/west-pledges-to-respond-militarily-to-russias-ceasefire-violations-in-ukraine-ft-reports/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>SHELLING OF KYIV: Russians carried out a MASSIVE strike #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/03/shelling-of-kyiv-russians-carried.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2026 09:33:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/03/shelling-of-kyiv-russians-carried.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/d589e69a63.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;SHELLING OF KYIV: Russians carried out a MASSIVE strike #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/4t96O9-HbJ4&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>&#39;Russians chose a freezing February night&#39; — Damaged buildings, casualties reported as Russia resumes large-scale strikes on Kyiv</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/03/russians-chose-a-freezing-february.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2026 00:34:15 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/03/russians-chose-a-freezing-february.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/photo-2026-02-03-00-16-12.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;Russians chose a freezing February night&#39; — Damaged buildings, casualties reported as Russia resumes large-scale strikes on Kyiv&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russian forces launched a mass ballistic missile and drone attack on Kyiv overnight on Feb. 3, striking multiple residential buildings across the city and injuring at least three people, officials said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-launches-mass-attack-across-ukraine-signaling-end-of-energy-ceasefire/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>&#39;Moral degenerate&#39; — Ukraine slams FIFA president for supporting Russia&#39;s return</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/02/moral-degenerate-ukraine-slams-fifa.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Feb 2026 22:19:45 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/02/moral-degenerate-ukraine-slams-fifa.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/7659634c81.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;Moral degenerate&#39; — Ukraine slams FIFA president for supporting Russia&#39;s return&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;Six-hundred seventy-nine Ukrainian girls and boys will never be able to play football — Russia killed them,&#34; Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said after FIFA President Gianni Infantino backed lifting the ban on Russian athletes.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/moral-degenerate-ukraine-slams-fifa-president-for-supporting-russias-return/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>❗️ PUTIN&#39;s surname is mentioned 1,056 times in the EPSTEIN files #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/02/putins-surname-is-mentioned-times.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Feb 2026 21:30:20 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/02/putins-surname-is-mentioned-times.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/6757823bbf.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️ PUTIN&#39;s surname is mentioned 1,056 times in the EPSTEIN files #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/mRJ9AxS7A3I&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine names Iran&#39;s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as terrorist organization</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/02/ukraine-names-irans-islamic-revolutionary.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Feb 2026 21:21:57 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/02/ukraine-names-irans-islamic-revolutionary.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2257101189.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine names Iran&#39;s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as terrorist organization&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;Ukraine has not forgotten any of the thousands of Shaheds that attack our cities and villages, our people,&#34; President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Feb. 2.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-names-irans-islamic-revolutionary-guard-corps-as-terrorist-organization/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>EPSTEIN and KGB?! SCANDALOUS TESTIMONY in the RELEASED EPSTEIN FILES</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/02/epstein-and-kgb-scandalous-testimony.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Feb 2026 21:03:03 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/02/epstein-and-kgb-scandalous-testimony.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/f70479280c.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;EPSTEIN and KGB?! SCANDALOUS TESTIMONY in the RELEASED EPSTEIN FILES&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T91elNcRrM4&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Putin&#39;s SHADOW FLEET ... caught in a STORM, – The Economist #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/02/putins-shadow-fleet-caught-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Feb 2026 20:30:03 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/02/putins-shadow-fleet-caught-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/36225b45e8.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Putin&#39;s SHADOW FLEET ... caught in a STORM, – The Economist #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/NXg6GFApSGU&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>END OF THE KREMLIN&#39;S &amp;amp;quot;SHADOW FLEET&amp;amp;quot; – EU blocks Russia&#39;s tankers, China &amp;amp;amp; India refuse oil!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/02/end-of-the-kremlins-ampquotshadow.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Feb 2026 20:15:28 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/02/end-of-the-kremlins-ampquotshadow.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/d38ebde6b0.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;END OF THE KREMLIN&#39;S &amp;quot;SHADOW FLEET&amp;quot; – EU blocks Russia&#39;s tankers, China &amp;amp; India refuse oil!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOHG6Fz9cbs&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Explosions, fire reported overnight in Russia&#39;s Belgorod region</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/02/explosions-fire-reported-overnight-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Feb 2026 05:22:09 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/02/explosions-fire-reported-overnight-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/photo-2026-02-01-21-21-50.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Explosions, fire reported overnight in Russia&#39;s Belgorod region&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Explosions were reported overnight Feb. 2 in Russia&#39;s Belgorod region, where officials said an alleged Ukrainian drone attack sparked a fire in the city of Stary Oskol.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/explosions-fire-reported-overnight-in-russias-belgorod-region/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia loses two jets in one day — rare blow to Moscow #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/01/russia-loses-two-jets-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 01 Feb 2026 21:30:04 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/01/russia-loses-two-jets-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/72156c50a8.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia loses two jets in one day — rare blow to Moscow #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ATDdcLDpDZY&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>❄️ Blackout. Shadow fleet collapse. Soldiers on crutches. Is Putin afraid of Kyiv talks?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/01/blackout-shadow-fleet-collapse-soldiers.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 01 Feb 2026 21:00:14 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/01/blackout-shadow-fleet-collapse-soldiers.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/d0ef059630.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❄️ Blackout. Shadow fleet collapse. Soldiers on crutches. Is Putin afraid of Kyiv talks?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JInkU3I6Lsw&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest: Ukraine sees &#39;real results&#39; from blocking Russia’s Starlink use, defense minister says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/01/ukraine-war-latest-ukraine-sees.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 01 Feb 2026 20:37:30 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/01/ukraine-war-latest-ukraine-sees.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-1259126916.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest: Ukraine sees &#39;real results&#39; from blocking Russia’s Starlink use, defense minister says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Key developments on Jan. 31-Feb. 1:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Ukraine sees &#39;real results&#39; from blocking Russia’s Starlink use, defense minister says&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Russia attacks bus carrying Ukrainian miners, kills 15, injures 15&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Ukraine, US, Russia to meet in UAE next week for new round of peace talks, Zelensky says&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Russian&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-ukraine-sees-real-results-from-blocking-russias-starlink-use-defense-minister-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>&#39;Not enough&#39; work being done in Kyiv as city faces heating emergency, Zelensky says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/01/not-enough-work-being-done.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 01 Feb 2026 20:01:37 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/01/not-enough-work-being-done.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/95e4cfda03.png&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;Not enough&#39; work being done in Kyiv as city faces heating emergency, Zelensky says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;Whether there are strikes or not, hundreds of buildings in Kyiv are still without heating. This means that the work being done in the city is not enough.&#34;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/not-enough-work-being-done-in-kyiv-as-city-faces-heating-emergency-zelensky-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>❗️An agreement has already been reached on a trilateral meeting next week, – Zelensky  #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/01/an-agreement-has-already-been.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 01 Feb 2026 19:25:23 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/01/an-agreement-has-already-been.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/5216c5166e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️An agreement has already been reached on a trilateral meeting next week, – Zelensky  #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/-9RnRZ0LFRs&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>CHILDREN AND PREGNANT WOMEN INJURED! 💔 Russia began February with bloody terror in Zaporizhzhia!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/01/children-and-pregnant-women-injured.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 01 Feb 2026 19:00:27 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/01/children-and-pregnant-women-injured.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/7500ed661d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;CHILDREN AND PREGNANT WOMEN INJURED! 💔 Russia began February with bloody terror in Zaporizhzhia!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-sG6ge3lqw&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>❗️ISW: The Kremlin avoids new mobilization, throwing reserves into battle #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/01/isw-the-kremlin-avoids-new.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 01 Feb 2026 18:30:04 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/01/isw-the-kremlin-avoids-new.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/203f9cdd85.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️ISW: The Kremlin avoids new mobilization, throwing reserves into battle #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/EqEVcWjIqV8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>💔 How occupiers destroy Ukrainians: child conscription, “widow villages,” executions</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/01/how-occupiers-destroy-ukrainians-child.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 01 Feb 2026 18:00:47 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/01/how-occupiers-destroy-ukrainians-child.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/88b17bde77.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;💔 How occupiers destroy Ukrainians: child conscription, “widow villages,” executions&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvqFz7JIOVg&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>ZELENSKYY: Russia launched OVER 6,000 drones on Ukraine in a month #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/01/zelenskyy-russia-launched-over-drones.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 01 Feb 2026 16:41:37 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/01/zelenskyy-russia-launched-over-drones.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/fb380298d5.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;ZELENSKYY: Russia launched OVER 6,000 drones on Ukraine in a month #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/GWP6XeltmL4&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russian drone attack on bus in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast kills 12, injures 7</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/01/russian-drone-attack-on-bus.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 01 Feb 2026 16:31:27 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/01/russian-drone-attack-on-bus.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/photo-2026-02-01-17-22-24.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian drone attack on bus in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast kills 12, injures 7&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The drone struck near a bus used by a local business in the Pavlohrad district, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Governor Oleksandr Hanzha reported.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/at-least-12-killed-7-injured-in-russian-drone-attack-near-bus-in-dnipropetrovsk-oblast/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Zaporizhzhia Maternity Hospital under attack by Russian forces, six casualties!  #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/01/zaporizhzhia-maternity-hospital-under-attack.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 01 Feb 2026 15:49:50 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/01/zaporizhzhia-maternity-hospital-under-attack.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/e40c9ea01d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zaporizhzhia Maternity Hospital under attack by Russian forces, six casualties!  #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/it4f7odbg4M&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>WOW! Flamingo missiles strike Russia – blackouts in Belgorod, Murmansk, Severomorsk 🚀</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/01/wow-flamingo-missiles-strike-russia.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 01 Feb 2026 15:12:29 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/01/wow-flamingo-missiles-strike-russia.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/e7549d0088.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;WOW! Flamingo missiles strike Russia – blackouts in Belgorod, Murmansk, Severomorsk 🚀&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6NraFIy26s&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>How Ukraine’s homeless are faring in freezing conditions</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/01/how-ukraines-homeless-are-faring.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 01 Feb 2026 15:05:25 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/01/how-ukraines-homeless-are-faring.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f23056e89-1.png&#34; alt=&#34;How Ukraine’s homeless are faring in freezing conditions&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!DQtA!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F256de50e-95d6-4ad1-8257-1e6fd51a0d2e_1500x500.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f256de50e-9.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;485&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/256de50e-95d6-4ad1-8257-1e6fd51a0d2e_1500x500.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:485,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:true,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Featured subscriber comment:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;“I believe in the importance of on-the-ground reporting, bringing home to us who are far away the reality of what things are like in Ukraine.”&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;By Caitriana NicNeacail&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Upgrade now to support our work and get full access to all our writing.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Get Full Access!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Get Full Access!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Tip Jar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Tip Jar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!TzN2!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe9755cb5-31e5-4615-bfb0-357bbdb3e890_1600x1066.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fe9755cb5-3.jpg&#34; width=&#34;443&#34; height=&#34;295.1304945054945&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/e9755cb5-31e5-4615-bfb0-357bbdb3e890_1600x1066.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:970,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:443,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Prayer before a meal near the Remar Ukraine tent in Kyiv. Photo by the Counteroffensive&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Standing in line for free lunches from a Christian charity organization, the cold bites relentlessly at fingers and faces. Windburn sucks the moisture from the skin of people waiting, leaving their hands chapped and raw.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ivan* is 37; by the look of it, he is one of the youngest and most active people here.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A quick gait, charismatic demeanor, and questions for the volunteers set him apart from the others. While still in line, he chats cheerfully with the elderly women who also came here for lunch.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The last time he was at home in Crimea was in 2011.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!XDf4!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe979214b-62dd-4e8e-983c-1409fe8cdb4f_1600x1066.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fe979214b-6.jpg&#34; width=&#34;425&#34; height=&#34;283.1387362637363&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/e979214b-62dd-4e8e-983c-1409fe8cdb4f_1600x1066.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:970,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:425,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;A hot meal, served by Peruvian and Spanish volunteers. Photo by The Counteroffensive&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Today mashed potatoes, chicken nuggets, and salad are on the menu. After a prayer over the meal, people line up for food, served by Spanish and Peruvian volunteers who came to Ukraine to help.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“I haven’t eaten for almost two days,” Ivan says after the tasty meal. We had asked him for the secret to his good mood.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As Russia weaponizes the winter by targeting Ukraine’s energy and heating infrastructure, people already living on the margins are being pushed beyond survival. While about 600,000 Kyiv residents have been able &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2026/01/21/8017167/&#34;&gt;to leave &lt;/a&gt;the capital, homeless people have few ways to escape freezing temperatures, which this weekend could reach -22°C / -7.6°F.  &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;There’s no precise data on the number of homeless people, but according to &lt;a href=&#34;https://life.pravda.com.ua/columns/kriza-bezdomnosti-v-ukrajini-shcho-robiti-311470/&#34;&gt;Depaul Ukraine&lt;/a&gt;, an organization that supports homeless people, the population was around 150,000-200,000 in Ukraine even before the full-scale invasion. Since the invasion began, the number of shelter applicants has tripled.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Deliberate attacks on civilian systems can fracture an entire city and the most vulnerable are often the first to pay the price. For people without shelter in Ukraine, the loss of heat in shelters and stores turns an already dangerous winter into a life-threatening one. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;The war extends beyond the battlefields, affecting vulnerable people far from the frontline, making their lives even harder – widening the gap between social classes to a huge chasm.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ivan left Crimea after committing a crime and being transferred to a hospital in the Dnipro region, and for the next six years, he could hardly recognize himself: drugs, alcohol, crime, prison, hospitals. Homelessness.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For a while, after he got sober, he lived with a friend in the Zhytomyr region, but it didn’t work out. The friend got into drugs while Ivan strove to stay sober, which led to a falling out. Ivan spent the summer in Zhytomyr, sleeping at the bus station and taking any job he could get.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“I had friends whose interest was addiction. And so, when I got rid of it, then the friends left,” Ivan shared.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ivan has been in relative sobriety for 10 years now. He quit smoking entirely. He drinks occasionally, but just a little, he said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“I’m almost 40, but I can do 70 push-ups on a bet, if needed. And if I smoked, for example, I wouldn’t be able to do so many push-ups. It motivates me,” Ivan said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!_tVQ!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5a0a5231-50b6-4edf-b655-22671935d375_1536x1024.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f5a0a5231-5.png&#34; width=&#34;373&#34; height=&#34;248.75206043956044&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/5a0a5231-50b6-4edf-b655-22671935d375_1536x1024.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:971,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:373,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Statistics on common causes of homelessness &lt;a href=&#34;https://depaul.org.ua/news/homelessness_in_ukraine/#&#34;&gt;according to&lt;/a&gt; Depaul Ukraine.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Russian invasion highly exacerbated the homelessness problem in Ukraine, &lt;a href=&#34;https://depaul.org.ua/news/homelessness_in_ukraine/#&#34;&gt;according to&lt;/a&gt; a study by Depaul Ukraine.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Those who were forced to leave their homes because of occupation or their home being located near the frontline &lt;a href=&#34;https://depaul.org.ua/news/homelessness_in_ukraine/#&#34;&gt;account&lt;/a&gt; for almost a quarter of the homeless population, making them particularly vulnerable to homelessness.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“I have no experience of a good family life,” said Valentyna*, who was in the same lunch line as Ivan, and who has also been living on the street for many years.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!YaIy!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F98830adc-5a6e-4f65-a29a-5e72f70bd81a_1600x1066.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f98830adc-5.jpg&#34; width=&#34;413&#34; height=&#34;275.1442307692308&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/98830adc-5a6e-4f65-a29a-5e72f70bd81a_1600x1066.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:970,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:413,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Lunch line in the tent of Charitable organization Remar Ukraine, where we met Ivan and Valentyna. Photo by The Counteroffensive&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;During these cold times, she usually warms up at railway stations, which are way warmer than sleeping outside.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Valentyna once worked on the railway herself, on the ‘Ural’ electronic computing machine, an ancestor of the modern computer. Once she finished college, she left Ukraine to live in Northern Russia for 18 years. However, when she decided to take her family back to Ukraine, the economic crisis in Ukraine shattered her life.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“There was no work for me. I worked a little here and there. There were some savings, enough to last two years,” Valentina said, explaining the economic situation when she was back home. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The savings she had earned in Russia were gone, and she could no longer provide for herself and her sons.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Then my ex-husband came and took [our sons] back [to Russia]. And of course, I didn’t go with him. I didn’t get divorced to start all that mess again,” Valentyna said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;That is how Valentina ended up on the street. She has not spoken with her sons since the start of the war. Set against the tragedy of her family, blackouts feel insignificant to her.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;id&#34;:442625}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;PollToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;poll-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f23056e89-1.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/10299bb49a.png&#34; width=&#34;386&#34; height=&#34;257.3333333333333&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/23056e89-1218-4447-a6b2-8d19223f4769_594x396.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:396,&#34;width&#34;:594,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:386,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;A homeless person drinks during a concert by Evangelism Group from the first Odessa Church of Evangelical Christians-Baptists at a shelter in Odesa, 26 December 2024. (Photo by Viacheslav Onyshchenko/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;The full-scale invasion has also deepened economic instability for Ukrainians. Many businesses &lt;a href=&#34;https://suspilne.media/1013007-kilkist-vipadkiv-zakritta-biznesiv-v-ukraini-zrosla-na-44-u-porivnanni-z-2024-rokom-opendatabot/&#34;&gt;shut down&lt;/a&gt; or relocated, &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.reuters.com/business/nearly-5-million-jobs-lost-ukraine-war-pummels-economy-ilo-2022-05-11/&#34;&gt;followed&lt;/a&gt; by widespread job losses.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;At the same time, the destruction of housing, rising inflation, and growing demand for rentals have &lt;a href=&#34;https://voxukraine.org/tsiny-na-orendu-zhytla-v-oblasnyh-tsentrah-de-ukrayintsyam-zhyty-najdorozhche-u-2025-rotsi&#34;&gt;pushed &lt;/a&gt;the cost of rent and utilities significantly higher, making housing increasingly difficult to afford.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;This problem becomes especially acute in winter, when cold exposure can lead to severe injury or death. During the winter of 2025-2026, more than a thousand people across Ukraine &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.facebook.com/moz.ukr/posts/%EF%B8%8F-%D0%B7-20-%D0%B3%D1%80%D1%83%D0%B4%D0%BD%D1%8F-2025-%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%BA%D1%83-%D0%BF%D0%BE-18-%D1%81%D1%96%D1%87%D0%BD%D1%8F-2026-%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%BA%D1%83-%D0%B4%D0%BE-%D0%B5%D0%BA%D1%81%D1%82%D1%80%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%BE%D1%97-%D0%BC%D0%B5%D0%B4%D0%B8%D1%87%D0%BD%D0%BE%D1%97-%D0%B4%D0%BE%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%BC%D0%BE%D0%B3%D0%B8-%D1%87%D0%B5%D1%80/1349014193919460&#34;&gt;sought &lt;/a&gt;emergency medical care for frostbite and hypothermia, according to the Ministry of Health.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ivan found refuge this autumn at a rehabilitation center run by religious organizations in Fastiv, a small town in the Kyiv region. The organization provides people with drug and alcohol addictions with housing and food. Ivan said he also helped out at the church.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“I have a pass that allows me to ride electric trains for free. You can warm up there, you know,” Ivan said. He added that after leaving the rehabilitation center, he traveled across different regions by commuter train for a few days.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!F0Wp!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F35ed540a-a21e-4d95-92b0-c2f497173bc1_960x1280.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f35ed540a-a.png&#34; width=&#34;240&#34; height=&#34;320&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/35ed540a-a21e-4d95-92b0-c2f497173bc1_960x1280.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1280,&#34;width&#34;:960,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:240,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;One of the meals provided by the Organization Dopomozhy Bezdomnomu Kyiv: pasta with vegetables, bread and cheese, and tea. Photo provided by&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.facebook.com/help.homeless.Kyiv/&#34;&gt; Dopomozhy Bezdomnomu Kyiv&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Many night shelters refuse to admit people with addiction issues, making recovery even harder. Depaul’s &lt;a href=&#34;https://int.depaulcharity.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/09/Homelessness-in-Ukraine-Report-EN.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com&#34;&gt;study &lt;/a&gt;points to the need for closer collaboration between shelters and rehabilitation centers to ensure people can be redirected to appropriate treatment.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!3Am8!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F04ac257f-cc6f-4c65-9133-6a09be5d0eae_594x396.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f04ac257f-c.jpg&#34; width=&#34;440&#34; height=&#34;293.3333333333333&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/04ac257f-cc6f-4c65-9133-6a09be5d0eae_594x396.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:396,&#34;width&#34;:594,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:440,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;People line up for free soup, bread and hot food at a stand run by a charity called Enjoying Life on November 07, 2022 in Kyiv, Ukraine. (Photo by Ed Ram/Getty Images).&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Recently, Ivan learned that his mother died in Crimea. He has no family left. But every time life gets very hard for him, he thinks of the soldiers, for whom it is even harder.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Despite the freezing cold temperatures and the excessive power and heat blackouts, Ivan wants to stay in Kyiv.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A big city means more opportunities, more work. He plans to apply for an Internally Displaced Person (IDP) certificate and receive state benefits, which would allow him to rent affordable housing and start working.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ivan also wants to see the famous Motherland Monument because he had never been to the capital before.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“When I arrived here, I had 3% on my phone, I had no charger, things, nothing. And I didn’t know where I was at all,” he said. “But now I have a full battery charge, I’ve eaten, I have a few things, even construction gloves if I need to work as a loader.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ivan pulled a pair of nice blue gloves out of his backpack to show us.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“They are clean, I washed them,” he said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;*We haven’t given the full names for our characters due to their vulnerable position.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Featured subscriber comment:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;“I believe in the importance of on-the-ground reporting, bringing home to us who are far away the reality of what things are like in Ukraine.”&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;By Caitriana NicNeacail&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Upgrade now to support our work and get full access to all our writing.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Get Full Access!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Get Full Access!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Tip Jar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Tip Jar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;NEWS OF THE DAY: &lt;br&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;By Oksana Stepura&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;strong&gt;UKRAINE AND NATO OUTLINE COOPERATION PRIORITIES: &lt;/strong&gt;Ukraine and NATO have &lt;a href=&#34;https://mod.gov.ua/news/ukrayina-ta-nato-uzgodili-prioriteti-spivpraczi-ppo-f-16-himars-i-tehnologichna-perevaga-2&#34;&gt;agreed&lt;/a&gt; to collaborate on strengthening air defense systems including the use of Patriot, F16, and HIMARS systems, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense announced.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;This partnership comes as EU and NATO increasingly rely on Ukraine to provide unique insight from their experience of nearly 5 years of full-scale war with Russia as they scale up their military production and preparation.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;SPACEX BLOCK STARLINK USAGE FOR RUSSIAN MILITARY: &lt;/strong&gt;At the &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.facebook.com/Serhii.Flash/posts/pfbid05XbWfz9CopQRqnBPdSMLJD5mKCVHLGpnL9UVJ3L7X4BjWdGAR6VHikWdmJ5q4VCBl?rdid=VK6uC85Pyi5TkEZY#&#34;&gt;request&lt;/a&gt; of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, Elon Musk’s SpaceX has taken steps to block Russian forces from using Starlink. The measures are temporary but will be replaced by more permanent measures later on, an advisor to the new Ukrainian Defense Minister said.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Starlinks allow the Russian military to &lt;a href=&#34;https://aviationweek.com/defense/budget-policy-operations/russia-using-starlink-equipped-attack-drones-precision-strikes&#34;&gt;improve&lt;/a&gt; drone target accuracy and to &lt;a href=&#34;https://unn.ua/en/news/russia-integrates-starlink-terminals-into-new-strike-drones-to-bypass-electronic-warfare&#34;&gt;avoid&lt;/a&gt; Ukraine’s electronic warfare.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;RUSSIA STRIKES MATERNITY HOSPITAL: &lt;/strong&gt;Russia &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-attacks-maternity-hospital-in-zaporizhzhia-injures-at-least-6/&#34;&gt;attacked&lt;/a&gt; a maternity hospital in Zaporizhzhia on February 1, injuring at least six – two of whom were patients.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Russia has repeatedly attacked maternity hospitals – in the first year of the war Russia attacked a different maternity ward in the same region and killed a newborn. Estimates from mid-2025 already put the number of &lt;a href=&#34;https://phr.org/news/brutal-milestone-2000-attacks-on-ukraines-hospitals-clinicians-and-health-infrastructure-since-russias-full-scale-invasion/&#34;&gt;damaged or destroyed&lt;/a&gt; hospitals by Russia at over 1000.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br&gt;CAT OF CONFLICT:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;Oksana’s Mary used to resist the attempts to cover her with a blanket, but since Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure took out the heating in her apartment, Mary started to actually enjoy blankets.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!K35t!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff8e865b2-f9a5-4068-a487-64431709189a_1280x622.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2ff8e865b2-f.png&#34; width=&#34;1280&#34; height=&#34;622&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/f8e865b2-f9a5-4068-a487-64431709189a_1280x622.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:622,&#34;width&#34;:1280,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Stay safe out there.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Best,&lt;br&gt;Tania and Oksana&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/how-ukraines-homeless-are-faring&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>From Mission Control to Patriot: How AFU experience strengthens NATO defenses</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/01/from-mission-control-to-patriot.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 01 Feb 2026 15:00:46 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/01/from-mission-control-to-patriot.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/8f094a217c.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;From Mission Control to Patriot: How AFU experience strengthens NATO defenses&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0gGEhn6WQo&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Where martial law meets the energy crisis | Ukraine This Week</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/01/where-martial-law-meets-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 01 Feb 2026 14:01:49 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/01/where-martial-law-meets-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/utw-01-02-2-2-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Where martial law meets the energy crisis | Ukraine This Week&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;In the latest episode of Ukraine This Week, the Kyiv Independent’s Anna Belokur explains how martial law shapes daily life in Ukraine amid the country&#39;s harshest winter since the full-scale invasion.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/where-martial-law-meets-the-energy-crisis-ukraine-this-week/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia steps up attacks with Kh-32 missiles — here&#39;s what we know</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/01/russia-steps-up-attacks-with.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 01 Feb 2026 13:05:16 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/01/russia-steps-up-attacks-with.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2f4636279a5c9deb.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia steps up attacks with Kh-32 missiles — here&#39;s what we know&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;On Jan. 24, Ukraine&#39;s Air Force &lt;a href=&#34;https://t.me/kpszsu/53516&#34;&gt;reported&lt;/a&gt; intercepting nine Kh-32 missiles, drawing renewed attention to a weapon that Russia has until now used sparingly in attacks on Ukraine, but often with devastating consequences.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Known for its high speed and steep flight profile, the missile has long posed a&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-intercepts-nine-kh-32-missiles-what-do-we-know-about-them/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine, US, Russia to meet in UAE next week for new round of peace talks, Zelensky says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/01/ukraine-us-russia-to-meet.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 01 Feb 2026 11:44:52 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/01/ukraine-us-russia-to-meet.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2257121655.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine, US, Russia to meet in UAE next week for new round of peace talks, Zelensky says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia are set to meet in Abu Dhabi on Feb. 4-5 for a new round of talks as part of ongoing efforts to negotiate a peace deal, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Feb. 1.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-us-russia-to-meet-in-uae-next-week-for-new-round-of-peace-talks-zelensky-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia attacks maternity hospital in Zaporizhzhia, injures at least 6</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/01/russia-attacks-maternity-hospital-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 01 Feb 2026 11:22:47 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/01/russia-attacks-maternity-hospital-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/photo-2026-02-01-11-54-02.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia attacks maternity hospital in Zaporizhzhia, injures at least 6&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;The strike on the maternity hospital is yet another proof of a war waged against life,&#34; Governor Ivan Fedorov said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-attacks-maternity-hospital-in-zaporizhzhia-injures-at-least-6/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine sees &#39;real results&#39; from blocking Russia’s Starlink use, defense minister says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/01/ukraine-sees-real-results-from.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 01 Feb 2026 11:02:47 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/01/ukraine-sees-real-results-from.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-1983635905.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine sees &#39;real results&#39; from blocking Russia’s Starlink use, defense minister says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said Ukraine continues to work &#34;very closely&#34; with U.S. tech billionaire Elon Musk&#39;s team on the next &#34;important steps.&#34;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/first-steps-to-block-russia-from-using-starlink-deliver-real-results-ukraines-defense-minister-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russian attacks against Ukraine kill 4, injure 21, including children, over past day</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/01/russian-attacks-against-ukraine-kill.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 01 Feb 2026 09:13:59 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/01/russian-attacks-against-ukraine-kill.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/photo-2026-02-01-07-29-25.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian attacks against Ukraine kill 4, injure 21, including children, over past day&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukrainian forces downed 76 out of the 90 drones, including Shahed-type attack drones, launched by Russia overnight, the Air Force reported. Fourteen drones struck nine different locations, according to the statement.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-attacks-against-ukraine-kill-4-injure-21-over-past-day/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>General Staff: Russia has lost 1,240,680 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/01/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 01 Feb 2026 08:11:15 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/01/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/6b0023cc0c.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;General Staff: Russia has lost 1,240,680 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The number includes 1,090 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/general-staff-russia-has-lost-1-240-680-troops-in-ukraine-since-feb-24-2022/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Over 168,000 Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine identified by media investigation</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/01/over-russian-soldiers-killed-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 01 Feb 2026 04:16:28 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/01/over-russian-soldiers-killed-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/120515ab67.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Over 168,000 Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine identified by media investigation&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Since the media outlets&#39; last update in mid-January, the names of 4,536 Russian soldiers have been added to the list of casualties.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/over-168-000-russian-soldiers-killed-in-ukraine-identified-by-media-investigation/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Poland closes airspace after Belarusian balloon incursion</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/02/01/poland-closes-airspace-after-belarusian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 01 Feb 2026 02:08:28 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/02/01/poland-closes-airspace-after-belarusian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/9b4c53b046.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Poland closes airspace after Belarusian balloon incursion&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Polish authorities temporarily closed the airspace along the northern part of Poland&#39;s border with Belarus overnight on Jan. 30-31 after unidentified objects — believed to be Belarusian smuggling balloons — were detected in the region.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/poland-closes-airspace-after-belarusian-balloon-incursion/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Hungary against Germany and France – an uneven match #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/31/hungary-against-germany-and-france.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 31 Jan 2026 23:30:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/31/hungary-against-germany-and-france.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/cf863c382d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Hungary against Germany and France – an uneven match #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/2S9YoGR5Iek&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>🤥Blackout in Ukraine and Moldova: emergency cuts, deaths in Sumy</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/31/210014.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 31 Jan 2026 21:00:14 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/31/210014.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/623a4266db.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🤥Blackout in Ukraine and Moldova: emergency cuts, deaths in Sumy&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlqtsoZVbLw&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>ZELENSKYY: Russians want to cut off our cities from each other #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/31/zelenskyy-russians-want-to-cut.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 31 Jan 2026 19:49:38 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/31/zelenskyy-russians-want-to-cut.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/966be467ed.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;ZELENSKYY: Russians want to cut off our cities from each other #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/bKZSl1u30Ls&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>⚡️Moldova residents are urged to use ELECTRICITY sparingly #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/31/moldova-residents-are-urged-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 31 Jan 2026 19:25:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/31/moldova-residents-are-urged-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/8cbe3b3e13.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡️Moldova residents are urged to use ELECTRICITY sparingly #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/8UPkfe1yPjQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Russian envoy meets US officials for Ukraine peace talks before next round of trilateral negotiations</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/31/russian-envoy-meets-us-officials.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 31 Jan 2026 19:05:42 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/31/russian-envoy-meets-us-officials.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2209065895.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian envoy meets US officials for Ukraine peace talks before next round of trilateral negotiations&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russian Envoy Kiril Dmitriev held &#34;productive and constructive meetings&#34; with U.S. officials in Miami, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff said on Jan. 31.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-envoy-meets-with-us-officials-for-ukraine-peace-talks/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>🕯️ Large-scale network failure: will the power system withstand January 31?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/31/largescale-network-failure-will-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 31 Jan 2026 19:00:25 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/31/largescale-network-failure-will-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/9fffcf6c3f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🕯️ Large-scale network failure: will the power system withstand January 31?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3VOIsoWXz0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Secret Orbán-Putin deals: Why Hungary turned against Brussels and Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/31/secret-orbnputin-deals-why-hungary.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 31 Jan 2026 18:26:29 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/31/secret-orbnputin-deals-why-hungary.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/59d3dde4c8.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Secret Orbán-Putin deals: Why Hungary turned against Brussels and Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2_tQdPwL2U&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>STRIKE AGAINST THE RUSSIAN AIR FORCE – factory for Su is burning #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/31/strike-against-the-russian-air.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 31 Jan 2026 17:30:22 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/31/strike-against-the-russian-air.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/467e52b761.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;STRIKE AGAINST THE RUSSIAN AIR FORCE – factory for Su is burning #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/UU5JkQ1Smi0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>REVENGE FOR KYIV! 🚀 Flamingo missiles destroy Russian rear: Belgorod and Murmansk in BLACKOUT!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/31/revenge-for-kyiv-flamingo-missiles.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 31 Jan 2026 17:21:26 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/31/revenge-for-kyiv-flamingo-missiles.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/179a93b8cd.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;REVENGE FOR KYIV! 🚀 Flamingo missiles destroy Russian rear: Belgorod and Murmansk in BLACKOUT!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cF54VltVYFE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russian officials call for &#39;more powerful weapons&#39; to attack Ukraine as temperatures drop</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/31/russian-officials-call-for-more.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 31 Jan 2026 17:11:53 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/31/russian-officials-call-for-more.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/7c09d0cd50.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian officials call for &#39;more powerful weapons&#39; to attack Ukraine as temperatures drop&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Volodin&#39;s threat, in which he says State Duma deputies call for &#34;weapons of retaliation&#34; to be used against Ukraine, comes a few days after Ukrainian, Russian, and U.S. officials held the latest round of peace talks in Abu Dhabi on Jan. 23-24.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-officials-call-for-more-powerful-weapons-to-attack-ukraine-as-temperatures-drop/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>RUSSIA poses a NUCLEAR threat – statement by the head of the IAEA #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/31/russia-poses-a-nuclear-threat.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 31 Jan 2026 16:30:41 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/31/russia-poses-a-nuclear-threat.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/76d9df7cf1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;RUSSIA poses a NUCLEAR threat – statement by the head of the IAEA #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/BFuatu3Naw0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>⚡ Blackout in Ukraine and Moldova: emergency cuts, deaths in Sumy.</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/31/blackout-in-ukraine-and-moldova.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 31 Jan 2026 16:00:36 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/31/blackout-in-ukraine-and-moldova.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/b570ad3580.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡ Blackout in Ukraine and Moldova: emergency cuts, deaths in Sumy.&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNGWHagIUbA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>&#39;Russians are to blame&#39; — Moldovans react to mass power outage after Moldova-Ukraine line malfunction</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/31/russians-are-to-blame-moldovans.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 31 Jan 2026 15:32:37 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/31/russians-are-to-blame-moldovans.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2246500907.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;Russians are to blame&#39; — Moldovans react to mass power outage after Moldova-Ukraine line malfunction&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Moldova suffered a major power outage on Jan. 31, leaving most of its capital without electricity in the morning and halting trolleybuses and traffic lights. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Parts of Moldova experienced power disruptions when Ukraine &lt;strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://t.me/Denys_Smyhal/12227&#34;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;reported&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; &#34;a cascade shutdown&#34; in its power grid due to technical malfunctions on high-voltage lines&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russians-are-to-blame-moldovans-react-to-mass-power-outage-after-moldova-ukraine-line-malfunction/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukraine hit by mass blackouts after grid disruption</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/31/ukraine-hit-by-mass-blackouts.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 31 Jan 2026 11:36:03 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/31/ukraine-hit-by-mass-blackouts.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/e1b9ddcd48.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine hit by mass blackouts after grid disruption&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal reported &#34;a cascade shutdown&#34; in Ukraine&#39;s power grid in the morning on Jan. 31.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-hit-by-mass-blackouts-after-grid-disruption/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Meet Olha Kobylianska, the Ukrainian author who redefined women’s freedom</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/31/meet-olha-kobylianska-the-ukrainian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 31 Jan 2026 11:31:45 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/31/meet-olha-kobylianska-the-ukrainian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/olha-kobylianska-1.png&#34; alt=&#34;Meet Olha Kobylianska, the Ukrainian author who redefined women’s freedom&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In Olha Kobylianska&#39;s 1891 novella &#34;A Human Being,&#34; the heroine Olena defies societal norms with a transgression that challenges the very fabric of her world: the pursuit of intellectual freedom. She is a woman who thinks for herself and, far worse in the eyes of society,&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/meet-olha-kobylianska-the-ukrainian-author-who-redefined-womens-freedom/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>At least 5 killed, 19 injured in Russian attacks over past day</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/31/at-least-killed-injured-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 31 Jan 2026 11:05:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/31/at-least-killed-injured-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2259066175.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;At least 5 killed, 19 injured in Russian attacks over past day&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Air Force said on Jan. 31 that Russia launched 85 drones against Ukraine overnight, of which 55 were Shahed-type drones. It said that it had downed 64 drones in the north, south, and east of the country.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/at-least-5-killed-19-injured-in-russian-attacks-over-past-day/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>General Staff: Russia has lost 1,239,590 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/31/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 31 Jan 2026 08:53:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/31/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/9a08dcbe05.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;General Staff: Russia has lost 1,239,590 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The number includes 880 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/general-staff-russia-has-lost-1-239-590-troops-in-ukraine-since-feb-24-2022/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Iran&#39;s top security official meets with Putin amid threats of US military action</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/31/irans-top-security-official-meets.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 31 Jan 2026 07:34:35 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/31/irans-top-security-official-meets.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2184158151.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Iran&#39;s top security official meets with Putin amid threats of US military action&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Iran&#39;s Supreme National Security Council Secretary traveled to Russia on Jan. 30 for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin amid heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/irans-top-security-official-meets-with-putin-amid-threats-of-us-military-action/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Putin&#39;s envoy to meet with Trump team in Florida ahead of Abu Dhabi peace talks, White House confirms</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/31/putins-envoy-to-meet-with.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 31 Jan 2026 00:49:29 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/31/putins-envoy-to-meet-with.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/aa972759f4.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Putin&#39;s envoy to meet with Trump team in Florida ahead of Abu Dhabi peace talks, White House confirms&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Kremlin negotiator Kirill Dmitriev will meet with members of the Trump administration in Florida on Jan. 31, a White House official confirmed to the Kyiv Independent on Jan. 30.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/putins-envoy-to-meet-with-trump-team-in-florida-ahead-of-abu-dhabi-peace-talks-white-house-confirms/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>MEAT GRINDER: Russian losses surge in war against Ukraine #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/30/meat-grinder-russian-losses-surge.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 30 Jan 2026 23:30:11 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/30/meat-grinder-russian-losses-surge.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/3e256f2429.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;MEAT GRINDER: Russian losses surge in war against Ukraine #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/fop65V-uh84&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>US Senate committee backs sanctions bill cracking down on Russia&#39;s shadow fleet</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/30/us-senate-committee-backs-sanctions.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 30 Jan 2026 23:15:03 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/30/us-senate-committee-backs-sanctions.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/0b50700e84.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;US Senate committee backs sanctions bill cracking down on Russia&#39;s shadow fleet&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Shadow Fleet Sanctions Act, introduced by Senators Jim Risch and Jeanne Shaheen in September 2025, expands Washington&#39;s authority to penalize shadow fleet vessels and slaps new penalties on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) and other energy sector projects.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/us-senate-committee-backs-sanctions-bill-cracking-down-on-russias-shadow-fleet/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>50,000 losses monthly – Fedorov’s algorithms drain Russia’s forces</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/30/losses-monthly-fedorovs-algorithms-drain.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 30 Jan 2026 23:00:41 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/30/losses-monthly-fedorovs-algorithms-drain.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/3ed415a8de.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;50,000 losses monthly – Fedorov’s algorithms drain Russia’s forces&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mhJNGQU6jA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russia rejects US-Ukraine agreement – a new impasse? #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/30/russia-rejects-usukraine-agreement-a.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 30 Jan 2026 21:30:04 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/30/russia-rejects-usukraine-agreement-a.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/d49ed43ca6.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia rejects US-Ukraine agreement – a new impasse? #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/HdV6pcWfG8U&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>The illusion of a ceasefire in Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/30/the-illusion-of-a-ceasefire.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 30 Jan 2026 21:29:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/30/the-illusion-of-a-ceasefire.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2256843351.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;The illusion of a ceasefire in Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Under immense pressure by weeks of Russian missile strikes, blackouts, and freezing cold, Ukrainians may get a few days of reprieve — at least, according to Washington.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Trump surprisingly announced on Jan. 29 that Russian President &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/vladimir-putin/&#34;&gt;Vladimir Putin&lt;/a&gt; agreed not to strike &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/ukraine/&#34;&gt;Ukrainian&lt;/a&gt; cities for a week, though Moscow said&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/putin-buying-time-with-ukraine-truce-as-trump-talks-reach-dead-end/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>⚡️ENERGY TRUCE! What lies behind the week-long &amp;amp;quot;silence&amp;amp;quot; and how will Kyiv respond?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/30/energy-truce-what-lies-behind.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 30 Jan 2026 21:00:44 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/30/energy-truce-what-lies-behind.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/e19f1c8e2a.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡️ENERGY TRUCE! What lies behind the week-long &amp;quot;silence&amp;quot; and how will Kyiv respond?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJ6DYo3hht4&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Protection against Russian drones: Ukrainians fight back with technology! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/30/protection-against-russian-drones-ukrainians.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 30 Jan 2026 20:00:33 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/30/protection-against-russian-drones-ukrainians.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/b948caf4ae.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Protection against Russian drones: Ukrainians fight back with technology! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/UH4tLmUwfio&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>With Iran&#39;s uprising suppressed, Trump signals that military strikes are back on the table</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/30/with-irans-uprising-suppressed-trump.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 30 Jan 2026 19:59:46 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/30/with-irans-uprising-suppressed-trump.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2255173177.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;With Iran&#39;s uprising suppressed, Trump signals that military strikes are back on the table&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;U.S. President Donald Trump issued another ultimatum to Iran on Jan. 28, threatening to strike the regime if it does not agree to a deal on limiting its nuclear weapons program.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Earlier in January, &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/iran/&#34;&gt;Iran&lt;/a&gt; was rocked by nationwide protests fueled by high inflation and the sharp depreciation of&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/did-the-iranian-regime-survive/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>EU considers full ban on Russian oil services to replace price cap, source says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/30/eu-considers-full-ban-on.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 30 Jan 2026 19:28:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/30/eu-considers-full-ban-on.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2bf3025022.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;EU considers full ban on Russian oil services to replace price cap, source says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;If approved, the measure would prevent European companies from providing key services for transporting Russian oil.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/eu-considers-full-ban-on-russian-oil-services-to-replace-price-cap/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine is ready to refrain from retaliatory strikes, Zelenskyy says on &amp;quot;energy truce&amp;quot; #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/30/ukraine-is-ready-to-refrain.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 30 Jan 2026 19:20:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/30/ukraine-is-ready-to-refrain.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/3a21aff6ba.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine is ready to refrain from retaliatory strikes, Zelenskyy says on &amp;quot;energy truce&amp;quot; #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Ewj9K_0KhSk&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>🛡️ INVISIBLE TO THE ENEMY&#39;S “EYES”: How the AFU SURVIVE and PREVAIL under a swarm of Russian DRONES</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/30/invisible-to-the-enemys-eyes.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 30 Jan 2026 19:00:15 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/30/invisible-to-the-enemys-eyes.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/a79599fd84.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🛡️ INVISIBLE TO THE ENEMY&#39;S “EYES”: How the AFU SURVIVE and PREVAIL under a swarm of Russian DRONES&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dsm_1GQYx5k&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine is rewriting the rules of war! Algorithms against the agony of the empire!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/30/ukraine-is-rewriting-the-rules.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 30 Jan 2026 17:01:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/30/ukraine-is-rewriting-the-rules.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/59322e8ffb.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine is rewriting the rules of war! Algorithms against the agony of the empire!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fd7oD8bpedw&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>SBU detains 3 men accused of working for Russia&#39;s FSB, plotting bomb attacks on Ukrainian military in Odesa</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/30/sbu-detains-men-accused-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 30 Jan 2026 16:09:58 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/30/sbu-detains-men-accused-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/photo-2026-01-30-16-08-51.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;SBU detains 3 men accused of working for Russia&#39;s FSB, plotting bomb attacks on Ukrainian military in Odesa&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;The terrorist attacks were to be carried out by remotely activating homemade bombs,&#34; the SBU said on Jan. 30.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/sbu-detained-3-men-accused-of-working-for-russias-fsb-plotting-bomb-attacks-on-ukrainian-military-in-odesa/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Why China is quietly buying Russian weapons, explained</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/30/why-china-is-quietly-buying.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 30 Jan 2026 16:01:15 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/30/why-china-is-quietly-buying.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/china-taiwan-1-6-jpg.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Why China is quietly buying Russian weapons, explained&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Kyiv Independent’s Alisa Yurchenko investigates why China is buying Russian weapons, what Moscow gains from the deal, and what the deepening Russia–China military cooperation could mean for future conflicts.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/why-china-is-quietly-buying-russian-weapons-explained/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>DRONES VS MISSILES: how Ukraine changed long-range strikes</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/30/drones-vs-missiles-how-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 30 Jan 2026 15:48:46 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/30/drones-vs-missiles-how-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/1ce1eebfc3.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;DRONES VS MISSILES: how Ukraine changed long-range strikes&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=---MFOK8oWI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>De-escalation signals from US: Ukraine’s response on energy sector #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/30/deescalation-signals-from-us-ukraines.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 30 Jan 2026 15:30:24 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/30/deescalation-signals-from-us-ukraines.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/7070844482.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;De-escalation signals from US: Ukraine’s response on energy sector #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/YnCcyocPeo4&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Trump’s weeklong ceasefire? Russia says 2 days</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/30/trumps-weeklong-ceasefire-russia-says.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 30 Jan 2026 15:12:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/30/trumps-weeklong-ceasefire-russia-says.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f76e97316-c.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Trump’s weeklong ceasefire? Russia says 2 days&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!E0rp!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7b946d0e-3ec7-4a94-b4d1-5d6cb8867dd0_1500x500.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f7b946d0e-3.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;485&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/7b946d0e-3ec7-4a94-b4d1-5d6cb8867dd0_1500x500.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:485,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:true,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Featured subscriber comment:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Thanks for all the stories The Counteroffensive gets out of the hopeful liberators around the world. You are a bright and shining light in an increasingly darkening world, the U.S. included. Hopes and prayers for you all.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;By Scott_D&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Upgrade now to support our work and get full access to all our writing.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Get Full Access!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Get Full Access!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Tip Jar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Tip Jar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Russia will refrain from striking Ukrainian energy facilities for only two days, officially commenting on the temporary energy ceasefire that was rumoured to start last night.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Yesterday ,Trump &lt;a href=&#34;https://clashreport.com/world/articles/trump-putin-halted-strike-on-kyiv-energy-for-a-week-on-my-request-75pwbxqp1pp&#34;&gt;said&lt;/a&gt; that he had “personally asked President Putin not to fire into Kyiv and various towns for a week during this extraordinary cold,” and that Putin agreed.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f76e97316-c.jpg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2b5b6361d7.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;970&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/76e97316-c97b-44a0-8b3d-8222894ffc0e_1600x1066.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:970,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Tent Camps Set Up In Kyiv Amid Blackout. Photo by Andrii Khodkov/Apostrophe/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;After the Paywall:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;What is the context of the so-called ‘energy truce’ taking place?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;Is Russia really refraining from striking Ukraine, as Trump claimed?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;What’s in it for Russia?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
      &lt;p&gt;
          &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/trumps-weeklong-ceasefire-russia&#34;&gt;
              Read more
          &lt;/a&gt;
      &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/trumps-weeklong-ceasefire-russia&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russia is destroying Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia. Spanish fighter jets are on alert over the Baltic Sea</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/30/russia-is-destroying-kharkiv-and.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 30 Jan 2026 15:00:46 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/30/russia-is-destroying-kharkiv-and.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/f08b0219ff.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia is destroying Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia. Spanish fighter jets are on alert over the Baltic Sea&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PN5gRUF4x-8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest: Russia attacks passenger bus in Kherson Oblast, killing 1, injuring 5</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/30/ukraine-war-latest-russia-attacks.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 30 Jan 2026 12:42:30 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/30/ukraine-war-latest-russia-attacks.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/screenshot-2026-01-30-at-13-25-46.png&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest: Russia attacks passenger bus in Kherson Oblast, killing 1, injuring 5&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Live coverage of Russia’s war against Ukraine with breaking news and frontline updates, updated 4 times today. Russia attacked a passenger bus in Kherson Oblast, killing the driver, and injuring 5 civilians, Kherson Oblast Prosecutor&#39;s Office reported on Jan. 30.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-update-2026-01-30/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Confusion reigns as Russia says it was only asked to stop attacking Kyiv until Sunday</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/30/confusion-reigns-as-russia-says.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 30 Jan 2026 11:41:44 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/30/confusion-reigns-as-russia-says.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/348b093f3c.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Confusion reigns as Russia says it was only asked to stop attacking Kyiv until Sunday&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The comment from Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov came a day after Trump said Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed to his request not to strike Kyiv as well as other Ukrainian cities and towns for a week.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/confusion-reigns-as-russia-says-it-was-only-asked-to-stop-attacking-kyiv-until-sunday/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>&#39;We are all used to this now&#39; — Inside one of Kyiv’s hardest-hit buildings this winter</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/30/we-are-all-used-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 30 Jan 2026 11:11:32 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/30/we-are-all-used-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/upd-image00021.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;We are all used to this now&#39; — Inside one of Kyiv’s hardest-hit buildings this winter&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Upon entering Daria’s apartment in a large complex in Rusanivka on Kyiv’s left bank, a faint smell of gas lingers in the cold, dim rooms. After Russia’s attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure cut heat and power across parts of the city,  &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/we-are-all-used-to-this-now-inside-one-of-kyivs-hardest-hit-buildings-this-winter/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>&#39;They are not very interested&#39; – Russia halts POW exchanges, Zelensky says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/30/they-are-not-very-interested.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 30 Jan 2026 11:01:12 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/30/they-are-not-very-interested.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2253903051.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;They are not very interested&#39; – Russia halts POW exchanges, Zelensky says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;They do not feel that it gives them anything,&#34; Zelensky said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-halts-pow-exchanges-zelensky-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Zelensky rejects Putin&#39;s Moscow invitation, signals possible delay in peace talks</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/30/zelensky-rejects-putins-moscow-invitation.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 30 Jan 2026 10:40:29 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/30/zelensky-rejects-putins-moscow-invitation.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/484e49cfec.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky rejects Putin&#39;s Moscow invitation, signals possible delay in peace talks&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;I can just as well invite him to Kyiv, let him come. I&#39;m openly inviting him, if he dares,&#34; Zelensky said during a briefing with journalists.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/let-him-come-to-kyiv-zelensky-dismisses-putins-moscow-invite/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>EU plans to impose 20th sanctions package against Russia on Feb. 24, Kallas says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/30/eu-plans-to-impose-th.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 30 Jan 2026 04:00:47 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/30/eu-plans-to-impose-th.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/81de4b19c9.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;EU plans to impose 20th sanctions package against Russia on Feb. 24, Kallas says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The European Union aims to impose a 20th sanctions package against Russia on Feb. 24, the day marking the fourth anniversary of Russia&#39;s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas told reporters on Jan. 29.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/eu-plans-to-approve-20th-sanctions-package-against-russia-on-feb-24-kallas-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine distributes boilers from Italy to support heating for up to 90,000 homes</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/29/ukraine-distributes-boilers-from-italy.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2026 23:42:50 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/29/ukraine-distributes-boilers-from-italy.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2250252295.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine distributes boilers from Italy to support heating for up to 90,000 homes&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukraine has distributed industrial boiler equipment delivered by Italy among communities in 10 regions as part of a broader support program aimed at strengthening the country’s heating infrastructure, Deputy Prime Minister Oleksii Kuleba said on Jan. 29.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-distributes-boilers-from-italy-to-support-heating-for-up-to-90-000-homes/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>🌊 The West sinks Putin’s shadow fleet: France seizes tanker, India rejects Russian oil</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/29/the-west-sinks-putins-shadow.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2026 23:01:15 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/29/the-west-sinks-putins-shadow.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/a87567c73e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🌊 The West sinks Putin’s shadow fleet: France seizes tanker, India rejects Russian oil&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuziidfJ71A&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russia’s new “anti-drone” solution – dressing soldiers like giant penguins #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/29/russias-new-antidrone-solution-dressing.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2026 22:30:03 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/29/russias-new-antidrone-solution-dressing.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/c2dae12eec.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia’s new “anti-drone” solution – dressing soldiers like giant penguins #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/6Qf43fuMfpc&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>NEWSFLASH: Trump, Zelenskyy announce energy ceasefire in Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/29/newsflash-trump-zelenskyy-announce-energy.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2026 22:04:24 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/29/newsflash-trump-zelenskyy-announce-energy.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f69376f7a-5.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;NEWSFLASH: Trump, Zelenskyy announce energy ceasefire in Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!oO-w!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F9d8f6188-2267-4a78-81e1-b777a00b94c2_1500x500.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f9d8f6188-2.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;485&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/9d8f6188-2267-4a78-81e1-b777a00b94c2_1500x500.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:485,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:true,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Featured subscriber comment:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;“I support your work because I think the on-the-site reporting you do is the kind of storytelling and journalism I want to encourage; that you happen to do so from a war-zone is an excruciating fact and adds gravitas to the Publication”&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;By Immersione&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Get Full Access!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Get Full Access!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Tip Jar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Tip Jar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Putin has agreed not to attack Ukrainian energy infrastructure for a week at Donald Trump’s request, the U.S. president &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jan/29/trump-claims-putin-agreed-to-halt-ukraine-energy-strikes-amid-extreme-cold&#34;&gt;said&lt;/a&gt; during a conversation with journalists at the White House.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f69376f7a-5.jpg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/5b2652731a.jpg&#34; width=&#34;594&#34; height=&#34;396&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/69376f7a-5609-4fd5-b690-64487f4c02d9_594x396.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:396,&#34;width&#34;:594,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;US President Donald Trump speaks alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio (L) and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth (R) during a cabinet meeting in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on January 29, 2026. (Photo by Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP via Getty Images).&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;This statement came on the eve of extreme cold weather in Ukraine, with temperatures expected to reach -30°C this weekend. Meanwhile, the energy crisis has been going on for more than two weeks, and some Kyiv residents have been without heating for even longer.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;After the paywall:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;What preceded the energy truce?&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;How are Russian officials and society reacting to the energy truce?&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;What measures is the Ukrainian government taking to endure the harshest winter of the war?&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
      &lt;p&gt;
          &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/newsflash-trump-zelenskyy-announce&#34;&gt;
              Read more
          &lt;/a&gt;
      &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/newsflash-trump-zelenskyy-announce&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>PUTIN&#39;S COMBAT PENGUINS: Why do their &amp;quot;innovations&amp;quot; make even their own soldiers laugh?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/29/putins-combat-penguins-why-do.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2026 22:00:52 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/29/putins-combat-penguins-why-do.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/04882141ed.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;PUTIN&#39;S COMBAT PENGUINS: Why do their &amp;quot;innovations&amp;quot; make even their own soldiers laugh?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkKaQEkvXZI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>🔥Over $1 billion in damages: Ukraine strikes Russian aviation #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/29/over-billion-in-damages-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2026 21:30:04 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/29/over-billion-in-damages-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/e284190be1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🔥Over $1 billion in damages: Ukraine strikes Russian aviation #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/MsUDMqeQ6zI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Aviation collapses, Asian mercenaries arrive – Kremlin patches front after AFU strikes</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/29/aviation-collapses-asian-mercenaries-arrive.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2026 21:00:31 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/29/aviation-collapses-asian-mercenaries-arrive.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/3fc43ddd04.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Aviation collapses, Asian mercenaries arrive – Kremlin patches front after AFU strikes&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QeNYnFtfu9E&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>⚡️I hope America will be able to stop the attacks on the energy sector, – Zelenskyy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/29/i-hope-america-will-be.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2026 20:56:43 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/29/i-hope-america-will-be.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/a53607378b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡️I hope America will be able to stop the attacks on the energy sector, – Zelenskyy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/7E6lkMC-23w&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>🛡 THE FRONT LINE HOLDS: 46 clashes in 24 hours and the real situation in the combat zone</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/29/the-front-line-holds-clashes.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2026 20:00:05 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/29/the-front-line-holds-clashes.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/1ee6ac1b4b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🛡 THE FRONT LINE HOLDS: 46 clashes in 24 hours and the real situation in the combat zone&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abzNaX6GyvU&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>The Baltic region is preparing for a NEW WAVE OF AGGRESSION from the Russian Federation #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/29/the-baltic-region-is-preparing.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2026 19:30:23 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/29/the-baltic-region-is-preparing.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/0933162c84.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;The Baltic region is preparing for a NEW WAVE OF AGGRESSION from the Russian Federation #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/GFP8zanMs9Q&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>EUROPE IS PREPARING FOR WAR: Why is Brussels URGENTLY building DEFENSIVE INDEPENDENCE?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/29/europe-is-preparing-for-war.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2026 19:00:22 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/29/europe-is-preparing-for-war.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/341c17a9d5.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;EUROPE IS PREPARING FOR WAR: Why is Brussels URGENTLY building DEFENSIVE INDEPENDENCE?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYKZL_CML4Q&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Trump claims Putin agreed not to strike Kyiv, other Ukrainian cities &#39;for a week&#39;</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/29/trump-claims-putin-agreed-not.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2026 18:31:44 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/29/trump-claims-putin-agreed-not.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2229506510.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Trump claims Putin agreed not to strike Kyiv, other Ukrainian cities &#39;for a week&#39;&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;I personally asked President Putin not to fire on Kyiv and the cities and towns for a week,&#34; Trump said. &#34;And he agreed to do that.&#34;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/trump-claims-putin-agreed-not-to-strike-kyiv-ukrainian-cities-for-a-week/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Defense Ministry working with SpaceX to solve Russian use of Starlink on drones</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/29/defense-ministry-working-with-spacex.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2026 18:30:09 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/29/defense-ministry-working-with-spacex.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/27efc77cc5.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Defense Ministry working with SpaceX to solve Russian use of Starlink on drones&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukraine says it is working with SpaceX to stop Russian drones from using Starlink, after reports that satellite-connected UAVs are extending their range to strike deeper into Ukrainian territory.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/defense-ministry-working-with-spacex-to-solve-russian-use-of-starlink-on-drones/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>NATO urges EU NOT TO RESTRICT arms purchases for Ukraine #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/29/nato-urges-eu-not-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2026 17:30:30 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/29/nato-urges-eu-not-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/df8e72ac75.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;NATO urges EU NOT TO RESTRICT arms purchases for Ukraine #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/cszcInCdQz8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>The AFU are the only army capable of STOPPING Russia: NATO to provide $90 billion for weapons?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/29/the-afu-are-the-only.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2026 17:00:48 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/29/the-afu-are-the-only.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/bd1e4b0b6b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;The AFU are the only army capable of STOPPING Russia: NATO to provide $90 billion for weapons?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGJ8-4bKC8Q&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>&#39;Repression cannot go unanswered&#39; — EU sanctions Iran over protest crackdown, Russia support</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/29/repression-cannot-go-unanswered-eu.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2026 16:49:23 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/29/repression-cannot-go-unanswered-eu.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/dsc07680-1-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;Repression cannot go unanswered&#39; — EU sanctions Iran over protest crackdown, Russia support&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;European foreign ministers also agreed to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, said Kaja Kallas, the EU&#39;s chief diplomat.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/eu-sanctions-iran-over-supporting-russias-war/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>INVESTMENTS &#43; REFORMS: EU prepares Ukraine for economic leap forward #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/29/investments-reforms-eu-prepares-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2026 16:04:05 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/29/investments-reforms-eu-prepares-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/e503a5e17b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;INVESTMENTS + REFORMS: EU prepares Ukraine for economic leap forward #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/I6uUCTXE7xA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>China denies helping Russia produce Oreshnik missiles</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/29/china-denies-helping-russia-produce.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2026 15:49:56 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/29/china-denies-helping-russia-produce.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/af0fb73280.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;China denies helping Russia produce Oreshnik missiles&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The news comes after the Telegraph reported that China has sent Russia tools used to build Oreshnik warheads.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/china-denies-helping-russia-produce-oreshnik-missiles/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>WATCH! Glenna “Baby Doc” Manchego, US combat medic, reveals the truth from the front</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/29/watch-glenna-baby-doc-manchego.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2026 15:29:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/29/watch-glenna-baby-doc-manchego.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/60311a3e55.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;WATCH! Glenna “Baby Doc” Manchego, US combat medic, reveals the truth from the front&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hLbBefehNM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>&#39;Without power, without heat&#39; — EU allocates over $170 million for Ukraine amid Russian attacks on energy</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/29/without-power-without-heat-eu.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2026 15:28:38 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/29/without-power-without-heat-eu.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2258061179.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;Without power, without heat&#39; — EU allocates over $170 million for Ukraine amid Russian attacks on energy&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The funds will support protection assistance, shelter, food, cash aid, psychosocial services, and access to water and healthcare for Ukrainians affected by the attacks.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/eu-allocates-over-170-million-for-ukraine-amid-russian-energy-attacks/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>🔥 ODESA UNDER FIRE, ZAPORIZHZHIA IN MOURNING: Will Europe save Ukraine&#39;s energy system?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/29/odesa-under-fire-zaporizhzhia-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2026 15:09:04 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/29/odesa-under-fire-zaporizhzhia-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/6d8e8ac029.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🔥 ODESA UNDER FIRE, ZAPORIZHZHIA IN MOURNING: Will Europe save Ukraine&#39;s energy system?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huMoOEQ5XU0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Same-sex couples find a haven in Taiwan</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/29/samesex-couples-find-a-haven.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2026 15:03:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/29/samesex-couples-find-a-haven.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fe8ae4a8b-2.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Same-sex couples find a haven in Taiwan&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!ZVFS!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F070bb9f6-2b90-4717-baf5-599c977bcc44_1500x500.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f070bb9f6-2.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;485&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/070bb9f6-2b90-4717-baf5-599c977bcc44_1500x500.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:485,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:true,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor’s Note: &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;This is our monthly supplemental issue on Taiwan!&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;We believe that empathy and authoritarianism can’t mix – that when we tell deeply-reported human stories of people threatened by dictators, it compels people to act against injustice.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Agree with us? Upgrade now to support our work.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Get Full Access!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Get Full Access!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Tip Jar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Tip Jar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;A little Chinese boy watched Taiwanese shows every night before he went to sleep.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;They speak the same language as he does, but it is a different world — freer, more diverse. It was a world he craved.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“As a minority growing up in China, this is the real Chinese culture I dream about,” said Light, a Chinese man who married his Taiwanese partner Eason in 2025.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The couple has been married for less than a year and describes their relationship as love at first sight. But Eason now faces the risk of being forced out of Taiwan, this safety haven, as tensions between his homeland and the island steadily escalate.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Taiwan &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.cna.com.tw/news/firstnews/201902215004.aspx&#34;&gt;legalized&lt;/a&gt; same-sex marriage in 2019, making it the first Asian country to do so. Compared to other cross-national couples, Taiwan, with less of a language barrier, attracted more same-sex couples from China, who may have felt more repressed in their home country.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Some dreamed of staying in Taiwan permanently, but now face challenges as the Taiwanese government weighs national security concerns, fearing that Beijing is sending undercover agents to the island.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Those anxieties hardened into policy after a series of incidents involving couples like Light and Eason. In 2025, &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3303677/taiwan-orders-3-mainland-chinese-leave-promoting-military-takeover-island&#34;&gt;three Chinese migrants&lt;/a&gt; living in Taiwan, all married to Taiwanese men, publicly supported the Chinese government using force to reunify the island, prompting Taiwanese authorities to take hard actions against them. The Taiwanese government accused them of violating immigration law and deported them.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Many Taiwanese people praised the government’s action, but some questioned if it was a violation of freedom of speech. The public discussion became intense, creating strong resentment in society, especially towards Chinese migrants. If Taiwan limits access for the Chinese minorities coming in, they could risk losing one of the most critical safe spaces in the Chinese-speaking world.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This is a delicate line that democratic countries must walk — balancing human rights obligations and national security.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fe8ae4a8b-2.jpg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/fc49acfbd2.jpg&#34; width=&#34;243&#34; height=&#34;321.3223140495868&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/e8ae4a8b-2d92-405f-8eef-d0fa8b192e84_1210x1600.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1600,&#34;width&#34;:1210,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:243,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Light, face covered for security purposes, married to his Taiwanese partner Eason in March in Thailand, holding their marriage certificate.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;In December 2024, Light met Eason on Tinder and sparks immediately flew, but they could only see each other once a month. In 2019, the Chinese government severely &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.cna.com.tw/news/firstnews/201907315004.aspx&#34;&gt;limited&lt;/a&gt; permission for its citizens to go to Taiwan, even though more than 2 million tourists &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.ctee.com.tw/news/20190524700306-430104&#34;&gt;were&lt;/a&gt; coming to the island in the years prior. It forced Eason to fly to China periodically to see his partner.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Due to the unique cross-strait relations, the Taiwanese government &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.mac.gov.tw/News_Content.aspx?n=06E913DD77355070&amp;sms=6250BEAB14F379F1&amp;s=E6D7E825ABCDD0DC&#34;&gt;doesn’t allow&lt;/a&gt; Chinese citizens to apply for a work visa, but allows them to stay for a short term, such as for travel and study.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The long distance was unbearable to Light. “I want to be with my partner all the time, and take care of each other,” Light said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Moving to Taiwan felt like a win-win for Light, particularly as he grew increasingly disillusioned with what he described as China’s male-dominated society and limited social diversity. The Chinese government has been accused of suppressing &lt;a href=&#34;https://cn.nytimes.com/china/20230605/rainbow-flags-china-lgbtq/zh-hant/&#34;&gt;LGBTQ+ related rights&lt;/a&gt;, at one point banning them from raising rainbow flags on campuses, among &lt;a href=&#34;https://time.com/6302212/china-lgbtq-concert-rainbow-ban/&#34;&gt;other &lt;/a&gt;restrictions.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Most people in China are very conservative about this topic,” explained Light. “Especially if you’re working for the government, you wouldn’t want to express your identity.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Within a few months, Light and Eason decided to get married.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Light considered himself a lucky person growing up. His mother was more open-minded than most Chinese families were.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“I need my mom to sign our marriage legal document. She saw the picture of us and joked, ‘Your wife looks like a man, “ Light said. “She knew it already.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In the art performance industry, he had always worked alongside some of the most diverse people in China; he could live comfortably with his identity and know who to trust.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Check if the person uses an iPhone or a Huawei. If the person uses an American phone, it tells you something,” said Light, referring to how he identifies open-minded strangers.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;id&#34;:441115}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;PollToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;poll-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Many Chinese minorities have already had to go through a thorny path before settling down in Taiwan. The &lt;a href=&#34;https://servicestation.immigration.gov.tw/media/5284/%E5%85%A9%E5%B2%B8%E4%BA%BA%E6%B0%91%E7%B5%90%E5%A9%9A%E6%B5%81%E7%A8%8B%E5%8F%8A%E6%87%89%E5%82%99%E6%96%87%E4%BB%B6-%E6%B5%B7%E5%9F%BA%E6%9C%83%E6%8F%90%E4%BE%9B.pdf&#34;&gt;Cross-Strait Act &lt;/a&gt;requires Chinese citizens to provide a marriage certificate in China before getting married in Taiwan, but Chinese law &lt;a href=&#34;https://zhuanlan.zhihu.com/p/666918918&#34;&gt;does not recognize same-sex marriage&lt;/a&gt;, which makes this nearly impossible.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;After civil rights groups and same-sex couples &lt;a href=&#34;https://tapcpr.org/main-topics/tssm/case/ryan-righ&#34;&gt;filed&lt;/a&gt; lawsuits against the Taiwanese government, it finally opened a path to &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.moi.gov.tw/News_Content.aspx?n=4&amp;s=321066&#34;&gt;allow&lt;/a&gt; cross-strait same-sex couples to stay in Taiwan by recognizing their marriage approval in a third country.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It’s a hassle, and an expensive process. Light and Eason had to travel to Thailand, where same-sex marriage is legal, before moving together to Taiwan. It cost them thousands of dollars and took five months for Light to get his Taiwanese residency approved.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Taiwan’s embrace of diversity came through painful lessons. In 2000, a 15-year-old Taiwanese boy, Yeh Yung-Chih, was &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/feat/archives/2016/01/31/2003638462&#34;&gt;bullied&lt;/a&gt; to death in the school bathroom after being ostracized for his supposedly feminine characteristics.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Eighteen years after his death, Taiwanese pop star Jolin Tsai memorialized his tragedy in the song ‘Womxnly,’ transforming this story into a cultural reckoning over gender, sexuality and acceptance.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Who put this soul into the wrong body?”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Who made this body a jail for me?”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“What kind of beauty attracts jealousy?”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“You’re not guilty, but the world is.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It is one of Light’s favorite songs, and also went on to resonate quietly with listeners in mainland China. It&lt;a href=&#34;https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3GSUWcqTwvkWts5mMliWvF&#34;&gt; hit the top 20 on KKbox &lt;/a&gt;(a Chinese version of Spotify) and won the Golden Melody Award for Song of the Year in 2019. The song became a beacon of hope for the LGBTQ Chinese-speaking community in Asia.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!9jlN!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4199c922-6884-48ae-bcfe-89785106bce2_875x366.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f4199c922-6.png&#34; width=&#34;575&#34; height=&#34;240.5142857142857&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/4199c922-6884-48ae-bcfe-89785106bce2_875x366.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:366,&#34;width&#34;:875,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:575,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;The song &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=feOq6MWeUXA&#34;&gt;Womxnly&lt;/a&gt;, sung by Jolin Tsai, mourned a young Taiwanese boy and inspired a cultural movement in Taiwan.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Taiwanese pop culture has had a huge impact on Chinese-speaking communities in Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and China since the 90s. It often served as a cultural pioneer for audiences navigating relatively conservative societies.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In the 2000s, male Chinese pop stars who might be considered more traditionally effeminate &lt;a href=&#34;https://hkcd.com/content/2018-03/30/content_1083878.html&#34;&gt;gained popularity&lt;/a&gt; in the mainstream market. However, that ended up clashing with the values of the Chinese government.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In 2021, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.npr.org/2021/09/02/1033687586/china-ban-effeminate-men-tv-official-morality&#34;&gt;announced&lt;/a&gt; a national policy asking all media, entertainment business associations and gaming platforms to end what they called “sissy men” culture.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Light felt he could easily become the Chinese government’s target.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“I’m not good at hiding my identity,” Light said. He is a straightforward person who would prefer his friends accept and know the truest version of him.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The party wanted to revive masculinity and promote the image of powerful Chinese culture. It denounced Western culture infiltrating the minds of Chinese men with men wearing makeup and androgynous clothing.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Many minorities in China watched silently as their safe spaces vanished. In the same year, multiple feminist and LGBTQ-friendly clubs, forums, and online accounts were &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aopl/202107080152.aspx&#34;&gt;removed&lt;/a&gt; on WeChat, the most popular social platform in China.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In 2025, the two biggest same-sex dating Chinese apps, &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.cna.com.tw/news/acn/202511110205.aspx&#34;&gt;Blued and Finka&lt;/a&gt;, were quietly removed from both Apple and Android app stores. People were forced to use secret codes to post about their identities online.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!e3Af!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F53a57c0d-4292-476e-a588-a44761b9cfd5_1600x1066.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f53a57c0d-4.jpg&#34; width=&#34;455&#34; height=&#34;303.125&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/53a57c0d-4292-476e-a588-a44761b9cfd5_1600x1066.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:970,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:455,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Taiwan legalized same-sex marriage in 2019, becoming the first Asian country to do so. This photo celebrates the 24th Pride Parade in Taipei on October 31, 2025. (Photo Credit: Taiwan.LGBT.Pride Facebook.)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Though Light finally could legally stay in Taiwan, the tension between China and Taiwan continued to rise, and he faced another challenge: being judged not for his identity, but for his place of origin.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Light experienced this deep-rooted suspicion firsthand.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“One time, I sent a post to a few Taiwanese friends. It was about the Chinese government’s new policy to benefit Taiwanese tourists,” said Light. The purpose of the policy is to attract more Taiwanese bonding with China, making his Taiwanese friends suspicious of his motive.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;One replied, “I would never never never go to China in my life.” Later, they blocked Light.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Last March, Ya-ya, who supported the CCP using force to reunify Taiwan, was the first Chinese migrant deported by the Taiwanese government. The hostility towards the Chinese migrants in Taiwan reached a peak. Crowds went to the airport to send Ya-ya off and praise the action of their government.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!qqo_!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff9d2d95d-e676-42f4-a559-9cda441b636e_948x528.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2ff9d2d95d-e.png&#34; width=&#34;570&#34; height=&#34;317.46835443037975&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/f9d2d95d-e676-42f4-a559-9cda441b636e_948x528.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:528,&#34;width&#34;:948,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:570,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;Chinese migrant, Ya-ya, deported due to the accusation of supporting the CCP using force to reunify Taiwan. (Screenshot from &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KjvVPwGezY&#34;&gt;YouTube channel&lt;/a&gt;)&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;The negative impression of Chinese migrants in Taiwan could lead some people to suspect that Light is a Chinese spy.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;To Light, his marriage was worth the risk of fleeing China. “I don’t agree with what those Chinese migrants say or do, and I think I need to respect the country if I want to stay here,” said Light.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;But, of course, doubt can creep in. “As a Chinese migrant, I’m not sure if the Taiwanese people would recognize me as part of their society.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor’s Note: &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;This is our monthly supplemental issue on Taiwan!&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;We believe that empathy and authoritarianism can’t mix – that when we tell deeply-reported human stories of people threatened by dictators, it compels people to act against injustice.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Agree with us? Upgrade now to support our work.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Get Full Access!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Get Full Access!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Tip Jar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Tip Jar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;NEWS OF THE DAY:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;By Anastasiia Kryvoruchenko&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;EU GAS RESERVE AT THEIR LOWEST:&lt;/strong&gt; Despite the fact that gas levels in Europe’s gas storage system have fallen to their lowest point since 2022, gas prices are not responding to the shortage, Reuters &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/europes-gas-storage-is-draining-prices-reflect-no-urgency-bousso-2026-01-29/&#34;&gt;reported&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Current storage levels stand at 44%, and if current trends continue, they could fall to 30% by March. This would mean that around 60 billion cubic meters of gas would need to be added to match the gas levels before last winter.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Europe is set to phase out Russian gas completely by next year, meaning that keeping these reserves filled will be even more problematic. Europe is increasingly relying on liquefied natural gas (LNG) to replenish its underground gas storage.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;TAIWANESE DEFENSE TRAINING FOR CHINESE ATTACK: &lt;/strong&gt;Taiwan’s military conducted drills in preparation for a potential Chinese attack, using missiles, drones, and coastal patrol boats. Taiwan regularly holds exercises ahead of the Lunar New Year, but this was the first time such drills were opened to the media since last December when China intimidated the island with military drills, Reuters &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.reuters.com/world/china/taiwan-military-practices-repelling-chinese-assault-sea-2026-01-29/&#34;&gt;reported&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;During the drills, Taiwan simulated a scenario where an unidentified boat was detected and the military dispatched drones to conduct reconnaissance.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;LUKOIL SEEKS TO SELL FOREIGN ASSETS TO THE U.S.: &lt;/strong&gt;Russia’s second-largest oil producer, Lukoil—which accounts for 2% of global oil production—has agreed to sell most of its foreign assets to the U.S. investment company Carlyle. The deal still requires approval from the U.S. Treasury Department, Kyiv Independent &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/lukoil-agrees-to-sell-foreign-assets-to-us-investment-firm/&#34;&gt;reported&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In October last year, the U.S. imposed sanctions on the company, froze its assets, and threatened additional sanctions on firms cooperating with Lukoil, aiming to pressure Russia into peace negotiations with Ukraine.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;CAT OF CONFLICT:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;Today’s Cat of Conflict is Frosia, Nastia’s parents’ cat. In her youth she was feisty, but her old age has softened her and now she is really affectionate and purrs every time you pet her.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!fj3d!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc7488c7a-2b05-4ada-b7b2-e6ca14b4bc66_960x1280.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fc7488c7a-2.png&#34; width=&#34;960&#34; height=&#34;1280&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/c7488c7a-2b05-4ada-b7b2-e6ca14b4bc66_960x1280.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1280,&#34;width&#34;:960,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Stay safe out there.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Best,&lt;br&gt;Elaine&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/same-sex-couples-find-a-haven-in&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Estonia warns Russian veterans could flood Europe after Ukraine war, urges EU entry ban</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/29/estonia-warns-russian-veterans-could.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2026 15:00:22 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/29/estonia-warns-russian-veterans-could.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/8e7428674a.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Estonia warns Russian veterans could flood Europe after Ukraine war, urges EU entry ban&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;We have close to 1 million combatants in Russia. They&#39;re mainly criminals; they are very dangerous people,&#34; Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said. &#34;We have information that most of them will come to Europe after the war.&#34;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/estonia-pushes-eu-wide-entry-ban-for-russian-ex-soldiers-who-fought-in-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine&#39;s central bank cuts interest rate in first change in 10 months</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/29/ukraines-central-bank-cuts-interest.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2026 13:25:26 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/29/ukraines-central-bank-cuts-interest.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/exchange-rate-26-02-1-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine&#39;s central bank cuts interest rate in first change in 10 months&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) voted on Jan. 29 to cut its benchmark interest rate to 15%, the first change since March last year, as inflation cools and a new aid package from Europe eased pressure on the country&#39;s finances.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-central-bank-cuts-rate-in-first-change-in-10-months/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest live: Russian aircraft, radar station, drone control centres destroyed in multiple attacks, General Staff says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/29/ukraine-war-latest-live-russian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2026 12:38:19 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/29/ukraine-war-latest-live-russian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/5dc58c21d8.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest live: Russian aircraft, radar station, drone control centres destroyed in multiple attacks, General Staff says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Live coverage of Russia’s war against Ukraine with breaking news and frontline updates, updated 4 times today. Ukrainian forces struck several Russian military targets, including an aircraft, the General Staff said on Jan. 29.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-update-2026-01-29/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine repatriates bodies of 1,000 fallen soldiers</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/29/ukraine-repatriates-bodies-of-fallen.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2026 11:59:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/29/ukraine-repatriates-bodies-of-fallen.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/photo-2026-01-29-12-17-24.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine repatriates bodies of 1,000 fallen soldiers&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russia confirmed that it had handed over 1,000 bodies to Ukraine under the Istanbul agreement in exchange for 38 bodies of fallen Russian soldiers, Kremlin-controlled news agency TASS reported on Jan. 29.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-repatriates-bodies-of-1-000-fallen-soldiers/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Lukoil agrees to sell most of its foreign assets to US investment group</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/29/lukoil-agrees-to-sell-most.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2026 11:10:03 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/29/lukoil-agrees-to-sell-most.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2246564713.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Lukoil agrees to sell most of its foreign assets to US investment group&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Carlyle deal does not include Lukoil&#39;s assets in Kazakhstan and is still subject to approval by the U.S. Treasury Department, the Russian energy giant said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/lukoil-agrees-to-sell-foreign-assets-to-us-investment-firm/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Germany&#39;s Merz says Ukraine joining EU in 2027 &#39;not possible&#39;</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/29/germanys-merz-says-ukraine-joining.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2026 09:55:41 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/29/germanys-merz-says-ukraine-joining.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2ece506f55.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Germany&#39;s Merz says Ukraine joining EU in 2027 &#39;not possible&#39;&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The comments come after President Volodymyr Zelensky set 2027 as the target date for Ukraine&#39;s entry into the bloc.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/germanys-merz-says-ukraine-joining-eu-in-2027-not-possible/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>&#39;They don&#39;t consider their work heroic&#39; — 4 energy workers die amid Kyiv repairs following Russian attacks</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/29/they-dont-consider-their-work.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2026 09:29:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/29/they-dont-consider-their-work.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2257351346-1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;They don&#39;t consider their work heroic&#39; — 4 energy workers die amid Kyiv repairs following Russian attacks&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As Kyiv&#39;s repair crews scramble to keep the lights and heat on after repeated Russian strikes, the work has become punishing — and, in recent weeks, deadly.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Oleksandr Pitaichuk, a 31-year-old high-angle rescuer, died during emergency repair work at one of Kyiv&#39;s power facilities on Jan.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/they-dont-consider-their-work-heroic-4-workers-die-amid-kyiv-energy-repairs-following-russian-attacks/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Military technology has evolved: missiles can now seek out their targets 🎯 #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/28/military-technology-has-evolved-missiles.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2026 22:30:09 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/28/military-technology-has-evolved-missiles.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/527cc050b7.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Military technology has evolved: missiles can now seek out their targets 🎯 #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/XPYxHeQNXhE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>The end of the missile era? Ukraine has created a new class of strike weapons</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/28/the-end-of-the-missile.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2026 22:01:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/28/the-end-of-the-missile.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/eb1c807360.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;The end of the missile era? Ukraine has created a new class of strike weapons&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjCvh_Y9Hr4&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>50,000 soldiers LOST per month – the optimal level for the Russian Federation, – Zelenskyy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/28/soldiers-lost-per-month-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2026 21:30:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/28/soldiers-lost-per-month-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/42b9a7c2f1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;50,000 soldiers LOST per month – the optimal level for the Russian Federation, – Zelenskyy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/jUoCMsys2xA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>MEETING WITH PUTIN AND AGREEMENT WITH THE US! Has Sybiga revealed a plan to end the war?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/28/meeting-with-putin-and-agreement.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2026 21:00:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/28/meeting-with-putin-and-agreement.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/d1454167b6.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;MEETING WITH PUTIN AND AGREEMENT WITH THE US! Has Sybiga revealed a plan to end the war?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CooK135BA48&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Exclusive: Trump&#39;s top envoy negotiating Ukraine&#39;s fate  displays &#39;shocking&#39; lack of knowledge about war, politics</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/28/exclusive-trumps-top-envoy-negotiating.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2026 20:46:33 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/28/exclusive-trumps-top-envoy-negotiating.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2256697258.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Exclusive: Trump&#39;s top envoy negotiating Ukraine&#39;s fate  displays &#39;shocking&#39; lack of knowledge about war, politics&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A senior U.S. envoy involved in efforts to end Russia&#39;s full-scale war against Ukraine has displayed a lack of basic understanding of Ukraine&#39;s political system and the war itself while speaking to reporters, the Kyiv Independent has learned.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The official is engaged in high-level negotiations&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/trumps-top-envoy-displays-shocking-lack-of-knowledge-about-war-politics/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Zelenskyy warns: new Russian strike discredits diplomacy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/28/zelenskyy-warns-new-russian-strike.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2026 20:41:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/28/zelenskyy-warns-new-russian-strike.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/3661711a52.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelenskyy warns: new Russian strike discredits diplomacy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/eo7wF9Y0_Ok&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian defenders stopped 7 attempts by Russians to break through in the south #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/28/ukrainian-defenders-stopped-attempts-by.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2026 20:30:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/28/ukrainian-defenders-stopped-attempts-by.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/68aa627d6d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian defenders stopped 7 attempts by Russians to break through in the south #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/SxV3oGFJEPA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>💥AFU destroy air defense near Kachi; 1.23M Russian losses, 105 battles in 24 hours</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/28/afu-destroy-air-defense-near.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2026 20:00:48 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/28/afu-destroy-air-defense-near.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/25a01f174a.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;💥AFU destroy air defense near Kachi; 1.23M Russian losses, 105 battles in 24 hours&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1-seHsqV8g&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>As temperatures outside plunge, a Ukrainian pet shelter struggles to keep animals warm amid Russian attacks</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/28/as-temperatures-outside-plunge-a.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2026 18:56:38 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/28/as-temperatures-outside-plunge-a.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/img-3862-1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;As temperatures outside plunge, a Ukrainian pet shelter struggles to keep animals warm amid Russian attacks&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Just over 30 kilometers (18 miles) from Kyiv, the Hostomel animal shelter is trying to keep more than 700 cats and dogs alive and warm as Russia&#39;s attacks on Ukraine&#39;s energy infrastructure leave the country facing rolling outages, scarce heat, and long stretches without power.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/looks-of-faith-perseverance-of-ukrainian-animal-shelters-in-times-of-cold-and-war/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Kyiv hoping to convince IMF to delay key condition for $8.1 billion loan</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/28/kyiv-hoping-to-convince-imf.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2026 18:11:24 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/28/kyiv-hoping-to-convince-imf.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/47972680d0.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Kyiv hoping to convince IMF to delay key condition for $8.1 billion loan&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Kyiv is pushing to delay a new tax on self-employed entrepreneurs until after the war has ended, as well as raise the threshold at which entrepreneurs would start paying the levy, a person in the Ukrainian government familiar with the talks told the Kyiv Independent.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/kyiv-hoping-to-convince-imf-to-delay-key-condition-for-8-1-billion/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Why Colombian volunteers are joining war in Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/28/why-colombian-volunteers-are-joining.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2026 18:11:21 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/28/why-colombian-volunteers-are-joining.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/colombiansoldier-2-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Why Colombian volunteers are joining war in Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Colombians, many shaped by decades of armed conflict at home, have become one of the largest groups of foreign volunteers fighting for Ukraine since the beginning of Russia&#39;s full-scale invasion in 2022. The Kyiv Independent&#39;s Jared Goyette speaks with a Colombian volunteer who spent two years fighting in Ukraine.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/why-colombian-volunteers-are-joining-war-in-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>😱 Shocking Russian TV broadcasts: how the Kremlin is preparing the world for a nuclear apocalypse</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/28/shocking-russian-tv-broadcasts-how.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2026 18:00:45 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/28/shocking-russian-tv-broadcasts-how.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/cd1aeed0e9.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;😱 Shocking Russian TV broadcasts: how the Kremlin is preparing the world for a nuclear apocalypse&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-gMQ1Avg5U&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>The EU has allocated the first €10 million to finance a special tribunal for the crime of aggression</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/28/the-eu-has-allocated-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2026 17:30:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/28/the-eu-has-allocated-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/7c31f6a341.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;The EU has allocated the first €10 million to finance a special tribunal for the crime of aggression&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/POFvYodwGbE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>&#39;Impossible to ban grief&#39; — how Russia tries and fails to hide its casualties in Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/28/impossible-to-ban-grief-how.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2026 17:18:28 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/28/impossible-to-ban-grief-how.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-1399231102.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;Impossible to ban grief&#39; — how Russia tries and fails to hide its casualties in Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Russia has tightened control over information about its battlefield losses in Ukraine, cutting off data and closing one public loophole after another. The effort has not stopped the evidence of the dead from surfacing.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As 2025 came to an end, &lt;a href=&#34;https://euromaidanpress.com/2026/01/15/british-intelligence-russia-likely-lost-415000-soldiers-killed-and-injured-in-2025/&#34;&gt;Western governments&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a href=&#34;https://en.zona.media/article/2026/01/16/casualties_eng-trl&#34;&gt;independent groups&lt;/a&gt; alike tallied staggering figures for&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/impossible-to-ban-grief-how-russia-tries-and-fails-to-hide-its-casualties-in-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian Railways introduces additional security measures after deadly Russian attack on passenger train in Kharkiv Oblast</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/28/ukrainian-railways-introduces-additional-security.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2026 17:12:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/28/ukrainian-railways-introduces-additional-security.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/photo-2026-01-28-17-15-48.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian Railways introduces additional security measures after deadly Russian attack on passenger train in Kharkiv Oblast&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Three Russian Geran-2 drones struck the train on Jan. 27 at around 4:30 p.m. local time in the Barvinkove community.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-railways-introduces-additional-security-measures-after-russian-attack-on-passenger-train-in-kharkiv-oblast/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia has already lost its future! Moscow is becoming a vassal of China</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/28/russia-has-already-lost-its.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2026 17:05:37 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/28/russia-has-already-lost-its.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/057384602c.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia has already lost its future! Moscow is becoming a vassal of China&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whUAeGGmupY&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Maia Sandu: Attacks on civilians are a VIOLATION of international law #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/28/maia-sandu-attacks-on-civilians.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2026 16:07:22 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/28/maia-sandu-attacks-on-civilians.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/fa79065cea.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Maia Sandu: Attacks on civilians are a VIOLATION of international law #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/q03smEqmeUU&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Syrian president arrives in Moscow for talks with Putin</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/28/syrian-president-arrives-in-moscow.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2026 15:30:24 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/28/syrian-president-arrives-in-moscow.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/cde8b0d000.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Syrian president arrives in Moscow for talks with Putin&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Kremlin has sought to strengthen ties with the new leadership in Damascus after the toppling of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad, a Russian ally, in 2024.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/syrian-president-arrives-in-moscow-for-talks-with-putin/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Drones over railway stations and monasteries – Putin&#39;s terror crosses all red lines</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/28/drones-over-railway-stations-and.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2026 15:15:15 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/28/drones-over-railway-stations-and.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/acf3ab29b8.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Drones over railway stations and monasteries – Putin&#39;s terror crosses all red lines&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7-VZVIzNKg&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>WOW! WATCH Details of Real Hell near Krasnodar: Russian Missiles Hit Their Own | Live Stream</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/28/wow-watch-details-of-real.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2026 14:50:40 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/28/wow-watch-details-of-real.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/d0749350a8.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;WOW! WATCH Details of Real Hell near Krasnodar: Russian Missiles Hit Their Own | Live Stream&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIf4xSjxw8I&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russia says it&#39;s ready for Zelensky-Putin meeting — but only if Ukraine&#39;s president travels to Moscow</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/28/russia-says-its-ready-for.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2026 14:47:03 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/28/russia-says-its-ready-for.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/e270f33021.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia says it&#39;s ready for Zelensky-Putin meeting — but only if Ukraine&#39;s president travels to Moscow&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said Moscow is prepared to ensure President Volodymyr Zelensky&#39;s security.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-says-its-ready-for-zelensky-putin-meeting/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest live: SBU releases greatest hits video of 2025 drone strikes on Russian aircraft</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/28/ukraine-war-latest-live-sbu.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2026 14:43:45 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/28/ukraine-war-latest-live-sbu.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/img-1156.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest live: SBU releases greatest hits video of 2025 drone strikes on Russian aircraft&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Live coverage of Russia’s war against Ukraine with breaking news and frontline updates, updated 3 times today. Ukraine&#39;s Security Service (SBU) on Jan. 28 released a video compilation of what it claimed was the destruction of more than $1 billion worth of Russian military aircraft in long-range drone strikes conducted by its Alpha special forces unit.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-update-2026-01-28/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine targets oil depot in Russia&#39;s Voronezh Oblast, strikes several military facilities in occupied territories, General Staff says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/28/ukraine-targets-oil-depot-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2026 12:46:04 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/28/ukraine-targets-oil-depot-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-1259154407.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine targets oil depot in Russia&#39;s Voronezh Oblast, strikes several military facilities in occupied territories, General Staff says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The attack on the oil depot caused a fire at the facility and ignited stored petroleum products. Thick smoke is rising above the site, the General Staff said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-targets-oil-depot-in-russias-voronezh-oblast-strikes-several-military-facilities-in-occupied-territories-general-staff-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russians attacked a monastery and homes in Odesa: shelling aftermath #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/28/russians-attacked-a-monastery-and.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2026 11:47:04 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/28/russians-attacked-a-monastery-and.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/c51363743d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russians attacked a monastery and homes in Odesa: shelling aftermath #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/JGUt77FnT_E&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Shelling of Zaporizhzhia: consequences of Russia’s attack on a residential district #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/28/shelling-of-zaporizhzhia-consequences-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2026 11:22:59 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/28/shelling-of-zaporizhzhia-consequences-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/c95a5bd030.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Shelling of Zaporizhzhia: consequences of Russia’s attack on a residential district #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/YB67v2rg2KY&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Spain escorts shadow fleet vessel sanctioned for carrying Russian oil, Reuters reports</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/28/spain-escorts-shadow-fleet-vessel.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2026 10:59:23 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/28/spain-escorts-shadow-fleet-vessel.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/6077e1342f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Spain escorts shadow fleet vessel sanctioned for carrying Russian oil, Reuters reports&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Chariot Tide, formerly known as Marabella Sun, was flying a Mozambique flag when its engine broke down on Jan. 22 in international waters within Spain&#39;s search-and-rescue zone.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/spain-escorts-shadow-fleet-vessel-sanctioned-for-carrying-russian-oil-reuters-reports/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Chart of the week: The different paths of Eastern Europe&#39;s civil society</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/28/chart-of-the-week-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2026 09:57:17 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/28/chart-of-the-week-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/civil-society-02-1-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Chart of the week: The different paths of Eastern Europe&#39;s civil society&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In Eastern Europe, shifting global orders have been a lived experience for decades. Just over thirty years ago, the end of communism and the retreat of Russian dominance paved the way for market economies and pluralistic societies, sometimes overnight. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Since that rupture, civil society — the organizations that exist in&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/chart-of-the-week-the-different-paths-of-eastern-europes-civil-society/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Pro-Ukrainian partisans sabotage substation in Russia&#39;s Udmurt Republic, disrupt power supply to military‑industrial plant, group claims</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/28/proukrainian-partisans-sabotage-substation-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2026 06:49:08 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/28/proukrainian-partisans-sabotage-substation-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/photo-2026-01-27-11-42-42-2-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Pro-Ukrainian partisans sabotage substation in Russia&#39;s Udmurt Republic, disrupt power supply to military‑industrial plant, group claims&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Atesh partisan group sabotaged an electrical substation in Russia&#39;s Udmurt Republic, disrupting power supply to the nearby &#34;BUMMASH&#34; military‑industrial plant, the group claimed in a Telegram post on Jan. 28.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/pro-ukrainian-partisans-sabotage-electrical-substation-in-russias-udmurt-republic-disrupt-power-supply-to-military-industrial-plant-group-claims/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Explosions rock Kyiv as Russia launches drones, missiles targeting multiple Ukrainian regions</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/28/explosions-rock-kyiv-as-russia.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2026 02:24:53 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/28/explosions-rock-kyiv-as-russia.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/559e239caf.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Explosions rock Kyiv as Russia launches drones, missiles targeting multiple Ukrainian regions&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Explosions and fires were reported in Kyiv after Russia launched an early morning attack on Ukraine&#39;s capital on Jan. 28.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/explosions-rock-kyiv-as-russian-drones-target-ukraines-capital/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia has suffered &#39;more losses than any major power&#39; since World War II, report says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/28/russia-has-suffered-more-losses.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2026 02:24:25 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/28/russia-has-suffered-more-losses.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2255409566.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia has suffered &#39;more losses than any major power&#39; since World War II, report says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russian forces have sustained nearly 1.2 million casualties since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, paying a steep price for limited gains, a new CSIS report finds.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-has-suffered-more-losses-than-any-major-power-since-world-war-ii-report-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Hungary summons Ukrainian ambassador over election interference claims</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/27/hungary-summons-ukrainian-ambassador-over.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 27 Jan 2026 23:43:03 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/27/hungary-summons-ukrainian-ambassador-over.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2256536529.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Hungary summons Ukrainian ambassador over election interference claims&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukraine&#39;s ambassador to Hungary was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Budapest on Jan. 27, as Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto accused Kyiv of interfering in Hungary&#39;s upcoming parliamentary elections.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/hungary-summons-ukrainian-ambassador-over-election-interference-claims/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>103 battles in one day: Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka under massive assault</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/27/battles-in-one-day-pokrovsk.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 27 Jan 2026 23:00:40 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/27/battles-in-one-day-pokrovsk.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/11db3e1e9d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;103 battles in one day: Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka under massive assault&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__vyI_s5esw&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Lukashenko must be held accountable for &#39;complicity&#39; in Russia&#39;s war, Sybiha says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/27/lukashenko-must-be-held-accountable.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 27 Jan 2026 21:34:44 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/27/lukashenko-must-be-held-accountable.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2256240721.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Lukashenko must be held accountable for &#39;complicity&#39; in Russia&#39;s war, Sybiha says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Belarus is complicit in Russia&#39;s invasion of Ukraine and that Kyiv is preparing sanctions against Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko to hold him accountable for supporting the war.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-preparing-sanctions-against-lukashenko-sybiha-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>RUSSIA WITHDRAWS troops from Hmeimim in Syria  #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/27/russia-withdraws-troops-from-hmeimim.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 27 Jan 2026 21:30:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/27/russia-withdraws-troops-from-hmeimim.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/d3e814c872.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;RUSSIA WITHDRAWS troops from Hmeimim in Syria  #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/0Ft-FfL9K-Q&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia&#39;s influence in the Middle East is crumbling! Putin urgently surrenders key base in Syria</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/27/russias-influence-in-the-middle.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 27 Jan 2026 21:00:44 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/27/russias-influence-in-the-middle.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/a4712140a4.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia&#39;s influence in the Middle East is crumbling! Putin urgently surrenders key base in Syria&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMuen4yyLRs&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine sees shift in Russia&#39;s peace talks delegation as &#39;pseudo-historical lectures&#39; end, foreign minister says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/27/ukraine-sees-shift-in-russias.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 27 Jan 2026 19:02:54 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/27/ukraine-sees-shift-in-russias.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/db00a8ec5c.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine sees shift in Russia&#39;s peace talks delegation as &#39;pseudo-historical lectures&#39; end, foreign minister says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;These are different people... the conversations were very focused,&#34; Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-sees-shift-in-russias-peace-talks-delegation/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>ABRAMS IS BURNING THE OCCUPIERS IN POKROVSK! Hell in Krasnodar and COLLAPSE of Russian air defense</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/27/abrams-is-burning-the-occupiers.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 27 Jan 2026 19:00:57 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/27/abrams-is-burning-the-occupiers.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/22fb590727.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;ABRAMS IS BURNING THE OCCUPIERS IN POKROVSK! Hell in Krasnodar and COLLAPSE of Russian air defense&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJc24H3X3LQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>ZELENSKYY: The more difficult it is for Russia, the closer the world is #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/27/zelenskyy-the-more-difficult-it.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 27 Jan 2026 18:33:51 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/27/zelenskyy-the-more-difficult-it.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/f544445195.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;ZELENSKYY: The more difficult it is for Russia, the closer the world is #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/7ylBGISQt8s&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Orban&#39;s plan DOOMED TO FAILURE – Ukrainian MINISTER Sibiga #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/27/orbans-plan-doomed-to-failure.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 27 Jan 2026 18:30:14 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/27/orbans-plan-doomed-to-failure.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/f0254ed758.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Orban&#39;s plan DOOMED TO FAILURE – Ukrainian MINISTER Sibiga #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/LOI7T-DmLx0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Putin’s fake peace to save the economy – how war shattered Russia’s global influence</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/27/putins-fake-peace-to-save.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 27 Jan 2026 18:00:58 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/27/putins-fake-peace-to-save.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/a3570cc0b2.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Putin’s fake peace to save the economy – how war shattered Russia’s global influence&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esSy8uLq2VY&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>MASSIVE attack on ODESSA: over 50 drones overnight #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/27/massive-attack-on-odessa-over.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 27 Jan 2026 17:30:11 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/27/massive-attack-on-odessa-over.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/d38efe9f3d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;MASSIVE attack on ODESSA: over 50 drones overnight #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/RPSkpG0G_f4&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Hungarians rebel against Putin’s ally! Russia burns billions overnight as its own regions decay</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/27/hungarians-rebel-against-putins-ally.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 27 Jan 2026 17:00:46 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/27/hungarians-rebel-against-putins-ally.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/1c25f1623a.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Hungarians rebel against Putin’s ally! Russia burns billions overnight as its own regions decay&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wfb6DLpjW2c&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>&#39;Absurd&#39; — Trump&#39;s Board of Peace project falls flat in Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/27/absurd-trumps-board-of-peace.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 27 Jan 2026 16:27:08 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/27/absurd-trumps-board-of-peace.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/upd-gettyimages-2256955551.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;Absurd&#39; — Trump&#39;s Board of Peace project falls flat in Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;U.S. President Donald Trump&#39;s unveiling of his new &#34;Board of Peace&#34; drew a divided response from the international community.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Most of Europe — including &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/ukraine/&#34;&gt;Ukraine&lt;/a&gt; — was absent from the &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/trump-launches-his-board-of-peace-ahead-of-meeting-with-zelensky/&#34;&gt;signing ceremony&lt;/a&gt; in Davos, which featured mainly Middle Eastern leaders and &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/donald-trump/&#34;&gt;Trump&lt;/a&gt;&#39;s ideological&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/absurd-trumps-board-of-peace-project-falls-flat-in-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>WATCH LIVE! Jake Broe on Trump and “peace”: why the Kremlin won’t end the war, and Ukraine’s future</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/27/watch-live-jake-broe-on.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 27 Jan 2026 16:12:11 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/27/watch-live-jake-broe-on.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/6f3d02827e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;WATCH LIVE! Jake Broe on Trump and “peace”: why the Kremlin won’t end the war, and Ukraine’s future&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFImib2qdAA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>How war makes kids grow up angry</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/27/how-war-makes-kids-grow.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 27 Jan 2026 15:03:45 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/27/how-war-makes-kids-grow.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f03c0c159-b.png&#34; alt=&#34;How war makes kids grow up angry&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!0ck3!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb86b296d-5922-4960-b9db-3d07c64c226b_1500x500.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fb86b296d-5.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;485&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/b86b296d-5922-4960-b9db-3d07c64c226b_1500x500.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:485,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:true,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Featured subscriber comment:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;“I am supporting your work because, given what it going on here in the US, it is getting more and more difficult to follow the war in Ukraine. We need people there in Ukraine to give us information about the war that our current administration would like to bury.”&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;By Marie Scovell&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Upgrade now to support our work and get full access to all our writing.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Subscribe for Free!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Subscribe for Free!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Tip Jar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Tip Jar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;It was long past midnight. The ground was shaking with every explosion, each one growing closer than the last.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I couldn’t help but shake and cover my head, afraid that my eardrums would burst from the deafening sound of missiles &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.wsj.com/video/deadly-russian-strike-destroys-ukrainian-apartment-block/4D4CA752-1A58-4C68-8F48-DC79A3511275&#34;&gt;destroying&lt;/a&gt; our neighborhood.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;My family was holding on to each other, crowding our tiny corridor, too small for all five of us. By March 2023, we had learned to shelter from danger within my apartment’s thick, blank hallways, but no walls could protect us from fear.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Vova, one of my two younger brothers, was weeping, scared and exhausted by a sleepless night.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Tell me, what do you want for your next birthday,” my mother said, hugging the twins.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;After a few long minutes, he took a breath to shout what shocked us all:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“I want a tank to shoot and kill all Katsaps!”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Vova was using a curse word that Ukrainians use for Russians, the best way he could describe an evil that even a sweet and obedient 4-year-old had the urge to kill.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;According to linguists, the word likely &lt;a href=&#34;https://exlibris.org.ua/nakonechny/r23.html&#34;&gt;came&lt;/a&gt; to us from the Arabic word ‘qassab,’ which literally translates to ‘butcher’ but is also used to denote a cruel person.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Had I shut my mouth, the boys never would have picked up that word.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has caused anger issues for &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.savethechildren.net/news/three-four-children-ukraine-live-fear-attacks-once-again-escalate&#34;&gt;one-third&lt;/a&gt; of Ukrainian kids, including my brothers…&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;After the paywall:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;How Russia exploits kids to reach its goals in Ukraine;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;How the war slowly changed Sasha’s brothers;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;What children can do to manage their anger during wartime.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
      &lt;p&gt;
          &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/how-war-makes-kids-grow-up-angry&#34;&gt;
              Read more
          &lt;/a&gt;
      &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/how-war-makes-kids-grow-up-angry&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>ODESA UNDER FIRE: Russia launched 50&#43; drones, destroying homes and killing and wounding civilians.</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/27/odesa-under-fire-russia-launched.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 27 Jan 2026 15:01:16 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/27/odesa-under-fire-russia-launched.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/6f1ca4ba13.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;ODESA UNDER FIRE: Russia launched 50+ drones, destroying homes and killing and wounding civilians.&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLwOyc7Lk2M&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>&#39;No words to describe this&#39; — Russian attack damages Kyiv’s Pechersk Lavra monastery for first time since World War II</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/27/no-words-to-describe-this.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 27 Jan 2026 15:00:16 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/27/no-words-to-describe-this.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2257784335.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;No words to describe this&#39; — Russian attack damages Kyiv’s Pechersk Lavra monastery for first time since World War II&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A Russian attack on Kyiv overnight on Jan. 24 damaged buildings at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, a centuries-old monastery complex that holds some of Ukraine&#39;s most revered shrines and relics. Site officials said it was the first time since World War II that military action had damaged the Lavra.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/no-words-to-describe-this-russian-attack-damages-kyivs-pechersk-lavra-monastery-for-first-time-since-world-war-ii/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest live: Russian forces intensify pressure in Pokrovsk direction, military says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/27/ukraine-war-latest-live-russian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 27 Jan 2026 14:05:09 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/27/ukraine-war-latest-live-russian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2257784377.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest live: Russian forces intensify pressure in Pokrovsk direction, military says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Live coverage of Russia’s war against Ukraine with breaking news and frontline updates. Updated 4 times today. Russian forces have intensified pressure in the Pokrovsk direction, Ukraine&#39;s 7th Rapid Response Corps reported on Jan. 27.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-update-2026-01-27/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>US reportedly ties security guarantees to Ukraine ceding Donbas territory to Russia</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/27/us-reportedly-ties-security-guarantees.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 27 Jan 2026 13:45:23 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/27/us-reportedly-ties-security-guarantees.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/11af2ca4b9.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;US reportedly ties security guarantees to Ukraine ceding Donbas territory to Russia&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;As an additional incentive, the U.S. has reportedly offered Ukraine more weapons to equip its army in the post-war period.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/us-reportedly-ties-security-guarantees-to-ukraine-ceding-donbas/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>European coastal countries warn Russia&#39;s shadow fleet, step up maritime safety</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/27/european-coastal-countries-warn-russias.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 27 Jan 2026 13:43:48 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/27/european-coastal-countries-warn-russias.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/0af8c3b0e6.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;European coastal countries warn Russia&#39;s shadow fleet, step up maritime safety&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Fourteen European countries warned on Jan. 26 that ships sailing in the Baltic Sea and North Sea under multiple flags may be treated as stateless vessels.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/european-coastal-countries-warn-russias-shadow-fleet-over-maritime-safety/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Public safety warnings issued after Russian drone strike on Lviv Oblast oil terminal</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/27/public-safety-warnings-issued-after.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 27 Jan 2026 13:42:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/27/public-safety-warnings-issued-after.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-1885796973.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Public safety warnings issued after Russian drone strike on Lviv Oblast oil terminal&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;People with chronic respiratory and cardiovascular conditions are advised, if possible, to stay indoors,&#34; officials said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/public-safety-warnings-issued-after-russian-strike-on-lviv-oblast-oil-terminal/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Mass Russian drone strike on Odesa kills 1, injures 27, more may be under rubble</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/27/mass-russian-drone-strike-on.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 27 Jan 2026 10:53:31 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/27/mass-russian-drone-strike-on.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/01-27-odesa-strike.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Mass Russian drone strike on Odesa kills 1, injures 27, more may be under rubble&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Odesa was the hardest hit among Ukrainian cities overnight.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/mass-russian-drone-strike-on-odesa-injures-27-leaves-more-under-rubble/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Hungary, Slovakia to challenge EU Russian gas ban in court</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/26/hungary-slovakia-to-challenge-eu.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 26 Jan 2026 23:27:55 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/26/hungary-slovakia-to-challenge-eu.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/127ed6ec6d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Hungary, Slovakia to challenge EU Russian gas ban in court&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Hungary and Slovakia plan to sue the European Union over its REPowerEU plan to phase out imports of Russian oil and gas, officials wrote on Jan. 26.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/hungary-slovakia-to-challenge-eu-russian-gas-ban-in-court/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russian strikes on Ukrainian energy CI</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/26/russian-strikes-on-ukrainian-energy.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 26 Jan 2026 23:00:36 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/26/russian-strikes-on-ukrainian-energy.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/bd00b9d0-b5fb-4724-88ab-f73b60605c67-2560x1862.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian strikes on Ukrainian energy CI&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Since mid-2025, Russia has fundamentally reshaped its long-range strike campaign against Ukrainian critical infrastructure. Very large missile salvos have disappeared, replaced by sustained pressure built around mass drone swarms, smaller missile packages, and a growing reliance on ballistic systems.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This article examines how the shift following &lt;em&gt;Operation Spiderweb&lt;/em&gt; has increased strike effectiveness despite fewer missiles, degraded Ukraine’s interception rates, and produced the most destructive phase of the energy campaign to date—targeting power generation, gas production, and high-voltage transmission simultaneously.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;👉 &lt;strong&gt;Read the full analysis &lt;a href=&#34;https://rochan-consulting.com/russian-strikes-on-ukrainian-energy-ci-trends-and-outlook/&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;[rochanconsulting.substack.com/subscribe](https://rochanconsulting.substack.com/subscribe?)&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Subscribe&#34;,&#34;language&#34;:&#34;en&#34;}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;SubscribeWidgetToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;subscription-widget-wrap-editor&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;subscription-widget show-subscribe&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;preamble&#34;&gt;&lt;p data-sanitized-class=&#34;cta-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;fake-input-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;fake-input&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;fake-button&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://rochanconsulting.substack.com/p/russian-strikes-on-ukrainian-energy&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Zelensky calls UAE trilateral talks important step, says preparations underway for new meeting</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/26/zelensky-calls-uae-trilateral-talks.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 26 Jan 2026 22:23:23 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/26/zelensky-calls-uae-trilateral-talks.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/79d4476c32.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky calls UAE trilateral talks important step, says preparations underway for new meeting&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Jan. 26 that he received a report from Ukraine’s delegation after talks in the United Arab Emirates with U.S. and Russian representatives, noting the discussions were significant and covered a wide range of issues.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-calls-uae-trilateral-talks-a-major-step-says-preparations-underway-for-new-meeting/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>No missiles needed! Russian military bases are being destroyed by their own rotten infrastructure</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/26/no-missiles-needed-russian-military.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 26 Jan 2026 21:00:39 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/26/no-missiles-needed-russian-military.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/9893249b63.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;No missiles needed! Russian military bases are being destroyed by their own rotten infrastructure&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2vnPYMZsC4&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukrainians remain RESILIENT and find a way out even in times of crisis #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/26/ukrainians-remain-resilient-and-find.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 26 Jan 2026 20:33:11 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/26/ukrainians-remain-resilient-and-find.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/308830754c.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainians remain RESILIENT and find a way out even in times of crisis #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/jYQs_mRoI3o&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>⚡️While the UAE seeks a compromise, Russia is destroying the power grid. Who will gain time?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/26/while-the-uae-seeks-a.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 26 Jan 2026 20:00:11 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/26/while-the-uae-seeks-a.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/e90ab333a0.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡️While the UAE seeks a compromise, Russia is destroying the power grid. Who will gain time?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgGfDRh3Ta4&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>REALLY? Putin&#39;s Last Breath: &amp;amp;quot;Zombie Missiles&amp;amp;quot; Falling on Ukraine as Russia Runs Out of Options?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/26/really-putins-last-breath-ampquotzombie.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 26 Jan 2026 19:01:35 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/26/really-putins-last-breath-ampquotzombie.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/77fbf39d65.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;REALLY? Putin&#39;s Last Breath: &amp;quot;Zombie Missiles&amp;quot; Falling on Ukraine as Russia Runs Out of Options?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qAVkH_ZNpg&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>⚡️The only one responsible for this war continuing is Russia, says Zelenskyy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/26/the-only-one-responsible-for.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 26 Jan 2026 18:58:53 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/26/the-only-one-responsible-for.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/1e3a879125.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡️The only one responsible for this war continuing is Russia, says Zelenskyy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/qSrssl7NLn0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia tightens passport rules for children in occupied Ukraine, complicating escape, activists say</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/26/russia-tightens-passport-rules-for.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 26 Jan 2026 18:57:15 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/26/russia-tightens-passport-rules-for.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-1378270157.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia tightens passport rules for children in occupied Ukraine, complicating escape, activists say&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A new Russian law requires Ukrainian children in Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine to obtain Russian international passports to travel abroad; experts say the move complicates efforts to flee the occupation.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A law that took effect Jan. 20 bars children under 14 from traveling abroad without a &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/russia/&#34;&gt;Russian&lt;/a&gt; international passport, Russian&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-tightens-passport-rules-for-children-in-occupied-ukraine-complicating-escape-activists-say/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>BELGOROD is not a random target – it is from here that Russia launches missiles and drones #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/26/belgorod-is-not-a-random.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 26 Jan 2026 17:56:51 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/26/belgorod-is-not-a-random.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/6ae540c716.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;BELGOROD is not a random target – it is from here that Russia launches missiles and drones #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Pbj1dLmBOmQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Jake Broe: Russia is entering a phase of STRATEGIC ISOLATION and military exhaustion #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/26/jake-broe-russia-is-entering.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 26 Jan 2026 17:30:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/26/jake-broe-russia-is-entering.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/ae4baa5530.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Jake Broe: Russia is entering a phase of STRATEGIC ISOLATION and military exhaustion #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/PFOEye3Wa-Q&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Fact-check: Russia&#39;s &#39;most successful disinformation campaign&#39; targets free speech in Europe</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/26/factcheck-russias-most-successful-disinformation.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 26 Jan 2026 17:24:31 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/26/factcheck-russias-most-successful-disinformation.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/upd-upd-gettyimages-2248784454.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Fact-check: Russia&#39;s &#39;most successful disinformation campaign&#39; targets free speech in Europe&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Moscow&#39;s propaganda machine has been hard at work depicting Europe as a &#34;digital gulag,&#34; hellbent on suppressing free speech online.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The latest campaign has targeted efforts by the &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/united-kingdom/&#34;&gt;U.K.&lt;/a&gt; and the &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/european-union/&#34;&gt;EU&lt;/a&gt; to regulate X (formerly Twitter), even as the platform remains blocked in Russia,&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/fact-check-russias-most-successful-disinformation-campaign-targets-free-speech-in-europe/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>UK shipping company helped Russia raise $3.2 billion in LNG trade revenue in 2025, campaigners say</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/26/uk-shipping-company-helped-russia.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 26 Jan 2026 17:04:43 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/26/uk-shipping-company-helped-russia.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/a2f91e87ba.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;UK shipping company helped Russia raise $3.2 billion in LNG trade revenue in 2025, campaigners say&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Seapeak&#39;s share of Yamal LNG&#39;s trade in 2025 amounted to 37.3%, more than any other company, according to Urgewald&#39;s analysis based on Kpler data.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/uk-shipping-company-linked-to-russias-3-2-billion-lng-trade-campaigners-say/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia begins to fall apart: massive blackouts hit rear cities</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/26/russia-begins-to-fall-apart.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 26 Jan 2026 17:03:46 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/26/russia-begins-to-fall-apart.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/1c959b0554.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia begins to fall apart: massive blackouts hit rear cities&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCkwSzAU5qc&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Exclusive: Russian negotiators soften hardline stance in private, US officials say. Ukrainians urge caution</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/26/exclusive-russian-negotiators-soften-hardline.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 26 Jan 2026 16:50:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/26/exclusive-russian-negotiators-soften-hardline.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2257025667-1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Exclusive: Russian negotiators soften hardline stance in private, US officials say. Ukrainians urge caution&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;U.S. officials leading the talks are convinced that Russian negotiators have taken a more pragmatic tone behind closed doors than Moscow&#39;s public hardline rhetoric suggests, according to two people familiar with the matter.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/russia/&#34;&gt;Kremlin&lt;/a&gt; has consistently used public statements before and after each round of talks&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/kremlin-negotiators-drop-hardline-stance-behind-closed-doors-us-official-reveals/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Jake Broe: Zelenskyy will NOT make concessions to Russia regarding Donbas #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/26/jake-broe-zelenskyy-will-not.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 26 Jan 2026 16:30:36 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/26/jake-broe-zelenskyy-will-not.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/ade62e29df.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Jake Broe: Zelenskyy will NOT make concessions to Russia regarding Donbas #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/rSJXOK8OR9E&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian Special Operations Forces COMPLETE the cleanup of KUPIANSK #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/26/ukrainian-special-operations-forces-complete.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 26 Jan 2026 15:57:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/26/ukrainian-special-operations-forces-complete.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/e7b16bfd82.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian Special Operations Forces COMPLETE the cleanup of KUPIANSK #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/96kdfPSI68U&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>URGENT! Occupiers have been driven out of their positions, and an oil refinery is on fire in Russia</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/26/urgent-occupiers-have-been-driven.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 26 Jan 2026 15:00:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/26/urgent-occupiers-have-been-driven.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/a239423e1a.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;URGENT! Occupiers have been driven out of their positions, and an oil refinery is on fire in Russia&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SoCOpDig5w&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Exclusive: Iran gave Russia over 350 Fath-360 missiles. Ukraine has yet to see one launched</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/26/exclusive-iran-gave-russia-over.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 26 Jan 2026 14:31:52 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/26/exclusive-iran-gave-russia-over.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/fath-360.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Exclusive: Iran gave Russia over 350 Fath-360 missiles. Ukraine has yet to see one launched&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The reasons could be &#34;possible limitations of a technical or political character,&#34; Ukraine&#39;s military intelligence told the Kyiv Independent.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/exclusive/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest: Pokrovsk faces renewed winter assaults</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/26/ukraine-war-latest-pokrovsk-faces.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 26 Jan 2026 13:12:22 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/26/ukraine-war-latest-pokrovsk-faces.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2220224234.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest: Pokrovsk faces renewed winter assaults&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Live coverage of Russia’s war against Ukraine with breaking news and frontline updates. Updated (3) times today. Syrsky warns of Russian winter attacks on Pokrovsk, and Russian air attacks kill three Ukrainians over past day.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-update-2026-01-26/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia continues attempts at breakthrough near Pokrovsk, brings up reserves, Syrskyi says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/26/russia-continues-attempts-at-breakthrough.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 26 Jan 2026 12:00:52 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/26/russia-continues-attempts-at-breakthrough.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/618815343-1251757847119698-7706312371825318087-n.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia continues attempts at breakthrough near Pokrovsk, brings up reserves, Syrskyi says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Despite the brutal conditions, Russia has still continued to push out north of the city of Pokrovsk, making occasional incremental gains according to open-source mapping projects.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-continues-attempts-at-breakthrough-near-pokrovsk-brings-up-reserves-syrskyi-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>EU gives final approval to ban on Russian gas by 2027</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/26/eu-gives-final-approval-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 26 Jan 2026 11:46:55 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/26/eu-gives-final-approval-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/a0bfc184ac.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;EU gives final approval to ban on Russian gas by 2027&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;A full ban on Russian LNG will take effect in early 2027, followed by pipeline gas imports in the autumn of that year.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/eu-gives-final-approval-to-ban-on-russian-gas-by-2027/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian drones reportedly strike oil refinery in Russia&#39;s Krasnodar Krai</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/26/ukrainian-drones-reportedly-strike-oil.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 26 Jan 2026 04:07:43 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/26/ukrainian-drones-reportedly-strike-oil.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/ca114b15a3.png&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian drones reportedly strike oil refinery in Russia&#39;s Krasnodar Krai&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukrainian drones reportedly struck an oil refinery in the town of Slovyansk-na-Kuban in Russia&#39;s Krasnodar Krai overnight on Jan. 26, Russian Telegram media channels reported.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-military-reportedly-strikes-oil-refinery-in-russias-krasnodar-krai/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Zelensky, Belarusian opposition leader Tsikhanouskaya meet for first time in Vilnius</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/26/005724.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:57:24 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/26/005724.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/g-irioyxaaaagec.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky, Belarusian opposition leader Tsikhanouskaya meet for first time in Vilnius&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;President Volodymyr Zelensky and exiled Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya held their first bilateral meeting on Jan. 25.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-tsikhanouskaya-meet-for-first-time-in-vilnius/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian parliamentarian Orest Salamakha killed in quad bike accident</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/26/ukrainian-parliamentarian-orest-salamakha-killed.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:19:05 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/26/ukrainian-parliamentarian-orest-salamakha-killed.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/screenshot-2026-01-25-175621.png&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian parliamentarian Orest Salamakha killed in quad bike accident&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The accident occurred in the community of Sokilnyky in Lviv Oblast around 6:15 p.m. local time, the State Bureau of Investigation announced. Preliminary information appears to indicate that Salamakha entered oncoming traffic before colliding with a commercial minibus.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-parliamentarian-orest-salamakha-killed-in-quad-bike-accident/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>US security guarantees document is 100% ready, Zelensky says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/25/us-security-guarantees-document-is.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 25 Jan 2026 22:26:19 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/25/us-security-guarantees-document-is.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2257632082.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;US security guarantees document is 100% ready, Zelensky says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;For us, security guarantees are first and foremost guarantees from the United States. The document is 100% ready, and we are waiting for our partners to confirm the date and place for its signing,&#34; President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Jan. 25.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-says-us-security-guarantees-document-is-100-ready/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia rejects peace – gets KARMA: &amp;amp;quot;friendly fire&amp;amp;quot; missiles &amp;amp;amp; record troop losses</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/25/russia-rejects-peace-gets-karma.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 25 Jan 2026 21:15:47 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/25/russia-rejects-peace-gets-karma.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/71762db018.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia rejects peace – gets KARMA: &amp;quot;friendly fire&amp;quot; missiles &amp;amp; record troop losses&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEJJ5aIjt4E&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>PEACE for Ukrainians is not a compromise with Russia at the expense of values and human rights</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/25/peace-for-ukrainians-is-not.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 25 Jan 2026 20:30:05 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/25/peace-for-ukrainians-is-not.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/113b43817e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;PEACE for Ukrainians is not a compromise with Russia at the expense of values and human rights&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/MNlovycTGtQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>“Now Ukraine produces up to five million drones a year” – Sergej Sumlenny | Brave Hearts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/25/now-ukraine-produces-up-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 25 Jan 2026 20:00:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/25/now-ukraine-produces-up-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/259ac28f49.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;“Now Ukraine produces up to five million drones a year” – Sergej Sumlenny | Brave Hearts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Pb3LHKBo_U&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest: 80% of Ukraine faces emergency power cuts, 15% of Kyiv residential buildings remain without heat after Russian attack</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/25/ukraine-war-latest-of-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 25 Jan 2026 19:38:47 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/25/ukraine-war-latest-of-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2257653547.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest: 80% of Ukraine faces emergency power cuts, 15% of Kyiv residential buildings remain without heat after Russian attack&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Key developments on Jan. 24-25:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;80% of Ukraine faces emergency power cuts following Russian aerial attack&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;15% of Kyiv residential buildings remain without heat after Russia&#39;s attacks, officials say&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;At least 1 killed, 9 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine over past day&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Orban accuses Ukraine of threats,&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-jan-24-25-2026/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>❗️Covering up with “evacuation” – actually forced deportation #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/25/covering-up-with-evacuation-actually.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 25 Jan 2026 19:30:38 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/25/covering-up-with-evacuation-actually.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/4b2fbd9e08.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️Covering up with “evacuation” – actually forced deportation #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/KWflH0Tlam4&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia ATTACKS CHILDREN in DONBAS! Brutal drone-missile strikes on Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/25/russia-attacks-children-in-donbas.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 25 Jan 2026 19:01:16 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/25/russia-attacks-children-in-donbas.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/ee005c21b8.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia ATTACKS CHILDREN in DONBAS! Brutal drone-missile strikes on Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjI9npyPJJQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>ZELENSKYY: America must not EASE pressure on Russia #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/25/zelenskyy-america-must-not-ease.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 25 Jan 2026 18:53:28 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/25/zelenskyy-america-must-not-ease.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/034b772e36.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;ZELENSKYY: America must not EASE pressure on Russia #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/xuItaia1YxA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>PUTIN is offended – he wants to destroy UKRAINIAN IDENTITY – Broe #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/25/putin-is-offended-he-wants.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 25 Jan 2026 18:30:05 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/25/putin-is-offended-he-wants.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/ba80716efc.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;PUTIN is offended – he wants to destroy UKRAINIAN IDENTITY – Broe #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/GlUgfBA5sXQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>ONE-WAY TICKET: What hides behind PUTIN&#39;S &amp;amp;quot;Siberia development&amp;amp;quot; Plan?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/25/oneway-ticket-what-hides-behind.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 25 Jan 2026 18:00:33 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/25/oneway-ticket-what-hides-behind.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/0f5961b848.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;ONE-WAY TICKET: What hides behind PUTIN&#39;S &amp;quot;Siberia development&amp;quot; Plan?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KN8QEt_VDIM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia strikes ENERGY AND HOUSING: 1,700 DRONES and 69 MISSILES in one week #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/25/russia-strikes-energy-and-housing.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 25 Jan 2026 17:08:21 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/25/russia-strikes-energy-and-housing.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/87fe1bdd3e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia strikes ENERGY AND HOUSING: 1,700 DRONES and 69 MISSILES in one week #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/bjHFPB2Xwgg&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>🔥PEAK TENSION EARLY 2026🔥 Ukraine strikes deep into Russian rear, Abu Dhabi talks at risk?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/25/peak-tension-early-ukraine-strikes.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 25 Jan 2026 17:06:12 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/25/peak-tension-early-ukraine-strikes.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/5d245f3dd2.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🔥PEAK TENSION EARLY 2026🔥 Ukraine strikes deep into Russian rear, Abu Dhabi talks at risk?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYUt7KbdmK8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Zelensky says Lukashenko&#39;s dog has more rights than Belarusians as he visits Lithuanian capital</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/25/zelensky-says-lukashenkos-dog-has.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 25 Jan 2026 16:56:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/25/zelensky-says-lukashenkos-dog-has.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2257572855.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky says Lukashenko&#39;s dog has more rights than Belarusians as he visits Lithuanian capital&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Zelensky, speaking in Vilnius, said Lukashenko&#39;s dog has &#34;more rights than the people of Belarus&#34; and warned Europe to press back against Minsk&#39;s growing dependence on Moscow.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/lukashenkos-spitz-has-more-rights-than-the-people-of-belarus-zelensky-says-amid-lithuanian-capital-visit/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Extreme winter grips Ukraine&#39;s front lines | Ukraine This Week</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/25/extreme-wintergripsukraines-front-lines-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 25 Jan 2026 15:58:46 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/25/extreme-wintergripsukraines-front-lines-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/utw-25-01-1-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Extreme winter grips Ukraine&#39;s front lines | Ukraine This Week&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;In the latest episode of Ukraine This Week, the Kyiv Independent&#39;s Anna Belokur reports on how subzero temperatures are shaping the war on Ukraine&#39;s front lines, as Russia continues assaults around Pokrovsk, Myrnohrad, and Lyman in Donetsk Oblast amid severe winter conditions.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/extreme-winter-grips-ukraines-front-lines-ukraine-this-week/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Russia irrelevant, those who oppose nations have historically always lost, says Zelenskyy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/25/russia-irrelevant-those-who-oppose.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 25 Jan 2026 15:02:43 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/25/russia-irrelevant-those-who-oppose.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/d3ddd55b9b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia irrelevant, those who oppose nations have historically always lost, says Zelenskyy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/yxNSbNiIwrc&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russia&#39;s relentless strikes – thousands of drones &amp;amp;amp; missiles hit Ukraine&#39;s energy</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/25/russias-relentless-strikes-thousands-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 25 Jan 2026 15:01:11 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/25/russias-relentless-strikes-thousands-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2f97eee6d2.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia&#39;s relentless strikes – thousands of drones &amp;amp; missiles hit Ukraine&#39;s energy&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbUbAzeCPnY&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Zelensky meets Lithuania&#39;s president as country pledges nearly 100 generators for Ukraine amid Russian strikes</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/25/zelensky-meets-lithuanias-president-as.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 25 Jan 2026 13:08:09 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/25/zelensky-meets-lithuanias-president-as.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2257568864.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky meets Lithuania&#39;s president as country pledges nearly 100 generators for Ukraine amid Russian strikes&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Zelensky met Lithuania’s president in Vilnius on Jan. 25 to discuss support for Ukraine’s energy system and air defense as Russian strikes continue, with Lithuania pledging nearly 100 generators for Ukrainian communities.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-meets-lithuanian-president-in-vilnius-discusses-ukraines-energy-system-support-amid-russian-attacks/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>15% of Kyiv residential buildings remain without heat after Russia&#39;s attacks, Mayor Klitschko says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/25/of-kyiv-residential-buildings-remain.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 25 Jan 2026 11:44:52 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/25/of-kyiv-residential-buildings-remain.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2258010086.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;15% of Kyiv residential buildings remain without heat after Russia&#39;s attacks, Mayor Klitschko says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said 1,676 residential buildings - about 15% of the city’s housing stock - remained without heat after Russia’s latest strikes on critical infrastructure.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/around-15-of-kyivs-residential-buildings-remain-without-heating-after-russian-attacks-mayor-klitschko-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>At least 1 killed, 9 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine over past day</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/25/at-least-killed-injured-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 25 Jan 2026 09:40:33 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/25/at-least-killed-injured-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/photo-2026-01-25-10-20-08.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;At least 1 killed, 9 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine over past day&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russia launched 102 drones and two Iskander ballistic missiles at Ukraine overnight, the Air Force said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/at-least-6-killed-42-injured-in-russian-attacks-on-ukraine-over-past-day-2/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>General Staff: Russia has lost 1,234,040 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/25/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 25 Jan 2026 08:30:56 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/25/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2257222137.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;General Staff: Russia has lost 1,234,040 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The number includes 1,020 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/general-staff-russia-has-lost-1-233-020-troops-in-ukraine-since-feb-24-2022-2/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Here&#39;s why Minneapolis reminds me of what I once saw in Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/25/heres-why-minneapolis-reminds-me.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 25 Jan 2026 00:31:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/25/heres-why-minneapolis-reminds-me.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2255049475.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Here&#39;s why Minneapolis reminds me of what I once saw in Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;When the government asserts authority in ways that a growing share of the public experiences as arbitrary or vindictive, it begins to lose legitimacy.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/heres-why-minneapolis-reminds-me-of-what-i-once-saw-in-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Belgorod under heavy fire in &#39;most massive&#39; attack, Russian governor claims</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/24/belgorod-under-heavy-fire-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 24 Jan 2026 23:57:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/24/belgorod-under-heavy-fire-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2095054279.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Belgorod under heavy fire in &#39;most massive&#39; attack, Russian governor claims&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Russian city of Belgorod was hit on Jan. 24 by what regional Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov described as “the most massive” strike on the city, allegedly involving HIMARS.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/belgorod-under-heavy-fire-in-most-massive-attack-russian-governor-claims/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>What if Article 5 is applied due to an actual attack? #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/24/what-if-article-is-applied.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 24 Jan 2026 22:30:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/24/what-if-article-is-applied.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/23acf1641c.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;What if Article 5 is applied due to an actual attack? #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/GK_2Mt0HGRg&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>🌍 EUROPE IS ALREADY AT WAR: Why aren&#39;t we noticing?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/24/europe-is-already-at-war.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 24 Jan 2026 22:00:28 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/24/europe-is-already-at-war.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/d940a69072.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🌍 EUROPE IS ALREADY AT WAR: Why aren&#39;t we noticing?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyqJvPWE7cA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Jake Broe: Trump&#39;s reasons for participating in peace talks – attention and publicity #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/24/jake-broe-trumps-reasons-for.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 24 Jan 2026 21:30:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/24/jake-broe-trumps-reasons-for.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/dfd655b81c.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Jake Broe: Trump&#39;s reasons for participating in peace talks – attention and publicity #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/QYFjcnVHXlk&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>As long as Putin remains alive, it doesn&#39;t end with Ukraine – Jake Broe | Interview</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/24/as-long-as-putin-remains.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 24 Jan 2026 21:00:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/24/as-long-as-putin-remains.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/3507a56030.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;As long as Putin remains alive, it doesn&#39;t end with Ukraine – Jake Broe | Interview&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMFvnfyVQW8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>US allocates over $400 million for energy support to UKRAINE #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/24/us-allocates-over-million-for.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 24 Jan 2026 19:30:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/24/us-allocates-over-million-for.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/4c3119a5cc.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;US allocates over $400 million for energy support to UKRAINE #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/2IOgmL1uRfI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Orban accuses Ukraine of threats and Hungarian election interference; FM Sybiha rejects accusations, calls him Kremlin ally</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/24/orban-accuses-ukraine-of-threats.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 24 Jan 2026 19:22:20 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/24/orban-accuses-ukraine-of-threats.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/312dcdcc25.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Orban accuses Ukraine of threats and Hungarian election interference; FM Sybiha rejects accusations, calls him Kremlin ally&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Jan. 24 accused Ukraine of meddling in Hungary’s parliamentary elections, saying Kyiv had “gone on the offensive” and was now “issuing threats and openly interfering in the Hungarian elections.”&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/orban-accuses-ukraine-of-threats-and-hungarian-election-interference-fm-sybiha-rejects-accusations-calls-him-kremlin-ally/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>LIVE 24/7: Key News from Ukraine &amp;amp; World Updates</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/24/live-key-news-from-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 24 Jan 2026 18:58:24 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/24/live-key-news-from-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/6f0d863840.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;LIVE 24/7: Key News from Ukraine &amp;amp; World Updates&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uK7u5Cu4xh0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>🧨 BOMBS FALLING ON BELGOROD: How Russian aviation DESTROYS ITS OWN cities</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/24/bombs-falling-on-belgorod-how.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 24 Jan 2026 18:24:41 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/24/bombs-falling-on-belgorod-how.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/6f001d72f5.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🧨 BOMBS FALLING ON BELGOROD: How Russian aviation DESTROYS ITS OWN cities&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYS8jIxOuLI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>⚡️ &amp;quot;ENERGY RAMSTEIN&amp;quot;: World allocates HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS to save Ukrainian power</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/24/quotenergy-ramsteinquot-world-allocates-hundreds.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 24 Jan 2026 18:21:43 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/24/quotenergy-ramsteinquot-world-allocates-hundreds.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/a93d8032f7.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡️ &amp;quot;ENERGY RAMSTEIN&amp;quot;: World allocates HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS to save Ukrainian power&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4eWggVl0B8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>🤯 Russian ballistics right next to civilian buildings #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/24/russian-ballistics-right-next-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 24 Jan 2026 17:30:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/24/russian-ballistics-right-next-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/663d89c08b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🤯 Russian ballistics right next to civilian buildings #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/LfjylBO2rj0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>⚔️ARMED FORCES COMMANDER PREPS OFFENSIVE, TRUMP –  SANCTIONS:UAE talks. New stage of the war in 2026</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/24/armed-forces-commander-preps-offensive.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 24 Jan 2026 17:00:31 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/24/armed-forces-commander-preps-offensive.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/4f95ab6b00.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚔️ARMED FORCES COMMANDER PREPS OFFENSIVE, TRUMP –  SANCTIONS:UAE talks. New stage of the war in 2026&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-qg748VFPA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia&#39;s strikes on the energy sector – Ukraine requests urgent reinforcement of air defense #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/24/russias-strikes-on-the-energy.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 24 Jan 2026 16:30:41 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/24/russias-strikes-on-the-energy.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/5e6c645f90.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia&#39;s strikes on the energy sector – Ukraine requests urgent reinforcement of air defense #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/wILyQhbJm3Q&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia ready for dialogue? Ukraine&#39;s tactical strikes PARALYZE Russian logistics in the Black Sea</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/24/russia-ready-for-dialogue-ukraines.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 24 Jan 2026 16:00:14 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/24/russia-ready-for-dialogue-ukraines.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/62cee7f6a8.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia ready for dialogue? Ukraine&#39;s tactical strikes PARALYZE Russian logistics in the Black Sea&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkN7M0zhnsY&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>How Iran’s internet blackouts work</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/24/how-irans-internet-blackouts-work.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 24 Jan 2026 15:02:39 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/24/how-irans-internet-blackouts-work.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f678c0c60-9.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;How Iran’s internet blackouts work&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!vAsf!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F80e7139c-42d0-46f3-b26d-d8c7612a2f02_1500x500.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f80e7139c-4.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;485&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/80e7139c-42d0-46f3-b26d-d8c7612a2f02_1500x500.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:485,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:true,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Featured subscriber note from reader Tai:&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;“Praying for you, Myroslava and Nastia, as well as the rest of the team. 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Thousands of Iranians clashed with police as they defied an ultimatum from supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei for an end to protests. (Photo by STR/STR/AFP via Getty Images)&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Amir Rashidi was arrested in Tehran on New Year’s Day in 2009, swept into a security van with fourteen others.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Inside, other detainees scrambled to call friends, asking them to scrub their names from any public writing, anything that might be considered criminal to the regime.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Amir did not make that call. When asked why, he answered without thinking.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“I’m an internet guy,” he said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;At the time, he insists, it wasn’t bravery. It was instinct, shaped by years of moving between activist circles and writing code, by an understanding of how information traveled and how quickly it could disappear.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Today, Amir is the Director of Cybersecurity and Digital Rights at Miaan Group, an Iran-focused human rights organization centered on digital security and activism.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As protests swept Iran starting in late December and rights groups tallied the death toll, Iranians watched their internet abruptly disappear.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;That plunge into digital darkness, Amir warns, is not just an Iranian issue. It reflects a more global shift in how authoritarian governments are learning to control information quietly.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It would be a mistake to watch Iran fall offline without asking how it happens – and how we all might be vulnerable to the same blockades.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Amir was born in Tehran to an educated family — his father was a teacher, which he would later pick up. He studied software engineering and computer science at a private university in Iran, training for a career as a developer at a precarious moment for technology in Iran; it was brand new, but already shaped by restrictions.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Amir has also always been an activist. As a student, he worked with student rights activists and later became active in the women’s rights movement, including by &lt;a href=&#34;https://learningpartnership.org/sites/default/files/resources/pdfs/One-Million-Signatures-Campaign-English_0.pdf&#34;&gt;signing&lt;/a&gt; the One Million Signatures campaign against discriminatory laws against women. He was a familiar presence at protests, documenting what he saw and sharing information as it unfolded.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Amir cites November 2019, when more than 1,000 protesters were reportedly &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/trump-administration-alleges-iran-has-killed-more-than-1000-protesters/2019/12/05/e9c11a76-1775-11ea-bf81-ebe89f477d1e_story.html&#34;&gt;killed&lt;/a&gt; during a wave of unrest regarding fuel prices, as the first real internet shutdown in Iran.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!x-O8!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0f7713f8-4446-47fd-8971-81f9cd35c798_1600x786.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f0f7713f8-4.png&#34; width=&#34;543&#34; height=&#34;266.6517857142857&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/0f7713f8-4446-47fd-8971-81f9cd35c798_1600x786.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:715,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:543,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Changes in web search activity on Google in Iran from November 10 to November 28, 2019. Screenshot from Google Transparency Report.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;After that, he said, the regime created a very clear chain of command: To shut down connectivity in a town or city, approval must come from the minister of interior. A nationwide shutdown requires authorization from the president.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;So, what really &lt;em&gt;is &lt;/em&gt;an “internet blackout?” A severed underground cable? A single red button?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“There is no kill switch,” Amir said. Instead, control is exercised through infrastructure.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Iran has only two internet “gateways,” or connection points to internet traffic — far fewer than most countries.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In practice, nearly all internet traffic entering or leaving the country passes through a state-controlled body, the Telecommunications Infrastructure Company. Much of that control is carried out by two private companies, Yaftar and Douran, said Amir, making it easy to cut most of the country’s access when those two companies shut down clients’ access.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This control can sometimes feel unbeatable.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“We are so alone,” said Amir, “and we are fighting against a regime with all the resources.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;id&#34;:438397}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;PollToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;poll-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Iran has shut down or severely restricted internet access at least twelve times, said Amir. In 2019 during nationwide &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/19/world/middleeast/iran-protests.html&#34;&gt;protests&lt;/a&gt;, the Iranian government cut off the global internet, erasing it from the rest of the world network by network.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;During the recent 2025 conflict between Iran and Israel, authorities &lt;a href=&#34;https://miaan.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Irans-Stealth-Blackout-Report.pdf&#34;&gt;imposed&lt;/a&gt; what Amir described as “the most severe internet shutdown we have ever had.” A report from Miaan Group &lt;a href=&#34;https://miaan.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Irans-Stealth-Blackout-Report.pdf&#34;&gt;found&lt;/a&gt; that while Iran’s 2019 shutdown lasted six days, the blackouts that followed the killing of Mahsa Amini in 2022 and the 2025 conflict stretched on for nearly two weeks.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The current disruptions are ongoing, and have already surpassed the two week mark.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;What it looks like for Iranians, beyond the technical aspects, is quite simple.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Messages don’t send. Calls fail. Searches don’t load.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!znty!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3f483fd3-46f6-42bb-b532-7c249e225744_1600x890.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f3f483fd3-4.png&#34; width=&#34;581&#34; height=&#34;323.22115384615387&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/3f483fd3-46f6-42bb-b532-7c249e225744_1600x890.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:810,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:581,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;The latest illustration of Iran’s ongoing internet shutdown from &lt;a href=&#34;https://mastodon.social/@netblocks/115949528230561503&#34;&gt;Netblocks&lt;/a&gt;, an internet monitor based in the United Kingdom.&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;“I think they don’t realize how close this might be to them, because Iran is exporting this technology,” said Amir. He said that Miaan Group has evidence that Douran, one of the two main contractors in Iran, is exporting their technology to Russia and certain African countries.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Internet access is an emerging tool for authoritarian regimes to remain in power, unchallenged.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Access Now, a group that follows and advocates for digital rights globally, &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.accessnow.org/campaign/2024-elections-and-internet-shutdowns-watch/#Venezuela&#34;&gt;tracked&lt;/a&gt; internet shutdowns in 2024, when at least 64 countries were expected to hold national elections. After all, political events, like elections, tend to correlate with internal conflict and therefore state-inflicted control. 24 of the countries they were tracking had already imposed shutdowns in the past.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;One of the countries flagged in 2024 was Venezuela, which imposed internet restrictions after Maduro’s 2024 presidential win. In the aftermath of Maduro’s recent &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/newsflash-trump-on-venezuela-we-are&#34;&gt;capture&lt;/a&gt;, the state monitored messaging platforms and jailed journalists, just a few ways in which the internet was used as a tool to quell a mass uprising.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Imagine that you have all these stories,” Amir said, “and you are alone in your home, in your room. You cannot communicate with anyone.” Not even your own mom, he added.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;China’s internet system is its own galaxy, which it began &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.cnn.com/2015/03/25/asia/china-internet-censorship-kristie-lu-stout&#34;&gt;establishing&lt;/a&gt; when the internet first hit the ground in the 1980s. Commonly known as ‘The Great Firewall,’ it is so centralized that China accidentally &lt;a href=&#34;https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/us/china-cuts-ties-with-the-global-internet-for-60-minutes-world-baffled-heres-what-happened/articleshow/123439249.cms?from=mdr&#34;&gt;disconnected&lt;/a&gt; from the world for nearly an hour last August.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As opposed to China, Russia was once home to a very open internet.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!2T56!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F9be8f68d-4ddc-4aaa-9814-2f44866b7c5b_594x396.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f9be8f68d-4.jpg&#34; width=&#34;444&#34; height=&#34;296&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/9be8f68d-4ddc-4aaa-9814-2f44866b7c5b_594x396.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:396,&#34;width&#34;:594,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:444,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Iranians protest in London against the Islamic Republic of Iran and the cutting of the internet. (Matthew Chattle/Future Publishing via Getty Images)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Although Vladimir Putin shrunk access to media and information over the course of his reign, limits &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/07/technology/russia-ukraine-internet-isolation.html&#34;&gt;reached&lt;/a&gt; new heights during the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Everything started to disappear — not only due to government control, but also due to companies like Netflix, TikTok and Apple &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/07/technology/russia-ukraine-internet-isolation.html&#34;&gt;pulling&lt;/a&gt; back from operating in Russia.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In 2025, the Kremlin took an active stance against Western technology by &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/03/world/europe/russia-putin-internet.html&#34;&gt;introducing&lt;/a&gt; a state-approved super-app called MAX, which would be pre-installed by law on all new smartphones sold in Russia. This came after it started to &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/08/13/roskomnadzor-says-its-restricting-whatsapp-telegram-calls-a90198&#34;&gt;limit&lt;/a&gt; voice and video calls on WhatsApp and Telegram.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Western countries are often considered immune to the threat of government-imposed internet disruptions, but they should not get too comfortable.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In the U.S., for example, certain laws &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.brookings.edu/articles/could-donald-trump-claim-a-national-security-threat-to-shut-down-the-internet/&#34;&gt;give&lt;/a&gt; the president sweeping powers over communication networks. Under the Communications Act, the president can order the closure of radio stations and internet networks if he declares a national emergency or deems national security to be under threat. Thus far, though, these powers have not been exercised.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The reality is that many Western democracies do have some extent of power over internet systems, but have not yet leveraged it as a tool for suppression.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;But as well-established democracies around the world are &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.hks.harvard.edu/centers/carr-ryan/our-work/carr-ryan-commentary/democracy-shadow-global-rise-authoritarian-populism&#34;&gt;starting&lt;/a&gt; to wither, this could become a more global issue.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A self-contained internet ecosystem, where messaging and media are concentrated in a small number of platforms, makes large-scale disruption possible. In Iran, cutting access through just a few companies can render phones and computers largely unusable within minutes.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Internet disruption does not always come in the form of a government shutting off access at home. It can also be imposed from afar. Alongside software-based censorship and throttling, states are increasingly &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/how-authoritarians-can-cut-the-global&#34;&gt;targeting&lt;/a&gt; the physical infrastructure that keeps the world online, from data centers to the undersea cables that carry the vast majority of global internet traffic.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Being cut off from the internet can be debilitating.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Imagine you are waking up into darkness. Complete darkness,” explains Amir.  “The only source of light you have is the light of a candle.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;That was how he described daily life during Iran’s earlier internet crackdowns, when access was limited but not yet entirely severed. In 2009, he wrote about moving through the city during the day, gathering information, sharing what he could anonymously, trying to document what was happening before night fell.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Now, he says, it is much worse in Iran.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Imagine you are yelling for help and no one responds,” said Amir. “It’s only you.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!TD4i!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F00996873-0168-48c5-839c-597f1de61182_594x395.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f00996873-0.jpg&#34; width=&#34;494&#34; height=&#34;328.5016835016835&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/00996873-0168-48c5-839c-597f1de61182_594x395.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:395,&#34;width&#34;:594,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:494,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;A woman with her face painted with the colors of the Iranian flag and a gunshot wound to the head during a protest outside the Spanish Parliament while holding a placard against the internet blackout in Iran. (Photo by Marcos del Mazo/LightRocket via Getty Images)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Amir worked as a software developer mainly focused on security, but his focus has always been on how people can use the internet for their own activism. Back then, circulating a petition meant sending around emails and asking for replies to an individual account, consolidating those signatures, and tracking responses.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Showing his peers the wonders of something as simple as Google Forms altered their capabilities for digital activism.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In February 2010, right after Iran’s 2009 presidential election, Amir left Iran and arrived in Italy where he was a political refugee. Now, he lives in Brooklyn, New York.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;During that 2019 Iranian internet shutdown, the Access Now team offered Amir the opportunity to go to Berlin and raise awareness about the situation in Iran.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;During a panel on that trip, Amir realized that there were seven Iranians recording his talk about internet shutdowns in Iran. In a presumably safe, democratic country, there he was, under threat once again.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Even though I was in Berlin, I was really scared,” said Amir.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;But this fear, this danger, this helplessness, is not just Amir’s story.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;He made that incredibly clear.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“I appreciate that you like my story,” he told &lt;em&gt;The Counteroffensive. &lt;/em&gt;He paused. Swallowed. “This is the story of my people.” &lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Featured subscriber note from reader Tai:&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;“Praying for you, Myroslava and Nastia, as well as the rest of the team. Folks who are able should keeping feeding the tip jar and find ways to donate to various organizations purchasing batteries for Ukrainians. Slava Ukraini.”&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Get Full Access!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Get Full Access!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Tip Jar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Tip Jar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;NEWS OF THE DAY:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;By Oksana Stepura&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;strong&gt;ZELENSKYY PROPOSES UKRAINE TO PLAY CENTRAL ROLE IN EU ARMY:&lt;/strong&gt; Zelenskyy has &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/without-a-million-ukrainians-you-wont-manage-zelensky-wants-ukraine-to-form-core-of-envisioned-european-army/&#34;&gt;proposed &lt;/a&gt;that Ukraine’s army serve as the “backbone” of a future joint European military force to counter Russia’s growing army. Zelenskyy emphasised that “without the Ukrainian army — without a million Ukrainians — [the European army] won’t manage.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Zelenskyy has reiterated calls for a European army of at least three million, as Russia aims for at least 3 million troops by 2030. European leaders have discussed the idea at the Munich Security Conference but have taken no concrete steps in implementing it.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;strong&gt;RUSSIA LAUNCHES LARGEST AIR STRIKE OF 2026: &lt;/strong&gt;Russia &lt;a href=&#34;https://edition.cnn.com/2026/01/23/europe/russia-ukraine-attacks-trilateral-talks-intl-hnk&#34;&gt;launched &lt;/a&gt;its largest aerial attack on Ukraine this year, firing nearly 400 drones and 21 missiles overnight, primarily targeting energy infrastructure and residential buildings.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This attack, which &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.reuters.com/world/ukrainian-capital-under-russian-attack-air-defences-operation-2026-01-24/&#34;&gt;left &lt;/a&gt;over a million people without power in sub-zero temperatures, occurred hours after peace talks in Abu Dhabi. In an unprecedented move, Russia &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2026/01/24/8017666/index.amp&#34;&gt;deployed &lt;/a&gt;Kh-22 missiles, which were originally designed to be used against aircraft carrier groups, their combat payload being 950 kilograms.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;strong&gt;SANCTIONED RUSSIAN TANKER ADRIFT IN MEDITERRANEAN&lt;/strong&gt;: A 19-year-old Russian shadow fleet tanker is currently &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-01-23/another-russian-shadow-fleet-oil-tanker-runs-into-difficulties&#34;&gt;adrift &lt;/a&gt;off the coast of Algeria after suffering a suspected mechanical failure, according to tracking data analyses by Bloomberg.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As the majority of Russian shadow fleet tankers, it’s over 15 years old, which increases the risk of malfunctions, collisions, and oil spills, posing a threat to the environment. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;CAT OF CONFLICT:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;Oksana’s Mary is kneading a blanket.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!f97d!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4eec4b40-ffc1-42d3-9f28-10d0ec6a7884_1280x960.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f4eec4b40-f.png&#34; width=&#34;1280&#34; height=&#34;960&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/4eec4b40-ffc1-42d3-9f28-10d0ec6a7884_1280x960.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:960,&#34;width&#34;:1280,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Stay safe out there,&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Best, &lt;br&gt;Jacqueline&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/how-irans-internet-blackouts-work&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>&amp;quot;WE CANNOT DELAY AIR DEFENSE&amp;quot;: Zelenskyy ADDRESSES THE WORLD after MASSIVE SHELLING of Kyiv</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/24/quotwe-cannot-delay-air-defensequot.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 24 Jan 2026 15:00:33 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/24/quotwe-cannot-delay-air-defensequot.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/5eebe07a11.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&amp;quot;WE CANNOT DELAY AIR DEFENSE&amp;quot;: Zelenskyy ADDRESSES THE WORLD after MASSIVE SHELLING of Kyiv&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhDN0ovnKH0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>General Staff: Russia has lost 1,233,020 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/24/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 24 Jan 2026 12:00:05 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/24/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2b170046dc.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;General Staff: Russia has lost 1,233,020 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russia has lost 1,233,020 troops in Ukraine since the beginning of its full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022, the General Staff of Ukraine&#39;s Armed Forces reported on Jan. 24.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/general-staff-russia-has-lost-1-233-020-troops-in-ukraine-since-feb-24-2022/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>❗️RUSSIA ATTACKED Kyiv with missiles and drones: ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE HIT #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/24/russia-attacked-kyiv-with-missiles.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 24 Jan 2026 08:42:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/24/russia-attacked-kyiv-with-missiles.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2bc1afe79a.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️RUSSIA ATTACKED Kyiv with missiles and drones: ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE HIT #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/jphOTFpFNgo&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>❗️Russian troops attacked Kharkiv with 25 UAVs overnight #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/24/russian-troops-attacked-kharkiv-with.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 24 Jan 2026 08:15:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/24/russian-troops-attacked-kharkiv-with.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/9f4a46ed4d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️Russian troops attacked Kharkiv with 25 UAVs overnight #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/dr0hHRe68Mw&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Explosions, fires reported in Kyiv as Russia launches mass attack following peace talks</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/24/explosions-fires-reported-in-kyiv.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 24 Jan 2026 00:44:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/24/explosions-fires-reported-in-kyiv.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2257199121.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Explosions, fires reported in Kyiv as Russia launches mass attack following peace talks&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Explosions were reported in Kyiv on Jan. 24, as Russia launched another mass attack on the capital.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/explosions-heard-in-kyiv-as-russia-launches-mass-attack/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Russian shadow fleet vessel adrift in Mediterranean Sea, Bloomberg reports</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/23/russian-shadow-fleet-vessel-adrift.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 23 Jan 2026 23:38:24 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/23/russian-shadow-fleet-vessel-adrift.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/1d567dbb82.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian shadow fleet vessel adrift in Mediterranean Sea, Bloomberg reports&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;An oil tanker sanctioned for transporting Russian oil appeared to be adrift in the Mediterranean Sea following a possible mechanical failure, Bloomberg reported Jan. 23&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-shadow-fleet-adrift-in-mediterranean-sea-bloomberg-reports/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>If Putin attacks Lithuania or Poland, who will respond? – Zelenskyy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/23/if-putin-attacks-lithuania-or.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 23 Jan 2026 23:30:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/23/if-putin-attacks-lithuania-or.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/c7db05d6f0.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;If Putin attacks Lithuania or Poland, who will respond? – Zelenskyy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/fQe64LzVQoM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Europe defenseless? Zelenskyy said it out loud and backed Trump</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/23/europe-defenseless-zelenskyy-said-it.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 23 Jan 2026 23:00:29 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/23/europe-defenseless-zelenskyy-said-it.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/48056a7906.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Europe defenseless? Zelenskyy said it out loud and backed Trump&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfWcWjSBYHE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>SBU UAVs attacked the Taman Oil Port in the Krasnodar region in Russia #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/23/sbu-uavs-attacked-the-taman.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 23 Jan 2026 21:30:05 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/23/sbu-uavs-attacked-the-taman.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/4579306f9c.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;SBU UAVs attacked the Taman Oil Port in the Krasnodar region in Russia #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Zq_n0iwcE4k&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>First trilateral meeting Ukraine–US–Russia: war close to ending?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/23/first-trilateral-meeting-ukraineusrussia-war.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 23 Jan 2026 21:00:25 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/23/first-trilateral-meeting-ukraineusrussia-war.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/4010b75c1a.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;First trilateral meeting Ukraine–US–Russia: war close to ending?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRduUHFgn5c&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>❗️Zelenskyy: Too early to draw conclusions on negotiation content #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/23/zelenskyy-too-early-to-draw.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 23 Jan 2026 19:42:47 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/23/zelenskyy-too-early-to-draw.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/43a6d69925.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️Zelenskyy: Too early to draw conclusions on negotiation content #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/azRJ1cN753Y&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>A million-dollar parking fee: Canada&#39;s high-stakes battle over a stranded Russian plane</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/23/a-milliondollar-parking-fee-canadas.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 23 Jan 2026 18:39:54 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/23/a-milliondollar-parking-fee-canadas.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2192402262.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;A million-dollar parking fee: Canada&#39;s high-stakes battle over a stranded Russian plane&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In a potentially world&#39;s most expensive parking ticket, a Russian-registered Antonov An-124 has remained locked in a frozen embrace with the tarmac at Toronto Pearson Airport.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Stranded for almost four years, the aircraft has racked up over $1.5 million Canadian dollars ($1.1 million) in parking fees.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/a-million-dollar-parking-fee-canadas-high-stakes-battle-over-a-stranded-russian-plane/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Unannounced mobilization? Russia calls up reservists and may be secretly preparing them for war</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/23/unannounced-mobilization-russia-calls-up.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 23 Jan 2026 18:00:20 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/23/unannounced-mobilization-russia-calls-up.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/78fa8ac38f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Unannounced mobilization? Russia calls up reservists and may be secretly preparing them for war&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KFpDf8ELAw&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>WATCH! Finnish volunteer Karlo: frontline reality in Ukraine | Live Broadcast</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/23/watch-finnish-volunteer-karlo-frontline.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 23 Jan 2026 17:41:05 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/23/watch-finnish-volunteer-karlo-frontline.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/0e25037780.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;WATCH! Finnish volunteer Karlo: frontline reality in Ukraine | Live Broadcast&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pjo3Sqmgu9Y&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Zelenskyy: the coalition of the willing must become a real COALITION OF ACTION  #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/23/zelenskyy-the-coalition-of-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 23 Jan 2026 17:35:34 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/23/zelenskyy-the-coalition-of-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/f24a528d53.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelenskyy: the coalition of the willing must become a real COALITION OF ACTION  #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/l9Sv5YAKKiE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>EU plan envisages Ukraine&#39;s accession by 2027, up to $1.6 trillion in funding for Kyiv, Orban claims</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/23/eu-plan-envisages-ukraines-accession.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 23 Jan 2026 17:21:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/23/eu-plan-envisages-ukraines-accession.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2242434624.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;EU plan envisages Ukraine&#39;s accession by 2027, up to $1.6 trillion in funding for Kyiv, Orban claims&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Orban cited a confidential document on Ukraine&#39;s accession allegedly presented at an EU summit in Brussels on the previous day.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/eu-plan-envisages-ukraines-accession-by-2027-up-to-1-5-trillion-in-funding-for-kyiv-orban-claims/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Mass attack that plunged Kyiv into darkness cost Russia over $130 million, Ukrainian intelligence says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/23/mass-attack-that-plunged-kyiv.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 23 Jan 2026 17:04:50 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/23/mass-attack-that-plunged-kyiv.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/3ab59c705d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Mass attack that plunged Kyiv into darkness cost Russia over $130 million, Ukrainian intelligence says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Kyiv, home to more than 3 million people, is still reeling from the Jan. 20 attack in which Russia launched 33 missiles and 339 drones against Ukraine.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/mass-air-attack-that-plunged-kyiv-into-darkness-cost-russia-131-million-ukrainian-intelligence/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Zelenskyy: Security guarantees agreed upon — Trump needs to sign</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/23/zelenskyy-security-guarantees-agreed-upon.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 23 Jan 2026 17:01:33 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/23/zelenskyy-security-guarantees-agreed-upon.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/ae77d37d47.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelenskyy: Security guarantees agreed upon — Trump needs to sign&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-aFVsgDyW0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine holds trilateral talks with US, Russia as Kremlin ties any deal to Donbas capitulation</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/23/ukraine-holds-trilateral-talks-with.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 23 Jan 2026 16:31:52 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/23/ukraine-holds-trilateral-talks-with.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2257205330.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine holds trilateral talks with US, Russia as Kremlin ties any deal to Donbas capitulation&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;The issue of Donbas is key,&#34; President Volodymyr Zelensky told reporters hours before the talks began.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-holds-trilateral-talks-with-us-russia/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>UKRAINIAN DELEGATION IN ABU DHABI: Budanov, Umerov, Arakhamia #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/23/ukrainian-delegation-in-abu-dhabi.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 23 Jan 2026 16:15:39 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/23/ukrainian-delegation-in-abu-dhabi.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/d0682f9958.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;UKRAINIAN DELEGATION IN ABU DHABI: Budanov, Umerov, Arakhamia #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/GQIpwA6YeFM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Inside Trump’s chaotic Ukraine peace process</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/23/inside-trumps-chaotic-ukraine-peace.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 23 Jan 2026 16:01:58 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/23/inside-trumps-chaotic-ukraine-peace.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/adam-entous-2-6-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Inside Trump’s chaotic Ukraine peace process&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Kyiv Independent&#39;s Chris York speaks with Adam Entous, an investigative reporter at The New York Times, about his new investigation into the first year of U.S. President Donald Trump administration&#39;s peace efforts to end Russia&#39;s war against Ukraine.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/inside-trumps-chaotic-ukraine-peace-process/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>NEGOTIATIONS IN ABU DHABI. RUSSIAN drones KILLED A CHILD. ENERGY SYSTEM TERROR CONTINUES</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/23/negotiations-in-abu-dhabi-russian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 23 Jan 2026 15:11:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/23/negotiations-in-abu-dhabi-russian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/742462203a.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;NEGOTIATIONS IN ABU DHABI. RUSSIAN drones KILLED A CHILD. ENERGY SYSTEM TERROR CONTINUES&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUwOneBpRtM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>&#39;Without a million Ukrainians, you won&#39;t manage&#34; — Zelensky wants Ukraine to form core of envisioned European army</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/23/without-a-million-ukrainians-you.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 23 Jan 2026 15:00:22 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/23/without-a-million-ukrainians-you.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/8afdacfc0e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;Without a million Ukrainians, you won&#39;t manage&#34; — Zelensky wants Ukraine to form core of envisioned European army&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;(Russian) army will number 2.5-3 million. They want to reach all of this by 2030, and, based on their speed, we see that this is possible,&#34; Volodymyr Zelensky said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/without-a-million-ukrainians-you-wont-manage-zelensky-wants-ukraine-to-form-core-of-envisioned-european-army/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Zelensky optimistic $800 billion US prosperity plan will be signed after Davos delay</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/23/zelensky-optimistic-billion-us-prosperity.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 23 Jan 2026 13:50:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/23/zelensky-optimistic-billion-us-prosperity.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/jdkwnwqjkndwqjk.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky optimistic $800 billion US prosperity plan will be signed after Davos delay&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Describing the plan, which was first floated in December, as a &#34;bundle of documents,&#34; President Volodymyr Zelensky said he expects progress to be made in the future.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-optimistic-800-billion-us-prosperity-plan-will-be-signed-after-davos-delay/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Zelensky &#39;counting on&#39; more US air defense missiles, security guarantees following meeting with Trump at Davos</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/23/zelensky-counting-on-more-us.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 23 Jan 2026 13:01:11 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/23/zelensky-counting-on-more-us.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2253854178-1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky &#39;counting on&#39; more US air defense missiles, security guarantees following meeting with Trump at Davos&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;We spoke with President Trump about additional anti-air missiles – the PAC-3s, against ballistics, which are what we need,&#34; Volodymyr Zelensky said. &#34;I&#39;m counting on a positive result.&#34;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-counting-on-more-us-air-defense-missiles-security-guarantees-following-meeting-with-trump-at-davos/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>At least 6 killed, 45 injured in Russian attacks over past day as winter energy crisis racks Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/23/at-least-killed-injured-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 23 Jan 2026 11:44:30 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/23/at-least-killed-injured-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/photo-2026-01-22-14-04-54.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;At least 6 killed, 45 injured in Russian attacks over past day as winter energy crisis racks Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russia launched 101 drones, including roughly 60 Shahed-type deep-strike unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), into Ukraine overnight, the Air Force said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/at-least-6-dead-and-21-injured-in-russian-air-attacks-as-winter-energy-crisis-racks-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Fewer than 20% of Kyiv&#39;s apartment buildings remain without heating amid winter crisis, mayor Klitschko says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/23/fewer-than-of-kyivs-apartment.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 23 Jan 2026 09:47:16 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/23/fewer-than-of-kyivs-apartment.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/c7d562875d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Fewer than 20% of Kyiv&#39;s apartment buildings remain without heating amid winter crisis, mayor Klitschko says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Kyiv&#39;s utilities workers have reconnected 650 high-rise apartment buildings in the past day, Mayor Vitali Klitschko said on Jan. 23.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/fewer-than-20-of-kyivs-apartment-buildings-remain-without-heating-amid-winter-crisis-mayor-klitschko-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>General Staff: Russia has lost 1,232,090 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/23/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 23 Jan 2026 08:26:43 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/23/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/63fdd3cbf7.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;General Staff: Russia has lost 1,232,090 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The number includes 1,280 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/general-staff-russia-has-lost-1-232-090-troops-in-ukraine-since-feb-24-2022/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Fire burns through oil depot in Russian city of Penza following Ukrainian drone strike</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/23/fire-burns-through-oil-depot.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 23 Jan 2026 05:15:28 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/23/fire-burns-through-oil-depot.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/8408687631.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Fire burns through oil depot in Russian city of Penza following Ukrainian drone strike&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;A fire broke out at an oil depot in the Russian city of Penza following a Ukrainian drone attack overnight on Jan. 23.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/fire-burns-through-oil-depot-in-russian-city-of-penza-following-ukrainian-drone-strike/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Zelensky ready to make a peace deal, Trump claims after Davos meeting</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/23/zelensky-ready-to-make-a.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 23 Jan 2026 01:08:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/23/zelensky-ready-to-make-a.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2257446321.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky ready to make a peace deal, Trump claims after Davos meeting&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;He said he&#39;d like to make a deal. ... He came and he said he wants to make a deal,&#34; Trump said. He mentioned the &#34;tough&#34; situation Ukrainians face amid a worsening energy crisis, without bringing up Russia&#39;s attacks on critical infrastructure.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-ready-to-make-a-peace-deal-trump-claims-after-davos-meeting/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>&#39;Extremely serious&#39; — Ukraine&#39;s battered energy system faces worst day in 3 years, Shmyhal says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/22/extremely-serious-ukraines-battered-energy.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 22 Jan 2026 23:06:03 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/22/extremely-serious-ukraines-battered-energy.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2256882684.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;Extremely serious&#39; — Ukraine&#39;s battered energy system faces worst day in 3 years, Shmyhal says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;Today in Ukraine was the most difficult day for the energy system since the blackout in November 2022,&#34; Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal said on Jan. 22, 2026.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/extremely-serious-ukraines-battered-energy-system-faces-worst-day-in-3-years-shmyhal-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Secure Ukraine – secure Europe! Western leaders ramp up pressure against the Kremlin</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/22/secure-ukraine-secure-europe-western.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 22 Jan 2026 22:30:30 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/22/secure-ukraine-secure-europe-western.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/6457b6a882.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Secure Ukraine – secure Europe! Western leaders ramp up pressure against the Kremlin&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXT-0evcNrg&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>❗️NATO calls for ADDITIONAL AIR DEFENSE SUPPORT for KYIV #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/22/nato-calls-for-additional-air.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 22 Jan 2026 21:30:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/22/nato-calls-for-additional-air.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/bb5c7c5d15.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️NATO calls for ADDITIONAL AIR DEFENSE SUPPORT for KYIV #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/yeQ_JBeE_ps&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Putin tells US envoys &#39;no point in hoping&#39; for peace without Ukraine&#39;s capitulation on territories</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/22/putin-tells-us-envoys-no.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 22 Jan 2026 21:14:03 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/22/putin-tells-us-envoys-no.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2257025667.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Putin tells US envoys &#39;no point in hoping&#39; for peace without Ukraine&#39;s capitulation on territories&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;We are interested in resolving the (war) through political and diplomatic means. But until that happens, Russia will continue to pursue its goals on the battlefield,&#34; Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/trumps-envoys-witkoff-kushner-arrive-in-moscow-to-meet-putin/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Prominent Ukrainian activist tapped to advise defense minister on front-line drone combat</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/22/prominent-ukrainian-activist-tapped-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 22 Jan 2026 21:13:17 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/22/prominent-ukrainian-activist-tapped-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/sternenko.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Prominent Ukrainian activist tapped to advise defense minister on front-line drone combat&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Serhii Sternenko, 31, played a key role in popularizing first-person-view (FPV) drones after Russia&#39;s full-scale invasion. He has previously criticized Ukraine&#39;s military and political leadership.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/prominent-ukrainian-activist-tapped-to-advise-defense-minister-on-front-line-drone-combat/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Trump and Zelenskyy REACHED A DEAL? Kremlin drags out PEACE PROCESS again | News Pulse</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/22/trump-and-zelenskyy-reached-a.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 22 Jan 2026 21:00:33 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/22/trump-and-zelenskyy-reached-a.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/38a1e974a2.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Trump and Zelenskyy REACHED A DEAL? Kremlin drags out PEACE PROCESS again | News Pulse&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xw88K4-og1o&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>EUROPEAN LEADERS discuss new SECURITY ARCHITECTURE #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/22/european-leaders-discuss-new-security.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 22 Jan 2026 20:30:17 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/22/european-leaders-discuss-new-security.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/d57c90fbe4.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;EUROPEAN LEADERS discuss new SECURITY ARCHITECTURE #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/pymeNtoAk4s&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>2026 — year of Russia’s exhaustion: is the war entering its final phase?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/22/year-of-russias-exhaustion-is.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 22 Jan 2026 20:06:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/22/year-of-russias-exhaustion-is.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/a2da7f08a7.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;2026 — year of Russia’s exhaustion: is the war entering its final phase?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyQc6LsYNm8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>We asked an expert about Russia&#39;s &#39;updated&#39; mass missile, drone tactics</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/22/we-asked-an-expert-about.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 22 Jan 2026 19:35:47 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/22/we-asked-an-expert-about.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/62d3ba2218.png&#34; alt=&#34;We asked an expert about Russia&#39;s &#39;updated&#39; mass missile, drone tactics&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Russia launched another massive strike on Ukraine on Jan. 20, with President Volodymyr Zelensky noting the use of &#34;updated tactics.&#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The recent attack hit multiple regions, with Kyiv and the country&#39;s energy infrastructure taking the brunt of the damage. Russian forces also targeted substations supplying&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-attacks-kyiv-with-ballistic-missiles-targeting-city-on-freezing-night-amid-energy-crisis/&#34;&gt; nuclear&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/we-asked-an-expert-about-russias-updated-mass-missile-drone-tactics/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>EUROPE’S defense strategy – Security challenges in the new WORLD ORDER | Explainer</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/22/europes-defense-strategy-security-challenges.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 22 Jan 2026 19:06:14 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/22/europes-defense-strategy-security-challenges.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/d1a7f746a6.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;EUROPE’S defense strategy – Security challenges in the new WORLD ORDER | Explainer&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=147nxMYlgC4&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>WATCH LIVE! American Veteran exposes the &amp;amp;quot;Pure Evil&amp;amp;quot; of Russians on the front in Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/22/watch-live-american-veteran-exposes.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 22 Jan 2026 18:53:12 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/22/watch-live-american-veteran-exposes.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/bcb898f8ff.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;WATCH LIVE! American Veteran exposes the &amp;quot;Pure Evil&amp;quot; of Russians on the front in Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWZotfppYv0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>✍️ SECURITY GUARANTEES will be SIGNED only AFTER THE WAR ENDS, — Zelenskyy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/22/security-guarantees-will-be-signed.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 22 Jan 2026 18:47:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/22/security-guarantees-will-be-signed.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/854f0b8daf.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;✍️ SECURITY GUARANTEES will be SIGNED only AFTER THE WAR ENDS, — Zelenskyy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/kNVCc3_X_xo&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>ZELENSKYY: MADURO IS ON TRIAL in New York, but NOT PUTIN #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/22/zelenskyy-maduro-is-on-trial.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 22 Jan 2026 18:44:37 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/22/zelenskyy-maduro-is-on-trial.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/fd7ab1c48c.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;ZELENSKYY: MADURO IS ON TRIAL in New York, but NOT PUTIN #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/jfnOQ3HJbBM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Stubb: The problem is not Russia&#39;s ability to end the war, but its unwillingness to do so #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/22/stubb-the-problem-is-not.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 22 Jan 2026 18:30:09 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/22/stubb-the-problem-is-not.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/cca9266b06.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Stubb: The problem is not Russia&#39;s ability to end the war, but its unwillingness to do so #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/BDoDOqdhYnY&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Trump says he will meet Zelensky today in Davos</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/22/trump-says-he-will-meet.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 22 Jan 2026 06:13:08 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/22/trump-says-he-will-meet.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/91e0a274a7.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Trump says he will meet Zelensky today in Davos&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukraine&#39;s Presidential Office has not confirmed that the meeting will take place.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/trump-says-he-will-meet-zelensky-today-in-davos/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Trump says Putin accepted Board of Peace invite — while Russia mulls paying for permanent seat with frozen assets</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/22/trump-says-putin-accepted-board.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 22 Jan 2026 03:53:51 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/22/trump-says-putin-accepted-board.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2256889455-612x612.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Trump says Putin accepted Board of Peace invite — while Russia mulls paying for permanent seat with frozen assets&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;Given the special relationship with the Palestinian people, Russia could direct $1 billion from Russian assets frozen under the previous U.S. administration to the Board of Peace,&#34; Putin said, referring to Trump&#39;s indications that a $1 billion payment would secure a permanent seat on the board.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/trump-claims-putin-has-accepted-board-of-peace-invite-as-russia-mulls-paying-for-permanent-seat-with-frozen-us-assets/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Putin claims Russia will use frozen assets to restore territories &#39;damaged&#39; in its war</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/21/putin-claims-russia-will-use.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 21 Jan 2026 22:23:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/21/putin-claims-russia-will-use.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-1849867759.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Putin claims Russia will use frozen assets to restore territories &#39;damaged&#39; in its war&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russia agrees to use its financial assets frozen in the U.S. to restore territories &#34;damaged during military actions,&#34; Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed on Jan. 21.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/putin-claims-russia-will-use-frozen-assets-to-restore-territories-damaged-in-its-war/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Teaching journalism the Russian way: How RT Academy spreads propaganda in Global South</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/21/teaching-journalism-the-russian-way.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 21 Jan 2026 21:58:47 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/21/teaching-journalism-the-russian-way.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/upd-photo-3-rt-academy-in-jakarta-rusfluence-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Teaching journalism the Russian way: How RT Academy spreads propaganda in Global South&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Russia is scaling up its educational programs for journalists in Southeast Asia, Africa, China, and India, pushing a pro-Kremlin agenda and propaganda under the guise of an &#34;alternative narrative&#34; and a &#34;fight against fakes.&#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In December 2025, Russian state-run media outlet RT (formerly Russia Today) held&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/teaching-journalism-the-russian-way-how-rt-academy-spreads-propaganda-in-global-south/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Trump LEAKED PRIVATE CHATS with Macron and Rutte about Ukraine #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/21/trump-leaked-private-chats-with.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 21 Jan 2026 21:30:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/21/trump-leaked-private-chats-with.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/0841df4c08.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Trump LEAKED PRIVATE CHATS with Macron and Rutte about Ukraine #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/_tudTCetyos&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian drones reportedly strike oil terminal in southern Russia&#39;s Krasnodar Krai, killing 2</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/21/ukrainian-drones-reportedly-strike-oil.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 21 Jan 2026 21:10:34 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/21/ukrainian-drones-reportedly-strike-oil.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/be0db2e145.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian drones reportedly strike oil terminal in southern Russia&#39;s Krasnodar Krai, killing 2&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;An oil terminal near the village of Volna in Russia&#39;s Krasnodar Krai was struck, sparking a blaze and killing two people, Governor Veniamin Kondratyev reported late on Jan. 21.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-drones-reportedly-strike-oil-terminal-in-southern-russias-krasnodar-krai-killing-2/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Chat with MACRON &amp;amp;amp; RUTTE – TRUMP starts SCANDAL? Ukrainian air defense SIGNIFICANTLY STRENGTHENS!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/21/chat-with-macron-ampamp-rutte.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 21 Jan 2026 21:00:23 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/21/chat-with-macron-ampamp-rutte.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/b0e9fbeff0.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Chat with MACRON &amp;amp; RUTTE – TRUMP starts SCANDAL? Ukrainian air defense SIGNIFICANTLY STRENGTHENS!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_leJGbTxL6I&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Slovyansk direction: Russia builds up its FORCES and prepares for a BREAKTHROUGH #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/21/slovyansk-direction-russia-builds-up.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 21 Jan 2026 20:30:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/21/slovyansk-direction-russia-builds-up.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/17484aab6b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Slovyansk direction: Russia builds up its FORCES and prepares for a BREAKTHROUGH #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/M3kJYAtjDQQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>UKRAINIAN DRONE OPERATIONS – occupiers in FEAR! Ukraine develops air defense | Front Summary</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/21/ukrainian-drone-operations-occupiers-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 21 Jan 2026 20:00:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/21/ukrainian-drone-operations-occupiers-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/f306bccf97.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;UKRAINIAN DRONE OPERATIONS – occupiers in FEAR! Ukraine develops air defense | Front Summary&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0iP3BzzpALQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russia continues GENOCIDE against civilians in Ukraine, – a call to the world #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/21/russia-continues-genocide-against-civilians.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 21 Jan 2026 18:32:53 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/21/russia-continues-genocide-against-civilians.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/04fae323b7.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia continues GENOCIDE against civilians in Ukraine, – a call to the world #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/wNkdLFEs39w&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukraine hit Moscow with “Sapsan”! Russia’s fleet destroyed, battles and threats at Zaporizhzhia NPP</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/21/ukraine-hit-moscow-with-sapsan.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 21 Jan 2026 18:02:39 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/21/ukraine-hit-moscow-with-sapsan.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/04a78826f5.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine hit Moscow with “Sapsan”! Russia’s fleet destroyed, battles and threats at Zaporizhzhia NPP&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7qez_cRp1o&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>War against reality: how the Kremlin zombifies its own society for aggression!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/21/war-against-reality-how-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 21 Jan 2026 18:00:51 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/21/war-against-reality-how-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/1f2b05930f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;War against reality: how the Kremlin zombifies its own society for aggression!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQmoWDjbC_g&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine, not Greenland, should be NATO&#39;s main priority, Rutte says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/21/ukraine-not-greenland-should-be.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 21 Jan 2026 17:55:31 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/21/ukraine-not-greenland-should-be.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/09dfeecbd8.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine, not Greenland, should be NATO&#39;s main priority, Rutte says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;Focus on Ukraine should be our number one priority, and then we can discuss on all the issues, including Greenland,&#34; Rutte said. &#34;But it should be Ukraine first, because it is crucial for our European and U.S. security.&#34;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-not-greenland-should-be-natos-main-priority-rutte-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Hundreds of thousands WITHOUT LIGHT OR HEAT: Russia hits Ukraine&#39;s ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE | In Focus</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/21/hundreds-of-thousands-without-light.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 21 Jan 2026 17:07:58 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/21/hundreds-of-thousands-without-light.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/1bffdacb22.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Hundreds of thousands WITHOUT LIGHT OR HEAT: Russia hits Ukraine&#39;s ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE | In Focus&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QDlEvahaHs&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>❗️Trump: meeting with Zelenskyy! Deal with Putin incoming – signing tomorrow?! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/21/trump-meeting-with-zelenskyy-deal.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 21 Jan 2026 16:55:57 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/21/trump-meeting-with-zelenskyy-deal.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/b156dd5842.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️Trump: meeting with Zelenskyy! Deal with Putin incoming – signing tomorrow?! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/zI6GjErlZHs&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Top Ukrainian energy official killed at electrical substation</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/21/top-ukrainian-energy-official-killed.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 21 Jan 2026 16:31:30 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/21/top-ukrainian-energy-official-killed.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-1247620560.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Top Ukrainian energy official killed at electrical substation&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Top Ukrainian energy worker Oleksii Brekht was killed while on the job, after reportedly being electrocuted at a substation.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/top-ukrainian-energy-worker-killed-on-site/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>LIVE 24/7: Key News from Ukraine &amp;amp;amp; World Updates</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/21/live-key-news-from-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 21 Jan 2026 16:31:04 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/21/live-key-news-from-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2aad877979.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;LIVE 24/7: Key News from Ukraine &amp;amp; World Updates&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_EzCyXOEHA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Nighttime Russian strike on Zaporizhzhia – 4 dead, 6 wounded #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/21/nighttime-russian-strike-on-zaporizhzhia.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 21 Jan 2026 16:27:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/21/nighttime-russian-strike-on-zaporizhzhia.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/9e7e9c1187.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Nighttime Russian strike on Zaporizhzhia – 4 dead, 6 wounded #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/oxwQznQ3II8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Republican congressman slams Trump&#39;s Russia policy, Greenland threats</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/21/republican-congressman-slams-trumps-russia.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 21 Jan 2026 16:17:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/21/republican-congressman-slams-trumps-russia.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/rep-bacon-1-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Republican congressman slams Trump&#39;s Russia policy, Greenland threats&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Kyiv Independent’s Tim Zadorozhnyy speaks with U.S. Representative Don Bacon (R) about U.S. President Donald Trump&#39;s approach to ending Russia&#39;s war against Ukraine, arguing that appeasing Russia would only invite further aggression and calling on tougher sanctions on Moscow.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/republican-congressman-slams-trumps-russia-policy-greenland-threats/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Zelensky&#39;s former deputy chief of staff charged in $3.3 million embezzlement scheme</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/21/zelenskys-former-deputy-chief-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 21 Jan 2026 16:06:59 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/21/zelenskys-former-deputy-chief-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/0ee464959dee79ac5e9feb176f03ce64-1650622614-extra-large.png&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky&#39;s former deputy chief of staff charged in $3.3 million embezzlement scheme&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Shurma&#39;s brother Oleh, who co-owns KD Energy and Renewable Energy of Zaporizhzhia, was also charged, according to the NABU.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelenskys-former-deputy-chief-of-staff-charged-in-3-3-million-embezzlement-scheme/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine attracts 200 million euros for its recovery via infrastructure investment fund</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/21/ukraine-attracts-million-euros-for.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 21 Jan 2026 16:06:41 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/21/ukraine-attracts-million-euros-for.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/61146e05d4.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine attracts 200 million euros for its recovery via infrastructure investment fund&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Amber Dragon Ukraine Infrastructure Fund is the first dedicated to modernizing and rebuilding Ukraine’s infrastructure.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-attracts-200-million-euros-for-its-recovery-via-infrastructure-investment-fund/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Trump demands &#39;immediate negotiations&#39; to acquire Greenland, says war in Ukraine is Europe&#39;s problem</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/21/trump-demands-immediate-negotiations-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 21 Jan 2026 15:29:49 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/21/trump-demands-immediate-negotiations-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2256831130.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Trump demands &#39;immediate negotiations&#39; to acquire Greenland, says war in Ukraine is Europe&#39;s problem&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;I&#39;m seeking immediate negotiations to once again discuss the acquisition of Greenland by the United States,&#34; U.S. President Donald Trump said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/trump-demands-immediate-talks-to-buy-greenland/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Trump SEIZES Russia&#39;s &amp;quot;SHADOW FLEET&amp;quot;! China, North Korea, and Iran AGAINST NATO</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/21/trump-seizes-russias-quotshadow-fleetquot.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 21 Jan 2026 15:16:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/21/trump-seizes-russias-quotshadow-fleetquot.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/1086f167de.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Trump SEIZES Russia&#39;s &amp;quot;SHADOW FLEET&amp;quot;! China, North Korea, and Iran AGAINST NATO&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6KSpELyKCA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Why Myroslava, Nastia left Kyiv</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/21/why-myroslava-nastia-left-kyiv.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 21 Jan 2026 15:00:19 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/21/why-myroslava-nastia-left-kyiv.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2ffb9ff3a6-9.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Why Myroslava, Nastia left Kyiv&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!tSMr!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff0f4a6b8-8ed1-4dc2-8ad7-8bf98e39559a_1500x500.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2ff0f4a6b8-8.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;485&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/f0f4a6b8-8ed1-4dc2-8ad7-8bf98e39559a_1500x500.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:485,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:349071,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:&#34;image/jpeg&#34;,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:true,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:&#34;[www.counteroffensive.news/i/1852965...](https://www.counteroffensive.news/i/185296589?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff0f4a6b8-8ed1-4dc2-8ad7-8bf98e39559a_1500x500.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor’s Note: &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;The Counteroffensive team will continue to report from Kyiv, but we support any member of their team that wants to go back to their hometowns to be with their families.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;We also offered to take any member of the team to Warsaw for a week, at least until this blows over. They all refused to leave their country. I hope this shows, in some small sense, the grit, determination and courage of the small team I’m privileged to lead.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Upgrade for full access to our writing!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Upgrade for full access to our writing!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Tip Jar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Tip Jar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!C6ol!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F665bd2f9-07da-44bf-a10a-1864b10a6f11_1200x1600.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f665bd2f9-0.jpg&#34; width=&#34;287&#34; height=&#34;382.6666666666667&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/665bd2f9-07da-44bf-a10a-1864b10a6f11_1200x1600.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1600,&#34;width&#34;:1200,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:287,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Nature in Kyiv now, January 2026&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;The sun floods the room like a Christmas postcard: snow-covered trees, silence, a fairy tale.&lt;br&gt;But it ends at the windowpane.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I stand in the middle of the room in two sweaters and a robe, clutching a cup of hot tea as if it could save me. The thermometer indoors reads +9°C (48°F). It’s the third day without heat, and every hour the cold settles deeper into the walls.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In my arms is my six-month-old son, Ustym. I hold him tighter than I should, trying to give him my warmth. And suddenly it hits me: I don’t know how to protect him from the cold.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I can endure it. He can’t.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I cry quietly so he won’t hear. The tears on my sleeve are warmer than the air in the room.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I pack to leave the city.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2ffb9ff3a6-9.jpg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/f2ed75a60b.jpg&#34; width=&#34;292&#34; height=&#34;389.3333333333333&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/fb9ff3a6-9ce6-49e0-98d5-dea9dbfa8561_960x1280.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1280,&#34;width&#34;:960,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:292,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Myroslava and Ustym in their warm Kyiv apartment before New Year’s Eve, 2025&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;After paywall:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;What the biggest shock was for Myroslava during the freezing temperatures;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;What Myroslava and Nastia recalled as they were leaving the capital;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;Why Nastia felt ashamed.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
      &lt;p&gt;
          &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/why-myroslava-nastia-left-kyiv&#34;&gt;
              Read more
          &lt;/a&gt;
      &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/why-myroslava-nastia-left-kyiv&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>🔴URGENT! Donald Trump&#39;s special address at the 2026 World Economic Forum in Davos!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/21/urgent-donald-trumps-special-address.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 21 Jan 2026 13:57:36 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/21/urgent-donald-trumps-special-address.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/fe13f40af1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🔴URGENT! Donald Trump&#39;s special address at the 2026 World Economic Forum in Davos!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ibq3FAr7o6Y&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Kyiv&#39;s mismanaged winter: Energy crisis, icy streets expose city leadership failures</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/21/kyivs-mismanaged-winter-energy-crisis.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 21 Jan 2026 13:03:14 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/21/kyivs-mismanaged-winter-energy-crisis.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/upd-gettyimages-2255805501.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Kyiv&#39;s mismanaged winter: Energy crisis, icy streets expose city leadership failures&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ukraine&#39;s capital is currently facing &#34;the most difficult&#34; winter of the war as its energy infrastructure sustained detrimental damage and continues to undergo further Russian attacks.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Over the past weeks, snowfall and frigid temperatures have created a hazardous situation on the streets. Ice-coated pavements, piles of&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/kyivs-mismanaged-winter-energy-crisis-icy-streets-expose-city-leadership-failures/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest live: Severe frosts could enable mechanized Russian assaults in Donetsk Oblast, military says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/21/ukraine-war-latest-live-severe.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 21 Jan 2026 12:44:23 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/21/ukraine-war-latest-live-severe.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2253771539.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest live: Severe frosts could enable mechanized Russian assaults in Donetsk Oblast, military says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Live coverage of Russia’s war against Ukraine with breaking news and frontline updates, updated 5 times today. Russian forces may find favorable conditions for mechanized assaults in Ukraine&#39;s eastern Donetsk Oblast due to frost and frozen ground, Roman Pysarenko, head of communications for the 79th Brigade based near Myrnohrad, told Suspilne on Jan. 21.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-update-2026-01-21/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Trump&#39;s envoys Witkoff, Kushner to meet Putin in Moscow</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/21/trumps-envoys-witkoff-kushner-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 21 Jan 2026 12:09:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/21/trumps-envoys-witkoff-kushner-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/1322398de9.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Trump&#39;s envoys Witkoff, Kushner to meet Putin in Moscow&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;The Russians have invited us to come, and that&#39;s a significant statement from them,&#34; Witkoff said in an interview with Bloomberg TV in Davos on Jan. 21, amid a Washington-led push to broker peace between Kyiv and Moscow.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/trump-envoy-says-he-kushner-will-meet-putin-on-jan-22/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Over half a million left Kyiv in January amid Russia&#39;s energy blitz, mayor Klitschko says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/21/over-half-a-million-left.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 21 Jan 2026 11:23:55 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/21/over-half-a-million-left.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2256691336.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Over half a million left Kyiv in January amid Russia&#39;s energy blitz, mayor Klitschko says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Klitschko&#39;s press service told the Kyiv Independent that the 600,000 number was calculated from mobile phone billing data.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/klitschko-says-600-000-people-left-kyiv-in-january-amid-russias-energy-blitz/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Military invasion &#39;can&#39;t be ruled out,&#39; Greenland&#39;s prime minister says amid US threats</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/21/military-invasion-cant-be-ruled.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 21 Jan 2026 10:34:16 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/21/military-invasion-cant-be-ruled.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2256658021-1-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Military invasion &#39;can&#39;t be ruled out,&#39; Greenland&#39;s prime minister says amid US threats&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Greenland must start preparing for the possibility of a military invasion, even though the scenario remains unlikely, the island&#39;s prime minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/greenland-must-ready-for-potential-invasion-prime-minister-says-amid-us-threats/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>11 reported injured in southern Russia as separate drone strike hits oil refinery</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/21/reported-injured-in-southern-russia.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 21 Jan 2026 06:20:58 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/21/reported-injured-in-southern-russia.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/adygea-attack.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;11 reported injured in southern Russia as separate drone strike hits oil refinery&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Eleven people were injured in an overnight attack in Russia&#39;s Republic of Adygea, while a separate drone strike sparked a fire at an oil refinery in neighboring Krasnodar Krai, local authorities and media reported Jan. 21.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/11-injured-southern-russia-attacks/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Trump blames Ukraine war negotiations deadlock on Moscow, Kyiv failing to align on talks</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/21/trump-blames-ukraine-war-negotiations.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 21 Jan 2026 02:08:30 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/21/trump-blames-ukraine-war-negotiations.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2203341067.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Trump blames Ukraine war negotiations deadlock on Moscow, Kyiv failing to align on talks&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;U.S. President Donald Trump said on Jan. 20 that he has been unable to end Russia’s war against Ukraine, claiming that neither side is consistently willing to agree to a deal at the same time.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/trump-blames-ukraine-war-negotiations-deadlock-on-moscow-and-kyiv-failing-to-align-on-talks/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Trump, Putin envoys call Davos talks on Ukraine &#39;very positive,&#39; and &#39;constructive&#39;</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/21/trump-putin-envoys-call-davos.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 21 Jan 2026 00:28:28 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/21/trump-putin-envoys-call-davos.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/153fad09b9.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Trump, Putin envoys call Davos talks on Ukraine &#39;very positive,&#39; and &#39;constructive&#39;&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;U.S. President Donald Trump’s envoys met with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s envoy Kirill Dmitriev in Davos on Jan. 20 to discuss Washington’s peace plan for Ukraine, with both sides describing the talks as constructive.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/trump-putin-envoys-call-davos-talks-on-ukraine-very-positive-and-constructive/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>❗️220 occupiers dead in one day – record losses for Russia in Kupyansk #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/20/occupiers-dead-in-one-day.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 20 Jan 2026 23:30:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/20/occupiers-dead-in-one-day.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/69d3f9a7fc.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️220 occupiers dead in one day – record losses for Russia in Kupyansk #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/W3QPgBuEe2o&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>🧨 KUPYANSK TRAP: 27 eliminated Russians per one Ukrainian! Occupier&#39;s equipment OBLITERATED</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/20/kupyansk-trap-eliminated-russians-per.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 20 Jan 2026 23:00:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/20/kupyansk-trap-eliminated-russians-per.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/ffecb22d17.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🧨 KUPYANSK TRAP: 27 eliminated Russians per one Ukrainian! Occupier&#39;s equipment OBLITERATED&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xfchIvp9TE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukrainian writer and translator Andriy Lyubka mobilizes to join Armed Forces</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/20/ukrainian-writer-and-translator-andriy.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 20 Jan 2026 22:33:23 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/20/ukrainian-writer-and-translator-andriy.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/66498334-2263263453984003-248302169734774784-n.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian writer and translator Andriy Lyubka mobilizes to join Armed Forces&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Prominent Ukrainian writer and translator Andriy Lyubka announced he has decided to mobilize and join the Armed Forces of Ukraine.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-writer-and-translator-andriy-lyubka-mobilizes-to-join-armed-forces/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Political instability in Chechnya: the leader&#39;s death threatens the clan order #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/20/political-instability-in-chechnya-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 20 Jan 2026 22:30:11 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/20/political-instability-in-chechnya-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/88be92b1ef.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Political instability in Chechnya: the leader&#39;s death threatens the clan order #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/n-HsQnTDX6w&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>🤫 MYSTERY OF THE HOSPITAL IN CHECHNYA: What is being HIDDEN about Adam Kadyrov&#39;s condition?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/20/mystery-of-the-hospital-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 20 Jan 2026 22:00:14 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/20/mystery-of-the-hospital-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/0942247456.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🤫 MYSTERY OF THE HOSPITAL IN CHECHNYA: What is being HIDDEN about Adam Kadyrov&#39;s condition?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuJ3wL0ssCY&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>TRUMP&#39;S &amp;amp;quot;PEACE COUNCIL&amp;amp;quot; – invites BOTH UKRAINE AND RUSSIA?! Europe EXPOSES Kremlin&#39;s spy networks</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/20/trumps-ampquotpeace-councilampquot-invites-both.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 20 Jan 2026 21:00:17 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/20/trumps-ampquotpeace-councilampquot-invites-both.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/1aa77f5cb9.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;TRUMP&#39;S &amp;quot;PEACE COUNCIL&amp;quot; – invites BOTH UKRAINE AND RUSSIA?! Europe EXPOSES Kremlin&#39;s spy networks&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZUrxAw07k4&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Weapons from Iran are no longer reaching Russia – a blow to Putin&#39;s fleet  #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/20/weapons-from-iran-are-no.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 20 Jan 2026 20:30:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/20/weapons-from-iran-are-no.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2459465a73.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Weapons from Iran are no longer reaching Russia – a blow to Putin&#39;s fleet  #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/-vm1A8IrG2M&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>&#39;We&#39;re getting to the fun&#39; — Minerals deal to see first investments in 3-6 months</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/20/were-getting-to-the-fun.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 20 Jan 2026 20:24:39 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/20/were-getting-to-the-fun.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2201329193.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;We&#39;re getting to the fun&#39; — Minerals deal to see first investments in 3-6 months&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukrainian companies have submitted the first projects to the minerals deal fund, with initial investments expected to arrive in the next three to six months, said panelists at Ukraine House Davos’ &#34;Partners in Prosperity&#34; event during the World Economic Forum on Jan. 20.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/were-getting-to-the-fun-minerals-deal-to-see-first-investments-in-3-6-months/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>800 billion against Kremlin: EU prepares for BIG WAR?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/20/billion-against-kremlin-eu-prepares.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 20 Jan 2026 20:00:23 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/20/billion-against-kremlin-eu-prepares.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/9f560f960e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;800 billion against Kremlin: EU prepares for BIG WAR?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sb2RaGeVMNA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>What English translations miss about Bulgakov — and why it matters in Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/20/what-english-translations-miss-about.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 20 Jan 2026 19:44:40 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/20/what-english-translations-miss-about.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/upd-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;What English translations miss about Bulgakov — and why it matters in Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Twentieth-century author Mikhail Bulgakov is celebrated worldwide for his satirical genius and his defiance of Soviet power, most famously through works like &#34;The Master and Margarita&#34; and &#34;White Guard.&#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In Ukraine, his legacy is far more complicated.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Rather than being remembered solely as a critic of&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/what-english-translations-miss-about-bulgakov-and-why-it-matters-in-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>🔴 Zelenskyy: In Kyiv alone, over a million consumers are without electricity as of evening #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/20/zelenskyy-in-kyiv-alone-over.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 20 Jan 2026 19:38:42 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/20/zelenskyy-in-kyiv-alone-over.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/ae13c7d23b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🔴 Zelenskyy: In Kyiv alone, over a million consumers are without electricity as of evening #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/plpkZ2ckmxE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>MOSCOW IN SHOCK! UKRAINE uses OWN ballistic missile AGAINST KREMLIN</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/20/moscow-in-shock-ukraine-uses.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 20 Jan 2026 19:33:33 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/20/moscow-in-shock-ukraine-uses.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/8f5df1b700.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;MOSCOW IN SHOCK! UKRAINE uses OWN ballistic missile AGAINST KREMLIN&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Osso2SYcxI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Chornobyl plant restores external power after temporary outage caused by Russian attack, according to Energy Ministry</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/20/chornobyl-plant-restores-external-power.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 20 Jan 2026 18:02:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/20/chornobyl-plant-restores-external-power.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2198995749.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Chornobyl plant restores external power after temporary outage caused by Russian attack, according to Energy Ministry&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The ministry said that despite overnight missile and drone strikes targeting key energy hubs supplying the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, all facilities at the plant — including the New Safe Confinement and spent nuclear fuel storage sites — are now receiving power from Ukraine&#39;s unified energy system and are operating as required.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/chornobyl-plant-temporarily-lost-off-site-power-after-latest-mass-russian-attack-iaea-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>&#39;We aim to kill 50,000 Russians a month,&#39; Ukraine&#39;s new defense minister says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/20/we-aim-to-kill-russians.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 20 Jan 2026 16:32:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/20/we-aim-to-kill-russians.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2256401930-1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;We aim to kill 50,000 Russians a month,&#39; Ukraine&#39;s new defense minister says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;Last month, 35,000 were killed; all these losses are verified on video. If we reach 50,000, we will see what happens to the enemy,&#34; Fedorov said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/we-aim-to-kill-50-000-russians-a-month-ukraines-new-defense-minister-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Zelensky reiterates call to create joint European army with at least 3 million personnel amid growing Russian threat</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/20/zelensky-reiterates-call-to-create.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 20 Jan 2026 16:30:36 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/20/zelensky-reiterates-call-to-create.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2256419941.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky reiterates call to create joint European army with at least 3 million personnel amid growing Russian threat&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;Russia plans to have an army of 2 to 2.5 million personnel by 2030. So a European army, while each country keeps its own sovereign forces, must be able to respond. It should be no smaller than 3 million,&#34; Volodymyr Zelensky told journalists.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-reiterates-call-to-create-joint-european-army-with-at-least-3-million-personnel-amid-growing-russian-threat/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Dnipro, Poltava, Zaporizhzhia under attack: Russia strikes with drones  #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/20/dnipro-poltava-zaporizhzhia-under-attack.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 20 Jan 2026 16:20:35 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/20/dnipro-poltava-zaporizhzhia-under-attack.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/feb58ac193.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Dnipro, Poltava, Zaporizhzhia under attack: Russia strikes with drones  #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ahhPpGOGCo8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Kyiv-based Investment firm secures 150 million euros for Ukraine&#39;s urgent recovery</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/20/kyivbased-investment-firm-secures-million.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 20 Jan 2026 16:09:33 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/20/kyivbased-investment-firm-secures-million.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/dream-2.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Kyiv-based Investment firm secures 150 million euros for Ukraine&#39;s urgent recovery&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Among the fund’s investors are the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), which committed 30 million euros, and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), which invested 50 million euros.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/investment-firm-secures-150-million-euros-for-ukraines-urgent-recovery/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>New Kyiv Independent documentary reveals how Russia prepared to seize Crimea since the early 1990s</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/20/new-kyiv-independent-documentary-reveals.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 20 Jan 2026 15:42:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/20/new-kyiv-independent-documentary-reveals.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/war-before-the-war-ki-company-news.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;New Kyiv Independent documentary reveals how Russia prepared to seize Crimea since the early 1990s&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Kyiv Independent&#39;s War Crimes Investigations Unit has released the first part of a new two-part documentary, &#34;Crimea: The War Before the War.&#34;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/new-kyiv-independent-documentary-reveals-how-russia-prepared-to-seize-crimea-since-the-early-1990s/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>WOW!🔥Russia under China: How Kremlin lost sovereignty and put economy on Beijing&#39;s leash — WATCH NOW</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/20/wowrussia-under-china-how-kremlin.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 20 Jan 2026 15:05:43 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/20/wowrussia-under-china-how-kremlin.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/4a263b2e25.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;WOW!🔥Russia under China: How Kremlin lost sovereignty and put economy on Beijing&#39;s leash — WATCH NOW&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrBqJJ1ARz8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>ENERGY TERROR: Russia leaves Ukraine&#39;s capital without LIGHT &amp;amp;amp; HEAT</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/20/energy-terror-russia-leaves-ukraines.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 20 Jan 2026 15:01:09 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/20/energy-terror-russia-leaves-ukraines.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/64caccc196.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;ENERGY TERROR: Russia leaves Ukraine&#39;s capital without LIGHT &amp;amp; HEAT&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giQqukq1usk&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine now has more air defenses, but Russia has even more missiles for future attacks, Zelensky says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/20/ukraine-now-has-more-air.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 20 Jan 2026 14:47:59 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/20/ukraine-now-has-more-air.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2254355411.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine now has more air defenses, but Russia has even more missiles for future attacks, Zelensky says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;(Ukraine) needs more missiles, more air defense,&#34; Volodymyr Zelensky said, adding that aside from U.S.-produced Patriot PAC-3 missiles used against Russian ballistic missiles — whose numbers have increased significantly — &#34;nothing else works.&#34;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-has-more-air-defenses-now-but-russia-has-even-more-missiles-for-future-attacks-zelensky-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>LIVE 24/7: Key News from Ukraine &amp;amp;amp; World Updates</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/20/live-key-news-from-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 20 Jan 2026 14:38:21 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/20/live-key-news-from-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/f68f3eee26.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;LIVE 24/7: Key News from Ukraine &amp;amp; World Updates&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DA7M1pzvs0s&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Europe loads &#39;trade bazooka,&#39; ready retaliatory measures against Trump&#39;s Greenland tariff threats</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/20/europe-loads-trade-bazooka-ready.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 20 Jan 2026 14:23:32 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/20/europe-loads-trade-bazooka-ready.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2226577647.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Europe loads &#39;trade bazooka,&#39; ready retaliatory measures against Trump&#39;s Greenland tariff threats&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The European Union is preparing a response to U.S. President Donald Trump&#39;s threat to impose tariffs on NATO allies over Greenland, with leaders set to discuss retaliation options at a summit on Jan. 22, two people familiar with the matter told the Kyiv Independent.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The dispute escalated&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/europe-loads-trade-bazooka-ready-retaliatory-measures-against-trumps-greenland-tariff-threats/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>&#39;I choose Ukraine&#39; — Zelensky cancels trip to Davos following another mass Russian attack</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/20/i-choose-ukraine-zelensky-cancels.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 20 Jan 2026 14:12:40 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/20/i-choose-ukraine-zelensky-cancels.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2256588810-1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;I choose Ukraine&#39; — Zelensky cancels trip to Davos following another mass Russian attack&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;Undoubtedly, I choose Ukraine in this case, rather than the economic forum, but everything can change at any moment,&#34; President Volodymyr Zelensky said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/amid-energy-crisis-zelensky-opts-to-stay-in-ukraine-sends-delegation-to-davos/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest live: Russia used &#39;updated tactics&#39; during latest mass missile, drone strike, Zelensky says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/20/ukraine-war-latest-live-russia.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 20 Jan 2026 13:33:35 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/20/ukraine-war-latest-live-russia.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2257199173.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest live: Russia used &#39;updated tactics&#39; during latest mass missile, drone strike, Zelensky says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Live coverage of Russia’s war against Ukraine with breaking news and frontline updates, updated 5 times today. Russia used &#34;updated tactics&#34; during its latest overnight aerial assault on Ukraine&#39;s energy infrastructure on Jan. 20, President Volodymyr Zelensky has said, adding Kyiv would be informing allies including the U.S. about the development.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-update-2026-01-20/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>“I followed the order.” Kharkiv court sentences Russian soldier who killed Ukrainian POWs in Vovchansk to life imprisonment</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/20/i-followed-the-order-kharkiv.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 20 Jan 2026 12:46:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/20/i-followed-the-order-kharkiv.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width=&#34;1972&#34; height=&#34;1191&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/dsc05568-1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Sergey Tuzhilov during the court hearing&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;UKRAINE, KHARKIV&lt;/strong&gt; — On Jan. 13, one of Kharkiv courts sentenced to life imprisonment Russian soldier Sergey Tuzhilov, who killed a Ukrainian prisoner of war (POW) at an aggregate plant in Vovchansk and was involved in the murder of two other Ukrainian soldiers. Our journalist Daria Levchenko attended this and other court hearings in the case.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Vovchansk is a city located in the north of the Kharkiv oblast, 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the Russian border. The Vovchansk aggregate plant stands in the city center. When Russia seized the city in 2022, the plant became &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/inside-russian-largest-torture-facility-in-deoccupied-kharkiv-region-vovchansk-aggregate-plant/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;the largest torture facility in the occupied territories&lt;/a&gt; in the Kharkiv region.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Ukrainian forces deoccupied Vovchansk during the Kharkiv counteroffensive, but fighting returned there with the Russian second offensive in the north of the region, launched in the spring of 2024. As for now, DeepState OSINT war monitoring group &lt;a href=&#34;https://t.me/DeepStateUA/22991&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;indicates&lt;/a&gt; this territory as controlled by the Russian army.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;It was in June 2024 that Sergey Tuzhilov, a commander of the grenade launcher squad in the 69th Guards Motor Rifle Division of the Russian army with a call sign Altai, crossed the northern Ukrainian border. He, along with 28 other soldiers, entered Vovchansk. They came under attack and hid within the Vovchansk aggregate plant, where the other Russian soldiers were located.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Investigation established that, around Jun. 15-16, a group of Russian soldiers captured a Ukrainian soldier. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Tuzhilov said that later, the commander ordered him and another soldier with the call sign Kot (“cat” in translation from Russian — ed.) to execute the prisoner. Tuzhilov accompanied him to the place of execution. Kot killed the man with a shot to the head. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;​​On Jul. 1-2, two more Ukrainian soldiers were captured. Tuzhilov said that he personally interrogated one of them. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The next day, according to the prosecution, Tuzhilov’s commander, with the call sign Krasavchik (“pretty boy/man” in translation from Russian), ordered him to kill the prisoners. The defendant and Kot killed the two and left the bodies in one of the rooms at the aggregate plant.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Later, the Ukrainian military captured Tuzhilov. According to him, most of the soldiers involved in the killings of Ukrainian prisoners at the aggregate plant were killed during combat.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The Prosecutor’s Office accused Tuzhilov of assisting in the cruel treatment of POWs, combined with murder by prior conspiracy, as well as intentional murder.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In June 2025, the Security Service of Ukraine &lt;a href=&#34;https://t.me/SBUkr/15188&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;reported suspicion&lt;/a&gt; of Tuzhilov.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The trial was heard in a closed court. As prosecutor Mykyta Daloka &lt;a href=&#34;https://mipl.org.ua/rosiyanyna-tuzhylova-zasudyly-do-pozhyttyevogo-za-rozstril-ukrayinskogo-vijskovopolonenogo/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;explained&lt;/a&gt; to the Media Initiative for Human Rights, some of the evidence presented in hearings could potentially damage Ukraine’s defense capabilities, like video footage from drones. Testimonies of witnesses, including those of Russian POWs who agreed to testify, also had to be protected. The debates and sentencing were made public because of the high public interest in the case.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;One of the hearings took place on Nov. 4, during which Tuzhilov &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/u-harkovi-projshov-sud-shhodo-rosijskogo-vijskovogo-yakij-vbivav-ukra%D1%97nskih-vijskovopolonenih/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;confirmed&lt;/a&gt; to journalists that he had killed Ukrainian prisoners of war.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-quote&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“I didn’t give orders. I killed Ukrainian soldiers who surrendered because it was an order. I don&#39;t feel anything good about it,” he said.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;He also claimed that he did not kill civilians “in this war.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;On Dec. 25, during the next open hearing, the prosecution &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/vbivstvo-polonenih-na-agregatnomu-zavodi-u-vovchansku-sud-planu%D1%94-vinesti-virok-rosijskomu-vijskovomu/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;demanded&lt;/a&gt; life imprisonment for the Russian soldier. His lawyer requested that the judges consider Tuzhilov’s cooperation with the investigation and his guilty plea and reduce the sentence to 15 years&#39; imprisonment.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Relatives of the killed Ukrainian soldiers have filed civil lawsuits seeking 51 million hryvnas ($1,2 million) in compensation from Tuzhilov, said Tamila Bespala, a representative of the families.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;According to Bespala, during one of the court hearings, Tuzhilov asked why compensation would be sought from him and said that Ukrainians were also to blame for what was happening because they were also shooting. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-quote&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“My clients’ relatives didn’t go into the foreign territory. I didn’t sleep at night thinking about those words of his. Some of the killed didn’t even have military experience. Their lives were taken from them, and they were protecting their families, their land. &lt;em&gt;Their&lt;/em&gt; land,” Bespala said. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In response to that, in his closing statement, Tuzhilov said, “I followed the order. No matter how difficult it was. In a different situation, I probably wouldn’t have carried it out. The victims’ defendant said that people are only defending their land and nothing else. I don’t want to argue, but Ukrainian troops also entered Russian territory. So we are not that different. We entered first, you entered second. Civilians are being killed on both sides. No one wins from this. That’s why I believe that peace is needed.” &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Prosecutor Daloka said that the defendant is counting on being exchanged in one of the future POW swaps between Russia and Ukraine. Information about him has been forwarded to the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;On Jan. 13, Tuzhilov &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/u-harkovi-vpershe-ochno-zasudili-do-dovichnogo-rosiyanina-za-vbivstvo-vijskovopolonenih/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;was found guilty&lt;/a&gt; of cruel treatment of prisoners of war, combined with intentional murders committed by a group of people via prior conspiracy. He was sentenced to life imprisonment.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;During the final hearing, Tuzhilov admitted his guilt once again. The Russian soldier also said that he had participated in combat in Syria and Ossetia (a territory of Georgia that Russia invaded and annexed in 2008). He added that in 2014, he had entered the territory of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, though he claimed he hadn’t participated in combat there.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Currently, the court has imposed a preventive measure — detention — until the verdict for Tuzhilov comes into force. Along with his defense team, he may file an appeal within the next 30 days. According to Tuzhilov, he does not plan to do so.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The court also partially satisfied the civil claims of the victims and relatives of the killed Ukrainian soldiers. Tuzhilov must pay two million hryvnas ($46,000) to each of the seven people.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Tuzhilov refused to comment on the verdict.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;It is the second case in Ukraine of a Russian soldier being tried in person for the shooting of POWs — and the first such case put to court in Kharkiv. Another verdict was handed down in the Zaporizhzhia region. Russian soldier Dmitry Kurashov was sentenced to life imprisonment for shooting Ukrainian prisoner of war Vitalii Hodniuk.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-heading&#34;&gt;Read more&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;ul data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-list&#34;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Russian forces use fiber optic FPV drone &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/russian-forces-use-fiber-optic-fpv-drone-to-kill-kharkiv-volunteer-during-evacuation-in-donetsk-region/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;to kill&lt;/a&gt; Kharkiv volunteer during evacuation in Donetsk region&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p data-sanitized-class=&#34;has-background&#34;&gt;Hello! My name is Elza, and I am a Gwara Media reporter. Two years ago, we wrote about the Vovchansk aggregate plant and the Russian torture that Ukrainian POWs went through there in 2022. My other colleague, Daria Levchenko, attended every open hearing in the Tuzhilov case, and it was important for me to tell you about this case from 2024, too. Please consider supporting our newsroom with &lt;a href=&#34;https://buymeacoffee.com/gwaramedia&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;a one-time tip&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; or become a &lt;a href=&#34;https://buymeacoffee.com/gwaramedia/membership&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;member of our community&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The post &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/i-followed-the-order-kharkiv-court-sentences-russian-soldier-who-killed-ukrainian-pows-in-vovchansk-to-life-imprisonment/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;“I followed the order.” Kharkiv court sentences Russian soldier who killed Ukrainian POWs in Vovchansk to life imprisonment&lt;/a&gt; appeared first on &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;Gwara Media&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/i-followed-the-order-kharkiv-court-sentences-russian-soldier-who-killed-ukrainian-pows-in-vovchansk-to-life-imprisonment/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Kyiv hesitant as Trump invites Ukraine to his Peace Board</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/20/kyiv-hesitant-as-trump-invites.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 20 Jan 2026 12:43:42 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/20/kyiv-hesitant-as-trump-invites.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2253858000.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Kyiv hesitant as Trump invites Ukraine to his Peace Board&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Zelensky said Ukrainian diplomats are reviewing the invitation but stressed it would be &#34;difficult to imagine&#34; sitting at the body alongside Russia and Belarus, who were also invited.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/trump-invites-ukraine-to-gaza-peace-board-zelensky-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Trump unleashes chaotic late-night tirade against Europe, vows to take Greenland</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/20/trump-unleashes-chaotic-latenight-tirade.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 20 Jan 2026 11:37:32 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/20/trump-unleashes-chaotic-latenight-tirade.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2257156925.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Trump unleashes chaotic late-night tirade against Europe, vows to take Greenland&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor’s Note: The Kyiv Independent has made an editorial decision not to edit messages from U.S. President Donald Trump for grammar or clarity.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;When European officials woke up on Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump hadn&#39;t gone to bed yet. He was busy attacking European&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/trump-unleashes-erratic-late-night-tirade-against-uk-europe-nato-greenland/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Membership Growth Manager</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/20/membership-growth-manager.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 20 Jan 2026 10:23:04 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/20/membership-growth-manager.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/copy-of-logo-horizontal-black-01-1-2-.png&#34; alt=&#34;Membership Growth Manager&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Kyiv Independent, Ukraine’s main English-language publication, is looking for a Membership Growth Manager.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/membership-growth-manager-2/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Office Manager</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/20/office-manager.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 20 Jan 2026 10:22:16 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/20/office-manager.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/copy-of-logo-horizontal-black-01-1-2-1.png&#34; alt=&#34;Office Manager&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Kyiv Independent, Ukraine’s main English-language publication, is looking for an Office Manager.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/office-manager-2/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Kremlin aide Dmitriev arrives in Davos ahead of expected talks with US envoys</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/20/kremlin-aide-dmitriev-arrives-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 20 Jan 2026 10:18:46 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/20/kremlin-aide-dmitriev-arrives-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2250168678.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Kremlin aide Dmitriev arrives in Davos ahead of expected talks with US envoys&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund is reportedly set to meet U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to discuss Washington&#39;s peace plan for Ukraine.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/kremlin-aide-dmitriev-says-he-arrived-in-davos-expected-to-meet-us-envoys/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Facing Russia and global shifts, Moldova’s Sandu opens door to reunification with Romania</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/20/facing-russia-and-global-shifts.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 20 Jan 2026 10:03:12 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/20/facing-russia-and-global-shifts.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2218905016.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Facing Russia and global shifts, Moldova’s Sandu opens door to reunification with Romania&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It is not often a president says they would support the dissolution of the state they are leading.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In a recent&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYQlvaHHvIg&#34;&gt; interview&lt;/a&gt;, Moldovan President Maia Sandu did just that, saying she would vote for the country’s reunification with Romania if such a referendum were to take place.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/facing-russia-and-global-shifts-moldovas-sandu-opens-door-to-reunification-with-romania/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Moldova moves to withdraw from Russian-led CIS, Foreign Minister says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/20/moldova-moves-to-withdraw-from.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 20 Jan 2026 07:06:36 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/20/moldova-moves-to-withdraw-from.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/64b19d3b74.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Moldova moves to withdraw from Russian-led CIS, Foreign Minister says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Moldova is in the process of formalizing its exit from the Russian-led Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Foreign Minister Mihai Popsoi told Radio Moldova on Jan. 19.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/moldova-moving-to-withdraw-from-russian-led-cis-foreign-minister-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russia attacks Ukraine with ballistic missiles, targeting Kyiv on freezing night amid energy crisis</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/20/russia-attacks-ukraine-with-ballistic.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 20 Jan 2026 01:27:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/20/russia-attacks-ukraine-with-ballistic.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2245374549.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia attacks Ukraine with ballistic missiles, targeting Kyiv on freezing night amid energy crisis&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;At least one person in Kyiv has been injured, local authorities reported. Ukraine&#39;s Air Force has warned that Russian ballistic missiles are targeting multiple regions, including the capital.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-attacks-kyiv-with-ballistic-missiles-targeting-city-on-freezing-night-amid-energy-crisis/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine&#39;s SBU captures Russian soldier suspected of executing 9 Ukrainian POWs in 2024</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/20/ukraines-sbu-captures-russian-soldier.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:50:22 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/20/ukraines-sbu-captures-russian-soldier.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/ze-poklad.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine&#39;s SBU captures Russian soldier suspected of executing 9 Ukrainian POWs in 2024&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;We will find every Russian murderer,&#34; President Volodymyr Zelensky said after announcing the arrest. The Russian soldier allegedly shot nine Ukrainian POWs in Kursk Oblast in October 2024.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-sbu-captures-russian-soldier-suspected-of-executing-9-ukrainian-pows-in-kursk/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine hits drone warehouse in Russian-occupied Luhansk Oblast, military says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/19/ukraine-hits-drone-warehouse-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 19 Jan 2026 23:26:14 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/19/ukraine-hits-drone-warehouse-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2256075929.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine hits drone warehouse in Russian-occupied Luhansk Oblast, military says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukrainian forces successfully attacked a drone warehouse belonging to Russia&#39;s 144th Motorized Rifle Division in Novokrasnianka, occupied Luhansk Oblast, Ukraine&#39;s General Staff reported.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-hits-drone-warehouse-in-russian-occupied-luhansk-oblast-military-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Russia planning large-scale attack against Ukraine, Kyiv warns</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/19/russia-planning-largescale-attack-against.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 19 Jan 2026 22:26:32 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/19/russia-planning-largescale-attack-against.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2e4507eceb.png&#34; alt=&#34;Russia planning large-scale attack against Ukraine, Kyiv warns&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;In the coming days we must remain extremely vigilant. Russia has prepared for a strike — a massive strike — and is waiting for the moment to carry it out,&#34; President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Jan. 19.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-planning-large-scale-attack-against-ukraine-kyiv-warns/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>👌SBU Alpha destroyed Russian air defense systems worth $4 billion! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/19/sbu-alpha-destroyed-russian-air.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 19 Jan 2026 21:30:19 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/19/sbu-alpha-destroyed-russian-air.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/d4b483d60b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;👌SBU Alpha destroyed Russian air defense systems worth $4 billion! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/oG5xYl5r0pM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>UKRAINE PREPARES: new offensive, Kremlin&#39;s destroyed $4B air defense and sanctions on &amp;quot;shadow fleet&amp;quot;</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/19/ukraine-prepares-new-offensive-kremlins.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 19 Jan 2026 21:00:38 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/19/ukraine-prepares-new-offensive-kremlins.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/f310a5372b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;UKRAINE PREPARES: new offensive, Kremlin&#39;s destroyed $4B air defense and sanctions on &amp;quot;shadow fleet&amp;quot;&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfy9o6UvYvs&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Zelensky names Pavlo Yelizarov new Air Force deputy commander, calls for overhaul of Ukraine&#39;s air defenses</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/19/zelensky-names-pavlo-yelizarov-new.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 19 Jan 2026 20:56:21 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/19/zelensky-names-pavlo-yelizarov-new.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/yelizarov.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky names Pavlo Yelizarov new Air Force deputy commander, calls for overhaul of Ukraine&#39;s air defenses&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;Our task is to build an anti-drone dome over Ukraine. A system that does not react after the fact, but destroys the threat even during its approach,&#34; Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-names-pavlo-yelizarov-new-air-force-deputy-commander-calls-for-overhaul-of-ukrianes-air-defenses/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>❗️ Russia has prepared for a massive strike and is waiting for the moment to launch it, – Zelenskyy</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/19/russia-has-prepared-for-a.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 19 Jan 2026 20:42:42 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/19/russia-has-prepared-for-a.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/4e087845c1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️ Russia has prepared for a massive strike and is waiting for the moment to launch it, – Zelenskyy&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/mqAcozA29CE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Putin no longer uses war – he lives it! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/19/putin-no-longer-uses-war.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 19 Jan 2026 20:30:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/19/putin-no-longer-uses-war.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/c6045c0a79.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Putin no longer uses war – he lives it! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/faHRIvnkIxo&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>🔥SHOCK🔥 Putin needs eternal war: why does the world still believe in &amp;quot;peace talks&amp;quot;?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/19/shock-putin-needs-eternal-war.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 19 Jan 2026 20:00:32 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/19/shock-putin-needs-eternal-war.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/dec75ed248.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🔥SHOCK🔥 Putin needs eternal war: why does the world still believe in &amp;quot;peace talks&amp;quot;?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Na6VanxF7gU&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russia&#39;s oil, gas revenues to drop by 46% in January year-on-year, Reuters reports</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/19/russias-oil-gas-revenues-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 19 Jan 2026 18:59:32 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/19/russias-oil-gas-revenues-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/c84748a526.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia&#39;s oil, gas revenues to drop by 46% in January year-on-year, Reuters reports&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The development is driven by a stronger ruble and low oil prices, according to the news agency.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russias-oil-gas-revenues-to-drop-by-46-in-january-year-on-year/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine needs billions in US arms as Greenland dispute pushes alliance to breaking point, documents reveal</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/19/ukraine-needs-billions-in-us.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 19 Jan 2026 18:29:58 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/19/ukraine-needs-billions-in-us.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/ea8e36568e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine needs billions in US arms as Greenland dispute pushes alliance to breaking point, documents reveal&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ukraine needs at least $27 billion in military equipment from non-European Union sources in 2026, highlighting the bloc&#39;s dependence on American technology to support Kyiv, negotiating documents show.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The EU is set to spend 60 billion euros ($70 billion) on Ukraine&#39;s defense as part of a&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-needs-billions-in-us-arms-as-greenland-dispute-pushes-alliance-to-breaking-point-documents-reveal/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Denmark &#39;substantially increases&#39; Greenland troops as Trump won&#39;t rule out using force</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/19/denmark-substantially-increases-greenland-troops.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 19 Jan 2026 18:29:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/19/denmark-substantially-increases-greenland-troops.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2256145614.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Denmark &#39;substantially increases&#39; Greenland troops as Trump won&#39;t rule out using force&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Chief of the Royal Danish Army Major General Peter Boysen will also deploy to the island alongside soldiers.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/denmark-substantially-increases-greenland-troops-as-trump-refuses-to-answer-if-hed-use-force/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian drones are &amp;quot;restoring order&amp;quot; in Rostov and Bryansk! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/19/ukrainian-drones-are-quotrestoring-orderquot.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 19 Jan 2026 17:30:21 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/19/ukrainian-drones-are-quotrestoring-orderquot.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/6fd7303096.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian drones are &amp;quot;restoring order&amp;quot; in Rostov and Bryansk! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/npfBQo5nQAk&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia&#39;s air defense cracks! Ukraine breaches the Kremlin&#39;s &amp;quot;shield&amp;quot;! Russian cities under strikes</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/19/russias-air-defense-cracks-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 19 Jan 2026 17:01:16 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/19/russias-air-defense-cracks-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/04a5ff4764.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia&#39;s air defense cracks! Ukraine breaches the Kremlin&#39;s &amp;quot;shield&amp;quot;! Russian cities under strikes&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nreGDs9TT8U&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Czech government refuses to sell L-159 aircraft to Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/19/czech-government-refuses-to-sell.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 19 Jan 2026 16:45:54 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/19/czech-government-refuses-to-sell.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-151274603-1-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Czech government refuses to sell L-159 aircraft to Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Czechia will not sell its L-159 light combat aircraft to Ukraine, Prime Minister Andrej Babis said on Jan. 19, despite Czech President Petr Pavel advocating for the move.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/czech-government-wont-sell-l-159/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>What Iran’s Theocracy Doesn’t Want You To See</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/19/what-irans-theocracy-doesnt-want.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 19 Jan 2026 15:49:55 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/19/what-irans-theocracy-doesnt-want.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f011baf07-3.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;What Iran’s Theocracy Doesn’t Want You To See&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!sTA6!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fda2bc6c7-ed31-48c8-8a58-d0defed7df68_1500x500.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fda2bc6c7-e.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;485&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/da2bc6c7-ed31-48c8-8a58-d0defed7df68_1500x500.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:485,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:true,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Featured Subscribers Comment:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;“I’ll support The Counteroffensive as long as you and your colleagues can do the work. It’s valuable and difficult at the same time. I appreciate it and I also hope that you can all do it without the understandable exhaustion.”&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;By Martina Podsklanova&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Upgrade now to support our work and get full access to all our writing.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Get Full Access!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Get Full Access!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Tip Jar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Tip Jar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f011baf07-3.jpg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/d3097533c1.jpg&#34; width=&#34;476&#34; height=&#34;317.3333333333333&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/011baf07-376a-4971-b4db-75315142f6ff_594x396.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:396,&#34;width&#34;:594,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:476,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;An anti-Iranian regime protester lights a cigarette with a lit paper depicting Ali Khamenei, Supreme Leader of Iran during a gathering outside the US Consulate in Milan, on January 13, 2026. (Photo by Piero CRUCIATTI / AFP via Getty Images)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Mohsen Abdolreza was once an ordinary child.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;He loved playing the drums, took part in kickboxing championships, helped his parents at their family restaurant, and was in love with a girl named Samira.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For most people, these are beautiful, nostalgic experiences — memories that, in adulthood, bring a soft smile to the face and warmth to the heart.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;But for Mohsen, they are tied to hatred.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;He had to leave kickboxing competitions and take up coaching, after he lost his eye in protests in the late 1990s.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Under Iran’s strict theocracy, he could be beaten up for playing instruments.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;And even though his feelings for Samira were mutual, he could never take her out. Premarital relationships – even a couple &lt;a href=&#34;https://iranchamber.com/society/articles/iinvasion_private_sphere_iran.php&#34;&gt;appearing&lt;/a&gt; in public, or holding hands, was a crime punishable by law.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Later Samira moved and he never saw her again.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Khamenei’s regime stripped him and millions of other Iranians of the chance to live a normal life. When people like him demanded it be returned to them, the cost was devastating, with thousands killed in the crackdown.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A new wave of protests swept across Iran on December 28, 2025. They later spread to more than one hundred Iranian cities and are escalating into a full-scale revolution.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Economic hardship ignited public anger, but protesters quickly started to demand the removal of what might be the crisis’s root cause: Supreme Leader Khamenei. The protests have now been crushed through mass repression. At least 5,000 people have been &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/iranian-official-says-verified-deaths-iran-protests-reaches-least-5000-2026-01-18/&#34;&gt;killed&lt;/a&gt; – with some estimates &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.iranintl.com/en/202601186040&#34;&gt;rising&lt;/a&gt; as high as 16,500.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;id&#34;:435742}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;PollToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;poll-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Security forces are &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.hrw.org/news/2026/01/06/iranian-authorities-brutally-repressing-protests&#34;&gt;using&lt;/a&gt; war-class weapons against protesters and &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.hrw.org/news/2026/01/06/iranian-authorities-brutally-repressing-protests&#34;&gt;storming&lt;/a&gt; hospitals to arrest injured people. Iranians inside the country have been cut off from the world for over 10 days as the regime has restricted mobile and internet connection.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!cx1B!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F272cdf35-edb8-44de-a2df-17f34eeae9bd_594x446.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f272cdf35-e.jpg&#34; width=&#34;434&#34; height=&#34;325.86531986531986&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/272cdf35-edb8-44de-a2df-17f34eeae9bd_594x446.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:446,&#34;width&#34;:594,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:434,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Iranians gather while blocking a street during a protest in Tehran, Iran on January 9, 2026. (Photo by MAHSA / Middle East Images / AFP via Getty Images)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Iranians abroad, however, continue to be the voice of their people. In Hamburg, Germany, around 13,000 people &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.eurointegration.com.ua/news/2026/01/18/7229302/&#34;&gt;came out&lt;/a&gt; to  support Iranian protesters, one of the biggest protests outside of Iran itself. Protests &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.iranintl.com/en/liveblog/202601148856&#34;&gt;took place&lt;/a&gt; in Germany, France, and the UK – all the way to Australia and New Zealand. On January 18, Kyiv’s Iranian diaspora &lt;a href=&#34;https://suspilne.media/kyiv/1216970-bila-posolstva-iranu-v-kievi-vidbuvsa-miting-na-pidtrimku-protestiv-v-irani/&#34;&gt;gathered&lt;/a&gt; near the Iranian embassy.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The situation in Iran is now a test for the international community of how much a totalitarian regime can kill without facing consequences. The coming months will be decisive for whether Iran’s theocratic regime will topple.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Mohsen was 20 years old during his first protest in 1999.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!A_hT!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd9034e5d-cbf6-4d41-8780-25d96023529e_349x500.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fd9034e5d-c.png&#34; width=&#34;275&#34; height=&#34;393.98280802292265&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/d9034e5d-cbf6-4d41-8780-25d96023529e_349x500.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:500,&#34;width&#34;:349,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:275,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Protests in Iran in 1999. Photo from &lt;a href=&#34;http://www.enduringamerica.com/home/tag/18-tir-protests&#34;&gt;EAWorldView&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;These were the first mass student protests in Iran after Islamic revolution in 1979. Young people took to the streets to protest restrictions on free speech. In July 1999, the reformist newspaper &lt;em&gt;Salam&lt;/em&gt; was &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.dw.com/en/iran-a-timeline-of-mass-protests-since-1999/a-75431588&#34;&gt;shut down&lt;/a&gt; after it criticised the Islamic regime. After the first demonstration, pro-government thugs stormed student dormitories, arresting students.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“It was a national movement. If I, as an Iranian, had not joined the protests, it would have meant betraying my people,” Mohsen said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Mohsen remembers standing in a crowd during those 1999 protests, when regime forces threw something resembling a Molotov cocktail, a simple incendiary weapon, directly at them. A fragment struck Mohsen’s eye.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Someone from the crowd took me to the hospital in a taxi, and I stayed there for several days. But due to retinal damage, I lost my sight a few years later,” Mohsen said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Iranians have lived under constant threat since Mohsen can remember. From childhood, he remembers harsh laws –  and the severe punishments for breaking them. Walking with a girl could lead to arrest and flogging. Women who did not wear a hijab, or wore it ‘incorrectly’, risked being beaten. Drinking alcohol was punishable by fines and flogging, and repeat offenses could carry a death sentence.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Around 2005, Mohsen realized that he no longer identified with Islam because of how the religion had been distorted in Iran, his home. Without telling anyone, he traveled to Turkey and converted to Christianity. This was a life-threatening move.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“If you say, ‘I am no longer Muslim, I am Christian,’ you will be arrested, imprisoned, and tortured. And if you do not return to Islam, you will be executed,” Mohsen said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;He never spoke about it openly in order not to put his family in danger.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!-FyJ!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3170ae47-5f8e-4f84-9396-e085dc59fcd1_594x817.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f3170ae47-5.png&#34; width=&#34;288&#34; height=&#34;396.1212121212121&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/3170ae47-5f8e-4f84-9396-e085dc59fcd1_594x817.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:817,&#34;width&#34;:594,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:288,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Mohsen Abdolreza at the rally in Finland, January 2026. Photo provided by him.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;In 2022, Mohsen was travelling to Finland for a kickboxing competition as a coach, when he heard from his family that his country was once again drowning in blood. Iranian moral police had beaten a woman named Mahsa Amini to death for wearing a hijab improperly.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Protests began the day after Mahsa Amini’s death in intensive care on September 16, 2022. The main slogan became ‘Woman, Life, Freedom’, a chant that had not been heard since the early 2000s.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The government brutally suppressed any dissent in spring 2023 through violence and mass political imprisonments.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!64Ru!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0ba11366-1dca-4cf8-8c99-f047ae01ba61_594x396.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f0ba11366-1.jpg&#34; width=&#34;492&#34; height=&#34;328&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/0ba11366-1dca-4cf8-8c99-f047ae01ba61_594x396.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:396,&#34;width&#34;:594,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:492,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;People take part in a protest in Trafalgar Square after marching through London ahead of the first anniversary of the death of Mahsa Amini, on September 13, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;The 2022 mass demonstrations spread across more than 150 cities and nearly all 31 provinces of the country. Women &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.euronews.com/culture/2022/10/06/iran-protests-why-is-cutting-hair-an-act-of-rebellion&#34;&gt;burned&lt;/a&gt; their hijabs and publicly cut their hair. Security forces &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.hrw.org/news/2022/10/05/iran-security-forces-fire-kill-protesters&#34;&gt;used&lt;/a&gt; heavy weapons to suppress the uprisings.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Just like today, the regime &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.hrw.org/news/2022/10/05/iran-security-forces-fire-kill-protesters&#34;&gt;restricted&lt;/a&gt; access to mobile networks and the internet, cutting protesters off from the outside world, limiting coordination, and hiding the brutality of the crackdowns. As a result, more than 500 Iranians were &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.fdd.org/analysis/2023/05/17/protests-in-iran-persist-eight-months-after-death-of-mahsa-amini&#34;&gt;killed&lt;/a&gt;, and around 21,000 were imprisoned.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In Finland, Mohsen began raising awareness about the situation back home, helping friends coordinate protests in Iran through social media chats. The Khamenei regime identified him, and he started receiving demands to stop his activities. That’s how he ended up staying in Finland as a refugee.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!db-_!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb34e1192-30df-45df-97cf-44cfebde0fcb_924x2000.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fb34e1192-3.png&#34; width=&#34;208&#34; height=&#34;450.2164502164502&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/b34e1192-30df-45df-97cf-44cfebde0fcb_924x2000.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:2000,&#34;width&#34;:924,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:208,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Mohammad Farzi (left) with his friend at protests in Germany, January 2026. Photo provided by him.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;There’s a second Iranian we want to introduce you to, who had a similar experience to Mohsen. His name is Mohammad Farzi.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Mohammad was among people who wanted to leave the country before 2022. He was working in the sphere of arts – acting in theatre, filming and creating music.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;He hated censorship of the regime, hiding his art from authorities, and often having to approve with the authorities what music he can or can’t produce.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;But he changed his mind and decided to stay with his people when the police killed Mahsa Amini.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;He remembers standing amongst a crowd of protesters when he noticed that a laser ray was aiming at his eye. A bullet struck Mohammad’s eye, severely damaging his eyesight. To this day, the bullet is still stuck in his head.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Disclaimer: You can view a video of Mohammad &lt;a href=&#34;https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VM0eE1UamH4aWMAFQHqkXrKj6IiWZsV-/view?usp=sharing&#34;&gt;after he was shot here&lt;/a&gt;, via a video provided by him. Be warned, the video includes scenes of blood and injury.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;“It felt like I left my body and everything was in slow motion,” Mohammad recalled.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!IG0O!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7b090e88-899a-4fc5-8a13-45d911d054eb_2000x924.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f7b090e88-8.png&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;673&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/7b090e88-899a-4fc5-8a13-45d911d054eb_2000x924.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:673,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Mohammad Farzi and protesters in Nurnberg, Germany, January 2026. Photo provided by him.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;But as the regime’s ability to block information has developed, others are fighting to get information out of Iran. Mohammad also said that some people inside Iran have figured out ways to connect with friends and family abroad, despite the internet limitations.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“They used Starlinks to communicate and send messages and news inside Iran to outside,” said Mohammad. “One of [the hacks] is that they recorded videos, and they went to the border lines, for example, from Iraq, using the other internet, not Iran’s internet,” Mohammad said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As of this week, three of Mohsen’s friends are dead. He talks to his family about once a week, if and when they briefly get access to the internet and mobile connection.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“We are fine, but all people around us are being killed,” Mohsen’s family told him during one of  those brief moments of contact.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This year’s protests spread to all the 31 provinces in more than 500 locations and &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01-02/iran-economic-crisis-sparks-large-protests-against-regime/106192000&#34;&gt;taken over&lt;/a&gt; rural areas, which hasn’t happened before. What started as economic demands &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/iranians-take-to-the-streets-their-demand-for-change-will-us-russia-intervene/&#34;&gt;spread&lt;/a&gt; to multiple demands for change, including political ones.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Iran’s supreme leader has &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckglee733wno&#34;&gt;acknowledged&lt;/a&gt; that thousands of people were killed in the uprisings, and as of Monday the demonstrations seem to have slowed due to the government-backed violence. However, an internet blackout still appears to be in effect: the vast majority of traffic is being blocked &lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/netbocks/status/2013170463984284029?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet&#34;&gt;according&lt;/a&gt; to the monitoring service NetBlocks.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Similar to Mohsen and Mohammad, many protesters are&lt;a href=&#34;https://iranhumanrights.org/2023/02/iran-scores-blinded-as-security-forces-aim-guns-at-protesters-eyes/&#34;&gt; losing&lt;/a&gt; their eyes from bullet wounds and pressure-based guns. Forces seem to be aiming at people’s heads and the most vulnerable places of their bodies.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!nqxj!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F54241ebf-b4c8-4d08-8186-ffc1cff7fd13_664x1180.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f54241ebf-b.png&#34; width=&#34;250&#34; height=&#34;444.27710843373495&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/54241ebf-b4c8-4d08-8186-ffc1cff7fd13_664x1180.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1180,&#34;width&#34;:664,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:250,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;The yard of Tehran morgue is overflowed with bodies. Photo from &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2026/01/12/morgue-near-tehran-overwhelmed-by-bodies-amid-protest-crackdown_6749321_4.html&#34;&gt;LeMonde&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Many morgues in Iran are currently &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/bodies-piling-up-morgues-full-irans-hospitals-under-pressure-amid-protests-10656553&#34;&gt;overflowing&lt;/a&gt; with bodies. In many cases, they are stacked on top of each other or placed in other rooms because they do not fit in the refrigerated storage units. A lot of these dead bodies are aged 20-25 years, mostly dying from shots in the head or heart, or in the eyes.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Mohammed, Mohsen and other protesters have terrible, life-altering eye injuries.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In some ways it is not a coincidence, but symbolism of the regime’s intentions.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;These injuries served a grisly reminder: the Iranian regime asks you to deny what you see.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Featured Subscribers Comment:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;“I’ll support The Counteroffensive as long as you and your colleagues can do the work. It’s valuable and difficult at the same time. I appreciate it and I also hope that you can all do it without the understandable exhaustion.”&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;By Martina Podsklanova&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Upgrade now to support our work and get full access to all our writing.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Get Full Access!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Get Full Access!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Tip Jar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Tip Jar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;NEWS OF THE DAY:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;By Tania Novakivska and Yelyzaveta Kolos&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Good morning to readers: Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;DROUGHT FROM KAKHOVKA DAM FALLOUT  IS REDUCING HARVEST: &lt;/strong&gt;Amidst a drought caused by the Russian attack and destruction of the Kakhovka Dam, Ukrainian farmers in Ukraine’s south are &lt;a href=&#34;https://agronews.ua/en/news/scientists-advise-farmers-in-southern-ukraine-to-abandon-sunflower-and-corn/&#34;&gt;warned&lt;/a&gt; by scientists to avoid planting sunflower and corn.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In 2025, farmers in the Dnipropetrovk region planted a record number of sunflowers, and only 50% of the plantings could be harvested. Both sunflower and corn are two major crops for the Ukrainian agricultural industry - with sunflower being a national symbol for Ukraine.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;RUSSIA WILL PRODUCE 1,000 SHAHED-TYPE DRONES PER DAY: &lt;/strong&gt;As peace talks continue Russia continues to ramp up armament, increasing drone production to 1,000 units per day, Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi &lt;a href=&#34;https://lb.ua/society/2026/01/18/717446_golovnokomanduvach_zsu_sirskiy.html&#34;&gt;stated&lt;/a&gt; in an interview with Ukrainian media.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Syrskyi also noted that over the past year, Ukraine has struck 719 Russian targets in the rear, causing damage of more than $15 billion. These attacks targeted Russia’s energy industry which is the backbone of Russia’s economy.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;RUSSIA IS AUSTRIA’S BIGGEST SPY THREAT:&lt;/strong&gt; While some estimate that 20% of diplomats are working with special services, there are 13,000 diplomats working in Austria’s capital Vienna, &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.ukrinform.ua/rubric-world/4081617-najbilsa-spigunska-zagroza-dla-avstrii-pohodit-vid-rosii-direktorka-specsluzbi.html&#34;&gt;according&lt;/a&gt; to Austria’s intelligence director Sylvia Mayer.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The full-scale invasion has prompted this intensification of Russian espionage activities, and has increased the risk of cyberattacks and sabotage across Europe.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;DOG OF WAR:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;This adorable fox-like doggie met Nastia’s sister in Ivano-Frankivsk when she was travelling to the Ukrainian Carpathians. It went up to her group to say hello.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!0Gof!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb2bf570c-1e6c-4ec9-bf49-f6a0d28b0047_960x1280.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fb2bf570c-1.png&#34; width=&#34;358&#34; height=&#34;477.3333333333333&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/b2bf570c-1e6c-4ec9-bf49-f6a0d28b0047_960x1280.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1280,&#34;width&#34;:960,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:358,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Stay safe out there.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Best,&lt;br&gt;Nastia&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/what-irans-theocracy-doesnt-want&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russian fleet disappears from Ukrainian radar – what is happening in Crimea #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/19/russian-fleet-disappears-from-ukrainian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 19 Jan 2026 15:30:08 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/19/russian-fleet-disappears-from-ukrainian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/58d0107dc3.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian fleet disappears from Ukrainian radar – what is happening in Crimea #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/A03tSfeuTlE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russia&#39;s $4B air defense in flames! Davos convenes World Economic Forum</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/19/russias-b-air-defense-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 19 Jan 2026 15:00:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/19/russias-b-air-defense-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/57110007c7.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia&#39;s $4B air defense in flames! Davos convenes World Economic Forum&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHdWqk5FAL8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia attacks energy infrastructure in &#39;several regions&#39; overnight, energy ministry says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/19/russia-attacks-energy-infrastructure-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 19 Jan 2026 14:23:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/19/russia-attacks-energy-infrastructure-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/555f440839.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia attacks energy infrastructure in &#39;several regions&#39; overnight, energy ministry says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russia struck energy infrastructure overnight in “several regions,” cutting power in five oblasts as freezing temperatures add strain to Ukraine’s grid, Deputy Energy Minister Artem Nekrasov said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-attacks-energy-infrastructure-in-several-regions-overnight-energy-ministry-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest live: &#39;Gruelling confrontation&#39; continues in Pokrovsk direction, Syrskyi says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/19/ukraine-war-latest-live-gruelling.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 19 Jan 2026 13:00:53 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/19/ukraine-war-latest-live-gruelling.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2255409881-1-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest live: &#39;Gruelling confrontation&#39; continues in Pokrovsk direction, Syrskyi says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Live coverage of Russia’s war against Ukraine with breaking news and frontline updates, updated 4 times today. Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said that the operational situation in the Pokrovsk direction remains difficult with &#34;exhausting fighting&#34; in the Pokrovsk-Myrnohrad agglomeration.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-update-2026-01-19/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russian negotiator Dmitriev to reportedly meet US envoys in Davos</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/19/russian-negotiator-dmitriev-to-reportedly.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 19 Jan 2026 12:15:35 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/19/russian-negotiator-dmitriev-to-reportedly.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2229506418.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian negotiator Dmitriev to reportedly meet US envoys in Davos&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;According to Axios reporter Barak Ravid, the Russian official will meet Trump&#39;s envoys, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, on Jan. 20 to discuss the Washington-backed peace plan for Ukraine.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-negotiator-dmitriev-to-meet-u-s-delegates-in-davos-reuters-reports/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Putin invited to join Trump&#39;s new Gaza Peace Board, Kremlin claims</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/19/putin-invited-to-join-trumps.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 19 Jan 2026 11:17:24 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/19/putin-invited-to-join-trumps.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2229503980-612x612.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Putin invited to join Trump&#39;s new Gaza Peace Board, Kremlin claims&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Moscow is currently studying the proposal, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters, according to state news agency TASS.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/putin-allegedly-invited-to-join-trumps-new-gaza-peace-board/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine&#39;s SBU &#39;destroyed or disabled&#39; $4 billion worth of Russian air defense systems over past year, agency claims</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/19/ukraines-sbu-destroyed-or-disabled.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 19 Jan 2026 11:00:49 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/19/ukraines-sbu-destroyed-or-disabled.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/screenshot-2026-01-19-at-11-41-58.png&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine&#39;s SBU &#39;destroyed or disabled&#39; $4 billion worth of Russian air defense systems over past year, agency claims&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Among the Russian air defense systems that endured &#34;destruction&#34; are S-300, S-350, and S-400 air defense systems, as well as Russian anti-aircraft missile systems BUK-M1 and BUK-M2, and Pantsir-S1 and Pantsir-S2 air defense systems, according to the SBU.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-sbu-claims-to-have-destroyed-4-billion-worth-of-russian-air-defense-systems-over-past-year/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Zelensky picks a fight with Kyiv Mayor Klitschko as mismanagement, Russian attacks push city to the brink</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/19/zelensky-picks-a-fight-with.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 19 Jan 2026 10:16:55 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/19/zelensky-picks-a-fight-with.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2209330609.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky picks a fight with Kyiv Mayor Klitschko as mismanagement, Russian attacks push city to the brink&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ukraine&#39;s capital Kyiv, home to over 3 million people, has rarely been prepared for winter.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Frozen, icy sidewalks, bursting pipes, and year-long infrastructure collapse have been a key feature of the city under Mayor &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/kyiv-mayor-urges-residents-to-temporarily-leave-city-as-russia-targets-critical-infrastructure/&#34;&gt;Vitali Klitschko&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Now, following Russia’s Jan. 9 attack, Kyiv has been pushed&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-picks-up-a-fight-with-kyiv-mayor-klitschko-as-mismanagement-russian-attacks-push-city-to-the-brink/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Trump vows to eliminate &#39;Russian threat&#39; to Greenland as he ramps up pressure on Europe</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/19/trump-vows-to-eliminate-russian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 19 Jan 2026 09:47:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/19/trump-vows-to-eliminate-russian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2255989212.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Trump vows to eliminate &#39;Russian threat&#39; to Greenland as he ramps up pressure on Europe&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;NATO has been telling Denmark, for 20 years, that &#39;you have to get the Russian threat away from Greenland,&#39;&#34; Trump said, accusing Denmark of being unable to counter it.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/trump-vows-to-get-russian-threat-away-from-greenland/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>US-Ukraine peace talks to continue in Davos, Kyiv&#39;s top negotiator says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/19/usukraine-peace-talks-to-continue.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 19 Jan 2026 00:13:05 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/19/usukraine-peace-talks-to-continue.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2202956144.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;US-Ukraine peace talks to continue in Davos, Kyiv&#39;s top negotiator says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukrainian and U.S. officials will continue peace proposal discussions during the World Economic Forum in Davos, National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov said Jan. 18.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/us-ukraine-talks-to-continue-in-davos-kyivs-top-negotiator-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>EU prepares to retaliate against Trump&#39;s Greenland threats</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/18/eu-prepares-to-retaliate-against.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 18 Jan 2026 22:21:23 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/18/eu-prepares-to-retaliate-against.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2254302732.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;EU prepares to retaliate against Trump&#39;s Greenland threats&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The European Union is preparing possible retaliation against the United States, including up to 93 billion euros ($101 billion) in tariffs or restrictions on U.S. companies operating in the bloc, amid escalating tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump over Greenland, the Financial Times reported Jan. 18.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/eu-prepares-to-retaliate-against-trumps-greenland-threats/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>❗️Russia has left Kyiv without heating: how Ukrainians are surviving in the cold #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/18/russia-has-left-kyiv-without.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 18 Jan 2026 21:30:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/18/russia-has-left-kyiv-without.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/8d6b6e2c1c.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️Russia has left Kyiv without heating: how Ukrainians are surviving in the cold #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/kgZIiCNZuLE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>SHOCKING STATEMENT! Trump Names Who’s Blocking Peace in Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/18/shocking-statement-trump-names-whos.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 18 Jan 2026 21:00:16 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/18/shocking-statement-trump-names-whos.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/35fe2d0a42.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;SHOCKING STATEMENT! Trump Names Who’s Blocking Peace in Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRjWNM-3AfY&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russian assaults failed: 45 attacks stopped on the Pokrovsk front  #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/18/russian-assaults-failed-attacks-stopped.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 18 Jan 2026 20:30:09 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/18/russian-assaults-failed-attacks-stopped.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/c615947a75.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian assaults failed: 45 attacks stopped on the Pokrovsk front  #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/tZj_M3rH_ik&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>❗️Zelenskyy: Everything clearly indicates that diplomacy is definitely not a priority for Russia</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/18/zelenskyy-everything-clearly-indicates-that.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 18 Jan 2026 20:13:50 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/18/zelenskyy-everything-clearly-indicates-that.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/0162a4de02.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️Zelenskyy: Everything clearly indicates that diplomacy is definitely not a priority for Russia&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/zTVgbVANGL8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>1,226,000 DEAD AND DISABLED! 🩸 Putin sets a bloody record: the price of the assaults on Pokrovsk</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/18/dead-and-disabled-putin-sets.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 18 Jan 2026 20:00:23 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/18/dead-and-disabled-putin-sets.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/5f16042c00.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;1,226,000 DEAD AND DISABLED! 🩸 Putin sets a bloody record: the price of the assaults on Pokrovsk&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6B3N3IRuVQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest: Russian attacks kill 5 across Ukraine; Moscow seeks to disconnect Ukraine&#39;s nuclear power</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/18/ukraine-war-latest-russian-attacks.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 18 Jan 2026 19:13:50 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/18/ukraine-war-latest-russian-attacks.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/photo-2026-01-18-01-22-22.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest: Russian attacks kill 5 across Ukraine; Moscow seeks to disconnect Ukraine&#39;s nuclear power&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Key developments on Jan. 17-18:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Russian attacks kill 5, injure 30 across Ukraine as Moscow again targets energy infrastructure&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Russia seeks to disconnect Ukraine&#39;s nuclear power plants, HUR says, risking potential meltdown&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&#39;Warmth from Poland&#39; — Fundraiser raises $330,000 to buy generators for Kyiv as&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-russian-attacks-kill-5-injure-30/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Putin is losing control of the country! Who REALLY has POWER? #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/18/putin-is-losing-control-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 18 Jan 2026 18:30:04 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/18/putin-is-losing-control-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/b1c85327a7.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Putin is losing control of the country! Who REALLY has POWER? #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/CU3VDBGdjAw&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>How Ukraine organizes resistance in Russian-occupied territory</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/18/how-ukraine-organizes-resistance-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 18 Jan 2026 18:04:45 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/18/how-ukraine-organizes-resistance-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-1960220632.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;How Ukraine organizes resistance in Russian-occupied territory&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Resistance under Russian-occupation is beyond dangerous — even the smallest sign of supporting Ukraine can result in imprisonment, torture, and even death.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The list of documented war crimes against Ukrainians in Russian-occupied territories is near-endless. Men are &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-exceed-mobilization-goals-in-occupied-ukrainian-territories-last-year-official-says/&#34;&gt;forcibly mobilized&lt;/a&gt; into Russia&#39;s army and forced to face the guns&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/how-ukraines-special-operations-forces-resistance-movement-is-operating-under-russian-occupation/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Financial capitulation: Why the ruble collapsed and China controls Russia’s banks</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/18/financial-capitulation-why-the-ruble.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 18 Jan 2026 18:00:17 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/18/financial-capitulation-why-the-ruble.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/b9eb997caf.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Financial capitulation: Why the ruble collapsed and China controls Russia’s banks&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DoOKSEM4R8U&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine military chief says more arms, sanctions key as &#39;Coalition of the Willing&#39; holds security guarantees talks</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/18/ukraine-military-chief-says-more.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 18 Jan 2026 16:52:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/18/ukraine-military-chief-says-more.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/996aa12e02.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine military chief says more arms, sanctions key as &#39;Coalition of the Willing&#39; holds security guarantees talks&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi told participants that Russia shows no readiness to end the war.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-military-chief-says-more-arms-sanctions-key-as-coalition-of-the-willing-holds-talks/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>❗️Russian drone kills 20-year-old girl in Kharkiv #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/18/russian-drone-kills-yearold-girl.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 18 Jan 2026 15:53:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/18/russian-drone-kills-yearold-girl.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/4a175a71be.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️Russian drone kills 20-year-old girl in Kharkiv #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/PhnZNjcEfjU&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia welcomes Trump&#39;s tariffs on NATO allies over Greenland as &#39;collapse&#39; of alliance</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/18/russia-welcomes-trumps-tariffs-on.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 18 Jan 2026 15:18:29 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/18/russia-welcomes-trumps-tariffs-on.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-632086770.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia welcomes Trump&#39;s tariffs on NATO allies over Greenland as &#39;collapse&#39; of alliance&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;The transatlantic alliance is over,&#34; Kremlin economic negotiator Kirill Dmitriev said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-welcomes-trumps-tariffs-on-nato-allies-over-greenland/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>🌪️201 drones overnight: 167 shot down, Kharkiv burns, casualties in Kherson</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/18/drones-overnight-shot-down-kharkiv.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 18 Jan 2026 15:00:20 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/18/drones-overnight-shot-down-kharkiv.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/276bc243c4.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🌪️201 drones overnight: 167 shot down, Kharkiv burns, casualties in Kherson&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYY2jBoIV90&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia’s “all in” attacks on Ukraine’s energy grid | Ukraine This Week</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/18/russias-all-in-attacks-on.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 18 Jan 2026 14:01:22 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/18/russias-all-in-attacks-on.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/img-2633.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia’s “all in” attacks on Ukraine’s energy grid | Ukraine This Week&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;In the latest episode of Ukraine This Week, the Kyiv Independent’s Anna Belokur breaks down Russia’s intensified winter assault on Ukraine’s energy grid, as sustained missile and drone strikes push the system to the brink.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russias-all-in-attacks-on-ukraines-energy-grid-ukraine-this-week/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>&#39;Warmth from Poland&#39; — Fundraiser raises $330,000 to buy generators for Kyiv as Russia targets energy</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/18/warmth-from-poland-fundraiser-raises.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 18 Jan 2026 13:50:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/18/warmth-from-poland-fundraiser-raises.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/eb2a31ea12.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;Warmth from Poland&#39; — Fundraiser raises $330,000 to buy generators for Kyiv as Russia targets energy&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;After quickly reaching the initial target, organizers raised the goal to 2 million zloty ($550,000).&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/fundraiser-raises-330-000-to-buy-generators-for-kyiv-as-russia-targets-energy/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian crew begins &#39;crucial&#39; repairs on Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant backup line under IAEA-brokered ceasefire</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/18/ukrainian-crew-begins-crucial-repairs.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 18 Jan 2026 12:26:23 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/18/ukrainian-crew-begins-crucial-repairs.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/09d2dca54f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian crew begins &#39;crucial&#39; repairs on Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant backup line under IAEA-brokered ceasefire&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The 330-kilovolt power line, damaged and disconnected by military activity on Jan. 2, is vital for supplying the plant with external electricity.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-crew-begins-crucial-repairs-on-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-plant-backup-line/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Italy detains vessel carrying metal for suspected Russia sanctions violations</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/18/italy-detains-vessel-carrying-metal.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 18 Jan 2026 11:10:52 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/18/italy-detains-vessel-carrying-metal.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-1250696103.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Italy detains vessel carrying metal for suspected Russia sanctions violations&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Brindisi Court approved the seizure of both the vessel and its cargo, which included 33 tons of ferrous metal.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/italy-detains-vessel-carrying-russian-metal-for-suspected-eu-sanctions-violations/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russian attacks kill 5, injure 30 across Ukraine as Moscow again targets energy infrastructure</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/18/russian-attacks-kill-injure-across.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 18 Jan 2026 09:48:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/18/russian-attacks-kill-injure-across.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/iewjnfifwnfewl-2.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian attacks kill 5, injure 30 across Ukraine as Moscow again targets energy infrastructure&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The strikes came as Ukraine faces severe cold and ongoing disruptions to heat and electricity supplies following repeated attacks on the energy sector, which prompted a state of emergency earlier this week.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-attacks-kill-5-injure-30-across-ukraine-as-moscow-again-targets-energy-infrastructure/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>General Staff: Russia has lost 1,226,420 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/18/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 18 Jan 2026 08:17:53 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/18/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/86ec8c58b0.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;General Staff: Russia has lost 1,226,420 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The number includes 830 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/general-staff-russia-has-lost-1-226-420-troops-in-ukraine-since-feb-24-2022/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Pro-Ukrainian partisans sabotage electrical substation in Russia&#39;s Bryansk Oblast, group claims</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/18/063448.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 18 Jan 2026 06:34:48 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/18/063448.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/photo-2026-01-17-17-05-13.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Pro-Ukrainian partisans sabotage electrical substation in Russia&#39;s Bryansk Oblast, group claims&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Atesh partisan group sabotaged an electrical substation in Russia&#39;s Bryansk Oblast, disrupting power supply to &#34;key&#34; components of Russia&#39;s war machine, the group claimed in a Telegram post on Jan. 18.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/pro-ukrainian-partisans-sabotage-electrical-substation-in-russias-bryansk-oblast-group-claims/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Over 163,000 Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine identified by media investigation</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/18/over-russian-soldiers-killed-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 18 Jan 2026 04:10:44 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/18/over-russian-soldiers-killed-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2223907092-612x612.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Over 163,000 Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine identified by media investigation&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Russian independent media outlet Mediazona, in collaboration with the BBC Russian service, has confirmed the identities of 163,606 Russian military personnel killed in Ukraine.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Since the media outlets&#39; last update in mid-December, the names of 7,445 &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/russian-armed-forces/&#34;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Russian soldiers&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; have been &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.bbc.com/russian/articles/c93lklg89e8o&#34;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;added&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; to the list of casualties.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/media-investigation-identifies-over-163-000-russian-soldiers-killed-in-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Crashed Russian drone discovered in Moldova, authorities report</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/18/crashed-russian-drone-discovered-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 18 Jan 2026 00:38:32 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/18/crashed-russian-drone-discovered-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/photo-2026-01-17-18-20-37.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Crashed Russian drone discovered in Moldova, authorities report&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The drone was found by a hunter in the village of Nucareni, in the Telenesti District of the country, which is located approximately 54 kilometers (33 miles) from the Moldova-Ukraine border, authorities said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/crashed-russian-drone-discovered-in-moldova-authorities-report/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>❗️Fewer petrodollars – weaker war: crisis escalates in Russia! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/17/fewer-petrodollars-weaker-war-crisis.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 17 Jan 2026 23:30:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/17/fewer-petrodollars-weaker-war-crisis.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/7592074da8.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️Fewer petrodollars – weaker war: crisis escalates in Russia! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/8-4eIz3l3ao&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>📉 $35 oil sinks Russia’s budget as UK detains shadow fleet and funds go to Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/17/oil-sinks-russias-budget-as.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 17 Jan 2026 21:51:53 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/17/oil-sinks-russias-budget-as.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/708abcccef.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;📉 $35 oil sinks Russia’s budget as UK detains shadow fleet and funds go to Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcJgLLBQC_M&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>&#39;No intimidation or threat will influence us&#39; — Europe hits back at Trump tariff warning</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/17/no-intimidation-or-threat-will.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 17 Jan 2026 21:45:55 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/17/no-intimidation-or-threat-will.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2254610915.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;No intimidation or threat will influence us&#39; — Europe hits back at Trump tariff warning&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;French President Emmanuel Macron, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and other officials voiced support for Denmark, Greenland, and principles of international law in statements denouncing Trump&#39;s tariffs on Jan. 17.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/no-intimidation-or-threat-will-influence-us-macron-hits-back-at-trump-tariff-warning/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>PUTIN wages war and shows no remorse – PEACE NEGOTIATIONS – doomed? #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/17/putin-wages-war-and-shows.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 17 Jan 2026 21:30:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/17/putin-wages-war-and-shows.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/9af17db3f2.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;PUTIN wages war and shows no remorse – PEACE NEGOTIATIONS – doomed? #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/V6E1I8rbkcg&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>MASKS OFF: Putin has officially chosen TERROR – the chances for PEACE are minimal!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/17/masks-off-putin-has-officially.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 17 Jan 2026 21:00:31 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/17/masks-off-putin-has-officially.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/683fdd7ce2.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;MASKS OFF: Putin has officially chosen TERROR – the chances for PEACE are minimal!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPHQMWjebyM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>❗️Ukrainian delegation in MIAMI: topics of NEGOTIATIONS with Americans #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/17/ukrainian-delegation-in-miami-topics.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 17 Jan 2026 19:31:05 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/17/ukrainian-delegation-in-miami-topics.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/47c16867ec.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️Ukrainian delegation in MIAMI: topics of NEGOTIATIONS with Americans #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/eqcA97naJUo&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Kharkiv under attack, energy facilities hit – Zelenskyy calls emergency call</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/17/kharkiv-under-attack-energy-facilities.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 17 Jan 2026 19:00:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/17/kharkiv-under-attack-energy-facilities.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/45112ad144.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Kharkiv under attack, energy facilities hit – Zelenskyy calls emergency call&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGnPd4WLSEA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Does Russia or China actually threaten Greenland? Experts say Trump&#39;s warnings don&#39;t match reality</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/17/does-russia-or-china-actually.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 17 Jan 2026 18:28:43 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/17/does-russia-or-china-actually.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2255778134.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Does Russia or China actually threaten Greenland? Experts say Trump&#39;s warnings don&#39;t match reality&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;President Donald Trump has been fixated on controlling Greenland, suggesting that U.S. ownership of the island is crucial in blocking Russian and Chinese expansion.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&#34;If we don&#39;t go in, Russia&#39;s going to go in, and China&#39;s going to go in,&#34; Trump&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/does-russia-or-china-actually-threaten-greenland-experts-say-trumps-warnings-dont-match-reality/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian sanctions target Russian sports ahead of Winter Olympics</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/17/ukrainian-sanctions-target-russian-sports.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 17 Jan 2026 17:48:46 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/17/ukrainian-sanctions-target-russian-sports.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-1249519988.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian sanctions target Russian sports ahead of Winter Olympics&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;Our country reminds the world before the start of the 2026 Winter Olympics that sport is not outside of politics. After all, the sanctioned individuals openly support aggression, war crimes, and occupation, thus destroying the principles and values ​​of the Olympic movement.&#34;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-sanctions-target-russian-sports-ahead-of-winter-olympics/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>🇺🇦 Ukrainian SOF sank Russian forces in the Caspian Sea #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/17/ukrainian-sof-sank-russian-forces.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 17 Jan 2026 17:30:32 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/17/ukrainian-sof-sank-russian-forces.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/06ffb30aea.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🇺🇦 Ukrainian SOF sank Russian forces in the Caspian Sea #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/qmWUGvRN9W0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia seeks to disconnect Ukraine&#39;s nuclear power plants, HUR says, risking potential meltdown</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/17/russia-seeks-to-disconnect-ukraines.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 17 Jan 2026 17:23:05 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/17/russia-seeks-to-disconnect-ukraines.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/9daf5fffc1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia seeks to disconnect Ukraine&#39;s nuclear power plants, HUR says, risking potential meltdown&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Disconnecting Ukraine&#39;s nuclear power plants would take the crisis one step further — Ukrainians would be fully cut off from electricity and heating in subzero temperatures.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-faces-potential-meltdown-as-russia-seeks-to-disconnect-nuclear-plants/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>SHOCK! Nightfall ballistics hit Moscow – “Oreshnik” myth debunked, Caspian oil defeated</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/17/shock-nightfall-ballistics-hit-moscow.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 17 Jan 2026 17:00:46 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/17/shock-nightfall-ballistics-hit-moscow.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/1945479358.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;SHOCK! Nightfall ballistics hit Moscow – “Oreshnik” myth debunked, Caspian oil defeated&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vz0hBfNQN34&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>🪖 VR training for UKRAINIAN recruits: these are all REAL BATTLES! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/17/vr-training-for-ukrainian-recruits.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 17 Jan 2026 15:30:26 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/17/vr-training-for-ukrainian-recruits.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/c543be43bd.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🪖 VR training for UKRAINIAN recruits: these are all REAL BATTLES! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/bYwk6nEOx54&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Trump steps on the gas: fast peace for Ukraine – can diplomacy stop the drones?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/17/trump-steps-on-the-gas.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 17 Jan 2026 15:01:21 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/17/trump-steps-on-the-gas.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/0d715c581f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Trump steps on the gas: fast peace for Ukraine – can diplomacy stop the drones?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mR6z39EM6hs&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Only reliable U.S. aid for Ukraine: McDonald’s</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/17/only-reliable-us-aid-for.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 17 Jan 2026 15:00:39 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/17/only-reliable-us-aid-for.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f7c711cf3-6.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Only reliable U.S. aid for Ukraine: McDonald’s&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!A5HU!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb1080b65-155d-4049-aea0-16d8488c28bd_1500x500.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fb1080b65-1.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;485&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/b1080b65-155d-4049-aea0-16d8488c28bd_1500x500.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:485,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:true,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor’s Note: &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;We first started to do a story about McDonald’s after we realized how much of a reaction there was in Ukrainian society when McDonald’s breakfasts resumed during the war.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;In recent days, it’s become blisteringly cold – with forecasts this week of lows down to -30° Celsius (-22° F). Help us avoid the temptation to hang out in McDonalds for warmth and Big Macs. Support our team today!&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Get Full Access!]&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Get Full Access!]&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Tip Jar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Tip Jar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Disclaimer: The Counteroffensive team urges you to eat fast food in moderation. And no, this isn’t a sponsored post! In fact, the corporate offices of McDonald’s Ukraine declined to comment or cooperate at all for this article.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!S9A_!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4c90bca6-91b5-4b5e-a554-d5e56299a3db_594x396.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f4c90bca6-9.jpg&#34; width=&#34;446&#34; height=&#34;297.3333333333333&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/4c90bca6-91b5-4b5e-a554-d5e56299a3db_594x396.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:396,&#34;width&#34;:594,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:446,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;A firefighter shines a flashlight as he searches the debris of a damaged metro station and Mcdonald’s, following a rocket attack in Kyiv, on January 18, 2025. (Photo by TETIANA DZHAFAROVA/AFP via Getty Images)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;The smell of burgers. A Happy Meal with a cool toy. A McFlurry for dessert. A carefree childhood. No war, power outages, or missiles overhead.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This is the picture that McDonald’s paints for many Ukrainians. Reopening its Ukrainian storefronts in September 2022 was a massive event — a speckle of joy amidst the war.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“It’s nostalgia and a kind of return to childhood, to times when you’d come with your parents for a quick bite — those are wonderful memories,” said Vitalii Lazarenko, an employee at one of Kyiv’s McDonald’s locations.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!C5rn!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ffca11aa2-f12a-4d40-9b27-a21adf176f2e_695x1280.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2ffca11aa2-f.png&#34; width=&#34;183&#34; height=&#34;337.0359712230216&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/fca11aa2-f12a-4d40-9b27-a21adf176f2e_695x1280.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1280,&#34;width&#34;:695,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:183,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Vitalii Lazarenko at work. Photo from his Instagram.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;After Russia’s full-scale invasion, McDonald’s completely &lt;a href=&#34;https://corporate.mcdonalds.com/corpmcd/our-stories/article/ukraine-reopen.html&#34;&gt;suspended&lt;/a&gt; its operations in Ukraine due to uncertainty about the future and concerns for employee safety. But by September 2022, it began to seem like Ukraine would sustain its fight, and the chain &lt;a href=&#34;https://corporate.mcdonalds.com/corpmcd/our-stories/article/ukraine-reopen.html&#34;&gt;gradually began&lt;/a&gt; to resume operations.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In 2025, the McDonald’s network in Ukraine &lt;a href=&#34;https://biz.liga.net/en/amp/all/fmcg/novosti/mcdonalds-opened-12-restaurants-in-ukraine-over-the-year-most-of-them-in-lviv&#34;&gt;expanded&lt;/a&gt; by 12 restaurants, a rate of opening restaurants that surpasses previous year. The chain now counts 120 restaurants, exceeding the pre-war number of 109.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;After the mass Russia’s attack on January 8, when Kyiv lost most of its heat and electricity, McDonald’s has also become an invincibility point, as people can come here to work, use their wifi, or recharge their devices.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;One McDonald’s, near Lukianivska metro station in Kyiv, was hit by shrapnel recently - making it possibly the most war torn McDonald’s in the world. This is also &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russias-jan-18-attack-damages-ukraines-oldest-mcdonalds-in-kyiv/&#34;&gt;the oldest&lt;/a&gt; McDonald’s in Ukraine.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!fJoV!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F46c774fb-c835-48e1-b24a-e999697b3270_960x1280.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f46c774fb-c.png&#34; width=&#34;253&#34; height=&#34;337.3333333333333&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/46c774fb-c835-48e1-b24a-e999697b3270_960x1280.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1280,&#34;width&#34;:960,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:253,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;The walls of the McDonald’s near Lukianivska metro station are pockmarked from shrapnel due to numerous shellings. Photo by The Counteroffensive, January 9.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;McDonald’s was one of the first foreign chains in Ukraine when it opened its first store here, symbolizing the final fall of the Iron Curtain and integration into the global economy. For many Ukrainians, it’s a cultural touchpoint, a point of commonality with the United States.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;id&#34;:434797}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;PollToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;poll-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;McDonald’s restarted operations on September 20, 2022, after 7 months offline due to the invasion. It may seem silly, but at the time, it was seen as a point of celebration.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs actively &lt;a href=&#34;https://forbes.ua/news/mcdonalds-virishiv-poetapno-vidkrivati-restorani-v-ukraini-11082022-7639&#34;&gt;worked&lt;/a&gt; on talks with McDonald’s and even the U.S. officials to reopen its restaurants in Ukraine. “This is primarily a signal to the international business community that it is possible to operate in Ukraine, even under wartime conditions… Ultimately, this is part of Ukraine’s recovery,” Dmytro Kuleba, Minister of foreign affairs at that time, &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1A7ed15nyo/&#34;&gt;said&lt;/a&gt; on his Facebook when McDonald’s announced its gradual reopening.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ukrainians, as they always do with both bad and good news, reacted with jokes and memes.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!eCdb!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa2b010db-5365-4ee4-9447-89f32577e1ca_669x650.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fa2b010db-5.png&#34; width=&#34;365&#34; height=&#34;354.6337817638266&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/a2b010db-5365-4ee4-9447-89f32577e1ca_669x650.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:650,&#34;width&#34;:669,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:365,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Post on Twitter on September 19, 2022, taken from &lt;a href=&#34;https://zn.ua/ukr/UKRAINE/v-kijevi-vidkrili-mcdonalds-ukrajintsi-vidreahuvali-v-zhartivlivij-formi.html#gallery-7&#34;&gt;Dzerkalo Tyzhnia&lt;/a&gt;: Glovo [delivery company in Ukraine, that also works with McDonald’s] couriers after Mcdonald’s reopening.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;When the restaurant was gradually renewing its operation, Vitalii got a job there.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“I just needed some extra income. I thought I’d work for two weeks, buy everything I had planned… There was a huge number of visitors because everyone missed McDonald’s, everyone missed burgers,” Vitalii said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ukrainians initially became familiar with the American fast-food chain in 1997, when the first restaurant was &lt;a href=&#34;https://gazeta.ua/articles/history/_vidkrili-pershij-mcdonalds/966368&#34;&gt;opened&lt;/a&gt; in Kyiv.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In the days following the opening, lines stretched for dozens of meters. About 30,000 people &lt;a href=&#34;https://news.obozrevatel.com/ukr/society/pershij-v-ukraini-mcdonalds-vidkrivsya-23-roki-tomu-yak-viglyadav-ta-skilki-koshtuvav-burger-foto/amp.htm&#34;&gt;visited&lt;/a&gt; McDonald’s on the first day. It was not just about a new fast-food brand — it symbolized that Ukraine was finally open to the Western world, and the Soviet Union no longer limited its connection.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;All the popular Western things felt glamorous for Ukrainians, who just opened to the outer world. That’s why visiting it felt like a holiday and a special occasion.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!YHuu!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3058e187-5369-462f-8e82-ce2fda31072b_960x610.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f3058e187-5.png&#34; width=&#34;422&#34; height=&#34;268.1458333333333&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/3058e187-5369-462f-8e82-ce2fda31072b_960x610.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:610,&#34;width&#34;:960,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:422,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Lines to the first McDonald’s in Ukraine in 1997 after it was opened. Photo from &lt;a href=&#34;https://news.obozrevatel.com/ukr/kiyany/life/u-merezhi-pokazali-yakoyu-bula-cherga-na-vidkritti-pershogo-mcdonalds-u-kievi-v-1997-rotsi-foto.htm&#34;&gt;Oboz.ua&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ukrainians have many fast food chains now, both domestic and foreign. But McDonald’s remains incredibly popular.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Vitalii’s path to McDonalds was certainly random. He has been obsessed with TV shows, anime and video games since he was about 12. Even when he turned 27, his adoration for cosplay (a hobby in which people dress up as their favorite characters from movies, video games, TV shows) only grew. The turning point in his love for cosplay was when he made his first costume and attended Comic Con in 2021 — the largest comics and cosplay festival in Ukraine, &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.unian.ua/tourism/newsphoto/u-kiyevi-proyshov-festival-pop-kulturi-comic-con-ukraine-fotoreportazh-11534953.html&#34;&gt;uniting&lt;/a&gt; tens of thousands of people with similar interests.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!toIu!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5a2b616c-f74b-4b93-b4b5-e8aedbe62e9f_1200x732.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f5a2b616c-f.png&#34; width=&#34;496&#34; height=&#34;302.56&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/5a2b616c-f74b-4b93-b4b5-e8aedbe62e9f_1200x732.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:732,&#34;width&#34;:1200,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:496,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Comic Con Ukraine. Photo from its &lt;a href=&#34;https://comiccon.ua/&#34;&gt;website&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;“I was inspired that all the people are the same kind of geeks, just like me — talented, dreamers, [with] very interesting personalities. I really loved this celebration of geek culture, this atmosphere where anyone can feel part of a festival of their passions,” Vitalii recalled.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Vitalii promised himself that he would not stop at Comic Con and would make it a more permanent hobby. The next cosplay costume he created was Spider-Man, which is one of many costumes he shared on his social media.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!iDFu!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb98937fc-c4a6-47a3-965e-0ce7e8ffe993_894x1280.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fb98937fc-c.png&#34; width=&#34;282&#34; height=&#34;403.758389261745&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/b98937fc-c4a6-47a3-965e-0ce7e8ffe993_894x1280.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1280,&#34;width&#34;:894,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:282,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Vitalii Lazarenko in his Spider-Man costume. Photo from his Instagram.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;This hobby led him to McDonald’s in September 2022. His passion is a costly one – so he needed money at that time. His friend who worked there told Vitalii that the restaurants were just starting to reopen and faced a staffing shortage.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In September 2022, three restaurants opened in Kyiv, but only for delivery. Then, the doors actually opened and people were able to come and eat. Huge lines of people gathered near reopened spots waiting for hours to have a nostalgic burger that they had last tasted during a time of peace.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!F8zf!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F45ef82aa-a09f-4859-a13d-ae2a39067233_1280x960.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f45ef82aa-a.png&#34; width=&#34;406&#34; height=&#34;304.5&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/45ef82aa-a09f-4859-a13d-ae2a39067233_1280x960.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:960,&#34;width&#34;:1280,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:406,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Lines to one of the Kyiv McDonald’s after it was reopened in September 2022. Photo from &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.rbc.ua/rus/styler/kievi-lyudi-zaymayut-chergu-mcdonald-s-7-1664603960.html&#34;&gt;RBC-Ukraine&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Myroslava, Managing Editor of &lt;em&gt;The Counteroffensive&lt;/em&gt;, had a birthday at the period of McDonald’s reopening and it was a big birthday present for her.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“I began joking with my husband that if it opens before my birthday, I want a cake made of burgers or a mountain of burgers — basically, I begged him to bring me those burgers…He told me that he stood in line at McDonald’s for two hours because there were so many people, and he was already cursing those burgers, but as we know — a woman’s wish is law,” Myroslava told.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!YYbH!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Feb8b85ef-23d6-429f-97ca-ba7d3f68e934_960x1280.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2feb8b85ef-2.png&#34; width=&#34;306&#34; height=&#34;408&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/eb8b85ef-23d6-429f-97ca-ba7d3f68e934_960x1280.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1280,&#34;width&#34;:960,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:306,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Myroslava’s birthday cake in October 2022 made of cheeseburgers and fries. Photo provided by her.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Recently McDonald’s had a huge attention from visitors again due to collaboration around an American cultural phenomenon. Now, you can order meals and receive a toy related to the U.S. sitcom ‘Friends’ – meaning figures of Rachel, Ross, Joey, Chandler and Phoebe are available for Ukrainians.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;(The Counteroffensive also &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/why-ukraine-is-obsessed-with-the&#34;&gt;has an article&lt;/a&gt; about Ukrainians’ obsession with the ‘Friends’ television show).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!JBt1!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe00a16b9-ab88-4095-bef1-fb2d7e36b94c_480x270.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fe00a16b9-a.png&#34; width=&#34;414&#34; height=&#34;232.875&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/e00a16b9-ab88-4095-bef1-fb2d7e36b94c_480x270.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:270,&#34;width&#34;:480,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:414,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;The ‘Friends’ menu from McDonald’s with figurines. Photo from &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.rbc.ua/rus/entertainment/druzi-vzhe-u-mcdonald-s-k-viglyadayut-igrashki-1764143631.html&#34;&gt;RBC-Ukraine&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Vitalii confessed that the Ukrainians are so obsessed with the show that they asked to buy caps that were part of workers’ uniform and said ‘McDonald’s - Friends’.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Even though the popularity of the restaurant remains high, war affects how and when you can visit. As soon as an air raid alert goes off, all the visitors are evacuated and the work stops.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“I’m a pretty stress-resilient person. I felt like I was in my element [from the very first day],” Vitalii said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;At first, Vitalii handled various tasks. He worked in the kitchen and as an assistant to the cooks.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;“Sometimes I go up and ask people how they’re enjoying the restaurant, and it even lifts their mood. They’ll say things like, ‘Seriously, thank you, you just made my day,’” Vitalii said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It was this attention to guests that earned him the role of hospitality specialist. His main responsibility is now to create an environment that enhances the customer experience.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Vitalii’s favorite memory about McDonald’s is his 8th birthday celebration. Though his recollection is foggy, he still remembers the party hosts. He also recalls a special tram car, which used to serve as a tram on Kyiv roads, but became entertainment for kids’ birthdays at McDonald’s, as it was remade and decorated for special occasions.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!zB6Q!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fcce4af52-52a5-4f45-be42-64d219f4d2b1_767x505.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fcce4af52-5.png&#34; width=&#34;450&#34; height=&#34;296.28422425032596&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/cce4af52-52a5-4f45-be42-64d219f4d2b1_767x505.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:505,&#34;width&#34;:767,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:450,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Photo of the tram car at one of Kyiv’s McDonald’s. It says on it: “Birthday at McDonald’s!”. Photo from &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.village.com.ua/village/city/city-news/356321-dityachiy-tramvay-bilya-nbsp-laquo-makdonaldzu-raquo-na-nbsp-sevastopolskoyi-ploschi-vivezli-na-nbsp-metalobazu&#34;&gt;Village&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Many establishments in Ukraine have already gotten used to air raid alerts as part of everyday protocol, something one has to learn to adjust to. Most establishments do not close and continue working if the attack is not nearby.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Not McDonald’s. Each time the sirens sound, McDonald’s locations stop their work and evacuate visitors to the nearest shelter.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This safety policy is one of the reasons that McDonald’s is still closed in Kharkiv, a city in the north east of Ukraine. Kharkiv suffers from strikes on a near-daily basis, sometimes even before the air raid alert sounds.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Kharkiv citizens share on social media that they are ready to go to another city just to have their favorite combo.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!up_2!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fad16bd96-65e9-4eb2-8f6f-aff1ae10253c_1080x996.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fad16bd96-6.png&#34; width=&#34;383&#34; height=&#34;353.2111111111111&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/ad16bd96-65e9-4eb2-8f6f-aff1ae10253c_1080x996.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:996,&#34;width&#34;:1080,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:383,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Post on Threads: “McDonald’s in Kharkiv doesn’t work – so what now? Kharkiv citizens started storming Poltava [a city in the neighbouring region two hour drive from Kharkiv] en masse to satisfy their burger cravings. We weren’t an exception. Every trip [to the city] it [McDonald’s] worked at turned into a burger coma with 9 nuggets and a final touch of a McFlurry. Yes, exactly like that. We went for the taste and our favorite combo far outside the city! And we just sat there thinking, well, this can’t really be normal.”&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!hv7H!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F63b50349-44b0-4358-9f1b-b1e7b95cb50c_1080x1081.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f63b50349-4.png&#34; width=&#34;369&#34; height=&#34;369.34166666666664&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/63b50349-44b0-4358-9f1b-b1e7b95cb50c_1080x1081.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1081,&#34;width&#34;:1080,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:369,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Another post on Threads: “My friend brought me McDonald’s from Kyiv to Kharkiv. I’m blown away.”&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;McDonald’s near the Lukianivska metro station in Kyiv, the oldest one in Ukraine, has &lt;a href=&#34;https://biz.liga.net/en/all/fmcg/novosti/kyivs-oldest-mcdonalds-damaged-in-russian-airstrike&#34;&gt;become&lt;/a&gt; one of the restaurants hit most frequently by Russian attacks.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As of February 2025, the restaurant has already been damaged five times due to Russian strikes.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f7c711cf3-6.jpg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/7d03225ea4.jpg&#34; width=&#34;496&#34; height=&#34;330.6666666666667&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/7c711cf3-636b-4ab6-b595-943e8fbbf5fd_594x396.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:396,&#34;width&#34;:594,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:496,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;Workers board up and repair a McDonald’s restaurant in the Lukyanivska metro station in Kyiv after a Russian attack. At least three were killed. (Photo by Jen Golbeck/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;On the night of January 8, most of Kyiv citizens were left without heat or electricity during the most brutal winter weather in recent years, when temperature at day can drop to –15°C.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;McDonald’s &lt;a href=&#34;https://dev.ua/en/news/yak-pratsiuie-mcdonalds-pid-chas-neprohnozovanykh-vymknen-svitla-1768393892&#34;&gt;became&lt;/a&gt; one of the places that turned into an invincibility point for people. Vitalii says there are a lot of people coming to his spot to work on their laptops.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“We fully support people coming in to charge their devices and rest after difficult nights of shelling,” Vitalii said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor’s Note: &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;We first started to do a story about McDonald’s after we realized how much of a reaction there was in Ukrainian society when McDonald’s breakfasts resumed during the war.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;In recent days, it’s become blisteringly cold – with forecasts this week of lows down to -30° Celsius (-22° F). Help us avoid the temptation to hang out in McDonalds for warmth and Big Macs. Support our team today!&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Get Full Access!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Get Full Access!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Tip Jar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Tip Jar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;NEWS OF THE DAY: &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;By Oksana Stepura&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;strong&gt;TRUMP’S TEAM “BOARD OF PEACE” EXPANSION:&lt;/strong&gt; The Trump administration is &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.ft.com/content/34617296-0816-4e94-b807-7cef5f90e4a1&#34;&gt;considering&lt;/a&gt; expanding its “Board of Peace” for Gaza to serve in global hotspots like Ukraine and Venezuela. While the board was originally formed to oversee Gaza’s post-war transition, officials are now proposing it as a mechanism to monitor and guarantee a 20-point peace plan to end the Russia-Ukraine war.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The group has been called a “substitute for the UN” and the original board intended for Gaza has still not been fully realized and many details are yet to be clarified. The board is expected to be formally unveiled at the World Economic forum in Davos.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;CHINA STOPPED BUYING RUSSIAN ELECTRICITY&lt;/strong&gt;: As of this January, China has &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2026/01/16/8016467/index.amp&#34;&gt;stopped&lt;/a&gt; importing electricity from Russia because Russian energy prices have risen above China’s domestic rate.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This mark is part of a continuing decline of Russia-Chinese trade in 5 years which began in 2025.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;RUSSIA FAKES TERRITORIAL GAINS TO SWAY PEACE TALKS&lt;/strong&gt;: Russian military officials are falsely &lt;a href=&#34;https://english.nv.ua/nation/russia-falsely-claims-control-of-kupyansk-to-influence-u-s-stance-on-peace-talks-isw-50576423.html&#34;&gt;claiming&lt;/a&gt; control over Kupyansk to influence peace talks and pressure the U.S. into accepting a peace deal on the Kremlin’s terms, according to the Institute for the Study of War.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;While Moscow claims it has seized the city, visual evidence and even pro-Russian military correspondents confirm that Ukrainian forces maintain control over most of the city and surrounding areas.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;CAT OF CONFLICT:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;Russia’s attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure have taken out heating for many in Ukraine – including Oksana’s Mary, who, despite her luscious fur, is so cold that she has to sleep in a bathrobe.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!i0Bx!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fbc04a460-fe56-4ed9-86fc-15df48fef2fa_1600x1200.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fbc04a460-f.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;1092&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/bc04a460-fe56-4ed9-86fc-15df48fef2fa_1600x1200.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1092,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Stay safe out there.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Best,&lt;br&gt;Nastia&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/only-reliable-us-aid-for-ukraine&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>⚡️Budanov, Umerov, Arakhamia arrive in the US for peace talks, says Zelenskyy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/17/budanov-umerov-arakhamia-arrive-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 17 Jan 2026 14:55:36 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/17/budanov-umerov-arakhamia-arrive-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/41758b5b8e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡️Budanov, Umerov, Arakhamia arrive in the US for peace talks, says Zelenskyy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/vLyWsFU5zFA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>LIVE | WAR IN 2026: TANKS in the PAST, FEDOROV’S MILTECH AND NEXT-GEN UAVs</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/17/live-war-in-tanks-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 17 Jan 2026 14:46:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/17/live-war-in-tanks-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/76ee88069b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;LIVE | WAR IN 2026: TANKS in the PAST, FEDOROV’S MILTECH AND NEXT-GEN UAVs&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuQX3_ukfKU&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Rise and fall of Yulia Tymoshenko, the &#39;founding figure of Ukrainian populism&#39;</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/17/rise-and-fall-of-yulia.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 17 Jan 2026 14:44:52 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/17/rise-and-fall-of-yulia.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2256571832-2.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Rise and fall of Yulia Tymoshenko, the &#39;founding figure of Ukrainian populism&#39;&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It’s hard to imagine Ukraine’s political scene without Yulia Tymoshenko.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A veteran politician, &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/yulia-tymoshenko/&#34;&gt;Tymoshenko&lt;/a&gt; has held a variety of government posts, serving as the country’s prime minister twice, being defeated in a presidential runoff back in 2010, and being one of the country&#39;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/rise-and-fall-of-yulia-tymoshenko-the-genius-of-ukrainian-populism/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Zelensky calls for immediate electricity import boost amid new Russian attacks on energy infrastructure</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/17/zelensky-calls-for-immediate-electricity.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 17 Jan 2026 13:22:24 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/17/zelensky-calls-for-immediate-electricity.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/g-3clwlxuaancyg.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky calls for immediate electricity import boost amid new Russian attacks on energy infrastructure&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russian forces launched overnight attacks on Jan. 16-17 across Ukraine, hitting energy infrastructure, including substations, in Odesa and Kyiv oblasts, triggering emergency power outages, authorities reported&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-calls-for-immediate-electricity-import-boost-amid-new-russian-attacks-on-energy-sites/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian delegation headed by Budanov arrives in US to clarify peace proposal</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/17/ukrainian-delegation-headed-by-budanov.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 17 Jan 2026 11:38:35 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/17/ukrainian-delegation-headed-by-budanov.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/422602075-359290333532917-8261537604625322705-n.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian delegation headed by Budanov arrives in US to clarify peace proposal&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The delegation consists of the recently appointed President’s Office head Kyrylo Budanov, National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov, and the parliamentary leader of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s Servant of the People party, David Arakhamia.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-delegation-arrives-in-us-to-clarify-peace-proposal/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Embassies say they are staying in Kyiv despite energy crisis, extreme cold, Russian attacks</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/17/embassies-say-they-are-staying.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 17 Jan 2026 10:47:32 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/17/embassies-say-they-are-staying.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-1366546777-1-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Embassies say they are staying in Kyiv despite energy crisis, extreme cold, Russian attacks&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Foreign embassies based in Kyiv say they are not evacuating staff despite worsening power outages, damage to energy infrastructure, and forecasts of extreme cold, according to responses obtained by the Kyiv Independent.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The statements come as Ukraine’s energy situation worsens amid repeated Russian mass strikes, with a &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-declares-state-of-emergency-in-kyiv-as-energy-crisis-worsens/&#34;&gt;state&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/embassies-say-they-will-stay-in-kyiv-despite-energy-crisis-and-extreme-cold/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Kadyrov&#39;s son Adam reportedly in Moscow hospital after car accident in Grozny, Chechnya</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/17/kadyrovs-son-adam-reportedly-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 17 Jan 2026 08:46:09 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/17/kadyrovs-son-adam-reportedly-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2228194780.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Kadyrov&#39;s son Adam reportedly in Moscow hospital after car accident in Grozny, Chechnya&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The motorcade had been moving at a high speed before encountering an obstacle, leading to a mass accident and a number of victims.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/adam-kadyrov-car-accident-hospital/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>General Staff: Russia has lost 1,225,590 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/17/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 17 Jan 2026 08:38:11 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/17/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2152572121.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;General Staff: Russia has lost 1,225,590 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The number includes 1,130 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/general-staff-russia-has-lost-1-225-590-troops-in-ukraine-since-feb-24-2022/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Poland charges 4 Ukrainians, 1 Russian in alleged Russia-backed sabotage plot</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/17/poland-charges-ukrainians-russian-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 17 Jan 2026 07:00:21 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/17/poland-charges-ukrainians-russian-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/a233a9c526.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Poland charges 4 Ukrainians, 1 Russian in alleged Russia-backed sabotage plot&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Polish authorities have charged five men in an alleged Russia-orchestrated plot to send out parcels with explosives to various Western countries, Poland&#39;s National Prosecutor&#39;s Office announced on Jan. 16.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/poland-charges-4-ukrainians-1-russian-in-alleged-russia-backed-sabotage-plot/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>US considering creating &#39;Board of Peace&#39; for Ukraine, modeled after plan for Gaza, FT reports</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/17/us-considering-creating-board-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 17 Jan 2026 04:57:29 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/17/us-considering-creating-board-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2255975695-612x612.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;US considering creating &#39;Board of Peace&#39; for Ukraine, modeled after plan for Gaza, FT reports&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;American officials have put forward the idea of expanding the Gaza &#39;Board of Peace&#39; to include other countries affected by war and conflicts, including Ukraine and Venezuela, the Financial Times (FT) reported on Jan. 16.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/us-considering-creating-board-of-peace-in-ukraine-modeled-after-plan-for-gaza-ft-reports/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Germany turns away suspected Russian shadow fleet tanker from Baltic Sea</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/17/germany-turns-away-suspected-russian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 17 Jan 2026 01:06:26 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/17/germany-turns-away-suspected-russian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2250742432.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Germany turns away suspected Russian shadow fleet tanker from Baltic Sea&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Germany turned away a Russian-linked oil tanker from entering its territorial waters in the Baltic Sea this week, marking the first known instance of a European country blocking a vessel in Moscow&#39;s shadow fleet, Bloomberg reported Jan. 16.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/germany-turns-away-suspected-russian-shadow-fleet-tanker-from-baltic-sea/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>🪖 The most HARDENED army! Ukrainians in the army – 900 thousand #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/16/the-most-hardened-army-ukrainians.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jan 2026 23:30:09 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/16/the-most-hardened-army-ukrainians.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/bde1144675.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🪖 The most HARDENED army! Ukrainians in the army – 900 thousand #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/J3cyQ7r3GPk&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>⚔️ 900,000 combat servicemen and real experience – THE UKRAINIAN ARMY is the strongest in Europe!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/16/combat-servicemen-and-real-experience.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jan 2026 23:00:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/16/combat-servicemen-and-real-experience.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/cbae0f8610.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚔️ 900,000 combat servicemen and real experience – THE UKRAINIAN ARMY is the strongest in Europe!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlAA9LHl7N8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russian authorities increase restrictions on Telegram</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/16/russian-authorities-increase-restrictions-on.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jan 2026 22:38:03 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/16/russian-authorities-increase-restrictions-on.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2240627561.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian authorities increase restrictions on Telegram&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Roskomnadzor, the Russian federal agency responsible for monitoring mass media and telecommunications, has imposed new restrictions on the Telegram messaging app, Moscow 24 reported Jan. 16.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-authorities-increase-restrictions-on-telegram/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>🤯 Russia loses 20-25 thousand soldiers EVERY MONTH, says NATO Secretary General #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/16/russia-loses-thousand-soldiers-every.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jan 2026 21:30:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/16/russia-loses-thousand-soldiers-every.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/1dd9afae60.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🤯 Russia loses 20-25 thousand soldiers EVERY MONTH, says NATO Secretary General #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/90LslIqeg8I&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>&#39;Russia is preparing new massive attacks,&#39; Zelensky says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/16/russia-is-preparing-new-massive.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jan 2026 21:23:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/16/russia-is-preparing-new-massive.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/454d8f3b55330e695425e60917d65b07-1768587549-extra-large.png&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;Russia is preparing new massive attacks,&#39; Zelensky says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;President Volodymyr Zelensky said Jan. 16 that Russia is preparing a new wave of large-scale attacks on Ukraine as the country grapples with a deepening energy crisis.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-is-preparing-new-massive-attacks-zelensky-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>❗Russian assaults intensify, losses explode – US compares Putin to Hitler</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/16/russian-assaults-intensify-losses-explode.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jan 2026 21:00:24 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/16/russian-assaults-intensify-losses-explode.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/4f1e532820.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗Russian assaults intensify, losses explode – US compares Putin to Hitler&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RV0tYJdxIk4&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Tanks in 2026: Is THIS ARMORED VEHICLE appropriate for WAR? #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/16/tanks-in-is-this-armored.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jan 2026 19:30:30 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/16/tanks-in-is-this-armored.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/00a5fa9943.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Tanks in 2026: Is THIS ARMORED VEHICLE appropriate for WAR? #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Cfs4r3fosSI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>🪖 Are TANKS obsolete in 2026? UAVs are rewriting the RULES OF WAR!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/16/are-tanks-obsolete-in-uavs.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jan 2026 19:00:19 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/16/are-tanks-obsolete-in-uavs.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/aec41a9aff.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🪖 Are TANKS obsolete in 2026? UAVs are rewriting the RULES OF WAR!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlsdjSBMsq8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine Reforms Tracker Weekly — Issue 43</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/16/ukraine-reforms-tracker-weekly-issue.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jan 2026 18:42:20 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/16/ukraine-reforms-tracker-weekly-issue.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2256401970.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine Reforms Tracker Weekly — Issue 43&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor’s note: This is issue 43 of Ukrainian lawmaker Yaroslav Zhelezniak’s weekly &#34;Ukraine Reforms Tracker&#34; covering events from Jan. 1–Jan. 12, 2026. The digest highlights steps taken in the Ukrainian parliament related to business, economics, and international financial programs.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h2 data-sanitized-id=&#34;imf-benchmarks-and-soft-commitments&#34;&gt;&lt;code&gt;IMF benchmarks and&lt;/code&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-reforms-tracker-weekly-issue-43/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Trump floats tariffs on countries opposing his Greenland ambitions</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/16/trump-floats-tariffs-on-countries.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jan 2026 17:52:41 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/16/trump-floats-tariffs-on-countries.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2255937257.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Trump floats tariffs on countries opposing his Greenland ambitions&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;I may put a tariff on countries if they don&#39;t go along with Greenland, because we need Greenland for national security. So I may do that,&#34; Trump said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/trump-floats-tariffs-on-countries-opposing-his-greenland-ambitions/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>This is EUROPE as you see it for the FIRST TIME: TOTAL rearmament and its own ARMY! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/16/this-is-europe-as-you.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jan 2026 17:30:32 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/16/this-is-europe-as-you.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/56276dd3f1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;This is EUROPE as you see it for the FIRST TIME: TOTAL rearmament and its own ARMY! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/spz8zONA53k&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine embassy in Iran temporarily closed as Trump eyes possible strikes</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/16/ukraine-embassy-in-iran-temporarily.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jan 2026 17:23:48 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/16/ukraine-embassy-in-iran-temporarily.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2255957507.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine embassy in Iran temporarily closed as Trump eyes possible strikes&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The embassy said it would provide further updates on the resumption of activities and any additional measures.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-embassy-in-iran-temporarily-closed-as-trump-eyes-possible-strikes/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine needs a guarantee that there will be no more GREAT WARS, – Zelenskyy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/16/ukraine-needs-a-guarantee-that.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jan 2026 17:12:43 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/16/ukraine-needs-a-guarantee-that.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/b1626214bf.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine needs a guarantee that there will be no more GREAT WARS, – Zelenskyy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Z3leIllAzoI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>One step closer to a major conflict: EU prepares as 20% of Russia’s shadow fleet Is paralyzed!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/16/one-step-closer-to-a.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jan 2026 17:00:30 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/16/one-step-closer-to-a.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/dd284bf497.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;One step closer to a major conflict: EU prepares as 20% of Russia’s shadow fleet Is paralyzed!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JApDfTmhycQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Inside Ukraine’s resistance under Russian occupation</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/16/inside-ukraines-resistance-under-russian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jan 2026 16:11:17 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/16/inside-ukraines-resistance-under-russian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/sso-2-7-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Inside Ukraine’s resistance under Russian occupation&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;In this exclusive interview, the Kyiv Independent’s Yuliia Taradiuk speaks with a Ukrainian Special Operations Forces&#39; officer who helps organize resistance movements in Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/inside-ukraines-resistance-under-russian-occupation/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Over half of Ukrainians support holding referendum on peace deal, poll shows</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/16/over-half-of-ukrainians-support.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jan 2026 15:52:09 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/16/over-half-of-ukrainians-support.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-1156978066.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Over half of Ukrainians support holding referendum on peace deal, poll shows&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Around 55% of Ukrainians support holding a referendum on a potential peace deal to end Russia&#39;s war against Ukraine, while 32% oppose this idea, according to the poll.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/around-55-ukrainians-support-holding-referendum-on-peace-deal-poll-shows/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Inside Ukraine&#39;s AWOL and desertion crisis</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/16/inside-ukraines-awol-and-desertion.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jan 2026 15:31:49 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/16/inside-ukraines-awol-and-desertion.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/upd-main.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Inside Ukraine&#39;s AWOL and desertion crisis&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Panic attacks have haunted Ukrainian serviceman Yaroslav since he returned home in the summer, leaving him gasping at night.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Frustration with his commanders drove the 33-year-old to go absent without leave (AWOL), joining a growing number of Ukrainian soldiers who have left their units without permission. For Yaroslav, then a&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/inside-ukraines-awol-and-desertion-crisis/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>⚡ All UKRAINIAN power plants have been damaged by RUSSIA! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/16/all-ukrainian-power-plants-have.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jan 2026 15:28:55 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/16/all-ukrainian-power-plants-have.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/736860d80f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡ All UKRAINIAN power plants have been damaged by RUSSIA! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/SEIAXAOw2TM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian delegation en route to US to meet Trump&#39;s team</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/16/ukrainian-delegation-en-route-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jan 2026 15:08:12 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/16/ukrainian-delegation-en-route-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2256588894.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian delegation en route to US to meet Trump&#39;s team&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukraine hopes to gain more clarity on &#34;documents that we have actually drafted with the American side, and regarding Russia&#39;s response to all this diplomatic work,&#34; Zelensky said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-delegation-en-route-to-us-to-meet-trumps-team/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>UKRAINE does not have a single surviving power plant ⚡ An &amp;amp;quot;ENERGY RAMSTEIN&amp;amp;quot; is being convened!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/16/ukraine-does-not-have-a.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jan 2026 15:01:39 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/16/ukraine-does-not-have-a.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/30f22577a5.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;UKRAINE does not have a single surviving power plant ⚡ An &amp;quot;ENERGY RAMSTEIN&amp;quot; is being convened!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJRaq5aqHBg&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>China halts electricity imports from Russia, Russian media reports</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/16/china-halts-electricity-imports-from.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jan 2026 14:47:12 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/16/china-halts-electricity-imports-from.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/84c7b740cf.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;China halts electricity imports from Russia, Russian media reports&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;China&#39;s electricity purchases from Russia were suspended on Jan. 1 due to higher export prices that now exceed domestic Chinese rates, Kommersant reported.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/china-stops-electricity-imports-from-russia-russian-media-reports/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest live: Ukrainians reject trading Donbas for Western security guarantees in new survey</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/16/ukraine-war-latest-live-ukrainians.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jan 2026 14:40:46 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/16/ukraine-war-latest-live-ukrainians.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-1241060152.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest live: Ukrainians reject trading Donbas for Western security guarantees in new survey&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Most Ukrainians oppose trading the Donbas to Russia even in exchange for Western security guarantees, a new survey shows.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-update-2026-01-15-2/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Court sets Tymoshenko $760,000 bail amid bribery investigation</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/16/court-sets-tymoshenko-bail-amid.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jan 2026 14:23:25 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/16/court-sets-tymoshenko-bail-amid.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-1643784966-1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Court sets Tymoshenko $760,000 bail amid bribery investigation&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ex-Prime Minister Yuliia Tymoshenko is also obliged to appear in court when summoned and cannot leave Kyiv Oblast.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/court-sets-tymoshenko-760-000-bail-amid-bribery-investigation/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Putin pitches himself as mediator after calls with Israel, Iran amid regional tensions</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/16/putin-pitches-himself-as-mediator.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jan 2026 13:27:50 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/16/putin-pitches-himself-as-mediator.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/e29cc7ace0.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Putin pitches himself as mediator after calls with Israel, Iran amid regional tensions&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Putin said Russia is ready to serve as a mediator in the Middle East, an offer that follows signals that the U.S. might launch strikes against Iran amid a deadly crackdown on protests.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/putin-calls-leaders-of-iran-israel-as-regional-tensions-linger/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Navy confirms major damage to Russian drone factory after joint operation with SBU</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/16/navy-confirms-major-damage-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jan 2026 13:27:11 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/16/navy-confirms-major-damage-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/screenshot-2026-01-16-at-11-24-50-pm.png&#34; alt=&#34;Navy confirms major damage to Russian drone factory after joint operation with SBU&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The announcement confirming the damage to the facility&#39;s production capacity was posted by the Navy on Jan. 16, after the SBU first reported the strike three days earlier.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/navy-confirms-major-damage-to-russian-drone-factory-after-joint-operation-with-sbu/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukraine&#39;s GDP grew 2.2% in 2025, economy ministry says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/16/ukraines-gdp-grew-in-economy.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jan 2026 13:05:15 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/16/ukraines-gdp-grew-in-economy.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-1242310109.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine&#39;s GDP grew 2.2% in 2025, economy ministry says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;In 2025 (...) growth was supported by domestic trade, construction, (...)  the production of defense products and metallurgy,&#34; Oleksiy Sobolev, Ukraine&#39;s economy minister, said in a press release.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-gdp-grew-2-2-in-2025-economy-ministry-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukraine eases curfew rules as energy crisis caused by Russian attacks deepens</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/16/ukraine-eases-curfew-rules-as.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jan 2026 10:59:58 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/16/ukraine-eases-curfew-rules-as.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2256401957-1-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine eases curfew rules as energy crisis caused by Russian attacks deepens&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukraine is loosening curfew restrictions to allow citizens to reach humanitarian aid centers even at nighttime, Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-eases-curfew-rules-amid-deepening-energy-crisis/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>France replaces US as main intelligence provider to Kyiv, Macron says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/16/france-replaces-us-as-main.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jan 2026 10:40:31 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/16/france-replaces-us-as-main.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2255780142.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;France replaces US as main intelligence provider to Kyiv, Macron says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The change works to solve Kyiv&#39;s heavy dependence on the U.S. for military intelligence, which has been wielded as leverage against Ukraine by the Trump administration on several occasions.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/france-replaces-us-as-main-intelligence-provider-to-kyiv-macron-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Czech president visits Kyiv amid worsening energy crisis</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/16/czech-president-visits-kyiv-amid.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jan 2026 09:44:58 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/16/czech-president-visits-kyiv-amid.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/g-xusalbqam5yeo.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Czech president visits Kyiv amid worsening energy crisis&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Czech President Petr Pavel and President Volodymyr Zelensky will discuss ways &#34;to advance our strategic partnership, defense cooperation, and peace efforts,&#34; said Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/czech-president-visits-kyiv-amid-worsening-energy-crisis/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>UK opposes French and Italian push to restart talks with Kremlin</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/16/uk-opposes-french-and-italian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jan 2026 08:55:40 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/16/uk-opposes-french-and-italian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2250260668.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;UK opposes French and Italian push to restart talks with Kremlin&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;I think what we need is evidence that (Russian President Vladimir) Putin actually wants peace, and at the moment, I&#39;m still not seeing that,&#34; U.K. Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper told Politico.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/uk-opposses-putin-talks/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Residential building in Russia&#39;s Ryazan Oblast hit in drone attack, media reports</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/16/residential-building-in-russias-ryazan.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jan 2026 07:54:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/16/residential-building-in-russias-ryazan.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/img-7897-3.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Residential building in Russia&#39;s Ryazan Oblast hit in drone attack, media reports&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;An unidentified drone crashed into a residential high-rise in the Russian city of Ryazan overnight on Jan. 16, as Russia reported a wave of drone attacks across multiple regions.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/residential-building-in-russias-ryazan-oblast-hit-in-drone-attack-media-reports/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Venezuelan opposition leader Machado meets Trump at White House, gifts him her Nobel Peace Prize medal</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/16/venezuelan-opposition-leader-machado-meets.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jan 2026 04:59:28 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/16/venezuelan-opposition-leader-machado-meets.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/img-7893-3.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Venezuelan opposition leader Machado meets Trump at White House, gifts him her Nobel Peace Prize medal&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado presented U.S. President Donald Trump with her Nobel Peace Prize medal during a White House meeting on Jan. 16.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/venezuelan-opposition-leader-machado-meets-trump-at-white-house-gifts-him-her-nobel-peace-prize-medal/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>⏰ 60 SECONDS to answer TRUMP&#39;S question – what did the AMERICAN ask? #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/15/seconds-to-answer-trumps-question.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Jan 2026 22:30:14 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/15/seconds-to-answer-trumps-question.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/4cd2c4c475.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⏰ 60 SECONDS to answer TRUMP&#39;S question – what did the AMERICAN ask? #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/zcv32Vluwqc&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Zelensky meets Ukraine&#39;s ex-army chief Zaluzhnyi, prominent volunteers as part of &#39;new policy&#39;</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/15/zelensky-meets-ukraines-exarmy-chief.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Jan 2026 22:22:26 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/15/zelensky-meets-ukraines-exarmy-chief.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/photo-2026-01-15-18-35-04.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky meets Ukraine&#39;s ex-army chief Zaluzhnyi, prominent volunteers as part of &#39;new policy&#39;&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In an unexpected move, President Volodymyr Zelensky has met with several popular public figures in recent days, with the latest being Ukraine&#39;s Ambassador to the U.K. and former Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&#34;I thanked (&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/valerii-zaluzhnyi/&#34;&gt;Zaluzhnyi&lt;/a&gt;) for his work as part of Ukraine&#39;s team,&#34; the&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-meets-zaluzhnyi-prominent-volunteers/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>2026: END OF WAR OR ESCALATION? Miltech by Minister FEDOROV. Ukraine through AMERICAN Eyes</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/15/end-of-war-or-escalation.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Jan 2026 21:59:38 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/15/end-of-war-or-escalation.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/cf3e4071fa.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;2026: END OF WAR OR ESCALATION? Miltech by Minister FEDOROV. Ukraine through AMERICAN Eyes&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxrGpMuTVDo&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Poland approves transfer of 9 fighter jets to Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/15/poland-approves-transfer-of-fighter.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Jan 2026 21:45:39 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/15/poland-approves-transfer-of-fighter.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/f8fc570a70.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Poland approves transfer of 9 fighter jets to Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Poland has approved the transfer of nine MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine, Deputy Defense Minister Pawel Zalewski said Jan. 15 in an interview with Polish media.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/poland-approves-transfer-of-9-fighter-jets-to-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>🏭 A factory filled with EXPLOSIVES was attacked in RUSSIA! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/15/a-factory-filled-with-explosives.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Jan 2026 21:30:09 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/15/a-factory-filled-with-explosives.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2984229d8a.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🏭 A factory filled with EXPLOSIVES was attacked in RUSSIA! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/k5xrz_M1UjM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>&amp;amp;quot;Russian Peace&amp;amp;quot;: Putin wants to &amp;amp;quot;end the war,&amp;amp;quot; but there is ONE &amp;amp;quot;but&amp;amp;quot;</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/15/ampquotrussian-peaceampquot-putin-wants-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Jan 2026 21:00:39 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/15/ampquotrussian-peaceampquot-putin-wants-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/bb5d54dba7.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&amp;quot;Russian Peace&amp;quot;: Putin wants to &amp;quot;end the war,&amp;quot; but there is ONE &amp;quot;but&amp;quot;&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffP18EkgjWg&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Due to RUSSIA, there is no electricity in UKRAINE for 20-30 hours, – Zelenskyy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/15/due-to-russia-there-is.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Jan 2026 20:42:56 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/15/due-to-russia-there-is.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/b6b7745ce0.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Due to RUSSIA, there is no electricity in UKRAINE for 20-30 hours, – Zelenskyy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Yv0WiT0ffAs&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Operation &amp;amp;quot;IMPREGNATION&amp;amp;quot; across the front line – NEW METHODS USED BY THE RUSSIANS #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/15/203005.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Jan 2026 20:30:05 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/15/203005.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/cbbadb02c8.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Operation &amp;quot;IMPREGNATION&amp;quot; across the front line – NEW METHODS USED BY THE RUSSIANS #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/SXYeK1DjH90&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>TRAP FOR THE INFANTRY! UAFs&#39; UAVs prevented the Russians from entering from the rear near Pokrovsk!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/15/trap-for-the-infantry-uafs.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Jan 2026 20:00:11 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/15/trap-for-the-infantry-uafs.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/459e0bd207.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;TRAP FOR THE INFANTRY! UAFs&#39; UAVs prevented the Russians from entering from the rear near Pokrovsk!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Agsv1TeEO0Q&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>🎪What friendship with PUTIN is worth – MADURO knows #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/15/what-friendship-with-putin-is.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Jan 2026 19:30:33 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/15/what-friendship-with-putin-is.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/b6888920ac.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🎪What friendship with PUTIN is worth – MADURO knows #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Fteq0cVBcco&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Is Ukrainian parliament becoming a problem for Zelensky?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/15/is-ukrainian-parliament-becoming-a.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Jan 2026 19:16:26 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/15/is-ukrainian-parliament-becoming-a.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/upd-gettyimages-2254812813.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Is Ukrainian parliament becoming a problem for Zelensky?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Strong opposition and constant brawls have made Ukraine&#39;s parliament a staple of the country&#39;s thriving democracy. Since the start of the all-out war, however, the parliament has seen its independence, powers, and popularity erode.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Criminal proceedings against lawmakers became routine. Nearly 70 lawmakers have been charged&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/is-ukrainian-parliament-becoming-a-problem-for-zelensky/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Knife in Maduro’s back: Russia missed US plans in Venezuela, Putin loses Latin America</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/15/knife-in-maduros-back-russia.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Jan 2026 19:00:39 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/15/knife-in-maduros-back-russia.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/61c6d8ba48.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Knife in Maduro’s back: Russia missed US plans in Venezuela, Putin loses Latin America&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbbnjhDBjyc&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>&#39;Disgraceful statement&#39; — Ukraine condemns International Red Cross over &#39;moral equivalence&#39; on energy strikes</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/15/175128.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Jan 2026 17:51:28 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/15/175128.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2255672709.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;Disgraceful statement&#39; — Ukraine condemns International Red Cross over &#39;moral equivalence&#39; on energy strikes&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha wrote on X that &#34;this statement is a disgrace,&#34; adding that &#34;false moral equivalence between an aggressor and a country defending itself is unacceptable.&#34;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/disgraceful-statement-ukraine-condemns-red-cross-equaling-russias-and-ukraines-strikes-on-energy-infrastructure/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>⚡️ For the first time in 16 years, ORBÁN could lose the ELECTION! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/15/for-the-first-time-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Jan 2026 17:30:26 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/15/for-the-first-time-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/e8df687bbe.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡️ For the first time in 16 years, ORBÁN could lose the ELECTION! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/_Yx2PQh2RHI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Political EARTHQUAKE in HUNGARY! ⚡️ For the first time in 16 years, ORBAN may lose POWER</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/15/political-earthquake-in-hungary-for.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Jan 2026 17:02:34 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/15/political-earthquake-in-hungary-for.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/b07f920f74.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Political EARTHQUAKE in HUNGARY! ⚡️ For the first time in 16 years, ORBAN may lose POWER&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YiFpN7M5Lg&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Small Estonian fintech to take on big Ukrainian banking sector</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/15/small-estonian-fintech-to-take.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Jan 2026 16:20:25 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/15/small-estonian-fintech-to-take.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/615464494-1319005383577492-7754598102840788094-n.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Small Estonian fintech to take on big Ukrainian banking sector&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ukraine&#39;s wartime banking sector will get a new player after an obscure fintech&#39;s bid to enter the country&#39;s market was finalized on Jan. 15.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Iute Group, headquartered in Estonia, signed the final stage of acquiring a Ukrainian banking license during an upbeat press conference&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/small-estonian-fintech-to-take-on-big-ukrainian-banking-sector/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>European forces arrive in Greenland as Trump threatens to acquire island by force</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/15/european-forces-arrive-in-greenland.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Jan 2026 16:08:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/15/european-forces-arrive-in-greenland.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2255495895.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;European forces arrive in Greenland as Trump threatens to acquire island by force&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;A meeting between U.S., Danish, and Greenlandic officials on Jan. 14 failed to defuse tensions.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/european-forces-arrive-in-greenland-as-trump-threatens-to-acquire-island-by-force/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>The price of Russian OIL has dropped by another $3.5! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/15/the-price-of-russian-oil.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Jan 2026 15:30:42 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/15/the-price-of-russian-oil.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/3dd43b7911.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;The price of Russian OIL has dropped by another $3.5! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/kJ6nGToOI00&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>The Ukrainian war cemetery that can&#39;t stop growing</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/15/the-ukrainian-war-cemetery-that.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Jan 2026 15:30:29 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/15/the-ukrainian-war-cemetery-that.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/upd-20251122-soliar-119.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;The Ukrainian war cemetery that can&#39;t stop growing&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;At the cemetery historically known as the Field of Mars, a sea of flags snap and ripple in the wind, and names appear faster than the city can make space for them. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Photographer Anastasiia Smolienko, who returns here several times a month, says, “This is a place where you&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/the-cemetery-that-couldnt-stop-growing/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>I once craved the polar cold. Now I fear it at home.</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/15/i-once-craved-the-polar.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Jan 2026 15:01:39 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/15/i-once-craved-the-polar.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f0c805631-0.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;I once craved the polar cold. Now I fear it at home.&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!mmUU!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff7f628fa-2556-404c-bc40-e00b6be25c04_1500x500.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2ff7f628fa-2.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;485&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/f7f628fa-2556-404c-bc40-e00b6be25c04_1500x500.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:485,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:true,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor’s note:&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Our team is struggling to adapt to plunging temperatures without heat or power.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Your subscription goes in part to supporting all the reporters at The Counteroffensive, who we’ve provided with batteries, hot water bottles and blankets.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Recognize our team’s courage: upgrade to a paid subscription today!&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Subscribe for Free!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Subscribe for Free!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Tip Jar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Tip Jar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!xpV1!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F10a5113b-3948-4c20-b09f-47ecd45f71ba_1188x212.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f10a5113b-3.png&#34; width=&#34;662&#34; height=&#34;118.13468013468014&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/10a5113b-3948-4c20-b09f-47ecd45f71ba_1188x212.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:212,&#34;width&#34;:1188,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:662,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;The weather in Kyiv over the next week, via Google Weather.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;I don’t know what I hated the most this week.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The stinging cold on my hands as I retrieved my third blanket from the post office, waking up to biting air inside my own home, or nearly vomiting in a cafe after hours of breathing in gasoline fumes from a generator.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I offer myself a bitter smile — &lt;em&gt;was this what you wanted all along?&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I always found calm in the cold.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;There was something mesmerizing about it, as if nature were reclaiming the authority we had only borrowed.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I found calm in the cold. Until now.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!fI6g!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F285831fd-d53f-49f9-9f85-0242694f1307_996x702.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f285831fd-d.png&#34; width=&#34;494&#34; height=&#34;348.1807228915663&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/285831fd-d53f-49f9-9f85-0242694f1307_996x702.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:702,&#34;width&#34;:996,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:494,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;The weather in Kyiv will feel like -20°C (-4°F) this Friday, &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.ventusky.com/kyiv&#34;&gt;according to&lt;/a&gt; Ventusky. &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;It began last week, when Russia once again struck Kyiv’s entire energy system, plunging the city into its &lt;a href=&#34;https://t.me/vitaliy_klitschko/6011&#34;&gt;deepest&lt;/a&gt; darkness since the start of the war.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ukraine plans to declare a state of emergency in the energy sector and review curfew rules so that people have greater access to points of invincibility, places where people can have access to the internet, heat and electricity, Zelenskyy &lt;a href=&#34;https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official/17645&#34;&gt;announced&lt;/a&gt; just yesterday.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Residential buildings are now left without electricity for more than 20 consecutive hours, broken only by brief nighttime power intervals. Public transport is repeatedly disrupted, and indoor temperatures are reaching between 5 and 10 degrees Celsius. All of this unfolded as an Arctic air mass stalled over Ukraine and much of Eastern Europe, bringing the coldest winter in several years.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Russia has weaponized the cold as a tool of terror against civilians, reinforcing what this war has shown repeatedly: its primary target is not territory or military positions, but civilian life itself. A large-scale humanitarian crisis is now unfolding in the heart of Europe, met with a muted global response that exposes the inability of international systems to prevent catastrophe.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;id&#34;:433724}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;PollToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;poll-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Winters in Ukraine, as I remember them, were always cold until recently. During my school years, that cold felt like a happy time, when we trudged through knee-deep snow to a hill to slide down on plastic sleds…&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Paid subscribers get access to the full reporter’s notebook. After the paywall:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;How Mariana saw icebergs but was not prepared that ski pants would save her in Ukraine;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Why frost makes it difficult to stabilize the energy catastrophe in Kyiv;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;How does Mariana survive in the cold.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
      &lt;p&gt;
          &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/i-once-craved-the-polar-cold-now&#34;&gt;
              Read more
          &lt;/a&gt;
      &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/i-once-craved-the-polar-cold-now&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Wow! Russian oil prices drop even further! The EU strikes Putin&#39;s wallet again</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/15/wow-russian-oil-prices-drop.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Jan 2026 15:01:12 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/15/wow-russian-oil-prices-drop.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/650104de32.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Wow! Russian oil prices drop even further! The EU strikes Putin&#39;s wallet again&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fr9Hg_KFy_Q&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>IMF chief visits Kyiv for the first time since 2023 amid deepening energy crisis</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/15/imf-chief-visits-kyiv-for.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Jan 2026 14:29:37 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/15/imf-chief-visits-kyiv-for.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/g-tqncbwyaamsh2.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;IMF chief visits Kyiv for the first time since 2023 amid deepening energy crisis&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;During her visit, Georgieva was expected to review Ukraine’s progress in passing the 2026 budget, as well as discuss measures to further prevent tax evasion and boost revenue by broadening the tax base.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/imf-chief-visits-kyiv-for-the-first-time-since-2023-amid-deepening-energy-crisis/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>LIVE | Prisoner assault troops surrender: confessions, “Oreshnik” myths, plans collapse.</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/15/live-prisoner-assault-troops-surrender.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Jan 2026 14:24:17 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/15/live-prisoner-assault-troops-surrender.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/9c265b4115.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;LIVE | Prisoner assault troops surrender: confessions, “Oreshnik” myths, plans collapse.&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1N-jLdGEbM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Kyiv energy crisis &#39;extremely serious,&#39; as SBU presents evidence of Russian &#39;crimes against humanity&#39;</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/15/kyiv-energy-crisis-extremely-serious.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Jan 2026 13:58:55 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/15/kyiv-energy-crisis-extremely-serious.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2255671058.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Kyiv energy crisis &#39;extremely serious,&#39; as SBU presents evidence of Russian &#39;crimes against humanity&#39;&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;President Volodymyr Zelensky on Jan. 14 declared a state of emergency in the energy sector.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/kyiv-energy-crisis-extremely-serious-as-sbu-presents-evidence-of-crime-against-humanity/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest live: 70 Russian soldiers &#39;destroyed&#39; during assault near Kharkiv, Khartiia claims in new video</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/15/ukraine-war-latest-live-russian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Jan 2026 13:14:45 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/15/ukraine-war-latest-live-russian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/screenshot-2026-01-15-at-14-06-51.png&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest live: 70 Russian soldiers &#39;destroyed&#39; during assault near Kharkiv, Khartiia claims in new video&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Live coverage of Russia’s war against Ukraine with breaking news and frontline updates, updated 3 times today. A large group of Russian soldiers crossing snowy ground north of Kharkiv was obliterated by drones, artillery and infantry, Ukraine&#39;s Khartiia Brigade said on Jan. 15, killing around 70 of them.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-update-2026-01-15/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine appoints Oleksandr Borniakov as interim digital transformation minister</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/15/ukraine-appoints-oleksandr-borniakov-as.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Jan 2026 12:23:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/15/ukraine-appoints-oleksandr-borniakov-as.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2162654986.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine appoints Oleksandr Borniakov as interim digital transformation minister&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Oleksandr Borniakov assumed the new position after Mykhailo Fedorov, who had led the Digital Transformation Ministry since 2019, was appointed defense minister on Jan. 14.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-appoints-oleksandr-borniakov-as-interim-digital-transformation-minister/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Russia strikes Lviv playground, debris falls onto Kyiv residential building as drones attack Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/15/russia-strikes-lviv-playground-debris.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Jan 2026 06:46:30 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/15/russia-strikes-lviv-playground-debris.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/screenshot-2026-01-15-at-12-52-56-am.png&#34; alt=&#34;Russia strikes Lviv playground, debris falls onto Kyiv residential building as drones attack Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russia struck a playground in the city center of the western Ukrainian city of Lviv, Governor Maksym Kozytskyi reported on Jan. 15.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-strikes-lviv-playground/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Trump claims Putin ready to reach peace deal, Zelensky in the way</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/15/trump-claims-putin-ready-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Jan 2026 03:29:12 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/15/trump-claims-putin-ready-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/1a138de604.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Trump claims Putin ready to reach peace deal, Zelensky in the way&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;I think (Russian President Vladimir Putin is) ready to make a deal. I think Ukraine is less ready to make a ‍deal,&#34; U.S. President Donald Trump said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/putin-ready-to-reach-a-peace-deal-zelensky-in-the-way-trump-claims/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Republican congressman blasts Trump&#39;s Greenland invasion talk as &#39;one of the dumbest things&#39; that could wreck NATO</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/14/republican-congressman-blasts-trumps-greenland.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2026 21:43:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/14/republican-congressman-blasts-trumps-greenland.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2213144862.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Republican congressman blasts Trump&#39;s Greenland invasion talk as &#39;one of the dumbest things&#39; that could wreck NATO&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A U.S. invasion of Greenland would be &#34;one of the worst things&#34; any American president has done in recent years, Republican Representative Don Bacon told the Kyiv Independent on Jan. 14, as White House escalates rhetoric toward Denmark&#39;s autonomous territory.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;U.S. President Donald Trump&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/republican-congressman-blasts-trumps-greenland-invasion-talk-as-one-of-the-dumbest-things-ever/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>🥹 Touching! Ukrainians in -20°C WARM each other up #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/14/touching-ukrainians-in-c-warm.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2026 21:30:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/14/touching-ukrainians-in-c-warm.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/35b0b8cb1c.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🥹 Touching! Ukrainians in -20°C WARM each other up #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/--3MNQqGMFE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Unity is INCREDIBLE! Cold, darkness, shelling – RUSSIA will not break UKRAINIANS!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/14/unity-is-incredible-cold-darkness.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2026 21:08:54 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/14/unity-is-incredible-cold-darkness.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/4f31596140.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Unity is INCREDIBLE! Cold, darkness, shelling – RUSSIA will not break UKRAINIANS!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0uqq6FgPJI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>❗️Peace talks – followed by shelling: the pattern of Russian &amp;amp;quot;diplomacy&amp;amp;quot; #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/14/peace-talks-followed-by-shelling.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2026 20:30:03 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/14/peace-talks-followed-by-shelling.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/025dd2d9b8.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️Peace talks – followed by shelling: the pattern of Russian &amp;quot;diplomacy&amp;quot; #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/EXcwzkoIrgM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Czechia&#39;s new government faces early divisions over Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/14/czechias-new-government-faces-early.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2026 20:19:26 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/14/czechias-new-government-faces-early.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2251455839-1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Czechia&#39;s new government faces early divisions over Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Fears that the new Czech populist government would add another brick to the anti-Ukraine camp appear to be premature — at least, for now.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Petr Macinka, &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/czechia/&#34;&gt;Czechia&lt;/a&gt;&#39;s new foreign minister, who visited &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/ukraine/&#34;&gt;Ukraine&lt;/a&gt; on Jan. 9 mere hours after a &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-claims-oreshnik-missile-hits-lviv-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Russian Oreshnik strike&lt;/a&gt;, affirmed that the two countries&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/hope-in-czechias-ukraine-course-but-far-right-voices-loom/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Combat clashes IMMEDIATELY on THREE fronts – UKRAINE is holding back the Russians!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/14/combat-clashes-immediately-on-three.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2026 20:00:41 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/14/combat-clashes-immediately-on-three.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/6ad688c828.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Combat clashes IMMEDIATELY on THREE fronts – UKRAINE is holding back the Russians!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOyyUte7MS8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Energy CRISIS on a NATIONAL scale! ⚡️ Zelenskyy made a STATEMENT #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/14/energy-crisis-on-a-national.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2026 19:31:49 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/14/energy-crisis-on-a-national.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/bf6fefe9e2.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Energy CRISIS on a NATIONAL scale! ⚡️ Zelenskyy made a STATEMENT #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/fTit2DZdgQA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Without LIGHT and HEAT in the midst of a HARSH WINTER: Russia’s WAR strategy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/14/without-light-and-heat-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2026 19:31:16 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/14/without-light-and-heat-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/ddc5283a41.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Without LIGHT and HEAT in the midst of a HARSH WINTER: Russia’s WAR strategy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/oq-YIg2sQD4&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Zelensky declares state of emergency in Ukraine’s energy sector as crisis worsens</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/14/zelensky-declares-state-of-emergency.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2026 19:17:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/14/zelensky-declares-state-of-emergency.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2255734506.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky declares state of emergency in Ukraine’s energy sector as crisis worsens&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;The consequences of Russian strikes and worsening weather conditions are severe,&#34; Zelensky wrote.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-declares-state-of-emergency-in-kyiv-as-energy-crisis-worsens/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>&#39;Every day, we feel more hate towards Russia&#39; — Kyiv families struggle to stay warm in near-freezing homes</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/14/every-day-we-feel-more.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2026 19:07:42 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/14/every-day-we-feel-more.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/ek-2026-70-1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;Every day, we feel more hate towards Russia&#39; — Kyiv families struggle to stay warm in near-freezing homes&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Pechersk is a leafy, affluent neighborhood in central Kyiv. Its prerevolutionary buildings are tucked away from the main roads, surrounded by quiet courtyards and trees. In peacetime, it&#39;s where many Ukrainians dreamed of living.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Now, in the fourth winter of the war, it&#39;s 3 degrees celsius&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/kyiv-families-struggle-to-stay-warm-energy-russia-attacks/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russia&#39;s winter terror is doomed! Ukraine stands stronger than ever!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/14/russias-winter-terror-is-doomed.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2026 19:01:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/14/russias-winter-terror-is-doomed.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/d3948c457c.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia&#39;s winter terror is doomed! Ukraine stands stronger than ever!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylH7ugGZs6E&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>🤯 RUSSIA is preparing a SEPARATE ARMY for war against NATO! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/14/russia-is-preparing-a-separate.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2026 18:30:14 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/14/russia-is-preparing-a-separate.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/ec482239a9.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🤯 RUSSIA is preparing a SEPARATE ARMY for war against NATO! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/hSd0zmk-Xs8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>📺 How did Russian propaganda convince Russians that they are &amp;amp;quot;victims&amp;amp;quot;?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/14/how-did-russian-propaganda-convince.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2026 18:00:27 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/14/how-did-russian-propaganda-convince.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/4c77274a31.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;📺 How did Russian propaganda convince Russians that they are &amp;quot;victims&amp;quot;?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfX1HA3aGhg&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>US suspends all visa processing for 75 countries — Russia reportedly on the list</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/14/us-suspends-all-visa-processing.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2026 17:50:58 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/14/us-suspends-all-visa-processing.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2209845335.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;US suspends all visa processing for 75 countries — Russia reportedly on the list&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The suspension is set to take effect on Jan. 21 and will remain in place indefinitely while the State Department conducts a review of visa processing procedures, Fox News reported.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/us-suspends-all-visa-processing-for-75-countries/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>EU reveals details on 90 billion &#39;Ukraine Support Loan&#39;</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/14/eu-reveals-details-on-billion.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2026 16:25:54 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/14/eu-reveals-details-on-billion.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2255624472.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;EU reveals details on 90 billion &#39;Ukraine Support Loan&#39;&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Sixty billion euros ($70 billion) will be earmarked for defense, with the remaining 30 billion euros ($35 billion) allocated to support Ukraine&#39;s budget, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said during a press conference in Brussels on Jan 14.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/eu-reveals-details-on-90-billion-ukraine-support-loan/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Why NATO can’t survive a return to spheres of influence</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/14/why-nato-cant-survive-a.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2026 16:15:35 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/14/why-nato-cant-survive-a.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/kurtwalker-1-2-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Why NATO can’t survive a return to spheres of influence&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Kyiv Independent’s Martin Fornusek speaks with Kurt Volker, former U.S. special representative for Ukraine negotiations and former U.S. ambassador to NATO, about U.S. foreign policy, NATO’s future, and the war in Ukraine.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/why-nato-cant-survive-a-return-to-spheres-of-influence/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>From Venezuela to Iran, Trump shows &#39;how weak Russia really is,&#39; ex-US envoy says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/14/from-venezuela-to-iran-trump.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2026 15:52:24 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/14/from-venezuela-to-iran-trump.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2254682170-1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;From Venezuela to Iran, Trump shows &#39;how weak Russia really is,&#39; ex-US envoy says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;U.S. President Donald Trump demonstrates he is &#34;increasingly comfortable with the use of force&#34; on the global stage, Kurt Volker said in an interview with the Kyiv Independent.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/trump-shows-how-weak-russia-really-is-could-ramp-up-pressure-ex-us-envoy-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>50 foreign machine tools are STILL manufacturing WEAPONS for Russia! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/14/foreign-machine-tools-are-still.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2026 15:30:12 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/14/foreign-machine-tools-are-still.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/eaff929137.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;50 foreign machine tools are STILL manufacturing WEAPONS for Russia! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/GGoxVQqdNV8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>156 strikes overnight: Russia “exports” chaos to Europe – not just Ukraine suffers</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/14/strikes-overnight-russia-exports-chaos.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2026 15:03:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/14/strikes-overnight-russia-exports-chaos.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/31ca57d875.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;156 strikes overnight: Russia “exports” chaos to Europe – not just Ukraine suffers&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhuNwRjEqt0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>2 million Ukrainians evading mobilization, another 200,000 soldiers AWOL, new defense minister says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/14/million-ukrainians-evading-mobilization-another.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2026 14:41:11 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/14/million-ukrainians-evading-mobilization-another.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/e11a08c5fe.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;2 million Ukrainians evading mobilization, another 200,000 soldiers AWOL, new defense minister says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The rare report on numbers comes as Ukraine faces a critical manpower shortage.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-soldiers-awol-mobilization/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>How can foreign defense manufacturers benefit from Ukraine’s Defense City regime?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/14/how-can-foreign-defense-manufacturers.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2026 14:19:53 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/14/how-can-foreign-defense-manufacturers.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/1f64ee5370.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;How can foreign defense manufacturers benefit from Ukraine’s Defense City regime?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This January, Ukraine&#39;s long-awaited Defense City regime has finally &lt;a href=&#34;https://mod.gov.ua/en/news/how-defense-manufacturers-can-obtain-defence-city-resident-status-and-the-key-benefits-of-such-status&#34;&gt;come&lt;/a&gt; into operation.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The first company to obtain resident status was SkyFall, a manufacturer of &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/drones/&#34;&gt;drones&lt;/a&gt; and Shahed interceptors.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This special program, similar to the IT-focused Diia City, is designed to entice defense companies with a package of tax&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/how-can-foreign-defense-manufacturers-benefit-from-ukraines-defense-city-regime/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest live: Minibus carrying soldiers shot at near Lviv</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/14/ukraine-war-latest-live-minibus.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2026 14:05:40 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/14/ukraine-war-latest-live-minibus.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/screenshot-2026-01-14-at-15-00-49.png&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest live: Minibus carrying soldiers shot at near Lviv&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Live coverage of Russia’s war against Ukraine with breaking news and frontline updates, updated 5 times today. A minibus full of soldiers was shot at in the morning of Jan. 14 in the village of Rudno near Lviv in western Ukraine, by an as-yet unknown individual.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-update-2026-01-14/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Parliament appoints Mykhailo Fedorov as defense minister</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/14/parliament-appoints-mykhailo-fedorov-as.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2026 12:09:27 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/14/parliament-appoints-mykhailo-fedorov-as.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/778bb6f7b5.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Parliament appoints Mykhailo Fedorov as defense minister&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Mykhailo Fedorov, who had previously served as deputy prime minister and digital transformation minister, submitted his resignation from these positions on Jan. 9.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/parliament-appoints-mykhailo-fedorov-as-defense-minister/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Explosions in Kyiv as Russia&#39;s relentless assault on energy infrastructure continues amid freezing temperatures</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/14/explosions-in-kyiv-as-russias.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2026 09:58:04 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/14/explosions-in-kyiv-as-russias.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2255605572.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Explosions in Kyiv as Russia&#39;s relentless assault on energy infrastructure continues amid freezing temperatures&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Local authorities reported on Jan. 14 that air defenses were active in the capital due to yet another Russian drone attack.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/explosions-in-kyiv-energy-infrastructure-air-defense/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Chart of the week: Ukraine&#39;s missile interception rate slides lower as Russian attacks plunge country into crisis</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/14/chart-of-the-week-ukraines.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2026 06:00:57 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/14/chart-of-the-week-ukraines.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/interceptions-take-1-02-2-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Chart of the week: Ukraine&#39;s missile interception rate slides lower as Russian attacks plunge country into crisis&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ukraine&#39;s missile interception rate slid lower in the first two weeks of 2026, as Russia continued its months-long bombing campaign against the country&#39;s energy infrastructure. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/air-force/&#34;&gt;Ukraine&#39;s Air Force&lt;/a&gt; reported downing 26 of the 73 missiles launched by Russia in the first two weeks of&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/chart-of-the-week-ukraines-missile-interception-rate-slides-lower-as-russian-attacks-plunge-country-into-crisis/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Russian drone strikes leave 45,000 subscribers without power in Kryvyi Rih</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/14/russian-drone-strikes-leave-subscribers.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2026 04:53:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/14/russian-drone-strikes-leave-subscribers.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2255372291-612x612.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian drone strikes leave 45,000 subscribers without power in Kryvyi Rih&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russian Shahed drones carried out the attack leaving 700 buildings without heat across the city, Oleksandr Vilkul, the head of the Kryvyi Rih Defense Council, said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-drone-strike-leaves-45-000-subscribers-without-power-in-kryvyi-rih/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russia&#39;s own air defense missile hits apartment building in Rostov-on-Don, fire seen at nearby factory, media reports</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/14/russias-own-air-defense-missile.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2026 02:49:21 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/14/russias-own-air-defense-missile.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2026-01-13-19-41-13.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia&#39;s own air defense missile hits apartment building in Rostov-on-Don, fire seen at nearby factory, media reports&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The circumstances around the reportedly self-imposed strike were not immediately clear.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-air-defense-missile-hits-apartment-building-in-rostov-on-don-media-reports/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian veteran politician Yulia Tymoshenko&#39;s party offices searched in corruption investigation, source says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/13/ukrainian-veteran-politician-yulia-tymoshenkos.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2026 22:42:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/13/ukrainian-veteran-politician-yulia-tymoshenkos.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2232155472-1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian veteran politician Yulia Tymoshenko&#39;s party offices searched in corruption investigation, source says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukraine&#39;s anti-corruption watchdogs reported earlier that the leader of an unnamed party had been caught offering bribes in exchange for votes in parliament.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-anti-corruption-watchdogs-expose-bribery-scheme-in-parliament-search-party-offices-of-political-veteran-yulia-tymoshenko/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukraine says it&#39;s preparing for elections, referendum. Is it realistic?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/13/ukraine-says-its-preparing-for.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2026 21:31:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/13/ukraine-says-its-preparing-for.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/upd-gettyimages-1133949696.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine says it&#39;s preparing for elections, referendum. Is it realistic?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In recent weeks, President Volodymyr Zelensky began actively promoting the idea of holding a referendum and potentially presidential elections immediately after a ceasefire is reached.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The goal of these preparations is to convince U.S. President Donald Trump that Ukraine is serious about a potential peace deal.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;However, there are&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-says-it-prepares-for-elections-but-they-appear-virtually-impossible-so-far/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>⚡️ ORESHNIK MISSILE built with SOVIET-ERA technology – PROOF #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/13/oreshnik-missile-built-with-sovietera.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2026 21:30:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/13/oreshnik-missile-built-with-sovietera.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/319c0065e1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡️ ORESHNIK MISSILE built with SOVIET-ERA technology – PROOF #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/bwTNRv8oiaQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>2025 deadliest year for Ukrainian civilians since first year of Russia&#39;s full-scale war, UN says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/13/deadliest-year-for-ukrainian-civilians.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2026 21:27:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/13/deadliest-year-for-ukrainian-civilians.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2209683015.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;2025 deadliest year for Ukrainian civilians since first year of Russia&#39;s full-scale war, UN says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The total number of Ukrainian civilians killed or injured in 2025 was 31% higher than in 2024 and 70% higher than in 2023, according to the U.N. Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/2025-deadliest-year-for-ukrainian-civilians-since-first-year-of-russias-full-scale-war-un-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>🤦‍♂️ CNN took apart the &amp;quot;ORESHNIK&amp;quot;: inside details of GAGARIN&#39;S TIME. A disgrace to the WHOLE WORLD!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/13/cnn-took-apart-the-quotoreshnikquot.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2026 21:00:12 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/13/cnn-took-apart-the-quotoreshnikquot.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/07d35e395d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🤦‍♂️ CNN took apart the &amp;quot;ORESHNIK&amp;quot;: inside details of GAGARIN&#39;S TIME. A disgrace to the WHOLE WORLD!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72tmqf0ezGI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>The Russian army is acting as if it HAS NO INTENTION of ending the war, says Zelenskyy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/13/the-russian-army-is-acting.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2026 19:55:21 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/13/the-russian-army-is-acting.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/53496b02f3.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;The Russian army is acting as if it HAS NO INTENTION of ending the war, says Zelenskyy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/b6bYvjhdbus&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>From PRISON to POWs: three Russians SURRENDER on CAMERA #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/13/from-prison-to-pows-three.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2026 19:31:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/13/from-prison-to-pows-three.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/359f7099ae.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;From PRISON to POWs: three Russians SURRENDER on CAMERA #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/eroRWAIWETc&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>“ORESHNIK” – FOR THE SECOND TIME! Kilzons, convict POWs, and the blockade of RUSSIA in the Atlantic!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/13/oreshnik-for-the-second-time.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2026 19:01:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/13/oreshnik-for-the-second-time.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/7af05108c6.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;“ORESHNIK” – FOR THE SECOND TIME! Kilzons, convict POWs, and the blockade of RUSSIA in the Atlantic!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGLLL8sKU0g&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine officially awards lithium deposit to Trump-linked investors, $179 million set for development</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/13/ukraine-officially-awards-lithium-deposit.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2026 18:07:41 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/13/ukraine-officially-awards-lithium-deposit.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/78b3c2921d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine officially awards lithium deposit to Trump-linked investors, $179 million set for development&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukraine’s prime lithium deposit has been officially awarded to a U.S.-linked group of investors as the country courts U.S. President Donald Trump with business deals amid ongoing peace proposal talks.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-to-attract-179-million-u-s-investment-in-key-lithium-deposit/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>A 19th-century novel for a 21st-century war — Why Panteleimon Kulish’s ‘Black Council’ still matters</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/13/a-thcentury-novel-for-a.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2026 17:49:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/13/a-thcentury-novel-for-a.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/panteleimon-kulish.png&#34; alt=&#34;A 19th-century novel for a 21st-century war — Why Panteleimon Kulish’s ‘Black Council’ still matters&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor&#39;s Note: This story is part of the &#34;Hidden Canon&#34;  – a special series celebrating Ukrainian classic literature and aiming to bring it to a wider international audience. The series is &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/rediscovering-ukraines-literary-heritage-ukrainian-institute-and-kyiv-independent-launch-the-hidden-canon/&#34;&gt;supported&lt;/a&gt; by the Ukrainian Institute. &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In 1663, the Cossacks stood at a crossroads. Six&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/panteleimon-kulish/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>EASTERN DONBAS: WHO WILL OWN THESE LANDS according to TRUMP&#39;S plan? #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/13/eastern-donbas-who-will-own.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2026 17:30:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/13/eastern-donbas-who-will-own.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/dd85ef3f67.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;EASTERN DONBAS: WHO WILL OWN THESE LANDS according to TRUMP&#39;S plan? #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ks1KJZDdQpw&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Putin&#39;s “blitzkrieg” is crumbling! $400 million from Norway and Zelenskyy&#39;s tough plan</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/13/putins-blitzkrieg-is-crumbling-million.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2026 17:00:59 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/13/putins-blitzkrieg-is-crumbling-million.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/8ac9cd2778.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Putin&#39;s “blitzkrieg” is crumbling! $400 million from Norway and Zelenskyy&#39;s tough plan&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eWYJkfXm4Q&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>How a drought drives Iran’s protests</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/13/how-a-drought-drives-irans.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2026 15:53:16 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/13/how-a-drought-drives-irans.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fb5a7a60e-2.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;How a drought drives Iran’s protests&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!vUfF!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F6ddeb9b7-8111-4764-8ecc-ef443546ca54_1500x500.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f6ddeb9b7-8.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;485&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/6ddeb9b7-8111-4764-8ecc-ef443546ca54_1500x500.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:485,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:true,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor’s Note:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;From Ukraine to Iran, The Counteroffensive tells human stories behind global struggles for democracy.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Your support helps us keep reporting from the ground.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Upgrade for full access.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Get Full Access!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Get Full Access!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Tip Jar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Tip Jar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Before, the younger generation was complaining about having no future or no employment… but now [the issue] is much more fundamental: It’s about food,” said Mehdi, an agriculture expert who was born and raised in Iran.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Mehdi left Iran decades ago, but is now witnessing his country at a boiling point. As someone who has studied the space deeply, he believes water and agriculture are at the center of it all.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Since late December, massive protests have surged across Iran’s &lt;a href=&#34;https://time.com/7345092/iran-protests-death-toll-regime-crackdown/&#34;&gt;31 provinces&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Iranians poured onto the streets after the Iranian rial hit its lowest-ever value against the U.S. dollar. But even before runaway inflation, water was already running short in Iran. Years of mismanagement and drought have driven up food prices and made everyday life harder for Iranians nationwide.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The rising cost of food in Iran is a multi-faceted problem that includes export policies, sanctions and the depreciating currency — but Iran’s water shortage has only accelerated the crisis. Scarcity has made water significantly more expensive for farmers and has reduced their crop yields, contributing to the rising food inflation which has now &lt;a href=&#34;https://water.fanack.com/iran-water-crisis-economic-collapse-protests/&#34;&gt;reached&lt;/a&gt; about 64 percent, according to Fanack Water.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Now, the country is in a state of severe unrest as the government suppresses resistance: at least 500 people have been &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/confronting-protests-iran-vows-strike-back-if-us-attacks-2026-01-11/&#34;&gt;reported&lt;/a&gt; dead according to human rights groups and over 10,000 detained as protests flood through the streets.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Trump has been &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.cnn.com/2026/01/11/politics/trump-weighs-potential-military-intervention-in-iran&#34;&gt;threatening&lt;/a&gt; military action against Iran as protests intensify and death tolls climb. The Iranian government has &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jan/10/irans-internet-shutdown-is-strikingly-sophisticated-and-may-last-some-time&#34;&gt;responded&lt;/a&gt; by shutting off access to the internet, making it incredibly difficult to get news out of the country.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Beyond Iran, this serves as an example of how resource shortages, layered onto fragile economies, can accelerate a crisis to the point of potential collapse.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fb5a7a60e-2.jpg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/49065984f4.jpg&#34; width=&#34;503&#34; height=&#34;377.25&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/b5a7a60e-27b2-440b-8d06-2f2d8ce43d18_1600x1200.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1092,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:503,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Iranian protesters block a street during a protest in Tehran, Iran on January 9, 2026. (Photo by MAHSA / Middle East Images / AFP via Getty Images)&lt;/em&gt;.&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;id&#34;:432616}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;PollToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;poll-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Iran’s water management policies changed course drastically with the Ayatollah-led regime that came to power in 1979.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Under the Shah modernisation and industrialization were the state’s priority, meaning that agriculture fell by the wayside. However, after the Islamic Revolution in 1979, which had drawn support largely from rural areas, the new regime made agricultural expansion a cornerstone of their political agenda.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Agricultural expansion required arid areas to be irrigated and led to the construction of wells and dams, and ultimately resulted in the damaging overuse of Iran’s water resources.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As a child, Mehdi watched his family manage a farm in Iran, but the situation for farmers back then was different. Today, the required distance to drill to obtain water is three times what it was when Mehdi was a child — he doesn’t even remember his relatives having any problem getting water, but today “water is like gold,” Mehdi said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!YlMJ!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F8bbb8fff-484e-4824-88af-c17a3fbc528e_1600x1066.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f8bbb8fff-4.jpg&#34; width=&#34;486&#34; height=&#34;323.7774725274725&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/8bbb8fff-484e-4824-88af-c17a3fbc528e_1600x1066.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:970,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:486,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;The dried-up riverbed of Zayanderud in Isfahan, Iran, on December 1, 2025. (Photo by Hozi / Middle East Images / AFP via Getty Images).&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;In 2025, Tehran, a city of roughly 10 million people, was &lt;a href=&#34;https://apnews.com/article/iran-rain-historic-drought-water-scarcity-0cb2872c70f9ab50c2fbffd4cde66117&#34;&gt;facing&lt;/a&gt; its driest fall season in over 50 years. Over the past 20 years, Iran’s renewable water resources have &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.geopoliticalmonitor.com/irans-water-crisis-a-national-security-imperative/&#34;&gt;declined&lt;/a&gt; by over 30 percent, according to Geopolitical Monitor. This past year, rainfall was so scarce that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian made an announcement in November that if rain didn’t come, parts of Tehran could face evacuations.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The drought, along with the spiraling currency, has exposed the government’s mismanagement, and driven protesters onto the streets.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Without water, farming doesn’t mean anything,” Mehdi said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Mehdi’s own family in Iran has felt the effects of these water shortages.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;His brother who lives on the fourth floor repeatedly has water cuts and is forced to take showers in the middle of the night, when the apartment’s water consumption is low. His sister, meanwhile, often finds that her fridge is empty due to the rocketing food prices the water shortage has caused.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Mehdi has tried to convince his brother to leave Iran, but with no success.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Mehdi believes that it’s not just the overuse of Iran’s water resources but the misallocation of them — overprioritizing water-intensive industries rather than basic needs. Companies &lt;a href=&#34;https://globalvoices.org/2025/04/20/the-countdown-to-irans-day-zero-a-crisis-of-water-not-war/&#34;&gt;linked&lt;/a&gt; to the government began growing water-intensive crops like watermelon around Lake Urmia, a lake which largely dried up due to the agricultural activity surrounding it, the dams and climate change.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Those who refused to stay silent were immediately punished.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In 2018, Iranian hydrologist and environmentalist Kaveh Madani left a teaching job in London to become the deputy head of Iran’s environment department. However, four months into his time in Iran things turned sour.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Madani had publicly criticised the government’s water management policies and was detained amidst a government crackdown on environmentalists in Iran. After a few days he was released and fled the country.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Protests over similar frustrations of rising food prices &lt;a href=&#34;https://apnews.com/article/iran-protests-us-nuclear-tensions-economy-be92269aa913782c82a3fe5aa93a6adf&#34;&gt;erupted&lt;/a&gt; in Iran in 2017 and 2018. Over 20 people were killed and hundreds arrested.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In the last three years alone, Iran’s food prices have tripled and water has only become more scarce. Mehdi has witnessed whole families sorting through the trash for food. &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.iranintl.com/en/202508212206&#34;&gt;Reports&lt;/a&gt; of children fainting at school due to hunger have come out of Iran just last year.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“I wouldn’t call this food insecurity – I would call it a food crisis,” he added.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Last week, the Iranian government &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/world/4407985/iran-rolls-out-7-dollar-payments-to-quell-affordability-protests/&#34;&gt;announced&lt;/a&gt; a plan to roll out payments worth the equivalent of $7 USD to try to simmer protests.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!E07J!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ffb227965-7e16-46b5-b1f6-44105c31fbb1_1600x1066.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2ffb227965-7.jpg&#34; width=&#34;544&#34; height=&#34;362.4175824175824&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/fb227965-7e16-46b5-b1f6-44105c31fbb1_1600x1066.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:970,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:544,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;A market in Iran as people shop amid soaring prices and the worst economic crisis since 1979, in Tehran, Iran on January 7, 2026. (Photo by Fatemeh Bahrami/Anadolu via Getty Images).&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;But it’s not only water mismanagement which is running the country dry – leaky pipes and failing infrastructure reportedly account for &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.atalayar.com/en/articulo/reports/water-is-running-out-in-iran/20250808100000217298.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com#infraestructura-colapsada-y-politicas-insuficientes&#34;&gt;more than&lt;/a&gt; 40 percent of treated water being lost before it can be used.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“[The sanctions] impact everything…even when I went to go get a new ID card, after the documents were finished they said it would still take two years to just print the ID card,” Mehdi said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As the protests in Iran became increasingly violent, the regime cut off Iran’s internet: 90 percent of internet traffic in Iran has &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jan/10/irans-internet-shutdown-is-strikingly-sophisticated-and-may-last-some-time&#34;&gt;disappeared&lt;/a&gt;, according to The Guardian.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Mehdi hasn’t been able to talk to his family in multiple days. Their last conversation was about how unlivable life had become in Iran.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“When I check their Whatsapp, I just see that their ‘last seen’ was a few days ago,” Mehdi said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;*&lt;em&gt;Mehdi’s name was changed in this story for security purposes.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor’s Note:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;From Ukraine to Iran, The Counteroffensive tells human stories behind global struggles for democracy.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Your support helps us keep reporting from the ground.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Upgrade for full access.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Get Full Access!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Get Full Access!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Tip Jar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Tip Jar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;NEWS OF THE DAY:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;By: Yelyzaveta Kolos&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;TRUMP THREATENS NEW TARIFFS ON COUNTRIES TRADING WITH IRAN:&lt;/strong&gt; Trump &lt;a href=&#34;https://edition.cnn.com/2026/01/12/business/tariffs-trump-iran&#34;&gt;announced&lt;/a&gt; an immediate 25% tariff on any country doing business with Iran, a move that could sharply raise costs for imports into the United States.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The details on how defined “doing business” were not clarified, neither was the way the tariff would be enforced. But this could hit Iran’s major trade partners such as China, India, and Turkey.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The move shows Washington’s readiness to use trade pressure against countries tied to its geopolitical rivals. As Russia, Iran and China deepen connections, such measures could affect global markets and indirectly shape the balance of support and resources linked to the war in Ukraine.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;NORTH KOREA DEFENDS RUSSIA AT UN AFTER STRIKE ON UKRAINE:&lt;/strong&gt; North Korea &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2026/01/13/Kim-Song-North-Korea-statement-condemning-UNSC-meeting-Russia-Ukraine/1131768297845/&#34;&gt;criticized&lt;/a&gt; a UN Security Council meeting convened to discuss Russia’s recent missile strike on Ukraine, calling it prejudiced and unfair. Pyongyang’s UN ambassador defended Russia’s actions as self-defense and accused Western countries of politicizing the discussion.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The reaction underlines deepening ties between Pyongyang and Moscow, as North Korea backs Russia diplomatically and militarily. This growing alignment helps Russia offset international isolation and sustain its war effort.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;GERMANY TO FUND DELIVERY OF RHEINMETALL LYNX VEHICLES TO UKRAINE: &lt;/strong&gt;Rheinmetall &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.rheinmetall.com/en/media/news-watch/news/2026/01/2026-01-12-rheinmetall-supplies-lynx-to-ukraine&#34;&gt;will&lt;/a&gt; supply Ukraine with its first Lynx KF41 infantry fighting vehicles, with deliveries expected to begin in first half of 2026. The initial batch will include five vehicles, funded by the German government and is estimated to be worth around 50 million euros.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Lynx vehicles will be adapted to Ukraine’s military needs and equipped with a two-man Lance turret. Further deliveries are planned, with the possibility of producing additional vehicles inside Ukraine.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The deal strengthens Ukraine’s ground forces and helps modernize its army and sustain resistance against Russia’s ongoing invasion.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;US VETERANS GROUP MOBILIZES SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;American Veterans for Ukraine &lt;a href=&#34;https://americanveteransforukraine.org/&#34;&gt;works&lt;/a&gt; to unite and empower U.S. veterans in support of Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression. The organization focuses on raising public awareness and using veterans’ voices to build understanding of why Ukraine matters to the United States.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The group also prioritizes protecting continued U.S. government funding for Ukraine by engaging policymakers and the public. By leveraging veterans’ credibility and leadership, the initiative aims to keep Ukraine firmly on the US political agenda during the war.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;DOG OF WAR:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;Today’s dog of war is this cutie that Liza met when she was working in the cafe during a long power outrage in her district. The puppy was patiently waiting for its owner to finish her work.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!21ll!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F852cb1bd-4909-49cc-a874-f76d7a826e82_963x1600.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f852cb1bd-4.jpg&#34; width=&#34;963&#34; height=&#34;1600&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/852cb1bd-4909-49cc-a874-f76d7a826e82_963x1600.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1600,&#34;width&#34;:963,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Stay safe out there.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Best,&lt;br&gt;Alessandra and Jacqueline&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/how-a-drought-drives-irans-protests&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>📦 Post office and children&#39;s sanatorium – targets of RUSSIAN MISSILES tonight #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/13/post-office-and-childrens-sanatorium.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2026 15:30:19 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/13/post-office-and-childrens-sanatorium.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/0c6756a7ab.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;📦 Post office and children&#39;s sanatorium – targets of RUSSIAN MISSILES tonight #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/LmtPtKyzpyo&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>🚀 Massive attack on Ukraine. Boomerang hits RUSSIA: “Atlant AERO” factory on fire</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/13/massive-attack-on-ukraine-boomerang.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2026 15:00:54 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/13/massive-attack-on-ukraine-boomerang.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/28a066e6c4.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🚀 Massive attack on Ukraine. Boomerang hits RUSSIA: “Atlant AERO” factory on fire&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7vlkXuhi4w&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest live: Belgorod governor warns of possible evacuation as Russian border region reels from power outages</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/13/ukraine-war-latest-live-belgorod.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2026 14:29:39 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/13/ukraine-war-latest-live-belgorod.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-1258377697.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest live: Belgorod governor warns of possible evacuation as Russian border region reels from power outages&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Live coverage of Russia’s war against Ukraine with breaking news and frontline updates, updated 3 times today. Belgorod O blast Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov urged residents on Jan 13 to be prepared to temporarily relocate amid ongoing problems with electricity and heating, saying authorities were drawing up contingency plans in case the situation worsens.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-update-2026-01-13/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Parliament votes on government reshuffle (LIVE)</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/13/parliament-votes-on-government-reshuffle.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2026 12:29:24 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/13/parliament-votes-on-government-reshuffle.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2224818502.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Parliament votes on government reshuffle (LIVE)&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Parliament convenes on Jan. 13 to vote on a proposed government reshuffle initiated by President Volodymyr Zelensky.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As part of Zelensky&#39;s reshuffle, &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/breaking-ukraines-military-intelligence-head-kyrylo-budanov-appointed-as-zelenskys-new-chief-of-staff/&#34;&gt;Kyrylo Budanov&lt;/a&gt;, the military intelligence chief, was appointed as the new head of the President&#39;s Office, while &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-to-appoint-foreign-intelligence-service-chief-as-budanovs-replacement-presidents-office-says/&#34;&gt;Oleh Ivashchenko&lt;/a&gt;, the head of the Foreign&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/parliament-votes-on-government-reshuffle-live/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>&#39;A series of loud explosions&#39; — Ukraine &#39;destroys&#39; key Russian drone factory in Taganrog, SBU says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/13/a-series-of-loud-explosions.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2026 11:25:16 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/13/a-series-of-loud-explosions.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/screenshot-2026-01-13-at-12-05-44.png&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;A series of loud explosions&#39; — Ukraine &#39;destroys&#39; key Russian drone factory in Taganrog, SBU says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The plant is involved in the production of &#34;Orion&#34; drones, electronic warfare complexes, and digital integration systems.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/a-series-of-loud-explosions-ukraine-destroys-key-russian-drone-factory-in-taganrog-sbu-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Treacherous Russian STRIKE: consequences of the attack in the Kharkiv region and Odesa #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/13/treacherous-russian-strike-consequences-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2026 09:15:32 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/13/treacherous-russian-strike-consequences-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/db7796a45e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Treacherous Russian STRIKE: consequences of the attack in the Kharkiv region and Odesa #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/jHlYym1x2SY&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russian ballistic missiles rock Kyiv, target energy infrastructure across Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/13/russian-ballistic-missiles-rock-kyiv.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2026 07:44:48 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/13/russian-ballistic-missiles-rock-kyiv.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-1230595884.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian ballistic missiles rock Kyiv, target energy infrastructure across Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russia launched numerous ballistic missiles towards Ukraine overnight on Jan. 13, according to monitoring channels.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-ballistic-missiles-rock-kyiv-target-energy-infrastructure-across-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Drone factory in Russia’s Rostov Oblast struck in overnight attack, fire reported</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/13/drone-factory-in-russias-rostov.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2026 07:11:44 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/13/drone-factory-in-russias-rostov.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/f145ab0ef8.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Drone factory in Russia’s Rostov Oblast struck in overnight attack, fire reported&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Unidentified drones struck the Russian city of Taganrog early on Jan. 13, with reports indicating that a drone manufacturing facility was targeted, according to Russian Telegram channels.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/drone-factory-in-russias-rostov-oblast-struck-in-overnight-attack-fire-reported/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Nova Poshta terminal and children&#39;s medical facility damaged as Russian attack kills 4, injures 6 in Kharkiv outskirts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/13/nova-poshta-terminal-and-childrens.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2026 06:30:28 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/13/nova-poshta-terminal-and-childrens.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/nova-poshta.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Nova Poshta terminal and children&#39;s medical facility damaged as Russian attack kills 4, injures 6 in Kharkiv outskirts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russian forces carried out a combined missile and drone attack on a suburb of Kharkiv, killing at least four people and injuring six others, regional authorities reported on Jan. 13.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/nova-poshta-terminal-and-childrens-medical-facility-damaged-as-russian-attack-kills-4-injures-6-in-kharkiv-outskirts/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>US imposes 25% tariffs on countries that do business with Iran as anti-government protests continue</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/12/us-imposes-tariffs-on-countries.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 12 Jan 2026 23:30:24 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/12/us-imposes-tariffs-on-countries.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/8d795ee94f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;US imposes 25% tariffs on countries that do business with Iran as anti-government protests continue&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;Effective immediately, any country doing business with the Islamic Republic of Iran will pay a Tariff of 25% on any and all business being done with the United States of America. This Order is final and conclusive,&#34; U.S. President Donald Trump said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/us-imposes-25-tariffs-on-countries-that-do-business-with-iran-as-anti-government-protests-continue/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Republican Congressman introduces Greenland annexation bill amid White House threats</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/12/224533.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 12 Jan 2026 22:45:33 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/12/224533.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2251949019.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Republican Congressman introduces Greenland annexation bill amid White House threats&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;Whoever controls Greenland controls key Arctic shipping lanes and the security architecture protecting the United States. America cannot leave that future in the hands of regimes that despise our values and seek to undermine our security,&#34; Congressman Randy Fine said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/republican-congressman-introduces-greenland-annexation-bill-amid-white-house-threats/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>🤯 45 km in FOUR years – THE REAL SPEED of PUTIN&#39;S ARMY&#39;S advance #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/12/km-in-four-years-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 12 Jan 2026 21:30:03 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/12/km-in-four-years-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/cc309844b8.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🤯 45 km in FOUR years – THE REAL SPEED of PUTIN&#39;S ARMY&#39;S advance #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/N8yQgYobbC8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>1,419 days of the SHAMEFUL &amp;amp;quot;BLIZKRIEG.&amp;amp;quot; The Russians are stuck in DONBAS – worse than HITLER</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/12/days-of-the-shameful-ampquotblizkriegampquot.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 12 Jan 2026 21:00:16 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/12/days-of-the-shameful-ampquotblizkriegampquot.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/3d8cbe7fce.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;1,419 days of the SHAMEFUL &amp;quot;BLIZKRIEG.&amp;quot; The Russians are stuck in DONBAS – worse than HITLER&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCdf6jJ7Abw&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>⚡️ Will RUSSIA choose WAR or PEACE? This question remains UNANSWERED, says Zelenskyy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/12/will-russia-choose-war-or.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 12 Jan 2026 20:45:19 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/12/will-russia-choose-war-or.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/ac114651e7.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡️ Will RUSSIA choose WAR or PEACE? This question remains UNANSWERED, says Zelenskyy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/qMfgkLAcbqg&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Trump wants Venezuela&#39;s oil — markets may not care</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/12/trump-wants-venezuelas-oil-markets.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 12 Jan 2026 20:18:12 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/12/trump-wants-venezuelas-oil-markets.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2252064901.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Trump wants Venezuela&#39;s oil — markets may not care&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;U.S. President Donald Trump made no secret of his plan for Venezuela.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&#34;One of the things the United States gets out of this will be even lower energy prices,&#34; Trump said in a Jan. 9 meeting with energy executives.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Our giant oil companies will be spending&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-oil/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>‘The situation now is the worst’ — Kyiv’s energy crisis deepens after Russia pounds power grid</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/12/the-situation-now-is-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 12 Jan 2026 19:56:30 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/12/the-situation-now-is-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2255373139.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;‘The situation now is the worst’ — Kyiv’s energy crisis deepens after Russia pounds power grid&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As Kyiv faces prolonged blackouts and subzero temperatures, officials and energy experts warn that the city&#39;s infrastructure is nearing its limits. Although the number of buildings without heat has decreased since the Jan. 9 mass missile and drone attack, the broader impact of the crisis on daily life&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/not-the-worst-attack-but-the-worst-impact-kyiv-struggles-to-recover-as-energy-crisis-deepens/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Fact Check: Satirical Post Said Trump Smelled Like Rotten Beef, Farted Audibly During White House Meeting With Oil Executives -- Not Real News</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/12/fact-check-satirical-post-said.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 12 Jan 2026 19:38:44 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/12/fact-check-satirical-post-said.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;Did an actual news outlet report that an oil executive said Donald Trump &#34;smelled like rotten roast beef&#34; and audibly farted multiple times during a White House meeting with oil industry leaders? No, that&#39;s not true: The viral message making those claims originated on a satirical X.com account. There were no actual news reports that any participant in the Jan. 9, 2026 meeting with Trump had made on-or-off-the-record comments of that sort to journalists.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The &lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/HalfwayPost/status/2010149414103593286&#34;&gt;Jan. 10, 2026 X post&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260112171819/https://x.com/HalfwayPost/status/2010149414103593286&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) was published by The Halfway Post and read:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;BREAKING: A top oil company executive says Donald Trump &#34;smelled like rotten roast beef&#34; during his big White House meeting on Venezuela, he farted audibly no less than a dozen times, and he kept getting up to look at and compliment the nonexistent ballroom like he&#39;s senile.&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This is what the post looked like at the time of writing:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;HalfwayPost.jpg&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/halfwaypost.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1000&#34; height=&#34;1000&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: The Halfway Post on X.com)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The Halfway Post &lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/HalfwayPost&#34;&gt;bio&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://archive.is/0oIke&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) reads:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Dadaist graffiti news. Halfway true comedy and satire for your doomscrolling by @DashMacIntyre. I don&#39;t report the facts, I improve them.&lt;br&gt;Subscribe to my Substack ➡️substack.com/@thehalfwaycafe&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Lead Stories searched the Google News index of thousands of news sites for articles with the terms &#34;oil executive&#34; and &#34;Trump and &#34;smelled like rotten roast beef&#34;, finding &lt;a href=&#34;https://news.google.com/search?q=%22oil%20executive%22%20and%20%22Trump%20and%20%22smelled%20like%20rotten%20roast%20beef%22&amp;hl=en-US&amp;gl=US&amp;ceid=US%3Aen&#34;&gt;no coverage&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260112182630/https://news.google.com/search?q=%22oil%20executive%22%20and%20%22Trump%20and%20%22smelled%20like%20rotten%20roast%20beef%22&amp;hl=en-US&amp;gl=US&amp;ceid=US%3Aen&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) of any such report, which would have been widely re-posted and covered if it were a real report.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://hoax-alert.leadstories.com/2026/01/fact-check-satire-page-generated-claim-that-oil-executive-said-trump-smelt-of-rotted-beef-and-farted-during-meeting.html&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Project Nightfall — Everything we know about the UK&#39;s ballistic missile program for Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/12/project-nightfall-everything-we-know.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 12 Jan 2026 19:18:50 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/12/project-nightfall-everything-we-know.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/c4b57420b4.png&#34; alt=&#34;Project Nightfall — Everything we know about the UK&#39;s ballistic missile program for Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In what could be a huge boost for Ukraine&#39;s offensive capabilities, the U.K. announced on Jan. 11 it had launched Project Nightfall, a competition to rapidly develop new long-range ballistic missiles for Kyiv.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ukraine has &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tomahawk-deliveries-could-force-russia-to-sober-up-and-negotiate-zelensky-says/&#34;&gt;repeatedly stressed&lt;/a&gt; the need to reinforce its ability to target Russian military&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/everything-we-know-about-project-nightfall-the-uks-ballistic-missile-program-for-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Zelensky orders final review of US security guarantees; White House source praises &#39;tremendous progress&#39; in ending war</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/12/zelensky-orders-final-review-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 12 Jan 2026 18:52:49 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/12/zelensky-orders-final-review-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2f36c54287.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky orders final review of US security guarantees; White House source praises &#39;tremendous progress&#39; in ending war&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Jan. 12 that he instructed Ukraine&#39;s negotiating team to finalize a security guarantees document with the U.S. and submit it for review &#34;at the highest level.&#34; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;No further details were provided by the president.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The directive comes amid growing indications&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-orders-us-security-guarantees-finalized-white-house-source-praises-tremendous-progress/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>❗️Why does PUTIN need DONBAS – THE TRUTH that is no longer being hidden! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/12/why-does-putin-need-donbas.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 12 Jan 2026 18:30:12 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/12/why-does-putin-need-donbas.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/7f2f7c6fa7.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️Why does PUTIN need DONBAS – THE TRUTH that is no longer being hidden! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/N3ET1m0gt0c&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>TRAP! ⚡️ Putin will &amp;amp;quot;give&amp;amp;quot; Ukraine GAS after blowing up all the thermal power plants!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/12/trap-putin-will-ampquotgiveampquot-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 12 Jan 2026 18:00:17 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/12/trap-putin-will-ampquotgiveampquot-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/5348adb1a2.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;TRAP! ⚡️ Putin will &amp;quot;give&amp;quot; Ukraine GAS after blowing up all the thermal power plants!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90RI3vnp9L0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>FIREWORKS FROM AMMUNITION: Ukrainian UAVs strike Russian MILITARY ARSENALS! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/12/fireworks-from-ammunition-ukrainian-uavs.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 12 Jan 2026 17:30:22 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/12/fireworks-from-ammunition-ukrainian-uavs.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/18634bbe56.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;FIREWORKS FROM AMMUNITION: Ukrainian UAVs strike Russian MILITARY ARSENALS! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/duVdlS6jf8I&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>🔥 Russian oil rigs hit! John Gilli is ready to KIDNAP PUTIN, and Britain is building NEW BALLISTICS</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/12/russian-oil-rigs-hit-john.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 12 Jan 2026 17:00:39 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/12/russian-oil-rigs-hit-john.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/05f1f9eec9.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🔥 Russian oil rigs hit! John Gilli is ready to KIDNAP PUTIN, and Britain is building NEW BALLISTICS&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONtxPmFlGJw&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>UK reportedly finds legal basis to board shadow fleet tankers evading oil sanctions</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/12/uk-reportedly-finds-legal-basis.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 12 Jan 2026 16:17:15 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/12/uk-reportedly-finds-legal-basis.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/c93aee7fc4.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;UK reportedly finds legal basis to board shadow fleet tankers evading oil sanctions&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The move comes as London looks for stronger tools to disrupt illicit oil shipments that help fund Russia&#39;s war against Ukraine, as well as sanctioned exports linked to Iran and Venezuela.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/uk-reportedly-finds-legal-basis-to-board-shadow-fleet-tankers-evading-oil-sanctions/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Canadian combat medic from 13th Khartiia Brigade saves over 50 soldiers on Kupiansk axis</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/12/canadian-combat-medic-from-th.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 12 Jan 2026 16:07:27 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/12/canadian-combat-medic-from-th.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width=&#34;1421&#34; height=&#34;793&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/znimok-ekrana-2026-01-12-113629.png.webp&#34; alt=&#34;Canadian volunteer combat medic, callsign Cooper from Ukraine’s 13th Khartiia brigade&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;UKRAINE, KHARKIV OBLAST&lt;/strong&gt;, Jan. 12 — Canadian volunteer combat medic, callsign Cooper, serving with Ukraine’s 13th Khartiia brigade, has saved more than 50 soldiers since the beginning of his service in autumn 2025, the brigade’s press service told Gwara Media.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A 20-year-old Cooper came to Ukraine and joined the Khartiia brigade in the summer of 2025.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;At the beginning of autumn, Cooper joined the Kupiansk operation of the search-and-assault group of the Kharkiv brigade.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;During one of his combat missions, Cooper stepped on a mine.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;He put a tourniquet on himself, stopped the massive bleeding, and began to crawl out of the danger zone on his own, calling for help. Soldiers from the Khartiia brigade found him, provided first aid, and pulled him to safety.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The next day, he was taken to a stabilization point. Later, doctors had to amputate his leg. However, Cooper wants to return to work after rehabilitation.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-quote&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“I lost my leg. I can&#39;t change what happened. I don&#39;t regret anything. And I&#39;m not done yet. I&#39;m going to get a prosthetic leg. Lots of people do it, so why can&#39;t I? There&#39;s no reason not to,” said Cooper,” said Cooper.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;During the Kupiansk operation from Sep. 22 to Dec. 12, 2025, the Khartiia brigade killed 1,027, injured 291, and captured 13 Russian soldiers.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-heading&#34;&gt;Read more&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;ul data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-list&#34;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Russian forces &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/russian-forces-advance-in-vovchansk-vilcha-north-of-kharkiv-region-war-monitor-says/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;advance&lt;/a&gt; in Vovchansk, Vilcha north of Kharkiv region, war monitor says&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p data-sanitized-class=&#34;has-background&#34;&gt;Hi! Winter has come, and Russian airstrikes on power infrastructure disrupt our daily lives &amp; work a lot here in Kharkiv. Despite it all, we keep working to bring you reports from the city and the Kharkiv region. Please consider supporting our newsroom with &lt;a href=&#34;https://buymeacoffee.com/gwaramedia&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;a one-time tip&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; or become a &lt;a href=&#34;https://buymeacoffee.com/gwaramedia/membership&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;member of our community&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The post &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/canadian-combat-medic-from-13th-khartiia-brigade-saves-over-50-soldiers-on-kupiansk-axis/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;Canadian combat medic from 13th Khartiia Brigade saves over 50 soldiers on Kupiansk axis&lt;/a&gt; appeared first on &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;Gwara Media&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/canadian-combat-medic-from-13th-khartiia-brigade-saves-over-50-soldiers-on-kupiansk-axis/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>🚀 British ballistics NIGHTFALL – COMING SOON to UKRAINE! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/12/british-ballistics-nightfall-coming-soon.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 12 Jan 2026 15:30:44 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/12/british-ballistics-nightfall-coming-soon.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/c315e28fa1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🚀 British ballistics NIGHTFALL – COMING SOON to UKRAINE! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/j2B-JWaJAjI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Norway announces $400 million emergency package for Ukraine&#39;s energy sector, budget</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/12/norway-announces-million-emergency-package.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 12 Jan 2026 15:15:27 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/12/norway-announces-million-emergency-package.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/eicbwehjweice.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Norway announces $400 million emergency package for Ukraine&#39;s energy sector, budget&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;Ensuring that people can keep warm, cook food, and live reasonably normal lives is vital in enabling them to persevere in this war — a war that they are fighting on behalf of us all,&#34; Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/norway-announces-400-million-emergency-package-for-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ballistic response from the West! Britain promises Ukraine weapons that the Kremlin fears</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/12/ballistic-response-from-the-west.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 12 Jan 2026 15:05:11 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/12/ballistic-response-from-the-west.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/6dc8288584.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ballistic response from the West! Britain promises Ukraine weapons that the Kremlin fears&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LMx1kHP1os&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>LIVE | Russia&#39;s Trojan Horse in Europe: FSB, MATRYOSHKA dolls, and SMO, lasting more than 1418 days!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/12/live-russias-trojan-horse-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 12 Jan 2026 14:53:16 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/12/live-russias-trojan-horse-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/df421be8c0.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;LIVE | Russia&#39;s Trojan Horse in Europe: FSB, MATRYOSHKA dolls, and SMO, lasting more than 1418 days!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWg9-pNfKBg&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>‘They don&#39;t know it&#39;s the sound of war’ — How Ukraine&#39;s pets react to sirens and explosions</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/12/they-dont-know-its-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 12 Jan 2026 14:10:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/12/they-dont-know-its-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/anna-animals-11.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;‘They don&#39;t know it&#39;s the sound of war’ — How Ukraine&#39;s pets react to sirens and explosions&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;One night in late November, there was a loud explosion. The sky flashed white. Yura didn’t know what the sound was. She only knew it meant death might be near. She ran.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Yura — or Yurha, as her family calls her — is a 12-year-old shepherd dog. Her&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/they-dont-know-its-the-sound-of-war-how-ukraines-pets-react-to-explosions-and-sirens/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russian region vows crackdown on &#39;provocateurs&#39; as claimed Ukrainian strikes cause &#39;catastrophic&#39; outages, tensions</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/12/russian-region-vows-crackdown-on.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 12 Jan 2026 13:20:11 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/12/russian-region-vows-crackdown-on.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2232588071.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian region vows crackdown on &#39;provocateurs&#39; as claimed Ukrainian strikes cause &#39;catastrophic&#39; outages, tensions&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Belgorod Oblast Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said the energy supply situation in the region is &#34;extremely dire,&#34; noting that the &#34;energy capacity losses are reaching practically catastrophic scale.&#34;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-region-to-crack-down-on-provocateurs-as-claimed-ukrainian-strikes-cause-outages-tensions/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest: Khartiia Brigade raises flag over Kupiansk city council building, releases video</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/12/ukraine-war-latest-khartiia-brigade.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 12 Jan 2026 12:51:16 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/12/ukraine-war-latest-khartiia-brigade.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/img-0995.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest: Khartiia Brigade raises flag over Kupiansk city council building, releases video&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Live coverage of Russia’s war against Ukraine with breaking news and frontline updates, updated 7 times today. Ukraine&#39;s Khartiia Brigade on Jan. 12 said it had recaptured the city council building in Kupiansk, Kharkiv Oblast, and flown the country&#39;s flag from its roof.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-update-2026-01-12/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest: Russia intensifies push on Chasiv Yar, Ukrainian military says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/12/ukraine-war-latest-russia-intensifies.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 12 Jan 2026 12:51:16 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/12/ukraine-war-latest-russia-intensifies.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2225937262.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest: Russia intensifies push on Chasiv Yar, Ukrainian military says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Live coverage of Russia’s war against Ukraine with breaking news and frontline updates, updated (3) times today. Russian troops are intensifying their offensive on Chasiv Yar, trying to build up forces and deploying all types of available weapons, including multiple launch rocket systems, the Ukrainian military reported on Jan. 12.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/https-kyivindependent-com-ukraine-war-latest-update-2026-01-12/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Fire breaks out at power plant in Russia&#39;s Rostov Oblast, Astra reports</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/12/fire-breaks-out-at-power.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 12 Jan 2026 11:52:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/12/fire-breaks-out-at-power.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/photo-2026-01-12-12-34-34.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Fire breaks out at power plant in Russia&#39;s Rostov Oblast, Astra reports&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Emergency services arrived at the scene to extinguish a fire following an alleged attack, according to local residents.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/power-plant-in-russias-rostov-oblast-attacked-astra-reported/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia attacks UK defense chief with crude insult after Putin kidnapping remarks</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/12/russia-attacks-uk-defense-chief.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 12 Jan 2026 10:07:55 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/12/russia-attacks-uk-defense-chief.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/804a42f824.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia attacks UK defense chief with crude insult after Putin kidnapping remarks&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;The wet dreams of British perverts,&#34; Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-attacks-uk-defense-chief-with-crude-insult/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia strikes ambulance in Chernihiv Oblast, injuring 2 medics</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/12/russia-strikes-ambulance-in-chernihiv.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 12 Jan 2026 05:49:44 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/12/russia-strikes-ambulance-in-chernihiv.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/photo-2026-01-11-14-53-18.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia strikes ambulance in Chernihiv Oblast, injuring 2 medics&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russian forces struck an ambulance in the town of Semenivka in Chernihiv Oblast on Jan. 11, injuring two medical workers, a local official reported.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-strikes-ambulance-in-chernihiv-oblast-injuring-2-medics/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Explosions, fires reported in Kyiv as thousands remain without heat</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/12/explosions-fires-reported-in-kyiv.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 12 Jan 2026 01:20:26 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/12/explosions-fires-reported-in-kyiv.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2255214024-612x612.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Explosions, fires reported in Kyiv as thousands remain without heat&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russia launched a wave of drones towards Kyiv overnight on Jan. 12, striking a building within the city, local officials reported.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/explosions-fire-reported-in-kyiv/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>ORESHNIK strikes for the SECOND time during the WAR – 🚀 this time CLOSER to NATO! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/11/oreshnik-strikes-for-the-second.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 11 Jan 2026 21:30:03 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/11/oreshnik-strikes-for-the-second.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/769736e955.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;ORESHNIK strikes for the SECOND time during the WAR – 🚀 this time CLOSER to NATO! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/GAWizbVV51g&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Russia &#39;repeated fascism,&#39; Zelensky says as war in Ukraine outlasts Nazi Germany&#39;s war with USSR</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/11/russia-repeated-fascism-zelensky-says.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 11 Jan 2026 21:16:52 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/11/russia-repeated-fascism-zelensky-says.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/e9b99ed0e2.png&#34; alt=&#34;Russia &#39;repeated fascism,&#39; Zelensky says as war in Ukraine outlasts Nazi Germany&#39;s war with USSR&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The full-scale war in Ukraine entered its 1,418th day on Jan. 11, matching the length of Nazi Germany&#39;s fight against the Soviet Union during World War II. Russia has &#34;repeated almost all the worst things that happened in the 20th century,&#34; President Volodymyr Zelensky said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-repeated-fascism-zelensky-says-as-war-in-ukraine-outlasts-nazi-germanys-war-with-ussr/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>🚢 US seizes five tankers right under Putin&#39;s nose! Kremlin goes all-in amid Arctic freeze!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/11/us-seizes-five-tankers-right.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 11 Jan 2026 21:00:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/11/us-seizes-five-tankers-right.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/58bdb7d6e7.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🚢 US seizes five tankers right under Putin&#39;s nose! Kremlin goes all-in amid Arctic freeze!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gEOh4Zdyp0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>UK developing ballistic missiles for Ukraine capable of striking deep inside Russia</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/11/uk-developing-ballistic-missiles-for.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 11 Jan 2026 20:26:40 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/11/uk-developing-ballistic-missiles-for.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/95b3714c20.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;UK developing ballistic missiles for Ukraine capable of striking deep inside Russia&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The U.K. has launched Project Nightfall, a competition to rapidly develop new long-range ballistic missiles for Ukraine. The missiles will be able to travel 500 km (310 miles) and come equipped with a 200 kg (440 lb) warhead.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/uk-developing-ballistic-missiles-for-ukraine-capable-of-striking-deep-within-russia/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Putin outlasts even Hitler – his WAR lasts 1418 days already! – Zelenskyy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/11/putin-outlasts-even-hitler-his.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 11 Jan 2026 20:12:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/11/putin-outlasts-even-hitler-his.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/815d2dcb5c.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Putin outlasts even Hitler – his WAR lasts 1418 days already! – Zelenskyy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/4ol3tv3blXk&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukraine war latest: Ukraine hits Russian drilling platforms in Caspian Sea, military reports</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/11/ukraine-war-latest-ukraine-hits.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 11 Jan 2026 19:39:23 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/11/ukraine-war-latest-ukraine-hits.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/eb5accba8a.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest: Ukraine hits Russian drilling platforms in Caspian Sea, military reports&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Key developments on Jan. 10-11:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Ukraine hits Russian drilling platforms in Caspian Sea, military reports&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Ukraine brings US-made Tempest air defense system into combat, footage suggests&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Russia seeks to set stage for new offensive, potentially threatening Sumy, Ukraine warns&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Russia deploys new Geran-5 jet-powered drone against Ukraine, intel says&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Ukraine&amp;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-ukraine-hits-russian-drilling-platforms-in-caspian-sea-military-reports/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>🚫 Russia – LEADER in INTERNET SHUTDOWNS in 2025 #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/11/russia-leader-in-internet-shutdowns.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 11 Jan 2026 19:30:48 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/11/russia-leader-in-internet-shutdowns.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/1b30573608.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🚫 Russia – LEADER in INTERNET SHUTDOWNS in 2025 #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/VZkUnkQIXSY&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>RECORD! 🚫 Russia burns $12B blocking Internet, even surpasses Venezuela</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/11/record-russia-burns-b-blocking.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 11 Jan 2026 19:00:48 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/11/record-russia-burns-b-blocking.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/13091da7b3.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;RECORD! 🚫 Russia burns $12B blocking Internet, even surpasses Venezuela&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iiiiFj-TjvE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russian House in your country: Kremlin spies are hiding here! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/11/russian-house-in-your-country.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 11 Jan 2026 18:30:17 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/11/russian-house-in-your-country.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/17742f53d9.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian House in your country: Kremlin spies are hiding here! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/t-hMhdPgrN8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine brings US-made Tempest air defense system into combat, footage suggests</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/11/ukraine-brings-usmade-tempest-air.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 11 Jan 2026 18:23:19 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/11/ukraine-brings-usmade-tempest-air.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/tempest.png&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine brings US-made Tempest air defense system into combat, footage suggests&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Tempest surface-to-air missile system is designed to engage drones, helicopters, and low-flying aircraft in all weather conditions. Its transfer to Ukraine was not publicly announced.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-deploys-us-made-tempest-air-defense-system-for-first-time-footage-suggests/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>RUSSIAN HOUSES with FSB agents inside! 🕵️ Russian &amp;quot;artists&amp;quot; gather INTELLIGENCE in Europe</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/11/russian-houses-with-fsb-agents.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 11 Jan 2026 18:01:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/11/russian-houses-with-fsb-agents.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/791fa03257.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;RUSSIAN HOUSES with FSB agents inside! 🕵️ Russian &amp;quot;artists&amp;quot; gather INTELLIGENCE in Europe&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fh3Rkcb3Z4A&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Putin’s &amp;quot;SMO&amp;quot; lasts LONGER than the WAR between HITLER and the USSR #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/11/putins-quotsmoquot-lasts-longer-than.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 11 Jan 2026 17:30:04 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/11/putins-quotsmoquot-lasts-longer-than.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/b4853b673b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Putin’s &amp;quot;SMO&amp;quot; lasts LONGER than the WAR between HITLER and the USSR #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/69coAbJxo58&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Thousands &#39;without light and warm water&#39; — At tournament, Ukrainian tennis player speaks out on Russian energy grid strikes</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/11/thousands-without-light-and-warm.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 11 Jan 2026 17:11:14 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/11/thousands-without-light-and-warm.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2255118201.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Thousands &#39;without light and warm water&#39; — At tournament, Ukrainian tennis player speaks out on Russian energy grid strikes&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;I play every day with pain in my heart... My sister sleeps under three blankets because of the cold at home,&#34; Ukrainian tennis player Marta Kostiuk said after the final match at the Brisbane tournament.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tennis-player-speaks-out-on-russias-power-grid-attacks-after-tournament/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>⚡️ PUTIN broke HITLER&#39;S record! The loss of 1.2 million soldiers and absurd REASONS for the war</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/11/putin-broke-hitlers-record-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 11 Jan 2026 17:00:50 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/11/putin-broke-hitlers-record-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/20f302a221.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡️ PUTIN broke HITLER&#39;S record! The loss of 1.2 million soldiers and absurd REASONS for the war&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBmZipjTMh4&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia fires Oreshnik missile near NATO border | Ukraine This Week</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/11/russia-fires-oreshnik-missile-near.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 11 Jan 2026 15:47:20 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/11/russia-fires-oreshnik-missile-near.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/utw-11-01-1-3-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia fires Oreshnik missile near NATO border | Ukraine This Week&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;In the latest episode of Ukraine This Week, the Kyiv Independent’s Anna Belokur reports on Russia’s latest missile and drone attacks on Ukraine, including the use of an Oreshnik ballistic missile near NATO borders.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-fires-oreshnik-missile-near-nato-border-ukraine-this-week/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>⚡️ Zelenskyy gave Putin TWO WEEKS to agree to a PEACE plan #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/11/zelenskyy-gave-putin-two-weeks.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 11 Jan 2026 15:30:12 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/11/zelenskyy-gave-putin-two-weeks.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/d0ce9fd69e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡️ Zelenskyy gave Putin TWO WEEKS to agree to a PEACE plan #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/DUU40lTbYds&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>ZAPORIZHZHIA IN DARKNESS! 🌑 Russia launched 154 drones: power grid under attack!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/11/zaporizhzhia-in-darkness-russia-launched.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 11 Jan 2026 15:01:20 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/11/zaporizhzhia-in-darkness-russia-launched.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/a09fb658b1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;ZAPORIZHZHIA IN DARKNESS! 🌑 Russia launched 154 drones: power grid under attack!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNtJ5Oo173U&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Inside Venezuela’s oil refineries</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/11/inside-venezuelas-oil-refineries.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 11 Jan 2026 15:00:32 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/11/inside-venezuelas-oil-refineries.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f9d269087-5.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Inside Venezuela’s oil refineries&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!I28j!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F9146680d-38d7-4e88-b47d-10ba91c07457_1500x500.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f9146680d-3.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;485&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/9146680d-38d7-4e88-b47d-10ba91c07457_1500x500.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:485,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:true,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor’s Note:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;The Counteroffensive brings you human-first reporting from Kyiv to Caracas.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;This isn’t easy – support this initiative: to bring you closer to the places where the fight for democracy is underway.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Upgrade now to support our work and get full access to all our writing.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Get Full Access!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; 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data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fe8e1d055-1.png&#34; width=&#34;478&#34; height=&#34;376.7223113964687&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/e8e1d055-1062-4f9b-9520-f44006f09492_1246x982.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:982,&#34;width&#34;:1246,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:478,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;The location of Puerto La Cruz in Venezuela, where José Bodas worked.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;CARACAS, Venezuela – José Bodas says you could blindfold him, place him anywhere inside the Puerto La Cruz oil refinery, and he’d know exactly where he was.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The sensation of the winds, the rhythmic percussion of the machinery, the sounds of valves and compression pumps, and the pungent smells – he can segregate them all and associate them with a specific section.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;He was in 11th grade when he first started working at Puerto La Cruz refinery in Anzoátegui, Venezuela. At that age, José was fascinated by cars and the way gasoline could power almost anything. He earned a technical diploma in petrochemical operations upon graduating high school and began working at Puerto La Cruz in 1987, when he was 18.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;“&lt;/em&gt;I found it extremely interesting because it was something totally different,” said José. “I was thrilled to acquire a great amount of knowledge, and it was going to give me an opportunity to develop professionally in the main industry of the country.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Almost four decades later, José still works at the refinery as a plant operator. He is also the secretary of Venezuela’s Unitary Federation of Petroleum and Gas Workers, the largest labor union in the Venezuelan oil industry.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Workers like José have kept Venezuela’s oil industry alive, an industry based on what &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.cnn.com/2026/01/03/business/oil-gas-venezuela-maduro&#34;&gt;makes up &lt;/a&gt;about a fifth of the world’s crude oil reserves. In return, they are often forced into an uneasy balance, caught between the threat of repression by the regime, the moral obligation to speak up for workers’ rights, and pressure to sustain the oil necessary for the world to run.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f9d269087-5.jpg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/8b51270580.jpg&#34; width=&#34;512&#34; height=&#34;341.3333333333333&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/9d269087-55f9-4d8d-984a-2bc4dfa8eb71_594x396.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:396,&#34;width&#34;:594,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:512,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;A man emerges from a portable toilet next to a mural depicting former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on January 8, 2026 in Caracas, Venezuela. (Photo by Carlos Becerra/Getty Images)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Trump administration’s strike on the capital, and subsequent capture of President Nicolás Maduro, was an escalation of the campaign in the Caribbean.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Trump framed the offshore strikes and rising tensions as a fight against drug trafficking and criminal networks. But he has since claimed the right to seize oil – and its revenues – from the Venezuelan government.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Venezuela’s oil sector was once the backbone of its economy, but it has plummeted under decades of authoritarian rule. Since 2013, when Maduro took over for Hugo Chávez, Venezuela’s oil output has &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.axios.com/2026/01/07/trump-venezuela-oil-power-play&#34;&gt;dropped&lt;/a&gt; from 2.8 million barrels per day to 800,000, according to Axios.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;There are major geopolitical implications, including for Ukraine. Russia’s close ties to Venezuela – and its dependence on oil revenues to fund its war effort – means that Russia will suffer from the latest changes.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The U.S. has &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.cnn.com/2026/01/09/politics/oil-tanker-seizure-caribbean&#34;&gt;seized&lt;/a&gt; at least five oil tankers from the region, one of which was Russian-flagged, since the beginning of December.  Last year, most Venezuelan crude oil &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2026/01/09/venezuela-oil-china-cuba-trump/&#34;&gt;went&lt;/a&gt; to China, while Cuba, Iran and Russia all received imports, too.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!a3Mb!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F371ec7b1-af79-421a-af89-e469737fb339_1446x1020.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f371ec7b1-a.png&#34; width=&#34;475&#34; height=&#34;335.0622406639004&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/371ec7b1-af79-421a-af89-e469737fb339_1446x1020.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1020,&#34;width&#34;:1446,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:475,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;A graphic showing global crude oil reserves by country in 2023, showing Venezuela as the world’s largest holder. (Screenshot from &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.cnn.com/2026/01/03/business/oil-gas-venezuela-maduro&#34;&gt;CNN&lt;/a&gt;)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Meanwhile, inside Puerto La Cruz, the work never stopped.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“We have three work shifts at the refinery: the early shift from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., the second one from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m., and the night shift from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., or more if there was no one to replace us or an emergency,” said José.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;They were constantly repairing pumps and compressors, preempting problems before they boiled over.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“What was our goal? To prevent emergencies and disasters. That is in our DNA: to protect the refineries. Because if you protect the refinery, you protect lives and the environment,” he explained.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Despite long hours and less-than-ideal working conditions, José loves his job:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Many say that this privilege belongs to athletes, scientists and artists, who work in a job that pleases them. But it’s essential for every human being to have a job that pleases them. That’s part of freedom.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;div data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;id&#34;:431456}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;PollToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;poll-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;José had long identified with the political left. He recalls being 18 when he saw armed forces massacre Venezuelan citizens during protests.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“I didn’t learn that in books,” he said. He lived it. He voted for Chávez hoping for change:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;“We wanted to dance salsa, we wanted to change organized life. But we were not experiencing a deep crisis”.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;But when Chávez ordered a mass purge of oil workers, José knew that bad times were ahead. The regime was replacing managers not according to merit, but according to allegiance to the ruling movement, known as &lt;em&gt;chavismo&lt;/em&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!YPkh!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff0f90458-fadf-4bbf-a9e4-508aa6baf72c_866x585.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2ff0f90458-f.png&#34; width=&#34;461&#34; height=&#34;311.4145496535797&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/f0f90458-fadf-4bbf-a9e4-508aa6baf72c_866x585.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:585,&#34;width&#34;:866,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:461,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Photo of José Bodas, at a protest for fair wages. Photo provided by José to The Counteroffensive.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Over the course of his early career, José witnessed first-hand the strict refinery rules that led some of his co-workers to utter exhaustion.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Overtime, if requested of a worker, was absolutely mandatory.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“One colleague had a son’s birthday,” José recalled. “Their family is waiting for them at home with a cake. But he couldn’t leave the refinery. That kind of exception doesn’t exist.&lt;em&gt;”&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It’s a hard job, he said, but it pays well – at least for the region.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The minimum wage in Venezuela &lt;a href=&#34;https://fortune.com/2026/01/09/facing-a-682-inflation-rate-venezuelans-work-three-or-more-jobs-and-still-can-barely-afford-any-food-everything-is-so-expensive/&#34;&gt;is&lt;/a&gt; 130 bolivars (less than $0.40 American dollars) per month. There are other &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/venezuelas-maduro-says-minimum-income-will-be-130-per-month-2024-05-01/&#34;&gt;governmental bonuses&lt;/a&gt; that can increase that monthly payment anywhere between $100 and 400 USD.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;During his young-minded observations of injustices in the refineries, he felt compelled to start studying law at Santa María University in his country. By his late 20s, he had joined the union.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“My ultimate goal is to defend Venezuelans workers’ rights, no matter their ideology, their religion… because we are human beings first and foremost”, he said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In &lt;a href=&#34;http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/1918189.stm&#34;&gt;2002&lt;/a&gt;, management told him to wear red on Fridays in celebration of the Bolivarian Revolution, he remembers. The Bolivarian Revolution is an ongoing movement that was started by President Hugo Chávez and named after Simón Bolívar, a leader of Latin America’s independence movement. It promotes nationalism and a state-led economy, often associated with working-class politics.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;José refused. He wore white. Sometimes, managers denied him entry to the refinery when he wore anything but red.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Threats to civil rights freedoms have only worsened since then, said José. He witnessed colleagues detained for protesting and watched the military try to dismantle large gatherings of oil workers.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;On February 3, 2014, José and 10 other union leaders were &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.business-humanrights.org/es/%C3%BAltimas-noticias/presos-jos%C3%A9-bodas-secretario-general-de-la-futpv-y-otros-trabajadores-por-exigir-aprobaci%C3%B3n-del-contrato-petrolero-venezuela/&#34;&gt;arrested&lt;/a&gt; in Puerto La Cruz. They were protesting for labor rights and fair wages. Venezuela was going through a state of hyperinflation, and the minimum wage was less than 10 dollars a month.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;José spent three days in prison. For months, he was under probation and had to visit the court periodically to prove to the regime that he and his colleagues hadn’t left the country.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“To denounce a regime carries a lot of risk, but my responsibility to the people, with the oil workers’ rights, motivates me to continue,” he said. “There is a great responsibility to all Venezuelans.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Today, according to José and other oil workers at Amuay and Cardón refineries who will remain anonymous for safety purposes, the Venezuelan military monitors workers’ phones at the start and the end of their shifts to hunt for any criticism of the regime.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Union leaders are routinely charged with “terrorism,” he said. As of January 2026, José and his colleagues at the union are tracking more than 100 cases &lt;a href=&#34;https://correodelcaroni.com/pais-politico/represion-contra-sindicalistas-se-agudiza-en-medio-de-reclamos-salariales/&#34;&gt;involving&lt;/a&gt; detained energy sector workers in Venezuela.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ivan Freites was once a former union leader in Venezuela ‘s oil industry. But he fled to Miami amid political repression – he relates to the hard hours, the intolerance for political dissent, and hopes that Maduro’s capture will be a positive moment for the country.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!WQgY!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F897bc034-b361-4e5d-8597-d6b408b58c58_732x536.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f897bc034-b.jpg&#34; width=&#34;463&#34; height=&#34;339.0273224043716&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/897bc034-b361-4e5d-8597-d6b408b58c58_732x536.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:536,&#34;width&#34;:732,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:463,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Ivan Freites at a worker’s assembly at the Amuay refinery. Photo provided by Ivan to The Counteroffensive.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;“One of the most important days for us was seeing Nicolás Maduro being handcuffed,” said Ivan. “Venezuelans tried everything to have a transition, but his regime was relentless… I thought his regime would not end.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;There is a real drive, said Ivan, to revive the success of the Venezuelan oil industry.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Friends of his who moved away, some to Saudi Arabia, to work in oil in a place with a better quality of life, say they still want to come back to Venezuela and be part of this revival movement, even if it means living on 130 Bolivar a month.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;José’s attitude continues to be hopeful, too.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“We, at the Puerto La Cruz refinery, have a motto: Through challenge, the working class will have rights,” said José.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;He hopes that oil workers have a say in the future of Venezuela and, hopefully, in a democratic transition of power. Where every worker can earn a livable wage, speak freely, organize without fear, and choose how Venezuelan oil benefits its own people.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“I will try to stay on the same path to defend working class rights”, he repeats again and again. “I stand with the liberation of all political prisoners in Venezuela”.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor’s Note:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;The Counteroffensive brings you human-first reporting from Kyiv to Caracas.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;This isn’t easy – support this initiative: to bring you closer to the places where the fight for democracy is underway.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Upgrade now to support our work and get full access to all our writing.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Get Full Access!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Get Full Access!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Tip Jar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Tip Jar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;NEWS OF THE DAY: &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;By Oksana Stepura &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;MI6 CHIEF WARNS ABOUT RUSSIAN SABOTAGE&lt;/strong&gt;: The UK’s new MI6 Chief &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/russia-putin-ukraine-war-b2897569.html&#34;&gt;warned &lt;/a&gt;about Russia’s strategy to destabilize the West in her first public appearance since taking on the position.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;She emphasized that Russia will resort to using non-state actors, including petty criminals recruited online to individuals and shell companies who operate via legitimate-looking businesses. These agents are often paid by Russia via untraceable cryptocurrency to conduct deniable sabotage and economic warfare on behalf of the Russian state.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;strong&gt;U.S. URGES CITIZENS TO LEAVE VENEZUELA: &lt;/strong&gt;The State Department has &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/10/us-citizens-venezuela-paramilitaries&#34;&gt;urged &lt;/a&gt;all Americans to leave Venezuela immediately due to extreme security risks. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Armed pro-regime militias, known as ‘colectivos’, are reportedly setting up roadblocks to search vehicles for U.S. citizens or supporters.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;strong&gt;POTENTIAL NATO DEPLOYMENT TO GREENLAND: &lt;/strong&gt;European allies are &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/01/10/starmer-could-send-troops-to-greenland-after-trump-threats/&#34;&gt;discussing &lt;/a&gt;the possibility of sending NATO troops to Greenland to bolster Arctic security amid fears that Trump may illegally seize the territory.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The plan aims to counter Russian and Chinese influence in the region while persuading Donald Trump to abandon plans to annex Greenland.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;CAT OF CONFLICT:&lt;br&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;Oksana’s Mary loves Christmas trees. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!I3rc!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb29b7f01-fd31-435b-a08f-5d46194f8efc_1280x720.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fb29b7f01-f.png&#34; width=&#34;1280&#34; height=&#34;720&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/b29b7f01-fd31-435b-a08f-5d46194f8efc_1280x720.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:720,&#34;width&#34;:1280,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Stay safe out there.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Best, &lt;br&gt;Jacqueline&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/inside-venezuelas-oil-refineries&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine hits Russian drilling platforms in Caspian Sea, military reports</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/11/ukraine-hits-russian-drilling-platforms.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 11 Jan 2026 15:00:32 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/11/ukraine-hits-russian-drilling-platforms.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2026-01-11-15-52-58-1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine hits Russian drilling platforms in Caspian Sea, military reports&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Separately, Ukraine also hit a Russian Buk-M3 anti-aircraft missile system in the occupied parts of Ukraine&#39;s Luhansk Oblast, according to Ukraine&#39;s General Staff.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-hits-lukoil-drilling-platforms-and-and-russian-buk-air-defense-system/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russia seeks to set stage for new offensive, potentially threatening Sumy, Ukraine warns</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/11/russia-seeks-to-set-stage.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 11 Jan 2026 14:50:05 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/11/russia-seeks-to-set-stage.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2254145612.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia seeks to set stage for new offensive, potentially threatening Sumy, Ukraine warns&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;All such attempts are promptly detected and thwarted,&#34; the 7th Corps of the Airborne Assault Forces said on its Telegram channel.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-setting-stage-for-new-offensive-potentially-threatening-sumy-military-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Over 1,000 buildings in Kyiv still without heat after Russian strikes amid freezing winter</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/11/over-buildings-in-kyiv-still.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 11 Jan 2026 12:37:20 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/11/over-buildings-in-kyiv-still.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2255038319.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Over 1,000 buildings in Kyiv still without heat after Russian strikes amid freezing winter&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Kyiv&#39;s energy situation remains challenging and is expected to remain so in the coming days, Mayor Vitali Klitschko said on Jan. 11.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/thousand-buildings-in-kyiv-still-without-heat-as-difficult-conditions-set-to-continue/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Russian attacks kill 5, injure 24 in Ukraine over past day</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/11/russian-attacks-kill-injure-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 11 Jan 2026 10:59:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/11/russian-attacks-kill-injure-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/photo-2026-01-11-06-51-45.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian attacks kill 5, injure 24 in Ukraine over past day&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukraine&#39;s air defense and electronic warfare systems intercepted 125 out of 154 Russian drones, while another 22 drones hit 18 locations.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-launches-over-100-drones-overnight/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russia deploys new Geran-5 jet-powered drone against Ukraine for the first time, intel says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/11/russia-deploys-new-geran-jetpowered.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 11 Jan 2026 10:30:29 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/11/russia-deploys-new-geran-jetpowered.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/geran-5.png&#34; alt=&#34;Russia deploys new Geran-5 jet-powered drone against Ukraine for the first time, intel says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The UAV, which bears a resemblance to the Iranian-designed Karrar drone, utilizes the Telefly jet engine, though with a greater thrust than the Geran-3 model, according to HUR.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-deploys-new-geran-5-jet-powered-drone/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Zaporizhzhia Oblast loses power overnight for 2nd time in a week amid freezing temperatures</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/11/zaporizhzhia-oblast-loses-power-overnight.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 11 Jan 2026 09:40:33 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/11/zaporizhzhia-oblast-loses-power-overnight.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/photo-2026-01-11-10-51-06.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zaporizhzhia Oblast loses power overnight for 2nd time in a week amid freezing temperatures&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Electricity was fully restored across Zaporizhzhia Oblast by the morning, the regional grid operator Zaporizhzhiaoblenergo said on Jan. 11.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zaporizhzhia-oblast-loses-power-overnight-for-second-time-in-a-week/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russia is not following the agreements: what next? #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/10/russia-is-not-following-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 10 Jan 2026 23:30:14 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/10/russia-is-not-following-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/d2cebd7ab3.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia is not following the agreements: what next? #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/XG9nY9IMHfw&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>🚫 Dr. Jason Jay Smart on Trump’s 2026 Strategy: From Maduro’s Arrest to the Paris Security Shield</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/10/dr-jason-jay-smart-on.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 10 Jan 2026 23:00:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/10/dr-jason-jay-smart-on.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/c7b72708ae.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🚫 Dr. Jason Jay Smart on Trump’s 2026 Strategy: From Maduro’s Arrest to the Paris Security Shield&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nMq5vT1DRg&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>John Healey: My mission, the UK&#39;s mission, is to stand with Ukraine in your fight today  #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/10/john-healey-my-mission-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 10 Jan 2026 22:00:17 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/10/john-healey-my-mission-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/49e9b927d0.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;John Healey: My mission, the UK&#39;s mission, is to stand with Ukraine in your fight today  #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Jrair0Kuenw&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>John Healey: I pay tribute to the courage shown by Ukrainians, both military and civilian #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/10/john-healey-i-pay-tribute.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 10 Jan 2026 21:30:08 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/10/john-healey-i-pay-tribute.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2b701ab85a.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;John Healey: I pay tribute to the courage shown by Ukrainians, both military and civilian #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/k2MKf8XMS44&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>John Healey in Kyiv announces £200M for paratroopers and mass Octopus drone production</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/10/john-healey-in-kyiv-announces.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 10 Jan 2026 21:00:04 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/10/john-healey-in-kyiv-announces.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/442f5f2529.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;John Healey in Kyiv announces £200M for paratroopers and mass Octopus drone production&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BbWecJVxrE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>91 drones targeting Putin&#39;s residence? Kremlin invents absurd hoax #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/10/drones-targeting-putins-residence-kremlin.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 10 Jan 2026 20:30:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/10/drones-targeting-putins-residence-kremlin.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/cd5cff79ae.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;91 drones targeting Putin&#39;s residence? Kremlin invents absurd hoax #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/fyoRmCmxHQ4&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>When did Russia really begin its aggression against Ukraine?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/10/when-did-russia-really-begin.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 10 Jan 2026 20:14:42 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/10/when-did-russia-really-begin.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-476129105.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;When did Russia really begin its aggression against Ukraine?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;That&#39;s the question most of you probably answered instinctively: in 2014, when Vladimir Putin, exploiting political instability and the change of power in Ukraine following the Revolution of Dignity, annexed the Crimean Peninsula.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;But what if I told you that Russia began attempting to seize Ukrainian &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/crimea/&#34;&gt;Crimea&lt;/a&gt; back&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/when-did-russia-really-begin-its-aggression-against-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukraine&#39;s military confirms strike on oil depot in Russia&#39;s Volgograd Oblast</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/10/ukraines-military-confirms-strike-on.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 10 Jan 2026 20:07:20 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/10/ukraines-military-confirms-strike-on.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/82fdc97c89.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine&#39;s military confirms strike on oil depot in Russia&#39;s Volgograd Oblast&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukrainian forces launched an overnight attack on an oil depot in Russia&#39;s Volgograd Oblast as part of efforts to reduce Moscow&#39;s offensive capabilities, Ukraine&#39;s General Staff said Jan. 10.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-military-confirms-strike-on-oil-depot-in-russias-volgograd-oblast/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>KREMLIN IN PANIC! 🔥 Russians shocked by Zelenskyy, Trump cuts off oxygen!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/10/kremlin-in-panic-russians-shocked.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 10 Jan 2026 20:00:08 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/10/kremlin-in-panic-russians-shocked.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/26c9277fa4.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;KREMLIN IN PANIC! 🔥 Russians shocked by Zelenskyy, Trump cuts off oxygen!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ai64HfvYMxI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>⚡️&amp;amp;quot;The US hasn&#39;t seen such a leader since Lincoln&amp;amp;quot; –  Keith Kellogg on Zelenskyy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/10/ampquotthe-us-hasnt-seen-such.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 10 Jan 2026 19:57:57 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/10/ampquotthe-us-hasnt-seen-such.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/6694b776df.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡️&amp;quot;The US hasn&#39;t seen such a leader since Lincoln&amp;quot; –  Keith Kellogg on Zelenskyy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Zf1r1CzQ3IQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>120 DRONES &amp;amp;amp; BALLISTICS! 🚀 Strike on Odesa Port and Tragedy in Donetsk Region</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/10/drones-ampamp-ballistics-strike-on.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 10 Jan 2026 19:00:43 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/10/drones-ampamp-ballistics-strike-on.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/e824803575.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;120 DRONES &amp;amp; BALLISTICS! 🚀 Strike on Odesa Port and Tragedy in Donetsk Region&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0l5BYMp8bg&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukraine condemns Iran protest crackdown, urges global pressure</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/10/ukraine-condemns-iran-protest-crackdown.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 10 Jan 2026 18:18:28 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/10/ukraine-condemns-iran-protest-crackdown.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/beba78e818.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine condemns Iran protest crackdown, urges global pressure&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on Jan. 10 condemned Iran&#39;s crackdown on anti-government protests and called on the international community to increase pressure on Tehran, drawing parallels between its domestic repression and its conduct on the global stage.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-condemns-iran-protest-crackdown-urges-global-pressure/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Complete failure of the Russians on the Pokrovsk front! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/10/complete-failure-of-the-russians.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 10 Jan 2026 17:30:05 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/10/complete-failure-of-the-russians.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/d2211a1762.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Complete failure of the Russians on the Pokrovsk front! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/BKYnf4Vriu8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>⚡️ &amp;amp;quot;Russia is the source of this war and deserves all retaliatory strikes and pressure,&amp;amp;quot; – Zelenskyy</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/10/ampquotrussia-is-the-source-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 10 Jan 2026 17:21:50 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/10/ampquotrussia-is-the-source-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/0b474abfe0.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡️ &amp;quot;Russia is the source of this war and deserves all retaliatory strikes and pressure,&amp;quot; – Zelenskyy&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/_Jc5CT1V_xM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>2026 KREMLIN COLLAPSE! Ukraine intelligence scams FSB $500K sting as Trump seizes Russian tankers</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/10/kremlin-collapse-ukraine-intelligence-scams.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 10 Jan 2026 17:01:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/10/kremlin-collapse-ukraine-intelligence-scams.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/52ce637c70.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;2026 KREMLIN COLLAPSE! Ukraine intelligence scams FSB $500K sting as Trump seizes Russian tankers&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XG3r4x-wbyw&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia strikes energy sector: Kryvyi Rih and Dnipro under attack by drones #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/10/russia-strikes-energy-sector-kryvyi.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 10 Jan 2026 16:24:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/10/russia-strikes-energy-sector-kryvyi.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/91997b5cb1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia strikes energy sector: Kryvyi Rih and Dnipro under attack by drones #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/pzCvHURiHo0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia joins China, Iran for naval drills in South Africa</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/10/russia-joins-china-iran-for.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 10 Jan 2026 16:17:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/10/russia-joins-china-iran-for.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2254774345.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia joins China, Iran for naval drills in South Africa&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;South Africa held on Jan. 10 the opening ceremony for Chinese-led naval exercises taking place in South African waters until Jan. 16., Bloomberg reported. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Russia, Iran, China and South Africa are &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-01-10/iran-and-russia-join-naval-drills-off-south-african-coast&#34;&gt;participating in the drills&lt;/a&gt;, called &#34;Will for Peace 2026,&#34; with Brazil, Egypt, Ethiopia and Indonesia joining as&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-joins-china-iran-for-naval-drills-in-south-africa/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>WATCH! US Army veteran on Ukraine war: front has become much tougher</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/10/watch-us-army-veteran-on.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 10 Jan 2026 15:19:43 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/10/watch-us-army-veteran-on.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/e619e57180.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;WATCH! US Army veteran on Ukraine war: front has become much tougher&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pu1agGPxuw&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>KRYVYI RIH IN DARKNESS! 🌑 Wounded in Dnipropetrovsk region and strike in Kharkiv</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/10/kryvyi-rih-in-darkness-wounded.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 10 Jan 2026 15:01:40 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/10/kryvyi-rih-in-darkness-wounded.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/030e9e9593.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;KRYVYI RIH IN DARKNESS! 🌑 Wounded in Dnipropetrovsk region and strike in Kharkiv&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucxowpX_KfQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>How Putin began taking Crimea long before 2014</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/10/how-putin-began-taking-crimea.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 10 Jan 2026 14:02:03 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/10/how-putin-began-taking-crimea.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/war-before-the-war-1-7-1-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;How Putin began taking Crimea long before 2014&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russia’s takeover of Crimea did not begin in 2014. In the first part of a new documentary, The Kyiv Independent’s War Crimes Investigation Unit looks at how Russia began moving to seize the peninsula immediately after Ukraine gained independence in 1991.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/how-putin-began-taking-crimea-long-before-2014/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>UK allocates $270 million for future peacekeeping force</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/10/uk-allocates-million-for-future.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 10 Jan 2026 13:21:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/10/uk-allocates-million-for-future.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2254812484.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;UK allocates $270 million for future peacekeeping force&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;We are surging investment into our preparations (...) ensuring that Britain’s Armed Forces are ready to deploy, and lead, the multinational force (in) Ukraine, because a secure Ukraine means a secure U.K.,&#34; U.K. Defense Secretary John Healey said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/uk-allocates-270-million-for-future-peacekeeping-force/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>US and Ukraine plan to sign $800bn deal at Davos</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/10/us-and-ukraine-plan-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 10 Jan 2026 11:37:15 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/10/us-and-ukraine-plan-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/dream-4.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;US and Ukraine plan to sign $800bn deal at Davos&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump plan to finalize the deal at the World Economic Forum&#39;s flagship annual summit, held in Switzerland on January 19–23, the Telegraph reported on Jan 9.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/us-and-ukraine-plan-to-sign-800bn-deal-at-davos/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russian attacks kill 2, injure 15 in Ukraine over past day</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/10/russian-attacks-kill-injure-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 10 Jan 2026 09:52:50 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/10/russian-attacks-kill-injure-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/attack.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian attacks kill 2, injure 15 in Ukraine over past day&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukraine&#39;s Air Force reported intercepting 94 of the 121 drones launched by Russia overnight. Russia also launched one ballistic missile from its Kursk region.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-attacks-kill-2-injure-15-in-ukraine-over-past-day/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>“We can smuggle even nukes”: Russian officers from the 291st Regiment and Vostok-Akhmat establish weapons smuggling channel through Crimea</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/10/we-can-smuggle-even-nukes.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 10 Jan 2026 08:38:25 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/10/we-can-smuggle-even-nukes.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/371a30bad6.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;“We can smuggle even nukes”: Russian officers from the 291st Regiment and Vostok-Akhmat establish weapons smuggling channel through Crimea&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width=&#34;300&#34; height=&#34;157&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/a8ad1ebab4.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Ukrainian hacktivist group &lt;a href=&#34;https://t.me/CyberAssault&#34;&gt;&lt;b&gt;256 Cyber Assault Division,&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; in cooperation with &lt;a href=&#34;https://linktr.ee/informnapalm&#34;&gt;&lt;b&gt;InformNapalm volunteer intelligence community&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; conducted another CYBINT operation obtaining important intelligence for the Ukrainian Defense Forces.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;The public portion of this study focuses on exposing the supply chains of contraband weapons from the war zone to temporarily occupied Crimea. The peninsula, in turn, functions as a logistics hub for the further transfer of weapons to black markets in regions of the Russian Federation, as well as to countries in Europe, Western Asia, and Africa. These transfers reportedly involve Russia’s so-called shadow fleet of tankers.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;During the operation, accounts belonging to several Russian officers were compromised, including that of Major Yevgeny Dmitriev, a platoon commander in a Storm V assault company of the 291st Motorized Rifle Regiment (MRR), part of the 42nd Motorized Rifle Division, 58th Combined Arms Army, currently operating on the Zaporizhzhia axis.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;The investigation uncovered direct cooperation between Russian army officers and representatives of Kadyrov’s Vostok-Akhmat battalion in the illegal arms trade.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Following the account breaches, Ukrainian hacktivists also carried out a successful social engineering operation. Posing as a Russian army major, they manipulated administrators of the pro-war Telegram channel Two Majors, persuading them to transfer funds collected for the 291st Regiment to the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (see video at the end of this report).&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Read more below.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;h2&gt;Background: weapons black market of the so-called “special military operation”&lt;/h2&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Weapons trafficking is a persistent feature of the Russian state system, which throughout its recent history has repeatedly waged localized wars of aggression. Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine significantly expanded both the scale of illicit arms circulation and the number of actors involved.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Weapons trafficking is a typical phenomenon for Russia, which throughout its recent history, has constantly waged localized wars of aggression. The full-scale invasion of Ukraine significantly expanded both the scale of illicit arms circulation and the number of actors involved. The Global Organized Crime Index &lt;a href=&#34;https://ocindex.net/assets/downloads/2025/english/ocindex_profile_russia_2025.pdf&#34;&gt;shows&lt;/a&gt; that corrupt officials in Russian law enforcement agencies facilitate the movement of contraband weapons both domestically and to countries in Europe, Western Asia and Africa.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Experts note that after nearly four years of full-scale war, occupied Crimea has emerged as the primary and relatively safe transit hub for weapons from the front lines.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Following the terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall near Moscow on March 22, 2024, even the pro-war Telegram channel Grey Zone, associated with the Wagner PMC, indirectly acknowledged the role of Kadyrov’s Akhmat units in organizing uncontrolled weapons flows from the front (&lt;a href=&#34;https://archive.is/uMVwA&#34;&gt;archived posting&lt;/a&gt;). The channel suggested that although Russia’s FSB military counterintelligence is aware of the situation, it remains unable to intervene due to the political influence and protection afforded to Ramzan Kadyrov.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/004.png&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/004.png&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; width=&#34;2431&#34; height=&#34;1427&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;i&gt;Illustrative photo. Ramzan Kadyrov, Head of the Chechen Republic, Sharip Delimkhanov, commander of the Russian National Guard in Chechnya, and Viktor Zolotov, director of the Russian National Guard.&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;h2&gt;Weapons trafficking routes intelligence findings&lt;/h2&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Data obtained through CYBINT operations indicate that Russian military personnel have established stable channels for smuggling weapons from frontline positions through the temporarily occupied territories of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson oblasts into occupied Crimea. The scheme relies on the duty schedules of specific Russian National Guard (Rosgvardia) units at checkpoints along the R-280 highway on the Berdyansk–Melitopol–Chongar–Simferopol route. Depending on prior arrangements, Rosgvardia personnel either allow suspicious cargo to pass without inspection (for regular and “trusted” clients) or, for a fee, deliberately ignore discrepancies between transport documents and the actual cargo.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Coordination of these schemes is attributed to officers of the 46th Operational Brigade, a formation reportedly composed almost entirely of natives of Chechnya and Dagestan. The main base of these Caucasus-origin units ine the occupied territory is located in Askania-Nova and nearby settlements in Kherson Oblast, while command personnel are also stationed in Ilyinka, Novotroitske, Chaplynka, and Kalanchak.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;h2&gt;Why Akhmat destroyed Espanola&lt;/h2&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;As background, it is important to note that Kadyrov-affiliated groups faced competition in the illicit arms market from the Russian formation known as Espanola, composed primarily of football ultras and far-right radicals.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;In December 2025, the group’s founder and leader, Stanislav Orlov (call sign Spaniard), was shot dead at his dacha near Sevastopol. The killing was most likely linked to conflicts with rival criminal groups and law enforcement actors over control of weapons trafficking routes from the war zone through occupied Crimea.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;In particular, Espanola exploited the designation of humanitarian and volunteer convoys to avoid thorough inspections at checkpoints.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;h2&gt;Major Dmitriev as a source of intelligence&lt;/h2&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;The scheme can be illustrated using the case of Major Yevgeny Nikolaevich Dmitriev, one of many Russian officers actively involved in arms smuggling in cooperation with Kadyrov’s forces. Dmitriev served as a platoon commander in a Storm V assault company of the 291st MRR, which took part in combat operations on the Zaporizhzhia axis.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Dmitriev was born on December 26, 1983 in the village of Krasnogvardeyskoye, Stavropol Krai, Russia. The last time he visited his parents was in June 2025 during his leave. His own residence is registered in Stavropol at the address: 77 Dovatortsev Street, Bldg. 1, Apt. 29. His personal military service number is Х-648025. He uses the following phone numbers:  7(962)4347515,  7(961)4957515 and  7(949)9866262. Email: dmitriev_ev83@bk.ru.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/006-dmitriev-pic-.jpg&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/006-dmitriev-pic-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; width=&#34;1920&#34; height=&#34;960&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;i&gt;Photo: Major Dmitriev (center) after receiving the Assault Cross commemorative badge from the 58th Army command.&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/007-dmitriev-pic-0.jpg&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/007-dmitriev-pic-0.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; width=&#34;1292&#34; height=&#34;672&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Location of Dmitriev’s Stavropol apartment and application to get his military service pay through Promsvyazbank.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/008-dmitriev-pic-0.jpg&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/008-dmitriev-pic-0.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; width=&#34;1440&#34; height=&#34;930&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;i&gt;Dmitriev’s passport and driver’s license.&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/009-dmitriev-pic-0.jpg&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/009-dmitriev-pic-0.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; width=&#34;1440&#34; height=&#34;1080&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;i&gt;Major Dmitriev during treatment in a hospital.&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Dmitriev got to the war zone after serving part of his term in a maximum security penal colony. He was sentenced in August 2023 by a Vladikavkaz court for large-scale narcotic drugs trafficking.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;The major not only sold but also took psychostimulants himself. Court-appointed expert assessments diagnosed him with mental and behavioral disorders resulting from substance abuse. According to case materials, he received 1,000 rubles per drug stash placed. This criminal background provides a clear prelude to his later involvement in arms smuggling after signing a contract with the Ministry of Defense.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/010-dmitriev-pic.jpg&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/010-dmitriev-pic.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; width=&#34;1440&#34; height=&#34;955&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/011-dmitriev-pic-.jpg&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/011-dmitriev-pic-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; width=&#34;868&#34; height=&#34;1011&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;i&gt;Dmitriev’s criminal case materials&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;To avoid further imprisonment, Dmitriev volunteered for military service and signed a two-year contract with the Russian army from May 31, 2024 to May 30, 2026, receiving a position as platoon commander in a penal Storm V assault unit.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Initial draft office records mistakenly listed his rank as senior lieutenant, but this error was later corrected upon discovery of promotion orders dating back to 2017, confirming his rank of major.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/012-dmitriev-pic.jpg&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/012-dmitriev-pic.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; width=&#34;1182&#34; height=&#34;857&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;i&gt;Information about the first contract and an extract from the promotion order confirming Dmitriev’s military rank of major.&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/013-dmitriev-pic-.jpg&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/013-dmitriev-pic-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; width=&#34;1440&#34; height=&#34;960&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/013-1-dmitriev-pic-.jpg&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/013-1-dmitriev-pic-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; width=&#34;1440&#34; height=&#34;960&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;i&gt;Dmitriev’s officer ID card.&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/014-dmitriev-pic-.jpg&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/014-dmitriev-pic-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; width=&#34;1409&#34; height=&#34;842&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;i&gt;Examples of debt notices and one of Dmitriev’s latest debt collection writs.&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Dmitriev is not officially married but provides financial support for two children. His participation in the war of aggression against Ukraine secured preferential college admission for his son Zakhar (born 2010), as a dependent of a deployed serviceman.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/015-dmitriev-pic-.jpg&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/015-dmitriev-pic-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; width=&#34;428&#34; height=&#34;337&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;i&gt;Information on family status from Dmitriev’s questionnaire, line 7 says “not married, supports 2 children”.&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/016-dmitriev-pic-.jpg&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/016-dmitriev-pic-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; width=&#34;516&#34; height=&#34;346&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;i&gt;Certificate from the Ministry of Defense confirming college enrollment benefits for Zakhar, as son of a war-zone deployed serviceman.&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;h2&gt;291st Regiment realities of war and a video from Major Dmitriev’s phone&lt;/h2&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/018-kontrabas-ak-map-.png&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/018-kontrabas-ak-map-.png&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; width=&#34;1024&#34; height=&#34;768&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;CYBINT intercepts indicate that the 291st MRR, including Dmitriev’s assault company, has been operating primarily on the Zaporizhzhia axis near Orikhiv, Tokmak, and Robotyne, as part of the 42nd Motorized Rifle Division, 58th Army, within Russia’s Dnepr group of forces.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;In 2023–2024, the regiment was among the main Russian units engaged in fighting around Robotyne. Prolonged frontal assaults, with positions repeatedly changing hands, effectively destroyed the regiment’s personnel several times over. As of 2025, the unit continues operations near Orikhiv, mostly limited to holding positions and conducting localized assaults characterized by heavy KIA and WIA losses without meaningful territorial gains.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;The regiment’s permanent base (military unit 43057) is located in Vladikavkaz, Republic of North Ossetia–Alania. Its temporary deployment base is in the occupied village of Dunayivka, Pryazovske district, Zaporizhzhia Oblast.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Intercepted communications contain numerous complaints about the regiment’s commander, Lieutenant Colonel Anton Godin (born 1987), described by subordinates as corrupt and a “cynical butcher” indifferent to personnel losses. Despite chronic manpower shortages, Godin reportedly ordered repeated localized assaults with no tactical justification and predictably high casualties.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;In correspondence with acquaintances, Dmitriev characterized Godin as a self-serving careerist whose sole concern was pleasing his superiors, shifting blame downward, and producing shiny reports at any cost.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://informnapalm.org/ua/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/01/019-година-291-мсп.jpg&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://informnapalm.org/ua/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/01/019-година-291-мсп.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; width=&#34;385&#34; height=&#34;560&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;i&gt;Anton Godin&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/019-dmitriev-pic-.jpg&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/019-dmitriev-pic-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; width=&#34;1440&#34; height=&#34;1304&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;i&gt;Training evaluation report declaring the assault company “NOT combat ready”.&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Following training exercises, Dmitriev’s company received an official assessment deeming it unfit for assault operations. Nevertheless, the regiment’s command disregarded the evaluation and immediately deployed the unit into combat, once again demonstrating that for the Russian command, personnel are treated as expendable.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;As a platoon commander, Dmitriev himself showed little regard for losses and complied with orders. Even so, in private communications he occasionally expressed shock at the cruelty of his superiors.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;In a video message sent to an acquaintance from the Akhmat-Vostok battalion, Dmitriev described a situation so dire that one soldier was sent on an assault mission riding a motorcycle while wearing an Ilizarov apparatus — an external fixation device used to treat severe fractures when conventional immobilization is no longer possible.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt; 
&lt;video width=&#34;978&#34; height=&#34;978&#34; controls=&#34;controls&#34; preload=&#34;none&#34;&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;video/mp4&#34; src=&#34;https://informnapalm.org/ua/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/01/VID-20241221-end-of-video-s-aparatom-elizarova-na-shturm.mp4?_=1&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://informnapalm.org/ua/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/01/VID-20241221-end-of-video-s-aparatom-elizarova-na-shturm.mp4&#34;&gt;https://informnapalm.org/ua/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/01/VID-20241221-end-of-video-s-aparatom-elizarova-na-shturm.mp4&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/video&gt;&lt;/div&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;In addition to numerous videos recorded by himself, Dmitriev also stored a collection of interrogation recordings of captured Russian servicemen in his cloud storage. Among them is a video featuring Mikhail Nikolaenko, apparently an acquaintance of his. In the recording, the prisoner of war calmly recounts how, during an advance toward a trench, only two out of twelve Russian soldiers survived in a forest belt. The others were killed not by Ukrainian fire, but by their own fellow servicemen—shot in the back to prevent any attempt at retreat.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;div&gt;&lt;video width=&#34;978&#34; height=&#34;1204&#34; controls=&#34;controls&#34; preload=&#34;none&#34;&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;video/mp4&#34; src=&#34;https://informnapalm.org/ua/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/01/otbival-srok-sviditelstvo.mp4?_=2&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://informnapalm.org/ua/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/01/otbival-srok-sviditelstvo.mp4&#34;&gt;https://informnapalm.org/ua/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/01/otbival-srok-sviditelstvo.mp4&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/video&gt;&lt;/div&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;However, let us get back to the weapons smuggling scheme. &lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Primary sourcing begins with Russian officers commanding assault units on the front line. It is common practice for them to deliberately inflate reported losses of small arms during assaults. At the same time, some soldiers are sent into attacks without standard-issue weapons, sometimes being told to “win their weapons in combat.” Firearms left on positions are subsequently written off as lost and diverted into illicit circulation. The Ukrainian Special Operations Forces &lt;a href=&#34;https://zn.ua/war/shturmy-bez-oruzhija-tjazhelye-narkotiki-i-nastuplenie-po-telam-svoikh-voennykh-boets-sso-rasskazal-kak-vahnerovtsy-vojujut-v-bakhmute.html&#34;&gt;reported&lt;/a&gt; such Russian “bare-handed” attacks.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Another frequent source involves weapons and ammunition found or seized in no-man’s-land along the line of contact, which are deliberately not reported. Most often, these are weapons taken from the bodies of soldiers from neighboring units. Recent radio intercepts from the Russian 291st MRR further confirm that sending troops into assaults with minimal or no ammunition has long been standard practice there.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;There is little material documenting Major Dmitriev’s personal combat experience as a platoon commander. Among hundreds of photographs stored on his phone, not a single one was taken from an active combat position. Instead, there are dozens of images from rear areas—in dugouts, shelters, or even in a toilet—where he poses in newly issued body armor.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;For Dmitriev, the war appears to be a backdrop for selfies rather than a risk shared with subordinates who are thoughtlessly “erased” in assaults. It should be noted, however, that he did sustain a minor wound and was hospitalized.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/020-dmitriev-pic.jpg&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/020-dmitriev-pic.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; width=&#34;1440&#34; height=&#34;640&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;i&gt;Major Dmitriev’s selfie session&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/021-dmitriev-pic.jpg&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/021-dmitriev-pic.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; width=&#34;1200&#34; height=&#34;800&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;i&gt;Major Dmitriev’s wound report issued by a military medical commission and a photo of his injury&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;h2&gt;Akhmat-Vostok and the road to Crimea&lt;/h2&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Intercepted correspondence does not reveal where exactly Dmitriev first established contact with his Kadyrovite accomplices—whether in prison, at unit headquarters, during regular sauna visits with prostitutes, or while undergoing treatment at the 1472nd Naval Hospital in Sevastopol. What is known is that by the summer of 2024, Major Dmitriev had begun active cooperation with fighters from the Akhmat-Vostok battalion.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Beyond financial motives, Dmitriev was attracted by the security guarantees such cooperation offered. Through corrupt connections, Kadyrov’s men could provide advance warnings about snap inspections and “shadow shopping” raids conducted by military counterintelligence, the FSB, or the Investigative Committee—agencies that routinely operate in the area searching for illicit arms dealers.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Likewise, Kadyrov’s men and their accomplices among Russian military officers do not fear enhanced inspections of military transport at the administrative border between the temporarily occupied Kherson Oblast and Crimea. As a rule, they enjoy prearranged “green corridors.”&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/022-dmitriev-pic-.jpg&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/022-dmitriev-pic-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; width=&#34;1200&#34; height=&#34;900&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/023-dmitriev-pic-.jpg&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/023-dmitriev-pic-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; width=&#34;1200&#34; height=&#34;914&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/024-dmitriev-pic.jpg&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/024-dmitriev-pic.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; width=&#34;1440&#34; height=&#34;1078&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;i&gt;Major Dmitriev and his friends from the North Caucasus&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;h2&gt;Weapons trafficking scheme: “We can smuggle even nukes”&lt;/h2&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Dmitriev’s correspondence reveals that his primary contact for weapons sales was Nazir Radzhabov, a member of the Vostok-Akhmat battalion.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/025-dmitriev-pic-.jpg&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/025-dmitriev-pic-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; width=&#34;1600&#34; height=&#34;963&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;i&gt;Radzhabov with Dmitriev; Radzhabov during his service in the Russian National Guard in Grozny prior to the full-scale invasion&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Notably, in 2024, Vostok-Akhmat commander Vakha “Askhab” Khambulatov—formerly Ramzan Kadyrov’s personal bodyguard—was &lt;a href=&#34;https://t.me/sotaproject/72752&#34;&gt;implicated in an incident&lt;/a&gt; at the entrance to temporarily occupied Melitopol. Kadyrov’s men openly assaulted military police officers at a checkpoint and threatened them with weapons. Such deliberately provocative behavior appears designed to intimidate military police and facilitate the unchecked passage of vehicles carrying illegal weapons.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://informnapalm.org/ua/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/01/026-ваха-ахмат-восток.jpeg&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://informnapalm.org/ua/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/01/026-ваха-ахмат-восток.jpeg&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; width=&#34;620&#34; height=&#34;444&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;i&gt;Commander of the Vostok-Akhmat battalion Vakha Khambulatov and Ramzan Kadyrov&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Below is an excerpt from correspondence between Radzhabov and Dmitriev. Dmitriev handed over the weapons either to Radzhabov himself or to his trusted persons, for example, the commander of the Vostok-Akhmat reconnaissance platoon, Ali “Nokhcho” Osmayev.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;One particularly revealing message from Radzhabov reads: &lt;b&gt;“Bro, we can smuggle even nukes, if we have to”.&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/027-dmitriev-pic-.jpg&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/027-dmitriev-pic-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; width=&#34;1440&#34; height=&#34;983&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;i&gt;Screenshots of messaging between Radzhabov and Dmitriev&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;These exchanges continued throughout the year. During this period, Dmitriev’s financial situation visibly improved: he purchased expensive clothing and other high-value items. Throughout the entire “partnership” with Radzhabov, weapons transfers were suspended only a few times—specifically after insider warnings about intensified FSB inspections.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Active combat operations greatly facilitated fraudulent write-offs. For example, on June 11, 2024, Dmitriev received ten AK-12 rifles with ammunition for his unit. By June 25, he formally returned only three AK-12s and one captured AK-74, leaving six new assault rifles “written off” and available for illicit sale.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;He also shared proceeds with accomplices: the acting head of the weapons and ordnance service, D. Timoshin, received $200 per rifle, while the warehouse chief, D. Rovensky, received $50 per weapon.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/028-dmitriev-pic.jpg&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/028-dmitriev-pic.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; width=&#34;1440&#34; height=&#34;960&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;i&gt;Internal weapons transfer documentation&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;This stage of Major Dmitriev’s “service” ended in May 2025, when he was transferred from the assault company of the 291st MRR (military unit 43057) to military unit 41830 in the village of Terpinnia, Melitopol district, Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Shortly thereafter, he was reassigned as head of the 121st Military Investigative Department of the Russian Investigative Committee in temporarily occupied Donetsk—his current duty station.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/029-dmitriev-pic-.jpg&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/029-dmitriev-pic-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; width=&#34;1200&#34; height=&#34;1457&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;i&gt;Dmitriev’s proof of employment at the Investigative Committee of Russia in occupied Donetsk.&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;The scale of the weapons trafficking in the Russian army is significant. Some smugglers even get caught. Thus, following tip-offs to the FSB from “concerned citizens,” a large-scale raid took place on December 12, 2025, when the FSB, police, and the Russian National Guard &lt;a href=&#34;https://archive.ph/ZrzZp&#34;&gt;detained 169 individuals&lt;/a&gt; from 53 regions of Russia involved in illegal arms trafficking. Among the items seized were machine guns, assault rifles, grenade launchers, marksman rifles, mines, approximately 220,000 rounds of ammunition, as well as large quantities of TNT and gunpowder.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;According to the Russian Prosecutor General’s Office, the first half of 2025 saw a record surge in crime, with over 27,000 registered offenses, compared to 23,700 during the same period in 2024. Regions bordering territories of Ukraine temporarily occupied by Russian forces lead this trend.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Major Dmitriev and his accomplices from Vostok-Akhmat were not detained during that operation. Their reckoning still lies ahead. Nevertheless, Dmitriev has already completed another task that may seriously complicate his future service.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;h2&gt;Epilogue: hijacking a fundraiser&lt;/h2&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Ukrainian hacktivists from the 256th Cyber Assault Division used Major Dmitriev as an unwitting tool to hijack a fundraiser run by Two Majors, a Russian pro-war Telegram channel with over one million subscribers.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/030-dmitriev-pic-.jpg&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/030-dmitriev-pic-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; width=&#34;1600&#34; height=&#34;935&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/031-dmitriev-pic.jpg&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/031-dmitriev-pic.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; width=&#34;1600&#34; height=&#34;1234&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;i&gt;Correspondence with Dmitriev before this publication&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Hacktivists took advantage of the &lt;a href=&#34;https://archive.is/OpabU&#34;&gt;fundraiser request function on Two Majors&lt;/a&gt; on behalf of the Russian 291st MRR and contacted the admins posing as Major Dmitriev, who later “helped” to channel the funds to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://informnapalm.org/ua/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/01/032-два-майора-сбор.jpg&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://informnapalm.org/ua/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/01/032-два-майора-сбор.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; width=&#34;691&#34; height=&#34;728&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/033-dmitriev-pic.jpg&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/033-dmitriev-pic.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; width=&#34;1600&#34; height=&#34;1114&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/034-dmitriev-pic-.jpg&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/034-dmitriev-pic-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; width=&#34;1600&#34; height=&#34;1117&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;i&gt;Dmitriev’s correspondence with the administrators of the Two Majors channel&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;According to the hacktivists, the funds were used to purchase drones for Ukrainian SOF units, accompanied by a video report from the soldiers. All that remains is to congratulate the Russcists who donated to Two Majors in support of the 291st MRR—their money ultimately strengthened Ukraine’s Defense Forces.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;div&gt;&lt;video width=&#34;978&#34; height=&#34;1739&#34; controls=&#34;controls&#34; preload=&#34;none&#34;&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;video/mp4&#34; src=&#34;https://informnapalm.org/ua/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/01/українські-військові-донат.mp4?_=3&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://informnapalm.org/ua/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/01/українські-військові-донат.mp4&#34;&gt;https://informnapalm.org/ua/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/01/українські-військові-донат.mp4&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/video&gt;&lt;/div&gt; 
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;b&gt;Read more:&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; 
&lt;ul&gt; 
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://informnapalm.org/en/okbm-leaks-classified-documents/&#34;&gt;OKBMLeaks: classified documents from a Russian  components manufacturer for Su-57 fighter and PAK DA Poslannik next-gen bomber&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt; 
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://informnapalm.org/en/opshackrussiasday/&#34;&gt;Budapest as a hub for the Russian defense industry: Hungary facilitating dodging of international sanctions against Russia&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt; 
&lt;/ul&gt; 
&lt;hr&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://informnapalm.org/ua/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2020/10/сс.jpg&#34; width=&#34;100&#34; height=&#34;48&#34; alt=&#34;сс.jpg&#34;&gt;&lt;/b&gt;Compiled specially for InformNapalm readership. Distribution and reprint with reference to the source is welcome! (Creative Commons — Attribution 4.0 International — CC BY 4.0). Subscribe to InformNapalm social media pages.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;hr&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/95cddff54b.png&#34; width=&#34;100&#34; height=&#34;44&#34; alt=&#34;InformNapalm_logo_07.png&#34;&gt;InformNapalm does not receive any financial support from any country’s government or large donors. Only community volunteers and our readers help us to maintain the site. You can also become one of the community volunteers or support InformNapalm with your donations.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;The post &lt;a href=&#34;https://informnapalm.org/en/we-can-smuggle-even-nukes/&#34;&gt;“We can smuggle even nukes”: Russian officers from the 291st Regiment and Vostok-Akhmat establish weapons smuggling channel through Crimea&lt;/a&gt; appeared first on &lt;a href=&#34;https://informnapalm.org/en&#34;&gt;InformNapalm.org (English)&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://informnapalm.org/en/we-can-smuggle-even-nukes/?utm_source=rss&amp;utm_medium=rss&amp;utm_campaign=we-can-smuggle-even-nukes&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Iraq to launch commission to prevent recruitment into Russian armed forces</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/10/iraq-to-launch-commission-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 10 Jan 2026 07:20:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/10/iraq-to-launch-commission-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/image-1-1-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Iraq to launch commission to prevent recruitment into Russian armed forces&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Iraq is setting up a special government commission to investigate and prevent the recruitment of Iraqi youth to fight in Russia’s war against Ukraine, the &#34;I Want to Live&#34; project reported.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/iraq-to-launch-commission-to-prevent-recruitment-into-russian-armed-forces/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Oil depot fire reported in Russia’s Volgograd Oblast following drone attack</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/10/oil-depot-fire-reported-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 10 Jan 2026 06:30:44 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/10/oil-depot-fire-reported-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/e52da1fe35.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Oil depot fire reported in Russia’s Volgograd Oblast following drone attack&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russian authorities in Volgograd Oblast reported a drone attack overnight on Jan. 10, that sparked a fire at an oil facility in the region’s Oktyabrsky district.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/oil-depot-fire-reported-in-russias-volgograd-oblast-following-drone-attack/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia will take over Greenland if US doesn&#39;t get there first, Trump claims</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/09/russia-will-take-over-greenland.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 09 Jan 2026 23:33:47 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/09/russia-will-take-over-greenland.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2254852720.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia will take over Greenland if US doesn&#39;t get there first, Trump claims&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;We are going to do something with Greenland, whether they like it or not,&#34; Trump told reporters. &#34;Because if we don&#39;t do it, Russia or China will take over Greenland, and we&#39;re not going to have Russia or China as a neighbor.&#34;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-will-take-over-greenland-if-us-doesnt-trump-claims/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Security Service of Ukraine destroyed $7 billion worth of Russian equipment in hours! 💥 #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/09/security-service-of-ukraine-destroyed.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 09 Jan 2026 23:30:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/09/security-service-of-ukraine-destroyed.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/84f790a8a3.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Security Service of Ukraine destroyed $7 billion worth of Russian equipment in hours! 💥 #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Qvhdki2oGQE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>From defense to hunting: How in 2025 Ukrainian army cornered Russia strategically</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/09/from-defense-to-hunting-how.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 09 Jan 2026 23:00:33 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/09/from-defense-to-hunting-how.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/3b0409989a.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;From defense to hunting: How in 2025 Ukrainian army cornered Russia strategically&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Or8MhI20fLY&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Iranians take to the streets to demand change. Will US, Russia intervene?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/09/iranians-take-to-the-streets.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 09 Jan 2026 21:46:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/09/iranians-take-to-the-streets.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2220124150.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Iranians take to the streets to demand change. Will US, Russia intervene?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Over the past several years, Iran has witnessed a number of popular uprisings, varying in both scale and demands.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The ongoing mass protest movement that swept across the &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/iran/&#34;&gt;country&lt;/a&gt; in the closing days of 2025, however, is seen as the one that may actually topple the country’s autocratic&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/iranians-take-to-the-streets-their-demand-for-change-will-us-russia-intervene/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian Security Service shows debris from Oreshnik missile after strike on Ukraine 💥</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/09/ukrainian-security-service-shows-debris.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 09 Jan 2026 21:30:05 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/09/ukrainian-security-service-shows-debris.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/8f8e3ec2cf.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian Security Service shows debris from Oreshnik missile after strike on Ukraine 💥&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/DZHLw-uhPHE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>REVENGE FOR TANKERS! 🚢 Putin strikes Lviv region with &amp;amp;quot;Oreshnik&amp;amp;quot;: 70 km from NATO border!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/09/revenge-for-tankers-putin-strikes.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 09 Jan 2026 21:00:26 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/09/revenge-for-tankers-putin-strikes.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/e97ba04575.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;REVENGE FOR TANKERS! 🚢 Putin strikes Lviv region with &amp;quot;Oreshnik&amp;quot;: 70 km from NATO border!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbAhd9v7TQY&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>&#39;I&#39;d take Putin,&#39; UK Defense Sec says when asked which world leader he&#39;d most like to kidnap</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/09/id-take-putin-uk-defense.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 09 Jan 2026 20:42:29 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/09/id-take-putin-uk-defense.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2254812529.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;I&#39;d take Putin,&#39; UK Defense Sec says when asked which world leader he&#39;d most like to kidnap&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;This is a man who must be stopped,&#34; John Healey told the Kyiv Independent.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/id-take-putin-uk-defense-sec-says-when-asked-which-world-leader-hed-most-like-to-kidnap/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>A wave of important guarantees for Ukraine: what Stammer and Macron signed ✍️🌍 #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/09/a-wave-of-important-guarantees.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 09 Jan 2026 19:31:23 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/09/a-wave-of-important-guarantees.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/c96594f7db.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;A wave of important guarantees for Ukraine: what Stammer and Macron signed ✍️🌍 #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/tZ6KMbjRwPk&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>West prepares troops for Ukraine! What happens if peacekeepers fire on Putin&#39;s army</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/09/west-prepares-troops-for-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 09 Jan 2026 19:00:12 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/09/west-prepares-troops-for-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/e791309020.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;West prepares troops for Ukraine! What happens if peacekeepers fire on Putin&#39;s army&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=994Gi82nujg&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>❗️ Oreshnik strike deliberately near EU borders, – Zelenskyy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/09/oreshnik-strike-deliberately-near-eu.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 09 Jan 2026 18:33:39 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/09/oreshnik-strike-deliberately-near-eu.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/f0babd4395.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️ Oreshnik strike deliberately near EU borders, – Zelenskyy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/rGthxUkWpJQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Key Ukrainian lithium project awarded to investment group tied to Trump, NYT reports</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/09/key-ukrainian-lithium-project-awarded.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 09 Jan 2026 17:34:29 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/09/key-ukrainian-lithium-project-awarded.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/774e1444ec.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Key Ukrainian lithium project awarded to investment group tied to Trump, NYT reports&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Kyiv has awarded a tender to a group of investors to mine one of its most promising lithium deposits following a tender for a production sharing agreement launched in the summer, the New York Times reported on Jan. 8, citing two anonymous Ukrainian officials.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/nyt-state-backed-american-company-to-mine-valuable-lithium-deposit-in-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>❗️Russia hit Ukraine with an Oreshnik ballistic missile: Air Force confirmation #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/09/russia-hit-ukraine-with-an.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 09 Jan 2026 17:01:20 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/09/russia-hit-ukraine-with-an.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/36ac00463a.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️Russia hit Ukraine with an Oreshnik ballistic missile: Air Force confirmation #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ncLsv4rJihU&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>🚀 70 km to NATO: nuclear bluff failed! Trump confiscates Russian tankers!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/09/km-to-nato-nuclear-bluff.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 09 Jan 2026 17:00:39 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/09/km-to-nato-nuclear-bluff.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/6ad2418699.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🚀 70 km to NATO: nuclear bluff failed! Trump confiscates Russian tankers!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEf8R0yGNHs&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>2 Ukrainian ministers resign, await reappointment</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/09/ukrainian-ministers-resign-await-reappointment.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 09 Jan 2026 16:38:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/09/ukrainian-ministers-resign-await-reappointment.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/39a3098bfc.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;2 Ukrainian ministers resign, await reappointment&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal and Deputy Prime Minister and Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov submitted their resignations to the Ukrainian parliament on Jan. 9 amid an ongoing political reshuffle.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/2-ukrainian-ministers-resign-await-reappointment/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>“Putin attacks... but we will stand stronger with Ukraine!” British Defense Minister in Kyiv #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/09/putin-attacks-but-we-will.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 09 Jan 2026 16:27:16 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/09/putin-attacks-but-we-will.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/d99abfd058.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;“Putin attacks... but we will stand stronger with Ukraine!” British Defense Minister in Kyiv #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/cqj50jW2i4E&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Trump stalled it for a year — now a &#39;game-changer&#39; bill could hit Russia&#39;s oil profits</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/09/trump-stalled-it-for-a.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 09 Jan 2026 15:23:53 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/09/trump-stalled-it-for-a.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2229506470.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Trump stalled it for a year — now a &#39;game-changer&#39; bill could hit Russia&#39;s oil profits&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;U.S. President Donald Trump may soon hold a game-changing lever over Moscow. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;After months of hesitation, he has finally backed a sanctions bill targeting &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/russia/&#34;&gt;Russia&lt;/a&gt;, giving him the ability to hit the Kremlin where it hurts most — its oil and gas revenues. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The bill would impose sweeping secondary&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/trump-game-changer-bill-could-hit-russias-profits-hard/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>278 TARGETS IN THE SKY! 🚀 Blackout in Kyiv and Oreshnik strike on Lviv: how Russia justifies terror?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/09/targets-in-the-sky-blackout.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 09 Jan 2026 15:01:39 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/09/targets-in-the-sky-blackout.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/208504081b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;278 TARGETS IN THE SKY! 🚀 Blackout in Kyiv and Oreshnik strike on Lviv: how Russia justifies terror?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlCIm94jk9E&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>NEWSFLASH: Kyiv residents urged to evacuate after Russian attacks</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/09/newsflash-kyiv-residents-urged-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 09 Jan 2026 14:37:49 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/09/newsflash-kyiv-residents-urged-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f38f29c7f-6.png&#34; alt=&#34;NEWSFLASH: Kyiv residents urged to evacuate after Russian attacks&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!72TF!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F48142492-42ac-4cb0-86c0-7d3d20d65c30_1500x500.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f48142492-4.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;485&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/48142492-42ac-4cb0-86c0-7d3d20d65c30_1500x500.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:485,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:true,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Help keep us warm. Subscription revenues go in part to keeping the lights on, buying batteries for our team, and helping our team press through this difficult winter.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Get Full Access!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Get Full Access!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Tip Jar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Tip Jar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f38f29c7f-6.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/13603619d8.png&#34; width=&#34;482&#34; height=&#34;321.3333333333333&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/38f29c7f-6544-43ec-8aae-8b828c6d4d89_594x396.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:396,&#34;width&#34;:594,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:482,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;A man takes a photo from his window of the aftermath of the Russian attack on a residential apartment building on January 9, 2026 in Kyiv, Ukraine. (Photo by Danylo Dubchak/Frontliner/Getty Images)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Kyiv residents are being &lt;a href=&#34;https://nv.ua/ukr/kyiv/ataka-rf-na-kijiv-klichko-zaklikav-kiyan-timchasovo-vijihati-cherez-vidsutnist-opalennya-ta-vodi-50574458.html&#34;&gt;urged&lt;/a&gt; by the city mayor to leave the city if they have somewhere to go after a massive missile and drone attack on Ukraine last night.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The city’s electricity and heat supply has worsened not only as a result of the Russian attack but also due to a sharp deterioration in weather conditions: snow with rain, ice, and wind amid the coldest winter in recent years.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Utility workers also &lt;a href=&#34;https://glavcom.ua/kyiv/news/komunalniki-kijeva-otrimali-komandu-zlivati-vodu-z-sistem-opalennja-1097223.html&#34;&gt;received orders&lt;/a&gt; to drain water from the radiators to prevent them from bursting when the heating is cut off and temperatures drop below freezing.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!pU6p!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F59f17234-e77c-4a34-baed-ec52018d0b24_1206x216.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f59f17234-e.png&#34; width=&#34;1206&#34; height=&#34;216&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/59f17234-e77c-4a34-baed-ec52018d0b24_1206x216.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:216,&#34;width&#34;:1206,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Forecasted temperatures in Kyiv over the next week.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;The Counteroffensive&lt;/em&gt; team personally witnessed and heard explosions throughout the night as Russian strikes took place across the city.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;After paywall:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;The use of a nuclear-capable missile to attack Ukraine – what’s the significance?&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;What is the greater purpose for Russia leaving Ukraine without heat and power?&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;How did Ukraine survive through previous winters with Russia conducting similar attacks?&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Will this attack influence the negotiation process, and how?&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
      &lt;p&gt;
          &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/newsflash-kyiv-residents-urged-to&#34;&gt;
              Read more
          &lt;/a&gt;
      &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/newsflash-kyiv-residents-urged-to&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>US seizes Russian-linked shadow fleet tanker Olina, military confirms</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/09/us-seizes-russianlinked-shadow-fleet.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 09 Jan 2026 14:34:15 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/09/us-seizes-russianlinked-shadow-fleet.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2247821974.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;US seizes Russian-linked shadow fleet tanker Olina, military confirms&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Olina, the fifth tanker seized by the U.S. in recent weeks, has previously been sanctioned for transporting Russian oil in violation of earlier restrictions.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/us-forces-reportedly-board-another-russia-linked-oil-tanker/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest live: Nearly 6,000 apartment buildings in Kyiv without heat following massive Russian strike</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/09/ukraine-war-latest-live-nearly.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 09 Jan 2026 14:08:05 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/09/ukraine-war-latest-live-nearly.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/photo-2026-01-09-14-03-20.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest live: Nearly 6,000 apartment buildings in Kyiv without heat following massive Russian strike&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Live coverage of Russia’s war against Ukraine with breaking news and frontline updates, updated 5 times today. Around 6,000 multi-apartment buildings are currently without heating after a mass Russian missile and drone strike severely damaged the capital&#39;s critical infrastructure overnight, local authorities reported on Jan. 9.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-update-2025-1-9/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Kyiv Mayor Klitschko urges residents to &#39;temporarily leave city&#39; as Russia targets critical infrastructure</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/09/kyiv-mayor-klitschko-urges-residents.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 09 Jan 2026 13:18:31 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/09/kyiv-mayor-klitschko-urges-residents.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2190831720.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Kyiv Mayor Klitschko urges residents to &#39;temporarily leave city&#39; as Russia targets critical infrastructure&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;We are doing everything we can to resolve this as quickly as possible. However, the combined attack on Kyiv last night was the most devastating for the capital&#39;s critical infrastructure,&#34; Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/kyiv-mayor-urges-residents-to-temporarily-leave-city-as-russia-targets-critical-infrastructure/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russia &#39;must feel consequences&#39; — Zelensky denounces Oreshnik strike near Poland&#39;s border</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/09/russia-must-feel-consequences-zelensky.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 09 Jan 2026 12:46:33 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/09/russia-must-feel-consequences-zelensky.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/photo-2026-01-09-13-45-08.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia &#39;must feel consequences&#39; — Zelensky denounces Oreshnik strike near Poland&#39;s border&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile was said to be used in the attack on Lviv, about 60 kilometers (37 miles) from the Polish border, marking the first ballistic missile attack against the city during the war.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/moscow-must-feel-consequences-zelensky-denounces-russias-oreshnik-strike/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>What the data says about Ukraine’s mobilization crisis</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/09/what-the-data-says-about.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 09 Jan 2026 12:12:49 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/09/what-the-data-says-about.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2231904738.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;What the data says about Ukraine’s mobilization crisis&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Critics like to chastise Ukraine for its heavy-handed mobilization tactics; more friendly observers view it as an area of strategic vulnerability. So, where does it stand now?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The sometimes heavy-handed process of bundling unwilling men into vans is loathed by many and exploited by anti-Ukrainian &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/propaganda/&#34;&gt;propaganda&lt;/a&gt; — especially in the&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/what-the-data-says-about-ukraines-mobilization-crisis/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>US releasing 2 Russian crew members of seized oil tanker, Moscow claims</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/09/us-releasing-russian-crew-members.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 09 Jan 2026 11:34:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/09/us-releasing-russian-crew-members.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2220968053.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;US releasing 2 Russian crew members of seized oil tanker, Moscow claims&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;At Moscow&#39;s request, Trump agreed to release two Russian crew members of the Marinera oil tanker seized by U.S. authorities earlier this week, the Russian Foreign Ministry claimed.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/us-releasing-2-russian-crew-members-of-seized-oil-tanker-moscow-claims-2/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Trump&#39;s Ukraine defense commitment hinges on belief Russia won&#39;t invade again</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/09/trumps-ukraine-defense-commitment-hinges.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 09 Jan 2026 10:17:56 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/09/trumps-ukraine-defense-commitment-hinges.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2254941674.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Trump&#39;s Ukraine defense commitment hinges on belief Russia won&#39;t invade again&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;I feel strongly they (Russia) wouldn&#39;t re-invade, or I wouldn&#39;t agree to it,&#34; Trump told the New York Times when asked about Washington&#39;s potential involvement in safeguarding Ukraine against future Russian aggression.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/trumps-ukraine-defense-pledge-hinges-on-belief-russia-wont-invade-again/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>BREAKING: Oreshnik IRBM missile used in strike on Ukraine&#39;s Lviv, Russia says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/09/breaking-oreshnik-irbm-missile-used.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 09 Jan 2026 09:03:23 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/09/breaking-oreshnik-irbm-missile-used.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/37d1a564e0.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;BREAKING: Oreshnik IRBM missile used in strike on Ukraine&#39;s Lviv, Russia says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Oreshnik is a Russian intermediate-range ballistic missile designed to carry nuclear weapons.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-claims-oreshnik-missile-hits-lviv-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Treacherous STRIKE on the Kyiv Region: Consequences of a Massive Russian Attack #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/09/treacherous-strike-on-the-kyiv.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 09 Jan 2026 08:56:49 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/09/treacherous-strike-on-the-kyiv.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/022dab5a7a.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Treacherous STRIKE on the Kyiv Region: Consequences of a Massive Russian Attack #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/2RP6hH_aNF0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Why Russia did not protect its ally Maduro #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/09/why-russia-did-not-protect.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 09 Jan 2026 00:00:56 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/09/why-russia-did-not-protect.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/4e3fb8c148.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Why Russia did not protect its ally Maduro #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/dmj-jgq4fFU&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>1 killed, 4 injured as Russia targets Kyiv, Lviv in mass attack across Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/08/killed-injured-as-russia-targets.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 08 Jan 2026 23:22:14 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/08/killed-injured-as-russia-targets.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2254724959.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;1 killed, 4 injured as Russia targets Kyiv, Lviv in mass attack across Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russia launched a mass missile and drone attack across Ukraine overnight on Jan. 8-9, striking Kyiv and Lviv. One person was killed and four people were injured in Kyiv, while critical infrastructure was targeted in Lviv.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/4-injured-russia-mass-attack-kyiv-lviv/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Syria and Venezuela - without dictators, Russia - without friends! How the US knocks out Putin</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/08/syria-and-venezuela-without-dictators.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 08 Jan 2026 23:00:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/08/syria-and-venezuela-without-dictators.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/04a637b95c.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Syria and Venezuela - without dictators, Russia - without friends! How the US knocks out Putin&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEYsIyKLXiA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>&amp;amp;quot;Washington willn&#39;t tolerate sanctions violations: detained tanker faces trial,&amp;amp;quot; Karoline Leavitt</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/08/213021.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 08 Jan 2026 21:30:21 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/08/213021.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/058a165b08.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&amp;quot;Washington willn&#39;t tolerate sanctions violations: detained tanker faces trial,&amp;quot; Karoline Leavitt&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/qiBSj2Itbiw&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>US, Russian envoys meet in Paris as Zelensky seeks meeting with Trump</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/08/us-russian-envoys-meet-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 08 Jan 2026 21:26:55 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/08/us-russian-envoys-meet-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/949914d52e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;US, Russian envoys meet in Paris as Zelensky seeks meeting with Trump&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Witkoff and Kushner met Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev in Paris to discuss a U.S. peace plan for Ukraine. Meanwhile, Zelensky is seeking a meeting with Trump to press for U.S.-backed security guarantees.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/trump-kremlin-envoys-meet-in-paris-as-zelensky-seeks-meeting-with-us-president/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Trump kicks off strike on Putin&#39;s oil: Russian shadow fleet already under arrest, sanctions incoming</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/08/trump-kicks-off-strike-on.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 08 Jan 2026 21:00:41 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/08/trump-kicks-off-strike-on.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/f66e22b68a.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Trump kicks off strike on Putin&#39;s oil: Russian shadow fleet already under arrest, sanctions incoming&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpxFmiOLuys&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>POKROVSK: Russian assaults have been stopped, defense is stable #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/08/pokrovsk-russian-assaults-have-been.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 08 Jan 2026 20:30:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/08/pokrovsk-russian-assaults-have-been.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/a743b4c19e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;POKROVSK: Russian assaults have been stopped, defense is stable #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/96t7IxVgvU8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>140 BATTLES &amp;amp;amp; DEADLINE CRASH! ⏳ Why General Malomuzh is certain Russia won&#39;t take Pokrovsk soon?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/08/battles-ampamp-deadline-crash-why.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 08 Jan 2026 20:00:04 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/08/battles-ampamp-deadline-crash-why.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/56a94de979.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;140 BATTLES &amp;amp; DEADLINE CRASH! ⏳ Why General Malomuzh is certain Russia won&#39;t take Pokrovsk soon?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3z-vXV7cDek&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>DEMONSTRATIVE STRIKE: weakness of Russian strategic alliance in Caracas #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/08/demonstrative-strike-weakness-of-russian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 08 Jan 2026 19:30:32 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/08/demonstrative-strike-weakness-of-russian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/ab3edd449f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;DEMONSTRATIVE STRIKE: weakness of Russian strategic alliance in Caracas #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/EW_rkaDCNP0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>&amp;amp;quot;Security guarantees agreement with America is, we believe, ready for signing,&amp;amp;quot; – Zelenskyy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/08/ampquotsecurity-guarantees-agreement-with-america.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 08 Jan 2026 19:03:20 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/08/ampquotsecurity-guarantees-agreement-with-america.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/ece5a8b8ca.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&amp;quot;Security guarantees agreement with America is, we believe, ready for signing,&amp;quot; – Zelenskyy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/NWPg4hUi39Q&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>ABYSS FOR DICTATORSHIP! 📉 Venezuela free: why Maduro&#39;s fall became Putin&#39;s personal catastrophe?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/08/abyss-for-dictatorship-venezuela-free.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 08 Jan 2026 19:00:33 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/08/abyss-for-dictatorship-venezuela-free.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/fe2fb982cf.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;ABYSS FOR DICTATORSHIP! 📉 Venezuela free: why Maduro&#39;s fall became Putin&#39;s personal catastrophe?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTmn562qSrk&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ex-German ambassador appointed as Ukraine&#39;s new business watchdog</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/08/exgerman-ambassador-appointed-as-ukraines.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 08 Jan 2026 18:05:59 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/08/exgerman-ambassador-appointed-as-ukraines.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-1246734947.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ex-German ambassador appointed as Ukraine&#39;s new business watchdog&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Anka Feldhusen, the German ambassador from 2019-2023, replaces Canadian Roman Washchuk, who led the Business Ombudsman Council from December 2021-2025.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ex-german-ambassador-appointed-as-ukraines-new-business-watchdog/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>&amp;amp;quot;If you&#39;re not at the table — you&#39;re on the menu&amp;amp;quot;: A dire warning to Europe</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/08/ampquotif-youre-not-at-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 08 Jan 2026 18:03:41 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/08/ampquotif-youre-not-at-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/78acdad633.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&amp;quot;If you&#39;re not at the table — you&#39;re on the menu&amp;quot;: A dire warning to Europe&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhjT8Dh48x0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>‘End of NATO’ — Trump’s Greenland ambitions put Ukraine in a diplomatic bind</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/08/end-of-nato-trumps-greenland.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 08 Jan 2026 17:41:34 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/08/end-of-nato-trumps-greenland.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2254941676.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;‘End of NATO’ — Trump’s Greenland ambitions put Ukraine in a diplomatic bind&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The European-U.S. alliance, already buckling under the Trump administration&#39;s aggressive foreign policy, faces its most daunting challenge yet — Greenland.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;U.S. President &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/donald-trump/&#34;&gt;Donald Trump&lt;/a&gt; recently reiterated his &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/after-us-attack-on-venezuela-trumps-greenland-ambitions-spark-renewed-alarm/&#34;&gt;dubious claim&lt;/a&gt; on &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/denmark/&#34;&gt;Denmark&lt;/a&gt;&#39;s autonomous island, fanning fears about the fragility of transatlantic unity at the worst&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/end-of-nato-trumps-greenland-ambitions-puts-ukraine-in-a-diplomatic-bind/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>FRONT LINE REPORTS: The US confirmed participation in monitoring #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/08/front-line-reports-the-us.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 08 Jan 2026 17:30:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/08/front-line-reports-the-us.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/91c90c9210.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;FRONT LINE REPORTS: The US confirmed participation in monitoring #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/mzi2ejPr3bI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Zelensky&#39;s new inner circle: The power shift behind Ukraine&#39;s latest reset</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/08/zelenskys-new-inner-circle-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 08 Jan 2026 17:27:35 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/08/zelenskys-new-inner-circle-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/611270705-4115173785399633-577855937995567775-n.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky&#39;s new inner circle: The power shift behind Ukraine&#39;s latest reset&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The new round of peace negotiations felt different. Not because of the substance of the talks, rather due to the people leading them.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In early January, President &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-says-negotiations-reach-new-milestone-suggests-war-could-end-in-first-half-of-2026/&#34;&gt;Volodymyr Zelensky&lt;/a&gt; conducted a major reshuffle of Ukraine&#39;s leadership, signaling a new approach to governing the country going forward.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For key&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/as-war-and-talks-loom-zelensky-moves-to-reset-ukraines-power-structure/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Art of the (peace) deal: Ukraine teases $800 billion economic peace plan to keep Trump on side</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/08/art-of-the-peace-deal.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 08 Jan 2026 17:10:37 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/08/art-of-the-peace-deal.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2251534646.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Art of the (peace) deal: Ukraine teases $800 billion economic peace plan to keep Trump on side&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Behind closed doors, Ukraine and its allies are discussing the war-torn country’s economic recovery alongside a potential peace deal.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;At the heart of these conversations is the new so-called Economic Prosperity Plan — a package &#34;for economic recovery, restoring jobs, and bringing life back to Ukraine,&#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/what-we-know-about-ukraines-800-billion-economic-peace-plan/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Empire crumbling? Putin&#39;s allies &amp;quot;falling,&amp;quot; West unites around Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/08/empire-crumbling-putins-allies-quotfallingquot.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 08 Jan 2026 17:01:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/08/empire-crumbling-putins-allies-quotfallingquot.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/38c99f894a.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Empire crumbling? Putin&#39;s allies &amp;quot;falling,&amp;quot; West unites around Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWkoBk7X4rY&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine denies Russian capture of Andriivka village, Sumy Oblast despite DeepState monitoring report</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/08/ukraine-denies-russian-capture-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 08 Jan 2026 16:43:12 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/08/ukraine-denies-russian-capture-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/ff6d2f54d9.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine denies Russian capture of Andriivka village, Sumy Oblast despite DeepState monitoring report&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The DeepState monitoring group reported on the evening of Jan. 7 that Andriivka was back under Russian control.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-denies-capture-of-andriivka-village-in-sumy-oblast-despite-monitoring-report/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>RUSSIA HITS CIVILIANS: Hospitals are taking in the wounded #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/08/russia-hits-civilians-hospitals-are.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 08 Jan 2026 16:38:44 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/08/russia-hits-civilians-hospitals-are.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/fdb2e8aab2.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;RUSSIA HITS CIVILIANS: Hospitals are taking in the wounded #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/FHvjYc-3sso&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>URGENT: 2025 became turning point in war – Russia exhausted, Ukraine strikes deep. What Next?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/08/urgent-became-turning-point-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 08 Jan 2026 15:53:26 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/08/urgent-became-turning-point-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/05da1eb5ff.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;URGENT: 2025 became turning point in war – Russia exhausted, Ukraine strikes deep. What Next?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uu4pKkuk4Js&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>How deaf people live through blackouts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/08/how-deaf-people-live-through.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 08 Jan 2026 15:01:43 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/08/how-deaf-people-live-through.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f5520786d-0.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;How deaf people live through blackouts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!xPvo!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fcea27cbc-6c16-4c40-9a87-29566bde3aa0_1500x500.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fcea27cbc-6.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;485&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/cea27cbc-6c16-4c40-9a87-29566bde3aa0_1500x500.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:485,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:true,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Editor’s note:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;We work during a difficult and exhausting time, with full-scale war, air-raid alerts, and blackouts. Often without electricity or internet, but with an unwavering sense of responsibility to document key events of the war and public life.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;We are sincerely grateful to our subscribers for their trust and support. Thanks to your donations, we were able to purchase EcoFlows, which allow our colleagues to work under any conditions.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!nc2d!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F24ced5e1-117a-4443-aecc-890b1105ac36_1200x1600.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f24ced5e1-1.png&#34; width=&#34;288&#34; height=&#34;384&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/24ced5e1-117a-4443-aecc-890b1105ac36_1200x1600.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1600,&#34;width&#34;:1200,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:288,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Independent journalism is impossible without its community. Support us with a subscription and stay with us.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Subscribe for Free!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Subscribe for Free!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Tip Jar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Tip Jar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;“We used to sit together until late at night,” recalled Ivanna, “and then we would bring phones, lamps, torches – anything that could illuminate the scene for us to [be able to] talk.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ivanna Mykhailenko navigates the world without sound, relying on her eyes to communicate. For her, losing access to electricity is catastrophic, especially at night.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Since Russia intensified its attacks, people have had to adjust to a new, completely unpredictable lifestyle. In 2025 alone, Russia &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.radiosvoboda.org/a/news-minenerho-rosia-ataky-na-enerhetyku/33621494.html&#34;&gt;launched&lt;/a&gt; more than 4,500 drones and missiles on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, disrupting not only electricity but also water supply and heating.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;On January 7, when energy infrastructure in the Dnipro and Zaporizhzhia regions was attacked, most cities in those regions &lt;a href=&#34;https://hromadske.ua/energetyka/257547-dnipropetrovska-i-zaporizka-oblasti-mayze-povnistiu-znestrumleni-cherez-rosiysku-ataku-minenerho?_gl=1*ldzjp4*_up*MQ..*_ga*MzgxNTUwOTgwLjE3Njc4NjI3NjI.*_ga_5QMSRNVKWQ*czE3Njc4NjI3NjEkbzEkZzAkdDE3Njc4NjI3NjEkajYwJGwwJGgw*_ga_47KVPEYFJ4*czE3Njc4NjI3NjIkbzEkZzAkdDE3Njc4NjI3NjIkajYwJGwwJGgw*_ga_V3WYTMZ64J*czE3Njc4NjI3NjIkbzEkZzAkdDE3Njc4NjI3NjIkajYwJGwwJGgw*_ga_QRXBZKG0YN*czE3Njc4NjI3NjIkbzEkZzAkdDE3Njc4NjI3NjIkajYwJGwwJGgw*_ga_FFQQ6F8PRK*czE3Njc4NjI3NjIkbzEkZzAkdDE3Njc4NjI3NjIkajYwJGwwJGgw&#34;&gt;went&lt;/a&gt; completely dark and silent for several hours. They lost access to water, public transport, reliable phone and internet connections, or even air-raid alert signals.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;People with hearing loss are even more vulnerable to such attacks. Not only do long blackouts leave them without a way to charge hearing aids, it also deprives them of ways to communicate and react to air raid alerts.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In Ukraine and elsewhere, wars reveal the same truth: what is merely an inconvenience for most becomes a matter of survival for people with disabilities.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;id&#34;:430040}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;PollToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;poll-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Born deaf in a ‘hearing’ family, Ivanna learned to talk and lip-read during her childhood.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“We had a rule — Mom and Dad didn’t use gestures at all. They taught me to speak, to pronounce words, and to read, so I understood them. I also spoke only in words. My voice is a little bit unusual, but everyone in the family understands my speech,” Ivanna said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Although Ivanna mastered sign language at school, none of her relatives use it themselves. Still, they find ways to make her feel their affection. Ivanna’s heart melted when her aunt secretly learned a few phrases in sign language to wish her a happy 24th birthday.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!6lEV!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F84ff2ef2-588d-479a-9ba2-5043027ad014_1067x1600.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f84ff2ef2-5.jpg&#34; width=&#34;268&#34; height=&#34;401.8744142455483&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/84ff2ef2-588d-479a-9ba2-5043027ad014_1067x1600.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1600,&#34;width&#34;:1067,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:268,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Ivanna giving a lecture for the students of the Ukrainian Catholic University.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Unfortunately, the world beyond her immediate family proved itself to be more challenging.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As a deaf person in Ukraine, she faced roadblocks — from finding a job, despite a degree in law, to receiving medical treatment.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Some doctors shout in our ear, and we have to shout back. Others might just send me to the back of the line, so they don’t have to waste so much time on deaf people,” she recalled.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In the first days of the full-scale invasion, there were &lt;a href=&#34;https://gesture.org.ua/ua/new/nechuyuchi-v-zoni-vijni:-yak-ya-yim-dopomagayu&#34;&gt;cases&lt;/a&gt; where Ukrainians with deafness watched the chaos around them in confusion because they couldn’t hear the sirens — realizing that the war had begun only when they saw explosions.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In the first 8 months of the war, at least 6,000 people with hearing loss &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.ispf.gov.ua/news/mizhnarodnij-tizhden-gluhih-lyudej220923?utm_source=chatgpt.com&amp;fbclid=IwY2xjawOaKlhleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBlNEF1SUpCck1xdDAya2Fkc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHvBRgksXa-nHVFyvKa7vAqbx1vsP5fjOe05mvG7XjfLofCINJ8XFSSkk8Ka8_aem_WaLfK218PoW5DSK8RLVf0A&#34;&gt;left&lt;/a&gt; Ukraine for safety, according to the Ukrainian Society of the Deaf. 9,000 more became internally displaced.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ivanna was living alone in a flat in Kyiv when she woke up to a vibration. At around 6 o’clock, she thought someone might have called her by mistake, but her phone continued to frantically shake. Ivanna’s mother was trying to reach her to tell her that the war had begun.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“When I opened the door and saw people running, saw the panic among people on the street, I did not understand,” Ivanna said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Now, Ivanna keeps her phone close to her while she sleeps so as not to miss out on potentially lifesaving updates.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;She remembers spending a night in the basement of her building with a woman who suddenly flinched at the sound of an explosion.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“She said it was very loud, but I didn’t blink an eye,” Ivanna remembered.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;After an attack on energy infrastructure in a certain area, households are divided into several groups, which only have electricity during certain hours. This method is intended to ease the strain on the energy system while it is being repaired. The worse the condition of the energy system state is, the longer the cuts are.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ivanna’s first blackout was on her 22nd birthday.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;At the time, she was preparing for her final exams. On long autumn nights, she navigated her apartment and studied for her finals with a small battery-powered flashlight. Despite the dark, reading had become Ivanna’s source of comfort amid the uncertainty.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Still, her new reality didn’t allow excuses. She bought a power supply for the internet and a charging station to keep her phone and laptop alive.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;When the screen illuminates Ivanna’s face, she can even send a message in sign language on Telegram.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“To see around and communicate, I use my laptop screen or a flashlight on my phone for lighting,” Ivanna said. “Technology becomes my eyes.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Keeping her phone charged might seem trivial, but for some people with hearing loss, it’s their means of relating to the world. Using a smartphone, for example, people can turn written text into speech and vice versa.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“In fact, there are a lot of such functions built into the phone. Often, people don’t even know what they carry in their pockets. When we conduct training for people who have lost their hearing, we try to tell everyone about these settings. The more people know, the more people can improve their lives immediately,” said Anastasiia Demchuk from the NGO Talk!, which creates software solutions for people with disabilities.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f5520786d-0.jpg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/ab0d154ee8.jpg&#34; width=&#34;471&#34; height=&#34;313.87734375&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/5520786d-0bde-49a7-b1e4-d456629b16e0_1280x853.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:853,&#34;width&#34;:1280,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:471,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;Ivanna is hosting a Ukrainian Sign Language class as a part of her project ‘Ukrainization.deaf’&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Often, deaf people still depend on light to call emergency services.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“When it is urgent, I use the sign language translator,” Ivanna said. “It’s convenient to call an ambulance, the police or the fire department. I can add an interpreter to a video call via the app, and they help me voice my needs to a hearing person on the other side.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;On the hardest days, blackouts in Kyiv last up to 18 hours. Though Ivanna has never needed to use one, about 13,500 ‘Spaces of Resilience’ &lt;a href=&#34;https://mindev.gov.ua/news/v-ukraini-prodovzhuiut-robotu-punkty-nezlamnosti#:~:text=%D0%92%20%D0%A3%D0%BA%D1%80%D0%B0%D1%97%D0%BD%D1%96%20%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B2%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%BE%20%D0%B1%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%B7%D1%8C%D0%BA%D0%BE%2013,%D0%B3%D0%BE%D1%82%D0%BE%D0%B2%D1%96%20%D0%BE%D0%BF%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%B2%D0%BD%D0%BE%20%D0%B2%D1%96%D0%B4%D0%BA%D1%80%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%B8%D1%81%D1%8F%20%D0%B7%D0%B0%20%D0%BF%D0%BE%D1%82%D1%80%D0%B5%D0%B1%D0%B8.&#34;&gt;operate&lt;/a&gt; across the country where people can charge their phones and connect to the internet for free in case of an emergency.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Attention to the deaf and hard-of-hearing community in Ukraine is growing. Blast injuries, which often lead to severe hearing loss, have become one of the most common traumas among military personnel, according to Talk!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!_sjb!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F841bfd3b-1aa9-40d2-bce9-632e54d0d05c_960x1280.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f841bfd3b-1.jpg&#34; width=&#34;295&#34; height=&#34;393.3333333333333&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/841bfd3b-1aa9-40d2-bce9-632e54d0d05c_960x1280.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1280,&#34;width&#34;:960,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:295,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;Ivanna in the Verkhovna Rada (the Ukrainian Parliament) to attend a session of the Committee on Social Policy during her second year of studies.&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Despite the danger, Ivanna doesn’t always get herself to safety during shelling — not out of bravery, but for reasons she can’t control.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The air raid alerts that most Ukrainians get on their phones sound a loud ding, inaudible to the deaf. They are forced to use other apps which vibrate and activate a camera flash.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For Ivanna, deaf people are a close-knit community with their own slang unfamiliar to the hearing, unique sign names, and unusual “superpowers,” as she says. One of Ivanna’s friends can recognize a person just by the way their shadow moves.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Despite all the hardships Ivanna faces during blackouts, she tries to make light of her situation.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Power cuts can stop any quarrel between deaf people,” she jokes. “In the dark, we can’t see what our opponent has to say.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Editor’s note:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;We work during a difficult and exhausting time, with full-scale war, air-raid alerts, and blackouts. Often without electricity or internet, but with an unwavering sense of responsibility to document key events of the war and public life.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;We are sincerely grateful to our subscribers for their trust and support. Thanks to your donations, we were able to purchase EcoFlows, which allow our colleagues to work under any conditions.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!nc2d!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F24ced5e1-117a-4443-aecc-890b1105ac36_1200x1600.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f24ced5e1-1.png&#34; width=&#34;274&#34; height=&#34;365.3333333333333&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/24ced5e1-117a-4443-aecc-890b1105ac36_1200x1600.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1600,&#34;width&#34;:1200,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:274,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Independent journalism is impossible without its community. Support us with a subscription and stay with us.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Subscribe for Free!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Subscribe for Free!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Tip Jar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Tip Jar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;NEWS OF THE DAY:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;By Myroslava Tanska-Vikulova&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;UKRAINIAN PILOTS HAVE REWORKED F-16 TACTICS FOR WAR WITH RUSSIA: &lt;/strong&gt;One of the first Ukrainian F-16 pilots &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.businessinsider.com/ukraine-f16-pilot-different-type-war-nato-training-encountered-reality-2026-1&#34;&gt;stated&lt;/a&gt; that Western training did not correspond to the realities of war with Russia, so pilots had to develop their own combat tactics. According to him, the conditions of full-scale war, saturated air defense, and combat operations near the front line forced Ukrainian F-16 pilots to adapt. This has drawn attention from Ukraine’s Western partners, who are in their own period of rearmament and military preparation.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;TRUMP APPROVES SANCTIONS AGAINST BUYERS OF RUSSIAN OIL:&lt;/strong&gt; President Trump &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/ukraine-russia-war-trump-putin-zelensky-peace-map-latest-news-b2896550.html&#34;&gt;gave&lt;/a&gt; the green-light to Republicans in Congress to advance a bill on so-called secondary sanctions against countries that buy Russian oil including China, India, and Brazil, Senator Lindsey Graham said. Meanwhile, President Zelenskyy said that he believes it is possible to end Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine in the first half of this year, emphasizing that this week’s negotiations in Paris were an important step forward.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;THE EU IS ACCUSED OF FINANCING WAR THROUGH RUSSIAN LNG IMPORTS: &lt;/strong&gt;The Kremlin &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jan/08/eu-accused-of-fuelling-putins-war-by-importing-russian-liquefied-natural-gas&#34;&gt;earned&lt;/a&gt; over $8.4 billion from the European Union in 2025 via exported Russian liquefied natural gas. This comes despite Brussels’ promise to completely ban Russian LNG by 2027. According to NGO Urgewald, supplies from the Russian Yamal project to EU ports still reach over 15m tonnes, and Europe’s share in the global export of the Yamal gas has even increased in that last year.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;DOG OF WAR:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;​​Zoriana met this cutie pie on a train platform while returning from Lviv, a city in western Ukraine, to Kyiv. The train was delayed by four hours, and they waited patiently together. Thanks to his fluffy ‘coat,’ he didn’t get too cold — unlike Zoriana.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!M8OY!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F9f66184e-0fbf-46c4-b45d-4af7c6709209_1042x1179.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f9f66184e-0.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1042&#34; height=&#34;1179&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/9f66184e-0fbf-46c4-b45d-4af7c6709209_1042x1179.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1179,&#34;width&#34;:1042,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Stay safe out there.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Best,&lt;br&gt;Oleksandra&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/how-deaf-people-live-through-blackouts&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>US detains Russian tankers and prepares final blow to Kremlin&#39;s economy</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/08/us-detains-russian-tankers-and.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 08 Jan 2026 15:00:53 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/08/us-detains-russian-tankers-and.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/a4538248e9.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;US detains Russian tankers and prepares final blow to Kremlin&#39;s economy&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VH3Y9YK2xz8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>🔴 NOW! Front on fire: Russia throws infantry into &amp;quot;meat assaults&amp;quot; near Pokrovsk and Huliaipole</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/08/now-front-on-fire-russia.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 08 Jan 2026 14:33:23 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/08/now-front-on-fire-russia.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/8983e21946.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🔴 NOW! Front on fire: Russia throws infantry into &amp;quot;meat assaults&amp;quot; near Pokrovsk and Huliaipole&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1YKyVnRG3o&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine-US security guarantee draft agreement ready for Trump&#39;s approval, Zelensky says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/08/ukraineus-security-guarantee-draft-agreement.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 08 Jan 2026 13:56:48 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/08/ukraineus-security-guarantee-draft-agreement.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/a2c9262665.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine-US security guarantee draft agreement ready for Trump&#39;s approval, Zelensky says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;We understand that the American side will engage with Russia, and we expect feedback on whether the aggressor is genuinely willing to end the war,&#34; President Volodymyr Zelensky said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-us-security-guarantee-draft-ready-for-finalization-with-trump-zelensky-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine&#39;s embattled hydropower firm gets 75 million euro boost for repairs</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/08/ukraines-embattled-hydropower-firm-gets.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 08 Jan 2026 13:47:50 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/08/ukraines-embattled-hydropower-firm-gets.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/ebb80d9449c3407c953d5ad4c6e3dcc7.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine&#39;s embattled hydropower firm gets 75 million euro boost for repairs&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The loan will help state-owned Ukrhydroenergo purchase stockpiles of critical supplies, replacements for equipment damaged by Russian attacks, as well as to refurbish and modernize old equipment.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-embattled-hydropower-firm-gets-75-million-euro-boost-for-repairs/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest: Oil tanker en route to Russia hit by drone in Black Sea</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/08/ukraine-war-latest-oil-tanker.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 08 Jan 2026 13:06:14 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/08/ukraine-war-latest-oil-tanker.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2250741553.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest: Oil tanker en route to Russia hit by drone in Black Sea&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Live coverage of Russia’s war against Ukraine with breaking news and frontline updates, updated 7 times today. An oil tanker en-route to the Russian port of Novorossiysk was struck by a drone on Jan.8, Reuters reported citing a notice by Lloyd&#39;s List Intelligence&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-update-2026-01-08/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Trump wants a &#39;dream military&#39; and $1.5 trillion to build it</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/08/trump-wants-a-dream-military.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 08 Jan 2026 12:38:52 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/08/trump-wants-a-dream-military.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/6c44aba91c.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Trump wants a &#39;dream military&#39; and $1.5 trillion to build it&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;This will allow us to build the &#39;Dream Military&#39; that we have long been entitled to and, more importantly, that will keep us safe and secure, regardless of foe,&#34; Donald Trump said on Truth Social.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/trump-suggests-raising-2027-defense-budget-to-1-5-trillion-to-build-dream-military/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Trump pulls US from 66 &#39;wasteful&#39; international organizations, targeting Venice Commission, UN</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/08/trump-pulls-us-from-wasteful.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 08 Jan 2026 12:38:26 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/08/trump-pulls-us-from-wasteful.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2253974179.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Trump pulls US from 66 &#39;wasteful&#39; international organizations, targeting Venice Commission, UN&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;The Trump Administration has found these institutions to be redundant in their scope, mismanaged, unnecessary, wasteful, poorly run, captured by the interests of actors advancing their own agendas contrary to our own, or a threat to our nation&#39;s sovereignty, freedoms, and general prosperity,&#34; U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/trump-pulls-us-from-66-wasteful-international-organizations-targeting-venice-commission-un/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine’s Mobilization Crisis: challenges, needs, and implications for 2026 — Next KI Insights Monthly Briefing</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/08/ukraines-mobilization-crisis-challenges-needs.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 08 Jan 2026 11:01:31 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/08/ukraines-mobilization-crisis-challenges-needs.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/website-3x2-long-1.png&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine’s Mobilization Crisis: challenges, needs, and implications for 2026 — Next KI Insights Monthly Briefing&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As Ukraine enters 2026, mobilization has emerged as one of the most decisive challenges shaping the country’s military resilience, political stability, and negotiating position. Where is the mobilization system under the greatest strain, how will recent personnel changes at the top of Ukraine’s security apparatus impact&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-mobilization-crisis-challenges-needs-and-implications-for-2026-next-ki-insights-monthly-briefing/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Key Russian terminal exported $8.4 billion of LNG to Europe in 2025, watchdog finds</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/08/key-russian-terminal-exported-billion.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 08 Jan 2026 06:31:26 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/08/key-russian-terminal-exported-billion.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/c47814fe7f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Key Russian terminal exported $8.4 billion of LNG to Europe in 2025, watchdog finds&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The report follows an agreement reached in December 2025 by EU countries to ban Russian gas imports beginning Jan. 1, 2028, with LNG imports set to be prohibited at the start of 2027.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/key-russian-lng-port-exported-8-4-billion-to-europe-in-2025-researchers-find/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>&#39;US acted on Maduro, why not Kadyrov?&#39; — Zelensky quips that additional pressure will make Putin &#39;think twice&#39;</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/08/us-acted-on-maduro-why.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 08 Jan 2026 05:46:14 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/08/us-acted-on-maduro-why.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2179091564.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;US acted on Maduro, why not Kadyrov?&#39; — Zelensky quips that additional pressure will make Putin &#39;think twice&#39;&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;President Volodymyr Zelensky urged additional pressure from the United States on Jan. 7 to help achieve a peace deal in Ukraine in the coming months, jokingly evoking calls for Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov to suffer the same fate as captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/maduro-worked-why-not-kadyrov-zelensky-quips-that-additional-pressure-will-make-putin-think-twice/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Trump has &#39;greenlit&#39; bipartisan Russia sanctions bill, clearing way for Senate vote, US Senator Graham says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/08/trump-has-greenlit-bipartisan-russia.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 08 Jan 2026 01:35:59 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/08/trump-has-greenlit-bipartisan-russia.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/b93a9b064b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Trump has &#39;greenlit&#39; bipartisan Russia sanctions bill, clearing way for Senate vote, US Senator Graham says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;U.S. President Donald Trump has approved moving forward with a bipartisan Russia sanctions bill, opening the door for a potential Senate vote as early as next week, according to Senator Lindsey Graham.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/trump-has-greenlit-bipartisan-russia-sanctions-bill-clearing-way-for-senate-vote-us-senator-graham-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Fact Check: Videos Do NOT Show U.S. Operation To Capture Bella-1 Oil Tanker, Previously Known As Marinera</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/08/fact-check-videos-do-not.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 08 Jan 2026 01:04:20 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/08/fact-check-videos-do-not.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;Do these viral videos show the U.S. seizing oil tankers linked to Venezuela on January 7, 2026? No, that&#39;s not true: Those clips are unrelated to the U.S. pursuit of the tankers &#34;Bella-1&#34; and &#34;Sophia&#34;. The clips can be found in posts that predate the capture of the ships.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The claim appeared in &lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/visionergeo/status/2008887222787887241&#34;&gt;a post&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260107150438/https://x.com/AFpost/status/2008678342908899716&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a href=&#34;https://archive.is/wndFA&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) on X, where it was published on January 7, 2026. It opened:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;‼️‼️🇺🇸🇷🇺 #BREAKING Despite Russia deploying a submarine to protect the tanker Bella 1 in the Atlantic Ocean, U.S. airborne forces began helicopter landings on the tanker minutes ago. An operation is currently underway to seize the tanker belonging to Russia&#39;s shadow fleet.&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This is what the attached video looked like on X at the time of writing:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://leadstories.com/4e5e3fc9f01a3cf8347b015e1c3067e241e7c9b9.png&#34;&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;Screenshot 2026-01-07 at 4.17.45 PM.png&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/4e5e3fc9f01a3cf8347b015e1c3067e241e7c9b9-thumb-900x1589-3176301.png&#34; width=&#34;900&#34; height=&#34;1589&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: Lead Stories screenshot of post at x.com/visionergeo)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;On January 7, 2026, &lt;span&gt;U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that &lt;/span&gt;the U.S. seized &lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/Sec_Noem/status/2008907194691915945&#34;&gt;two oil tankers linked to Venezuela&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://archive.is/pyBzn&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;): Sophia and the Russian-flagged Marinera, also known as Bella-1.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;The Russian Ministry of Transportation &lt;a href=&#34;https://t.me/MFARussia/27961&#34;&gt;confirmed&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://archive.is/528Ie&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) that Marinera &lt;/span&gt;&#34;was granted temporary permission&#34; to sail under the Russian flag on Dec. 24, 2025.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The clip shared on X, however, predated these events. According to the About this tab on Google, the clip had been posted online at least three months before the date of this writing:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://leadstories.com/edf7d909e3c2458c9ae79f14f5ab39b22bb7bdb8.png&#34;&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;Screenshot 2026-01-07 at 1.23.10 PM.png&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/edf7d909e3c2458c9ae79f14f5ab39b22bb7bdb8-thumb-900x1202-3176310.png&#34; width=&#34;900&#34; height=&#34;1202&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: Lead Stories screenshot of page at google.com)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The U.S. seizure of Venezuelan oil tankers attracted another false claim. On the same day the capture was announced, &lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/NSTRIKE1231/status/2008892002897687025&#34;&gt;another video, posted to the&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/NSTRIKE1231&#34; role=&#34;link&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;css-175oi2r r-1wbh5a2 r-dnmrzs r-1ny4l3l r-1loqt21&#34;&gt;&lt;span data-sanitized-class=&#34;css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3&#34;&gt;@NSTRIKE1231&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt; account on&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/NSTRIKE1231/status/2008892002897687025&#34;&gt; X&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://archive.is/s4DOV&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) was also offered as footage of the interdiction at sea, but, in reality, it was footage of a 2021 U.S. Marine exercise.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Here is the thumbnail from the @NSTRIKE1231 clip on X:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://leadstories.com/JfZ-cybGQDyEDt5n.jpg&#34;&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;JfZ-cybGQDyEDt5n.jpg&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/jfz-cybgqdyedt5n-thumb-900x1120-3176315.jpg&#34; width=&#34;900&#34; height=&#34;1120&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: Lead Stories screenshot of post at x.com/NSTRIKE1231)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;It matches a &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.dvidshub.net/video/800148/15th-meu-marines-sailors-conduct-vbss-training-aboard-uss-lewis-b-puller&#34;&gt;clip posted by the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service&lt;/a&gt;, (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260107230116/https://www.dvidshub.net/video/800148/15th-meu-marines-sailors-conduct-vbss-training-aboard-uss-lewis-b-puller&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) and identified as a March 19, 2021 video of a &lt;span&gt;15th Marine Expeditionary Unit&lt;/span&gt; training exercise.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;That clip has been posted in various versions that predate the Jan. 7, 2026 capture of Venezuelan oil tankers, including a post by &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/UImrLJj2TnY&#34;&gt;@MilitaryExcursions&lt;/a&gt; on You Tube on Oct. 20, 2025 (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260107231214/https://www.youtube.com/shorts/UImrLJj2TnY&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) which used the section of troops scrambling up a boarding ladder.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://leadstories.com/d8da173972841f7b3d9fe974736dc432448d042a.png&#34;&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;Screenshot 2026-01-07 at 4.35.38 PM.png&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/d8da173972841f7b3d9fe974736dc432448d042a-thumb-900xauto-3176317.png&#34; width=&#34;900&#34; height=&#34;643&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: Lead Stories screenshot of post &lt;/em&gt;youtube.com/shorts/UImrLJj2TnY)&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The video was also found mislabeled in a social media post, as detailed in a &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/us-seized-oil-tanker-venezuela/&#34;&gt;Dec. 15, 2025&lt;/a&gt; fact check by Snopes, at the time of a 2025 U.S. military interdiction of a Venezuelan vessel.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://hoax-alert.leadstories.com/2026/01/fact-check-videos-do-not-show-us-operation-to-capture-marinera-bella-1-tanker.html&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Zelensky says negotiations reach ‘new milestone,’ suggests war could end in first half of 2026</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/07/zelensky-says-negotiations-reach-new.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2026 22:51:31 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/07/zelensky-says-negotiations-reach-new.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/ed0cd8ccf7.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky says negotiations reach ‘new milestone,’ suggests war could end in first half of 2026&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Jan. 7 that he believes Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine could be brought to an end in the first half of 2026.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-says-negotiations-reach-new-milestone-suggests-war-could-end-in-first-half-of-2026/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Dnipro largely without electricity and water following explosion</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/07/dnipro-largely-without-electricity-and.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2026 21:56:51 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/07/dnipro-largely-without-electricity-and.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/img-7403.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Dnipro largely without electricity and water following explosion&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Major power outages have been reported on Jan. 7 in the city of Dnipro and several other communities across Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, according to local media.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/dnipro-reportedly-without-electricity-and-water-following-power-plant-explosion/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>NATO TROOPS IN UKRAINE?: After signing the peace agreement #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/07/nato-troops-in-ukraine-after.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2026 21:30:05 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/07/nato-troops-in-ukraine-after.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/4799bac081.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;NATO TROOPS IN UKRAINE?: After signing the peace agreement #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Z-C5j3b5YPk&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine&#39;s controversial chief prosecutor keeps his job despite government reshuffle</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/07/ukraines-controversial-chief-prosecutor-keeps.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2026 21:24:08 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/07/ukraines-controversial-chief-prosecutor-keeps.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2225785530.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine&#39;s controversial chief prosecutor keeps his job despite government reshuffle&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Amid a major government reshuffle that saw ministers trade portfolios and several senior security officials change posts in recent days, one notable absence stood out.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Prosecutor General &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-new-prosecutor-general-seen-as-zelensky-loyalist-has-integrity-issues-06-2025/&#34;&gt;Ruslan Kravchenko&lt;/a&gt;, long criticized as ineffective and subservient to the president, has seemingly kept his job. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In mid-December, Kravchenko publicly threatened to go&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/prosecutor-general-ruslan-kravchenko/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Turning point in Paris! West prepares to take Ukraine&#39;s security under control</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/07/turning-point-in-paris-west.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2026 21:00:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/07/turning-point-in-paris-west.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/558ef0dc90.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Turning point in Paris! West prepares to take Ukraine&#39;s security under control&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-u5-VVVFK7k&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>3 glaring issues with the UK-France peacekeeper troops plan for Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/07/glaring-issues-with-the-ukfrance.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2026 20:34:24 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/07/glaring-issues-with-the-ukfrance.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2254359118.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;3 glaring issues with the UK-France peacekeeper troops plan for Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In a grandly-staged, and much publicized meeting on Jan. 6, Ukraine and its Western allies celebrated a deal that would pave the way for French and British peacekeeping troops to deploy in Ukraine — once the war is over, of course.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;French President Emmanuel Macron said &#34;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-uk-france-sign-declaration-on-multinational-force-deployment-in-ukraine-post-war/&#34;&gt;considerable progress&lt;/a&gt;&#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/3-glaring-issues-with-the-uk-france-peacekeeping-plan/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>RUSSIA DECEIVES THE WORLD: Ukrainian army controls the situation on the front line  #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/07/russia-deceives-the-world-ukrainian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2026 20:30:14 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/07/russia-deceives-the-world-ukrainian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/9f5e4e94cd.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;RUSSIA DECEIVES THE WORLD: Ukrainian army controls the situation on the front line  #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Tn_XFVnHmpo&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Nearly 100 clashes a day! Huliaipole &amp;amp;amp; Pokrovsk targeted! Kremlin sends troops to kill-zones</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/07/nearly-clashes-a-day-huliaipole.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2026 20:00:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/07/nearly-clashes-a-day-huliaipole.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/cd6e0b98a7.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Nearly 100 clashes a day! Huliaipole &amp;amp; Pokrovsk targeted! Kremlin sends troops to kill-zones&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65AfwOahxRE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>&amp;amp;quot;Sanctions on Russia, Ukraine aid, defense boost – all work for peace&amp;amp;quot;, – Zelenskyy  #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/07/ampquotsanctions-on-russia-ukraine-aid.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2026 19:56:33 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/07/ampquotsanctions-on-russia-ukraine-aid.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/b79669f5ad.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&amp;quot;Sanctions on Russia, Ukraine aid, defense boost – all work for peace&amp;quot;, – Zelenskyy  #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/p5E4WTFrVk0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>US, Ukraine launch online portal for potential investment projects under minerals deal</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/07/us-ukraine-launch-online-portal.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2026 19:50:04 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/07/us-ukraine-launch-online-portal.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/159c7a2843.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;US, Ukraine launch online portal for potential investment projects under minerals deal&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) on Jan. 7 launched an online portal for applicants to submit projects to a U.S.-Ukraine reconstruction fund, saying the first investments could be made in the months ahead.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/us-ukraine-launch-online-portal-for-potential-investment-projects-under-minerals-deal/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>&amp;amp;quot;UKRAINE DESERVES equal part of our common European home&amp;amp;quot;, – Zelenskyy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/07/ampquotukraine-deserves-equal-part-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2026 19:00:28 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/07/ampquotukraine-deserves-equal-part-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/7e06e42746.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&amp;quot;UKRAINE DESERVES equal part of our common European home&amp;quot;, – Zelenskyy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/xn7Vq-lyJ6M&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>RUSSIAN PROPAGANDA: Europe threatened with &amp;amp;quot;radioactive ash&amp;amp;quot; #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/07/russian-propaganda-europe-threatened-with.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2026 18:30:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/07/russian-propaganda-europe-threatened-with.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/ce28d6576e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;RUSSIAN PROPAGANDA: Europe threatened with &amp;quot;radioactive ash&amp;quot; #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Do96nCE4vDo&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>GENOCIDE RHETORIC! 👿 Solovyov and Skabeyeva call for nuclear strikes on Europe!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/07/genocide-rhetoric-solovyov-and-skabeyeva.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2026 18:01:41 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/07/genocide-rhetoric-solovyov-and-skabeyeva.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/6e8f2ebd6f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;GENOCIDE RHETORIC! 👿 Solovyov and Skabeyeva call for nuclear strikes on Europe!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVrz9sCgp-4&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian negotiators meet Witkoff, Kushner to discuss potential leaders&#39; meeting</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/07/ukrainian-negotiators-meet-witkoff-kushner.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2026 17:52:29 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/07/ukrainian-negotiators-meet-witkoff-kushner.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2254290935.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian negotiators meet Witkoff, Kushner to discuss potential leaders&#39; meeting&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Rustem Umerov said the talks centered on the peace framework and &#34;further contacts at the leaders&#39; level involving Ukraine, European partners, and the United States.&#34;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-delegates-meet-witkoff-kushner-to-discuss-future-leaders-meeting/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>DRONE ATTACK: Russia destroys American investments in Ukraine! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/07/drone-attack-russia-destroys-american.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2026 17:30:25 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/07/drone-attack-russia-destroys-american.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/b8f7054726.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;DRONE ATTACK: Russia destroys American investments in Ukraine! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/t1VyP3_-OwU&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>URGENT! Zelenskyy in Cyprus: EU presidency begins! What&#39;s next for Ukraine in 2026?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/07/urgent-zelenskyy-in-cyprus-eu.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2026 17:13:53 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/07/urgent-zelenskyy-in-cyprus-eu.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/17fb0b1e8d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;URGENT! Zelenskyy in Cyprus: EU presidency begins! What&#39;s next for Ukraine in 2026?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVKH5ocl90g&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>PUTIN REPEATS HITLER&#39;S FATE! Kremlin destroyed its own army, copying the Nazis</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/07/putin-repeats-hitlers-fate-kremlin.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2026 17:00:35 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/07/putin-repeats-hitlers-fate-kremlin.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/61d665d6c1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;PUTIN REPEATS HITLER&#39;S FATE! Kremlin destroyed its own army, copying the Nazis&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMkf4iXdom4&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia expands internet blackouts under pretense of drone threats, but real goal appears to be information control</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/07/russia-expands-internet-blackouts-under.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2026 16:43:39 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/07/russia-expands-internet-blackouts-under.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2252025156.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia expands internet blackouts under pretense of drone threats, but real goal appears to be information control&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Authorities in Russia&#39;s Kamchatka Krai announced on Jan. 7 that they had restricted mobile internet access, citing the threat of Ukrainian drone attacks — despite the region being located over 9,000 kilometers from Ukraine&#39;s border.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-expands-internet-blackouts-under-pretense-of-drone-threats-but-real-goal-appears-to-be-information-control/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>How Venezuela crisis will impact Russia’s influence in the world</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/07/how-venezuela-crisis-will-impact.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2026 16:10:28 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/07/how-venezuela-crisis-will-impact.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/ivan-fechko-1-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;How Venezuela crisis will impact Russia’s influence in the world&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Kyiv Independent’s Jared Goyette speaks with foreign policy analyst Ivan Fechko about Venezuela’s political crisis following the U.S. attack and kidnapping of dictator Nicolás Maduro — and why it marks a major strategic setback for Russia in Latin America and globally.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/how-venezuela-crisis-will-impact-russias-influence-in-the-world/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>&#39;Everyone&#39;s in shock&#39; — Ground Forces reorganization leaves International Legion soldiers in limbo</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/07/everyones-in-shock-ground-forces.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2026 15:57:58 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/07/everyones-in-shock-ground-forces.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/482320227-1112186367606918-7266799011990272157-n.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;Everyone&#39;s in shock&#39; — Ground Forces reorganization leaves International Legion soldiers in limbo&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Foreign fighters in Ukraine&#39;s International Legion say they have been left in limbo and face growing uncertainty due to an overhaul of how the unit is structured, which they have described as its effective destruction.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The move, implemented by Ukraine&#39;s Ground Forces and first&lt;strong&gt; &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/exclusive-ukraine-plans-to-effectively-dismantle-international-legion-sources-say/&#34;&gt;reported&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; by&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/everyones-in-shock-ground-forces-reorganization-leaves-international-legion-soldiers-in-limbo/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>EUROPE ACTS: partner countries strengthen Ukraine&#39;s security #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/07/europe-acts-partner-countries-strengthen.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2026 15:48:52 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/07/europe-acts-partner-countries-strengthen.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/8c25e876b3.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;EUROPE ACTS: partner countries strengthen Ukraine&#39;s security #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/fkkJRIOo-z4&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Witkoff reveals cards: defense mechanisms &amp;amp;amp; economic deal for Ukraine at final stage</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/07/witkoff-reveals-cards-defense-mechanisms.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2026 15:01:43 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/07/witkoff-reveals-cards-defense-mechanisms.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/ce97e70997.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Witkoff reveals cards: defense mechanisms &amp;amp; economic deal for Ukraine at final stage&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=teaa3Z9mHq0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>76% of civil society organizations in Ukraine continue working despite resource shortages, new study finds</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/07/of-civil-society-organizations-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2026 14:40:58 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/07/of-civil-society-organizations-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/upd-advertising.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;76% of civil society organizations in Ukraine continue working despite resource shortages, new study finds&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As Russia’s missile and drone attacks continue to hit Ukrainian cities and towns, the burden of keeping services running and helping communities recover has increasingly fallen on civil society organizations alongside the state and local authorities.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A &lt;a href=&#34;https://eef.org.ua/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/ENG-Doslidzhennya-Riven-stiy-kosti-ta-uchasti-organizatsiy-gromadyanskogo-suspilstva-u-protsesah-vidnovlennya-ta-vidbudovy-terytorialnyh-gromad.pdf&#34;&gt;new nationwide study &lt;/a&gt;shows that 76% of these groups remain active&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/76-of-civil-society-organizations-in-ukraine-continue-working-despite-resource-shortages-new-study-finds/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Hegseth mocks Russian air defenses following US military operation in Venezuela</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/07/hegseth-mocks-russian-air-defenses.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2026 14:33:56 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/07/hegseth-mocks-russian-air-defenses.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2254061752.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Hegseth mocks Russian air defenses following US military operation in Venezuela&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Jan. 5 derided Russia-supplied air defenses that failed to stop the American raid and subsequent arrest of Venezuela&#39;s longtime dictator Nicolas Maduro.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/hegseth-mocks-russian-air-defenses-following-us-military-operation-in-venezuela/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>⚡️Zelenskyy met with the President of Cyprus, Christodoulides: details of the meeting #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/07/zelenskyy-met-with-the-president.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2026 14:18:54 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/07/zelenskyy-met-with-the-president.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/c2ad02bb1a.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡️Zelenskyy met with the President of Cyprus, Christodoulides: details of the meeting #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ecsWTkPZhfc&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest live: Putin spent Orthodox Christmas at military base church, independent Russian media says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/07/ukraine-war-latest-live-putin.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2026 13:17:47 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/07/ukraine-war-latest-live-putin.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/screenshot-2026-01-07-at-13-55-46.png&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest live: Putin spent Orthodox Christmas at military base church, independent Russian media says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Live coverage of Russia’s war against Ukraine with breaking news and frontline updates, updated 4 times today. Russian President Vladimir Putin appears to have marked Orthodox Christmas at a church in a military base, the Russian independent investigative media outlet Agentstvo reported on Jan. 7.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-2026-01-07/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Macron seeks to talk to Putin &#39;in the coming weeks&#39; amid revived Ukraine peace efforts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/07/macron-seeks-to-talk-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2026 12:55:46 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/07/macron-seeks-to-talk-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/c91a6fd5cc.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Macron seeks to talk to Putin &#39;in the coming weeks&#39; amid revived Ukraine peace efforts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The French president nevertheless stressed that &#34;in the short term, we must continue to support Ukraine in its defense efforts.&#34;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/macron-seeks-to-talk-to-putin-in-the-coming-weeks/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Line producer for the War Crimes Investigations Unit at the Kyiv Independent</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/07/line-producer-for-the-war.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2026 11:55:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/07/line-producer-for-the-war.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/copy-of-logo-horizontal-black-01-2-.png&#34; alt=&#34;Line producer for the War Crimes Investigations Unit at the Kyiv Independent&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Kyiv Independent, Ukraine&#39;s main English-language publication, is looking for a Line producer for the War Crimes Investigations Unit.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/line-producer-for-the-war-crimes-investigations-unit-at-the-kyiv-independent/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia reportedly sends submarine to escort oil tanker pursued by US</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/07/russia-reportedly-sends-submarine-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2026 11:26:27 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/07/russia-reportedly-sends-submarine-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/1bf18ca2f5.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia reportedly sends submarine to escort oil tanker pursued by US&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Wall Street Journal reported that Moscow sent a submarine and other vessels to escort the Marinera tanker, previously known as Bella 1.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-reportedly-sends-naval-vessel-to-escort-tanker-pursued-by-us/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>US to triple Patriot interceptor missile output — this is why</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/07/us-to-triple-patriot-interceptor.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2026 10:54:23 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/07/us-to-triple-patriot-interceptor.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-1229063725.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;US to triple Patriot interceptor missile output — this is why&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The interceptor features advanced hit-to-kill technology, enabling it to destroy high-speed missiles, such as Russia&#39;s Kinzhal and Zircon, with precision.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/us-to-triple-patriot-interceptor-production-under-new-long-term-deal-with-lockheed-martin/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Lithuania to review Russian oppositionist&#39;s residency after criticism of Ukrainian officials, anti-Kremlin commander</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/07/lithuania-to-review-russian-oppositionists.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2026 09:17:59 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/07/lithuania-to-review-russian-oppositionists.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/7baf6468b1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Lithuania to review Russian oppositionist&#39;s residency after criticism of Ukrainian officials, anti-Kremlin commander&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;In a private message sent late December, Leonid Volkov welcomed the news of the apparent death of Denis Kapustin, the commander of the Russian Volunteer Corps, a right-wing militia made up of ethnic Russians fighting on Ukraine&#39;s side. It was later revealed that Kapustin was alive and his death was faked by Ukraine.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/lithuania-to-review-russian-oppositionists-residency-after-criticism-of-ukrainian-officials-anti-kremlin-commander/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Zelensky visits Cyprus as Nicosia&#39;s EU presidency begins</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/07/zelensky-visits-cyprus-as-nicosias.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2026 08:56:24 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/07/zelensky-visits-cyprus-as-nicosias.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/eccd5d3dfe.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky visits Cyprus as Nicosia&#39;s EU presidency begins&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Cyprus to meet his Cypriot counterpart, Nikos Christodoulides, and top EU officials, presidential spokesperson Serhii Nykyforov said on Jan. 7.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-visits-cyprus-as-nicosias-eu-presidency-begins/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Chart of the week: Lending boom suggests war is new normal for Ukrainians</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/07/chart-of-the-week-lending.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2026 07:52:08 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/07/chart-of-the-week-lending.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/lending-boom-take-0-02.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Chart of the week: Lending boom suggests war is new normal for Ukrainians&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ukrainians continued a borrowing spree in 2025, suggesting that households and companies are settling into a new normal as the country approaches the fifth year of Russia&#39;s full-scale invasion.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;While new loans plummeted in the first few years of the full-scale invasion, borrowing started to pick up in&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/chart-of-the-week-lending-boom-suggests-war-is-new-normal-for-ukrainians/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia offered to &#39;swap&#39; Venezuela for Ukraine in 2019, Trump adviser testimony claims</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/07/russia-offered-to-swap-venezuela.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2026 04:48:28 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/07/russia-offered-to-swap-venezuela.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-1190486820.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia offered to &#39;swap&#39; Venezuela for Ukraine in 2019, Trump adviser testimony claims&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Former Trump adviser Fiona Hill&#39;s congressional testimony resurfaced after the U.S. attack on Venezuela. Hill claimed Moscow sent signals proposing a &#34;very strange swap arrangement between Venezuela and Ukraine&#34; based on the Monroe Doctrine.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-offered-to-swap-venezuela-for-ukraine-in-2019-trump-adviser-testimony-claims/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russian oil depot in Belgorod Oblast on fire after Ukrainian drone attack, official claims</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/07/russian-oil-depot-in-belgorod.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2026 03:28:09 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/07/russian-oil-depot-in-belgorod.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/refinery1-1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian oil depot in Belgorod Oblast on fire after Ukrainian drone attack, official claims&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;A fire broke out at the Stary Oskol oil depot in Russia&#39;s Belgorod Oblast after it was hit by Ukrainian drones, Governor Vyacheslov Gladkov said. &#34;As a result of the detonation, several tanks caught fire on the site,&#34; he claimed.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-oil-refinery-in-belgorod-oblast-on-fire-after-ukrainian-drone-attack-official-claims/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Czech-led ammunition initiative for Ukraine will continue, Babis says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/06/czechled-ammunition-initiative-for-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 06 Jan 2026 22:56:49 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/06/czechled-ammunition-initiative-for-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2251442010.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Czech-led ammunition initiative for Ukraine will continue, Babis says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;I have decided, even after consulting with coalition partners, that we will not disrupt the ammunition initiative. The project will continue, and the Czech Republic will be in the role of coordinator,&#34; Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis said on Jan. 6.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/czech-led-ammunition-initiative-for-ukraine-will-continue-babis-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>URGENT! Zelenskyy announces DETAILS OF PEACE AGREEMENT and security guarantees</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/06/urgent-zelenskyy-announces-details-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 06 Jan 2026 22:01:12 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/06/urgent-zelenskyy-announces-details-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/8857aa573c.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;URGENT! Zelenskyy announces DETAILS OF PEACE AGREEMENT and security guarantees&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXAtRwSIDnA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>We are grateful to the US for their support so that Russia cannot attack Ukraine again, – Zelenskyy</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/06/we-are-grateful-to-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 06 Jan 2026 21:50:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/06/we-are-grateful-to-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/39e9c78a2a.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;We are grateful to the US for their support so that Russia cannot attack Ukraine again, – Zelenskyy&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ISiTb6CUUO0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>We are working on which countries will guarantee air, sea, and land security, Zelenskyy said #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/06/we-are-working-on-which.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 06 Jan 2026 21:44:14 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/06/we-are-working-on-which.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2289c2285c.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;We are working on which countries will guarantee air, sea, and land security, Zelenskyy said #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/DhRp3riowW0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>RUSSIA AGAINST THE US – attacks on American businesses in Ukraine #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/06/russia-against-the-us-attacks.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 06 Jan 2026 21:30:03 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/06/russia-against-the-us-attacks.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/8210740e8b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;RUSSIA AGAINST THE US – attacks on American businesses in Ukraine #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/KugoE0SWZkQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>RECORD 2,500 KM! 🔥 Ukrainian Armed Forces drones reached Bashkortostan: oil depots on fire!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/06/record-km-ukrainian-armed-forces.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 06 Jan 2026 21:00:51 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/06/record-km-ukrainian-armed-forces.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/ce0106bdd1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;RECORD 2,500 KM! 🔥 Ukrainian Armed Forces drones reached Bashkortostan: oil depots on fire!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvUnCl7mTMk&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Czechia&#39;s top diplomat to visit Ukraine as countries &#39;turn the page&#39; on parliament chairman&#39;s controversial remarks</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/06/czechias-top-diplomat-to-visit.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 06 Jan 2026 20:28:53 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/06/czechias-top-diplomat-to-visit.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2251455839.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Czechia&#39;s top diplomat to visit Ukraine as countries &#39;turn the page&#39; on parliament chairman&#39;s controversial remarks&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Petr Macinka, Czechia&#39;s new foreign minister, said he would visit Ukraine in the near future, local media reported on Jan. 6.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/czech-foreign-minister-to-visit-ukraine-in-the-near-future/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Zelensky, UK, France sign declaration on multinational force in Ukraine post-war</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/06/zelensky-uk-france-sign-declaration.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 06 Jan 2026 19:46:32 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/06/zelensky-uk-france-sign-declaration.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2254327081-1-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky, UK, France sign declaration on multinational force in Ukraine post-war&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Paris summit saw the partners agree on &#34;robust&#34; and &#34;legally binding guarantees&#34; to ensure Ukraine&#39;s post-war security.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-uk-france-sign-declaration-on-multinational-force-deployment-in-ukraine-post-war/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>The mirage of a European &#39;reassurance force&#39; in Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/06/the-mirage-of-a-european.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 06 Jan 2026 18:50:25 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/06/the-mirage-of-a-european.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2246086180.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;The mirage of a European &#39;reassurance force&#39; in Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As President Volodymyr Zelensky landed in Paris for the Coalition of the Willing talks, a key topic on the agenda is the &#34;European-led multinational force Ukraine.&#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A draft statement by the Coalition — yet to be approved by the leaders on Jan. 6 — includes &#34;binding commitments&amp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/the-mirage-of-a-european-reassurance-force-in-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>We asked 3 experts why Venezuela&#39;s Russian-supplied air defenses were so abysmal</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/06/we-asked-experts-why-venezuelas.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 06 Jan 2026 18:36:31 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/06/we-asked-experts-why-venezuelas.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2253839665-1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;We asked 3 experts why Venezuela&#39;s Russian-supplied air defenses were so abysmal&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Of all the images that emerged from the U.S. military operation to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro on Jan. 3, one of the most surreal was the sight of a fleet of American helicopters flying unchallenged over the skies of Caracas.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;figure data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-card kg-embed-card&#34;&gt;&lt;blockquote data-sanitized-class=&#34;twitter-tweet&#34;&gt;&lt;p lang=&#34;en&#34; dir=&#34;ltr&#34;&gt;Video from Caracas, Venezuela shows U.S. military&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/we-asked-3-experts-why-venezuelas-russian-supplied-air-defenses-were-so-abysmal/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Our readers&#39; questions about the war, answered. Vol. 10</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/06/our-readers-questions-about-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 06 Jan 2026 18:16:50 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/06/our-readers-questions-about-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2253771688.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Our readers&#39; questions about the war, answered. Vol. 10&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor&#39;s note: We asked members of the Kyiv Independent community to share the questions they have about the war. Here&#39;s what they asked and how we answered.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/membership/&#34;&gt;Join our community&lt;/a&gt; to ask a question in the next round.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Question: Why has the Ukrainian government chosen not&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/our-readers-questions-about-the-war-answered-vol-10/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>🔴 DECISIVE MEETING IN PARIS: Zelenskyy, Macron, Starmer,  Merz, Steven Witkoff and Jared Kushner!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/06/decisive-meeting-in-paris-zelenskyy.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 06 Jan 2026 17:51:37 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/06/decisive-meeting-in-paris-zelenskyy.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/e2bd42952d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🔴 DECISIVE MEETING IN PARIS: Zelenskyy, Macron, Starmer,  Merz, Steven Witkoff and Jared Kushner!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toa_aC2aWYI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>DIPLOMATIC BREAKTHROUGH: Experts from the Coalition of the Willing discuss peace #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/06/diplomatic-breakthrough-experts-from-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 06 Jan 2026 17:30:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/06/diplomatic-breakthrough-experts-from-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/aa20196515.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;DIPLOMATIC BREAKTHROUGH: Experts from the Coalition of the Willing discuss peace #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/BIZ2p7TLq54&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Kremlin&#39;s geopolitical collapse: US and Europe moving to play without Moscow?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/06/kremlins-geopolitical-collapse-us-and.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 06 Jan 2026 17:01:20 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/06/kremlins-geopolitical-collapse-us-and.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/56c33ae204.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Kremlin&#39;s geopolitical collapse: US and Europe moving to play without Moscow?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLpbAVan6Lg&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>CIVILIANS UNDER ATTACK: Dead and wounded in Zaporizhzhia and Kherson #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/06/civilians-under-attack-dead-and.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 06 Jan 2026 16:29:30 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/06/civilians-under-attack-dead-and.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/4c3fe48619.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;CIVILIANS UNDER ATTACK: Dead and wounded in Zaporizhzhia and Kherson #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/n89lbV5jHWw&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Why Trump’s capture of Venezuela’s Maduro is both a blessing and a curse for Russia</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/06/why-trumps-capture-of-venezuelas.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 06 Jan 2026 15:11:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/06/why-trumps-capture-of-venezuelas.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2213255268.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Why Trump’s capture of Venezuela’s Maduro is both a blessing and a curse for Russia&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The U.S. operation to capture Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro, a Kremlin ally, is a blow to Russia&#39;s influence in Latin America.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;However, Russia may also derive some benefits from U.S. President &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/donald-trump/&#34;&gt;Donald Trump&lt;/a&gt;&#39;s unprovoked &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/us-carries-out-large-scale-strike-on-venezuela-maduro-captured-and-flown-out-the-country-trumps-says/&#34;&gt;intervention&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;First, Trump&#39;s apparent violation of international law&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/why-trumps-capture-of-venezuelas-maduro-is-both-a-blessing-and-a-curse-for-russia/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine’s cold water warriors</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/06/ukraines-cold-water-warriors.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 06 Jan 2026 15:03:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/06/ukraines-cold-water-warriors.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fbe55b6b5-4.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine’s cold water warriors&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!0DyL!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3316a80f-b3c3-4a78-af27-89ac10ed7aef_1500x500.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f3316a80f-b.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;485&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/3316a80f-b3c3-4a78-af27-89ac10ed7aef_1500x500.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:485,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:true,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor’s note:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;The Counteroffensive would like to thank the readers in this video.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-component-name=&#34;VideoPlaceholder&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;mediaUploadId&#34;:&#34;bc1c0441-0cfe-4f52-967a-d36815d7188e&#34;,&#34;duration&#34;:null}&#39; data-sanitized-class=&#34;native-video-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Your support makes this kind of reporting possible and gives meaning to the work we do every day. By being part of this community, you help ensure that critical human stories from Ukraine continue to be told.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;We’re deeply grateful for your trust and wish you all the best in 2026.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Get Full Access!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Get Full Access!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Tip Jar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Tip Jar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;If Volodymyr Kozyriev added up all the time he spent in the water, sometimes under freezing temperatures, it would exceed seven days per year.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As the head of an underwater mine clearance group in the State Emergency Service of the Mykolaiv region, Volodymyr routinely dives into lakes and rivers to neutralize Russian explosives.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Epiphany, a holiday marked on January 6 to mark the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River, is not an exception for Volodymyr’s dives. While some ardent Christians in Ukraine dip into the cold water to cleanse their bodies and souls, ward off evil, stay healthy and secure longevity, Volodymyr and his colleagues are just doing their jobs, protecting military personnel and civilians from the looming Russian threat.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;According to the UN, about 13,000 sq. km of Ukrainian waterways, including those in the Dnipro River, the Black Sea and lakes, could be &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.radiosvoboda.org/a/miny-voda-more-richky-vodoskhovyshcha-rozminuvannya/33605367.html&#34;&gt;contaminated&lt;/a&gt; with Russian explosive devices. To prevent them from going off sporadically, specialists from the State Emergency Service take a great risk. As of June, 2025, more than 500 rescuers were injured, and at least 105 &lt;a href=&#34;https://suspilne.media/1050615-vid-pocatku-povnomasstabnoi-vijni-zaginuli-ponad-100-ratuvalnikiv-dsns/&#34;&gt;died&lt;/a&gt; on duty due to Russian attacks.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For them, cold plunges are not an optional festive ritual, but an everyday, sometimes life-threatening job. Their silent and unnoticed heroism is what truly allows Ukrainians to mark holidays safely in the chaos of war.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;id&#34;:428871}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;PollToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;poll-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Volodymyr began his career at the State Emergency Service unexpectedly.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;His first dive was a training session. After years of watching other divers on his phone or a TV screen, looking around in the murky water himself felt both terrifying and exciting. Now he dives in the cold waters for work, while even  some of the bravest Ukrainians would only dare to plunge for the Epiphany holiday.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“The water temperature can drop to 5, 2 or even 0 degrees [Celsius],” Volodymyr said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fbe55b6b5-4.jpg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/35d9896423.jpg&#34; width=&#34;498&#34; height=&#34;373.842032967033&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/be55b6b5-449d-4103-a028-052bd08adc83_1600x1201.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1093,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:498,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Volodymyr on a successful mission. Photo provided to The Counteroffensive.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;To be ready for such extreme temperatures and challenging tasks at any time, Volodymyr has needed to develop his physical endurance and mental resilience. He and his team spend most days training. Divers are constantly analyzing their previous mistakes to improve their teamwork and adjust to new equipment. This is crucial in order to adapt back to severe conditions. The working schedule at the Emergency Service is also intense, as the rescuers need to stay on call over weekends and holidays.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As stressful as it is, Volodymyr finds comfort in diving. He describes feeling like he is  going to a completely different world where everything is much more peaceful.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“There is no one there, it is quiet. You are completely cut off from the modern world. There is no phone, and no one can call and distract you. When we come to some new places with clear water and a good view, it is like paradise for us.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This feeling of serenity parallels what people are trying to find when they jump into the chilling water on Epiphany, which is one of the most important winter holidays in Ukraine.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Although the cold plunge tradition is not widely observed nowadays, it certainly lives on in Ukraine. The name ‘Epiphany’ was first &lt;a href=&#34;https://localhistory.org.ua/texts/statti/chi-kupalisia-ukrayintsi-na-vodokhreshche/&#34;&gt;used&lt;/a&gt; in a written source in 1148, but the custom itself was kept in all regions of Ukraine up to the beginning of the 20th century, marked by a civil war in Ukraine and establishment of the Soviet Union. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!wIv0!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Faba70687-427f-4e95-a5a9-dce6f9b75f30_594x396.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2faba70687-4.jpg&#34; width=&#34;468&#34; height=&#34;312&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/aba70687-427f-4e95-a5a9-dce6f9b75f30_594x396.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:396,&#34;width&#34;:594,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:468,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Ukrainian Orthodox believers bathing in cold water during Epiphany celebrations in Kyiv, Ukraine, on January 6, 2025, amid the ongoing Russian invasion (Photo by Maxym Marusenko/NurPhoto via Getty Images).&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;On January 6, the water is said to become “holy.” If it freezes over, observers form a cross-shaped hole in the ice, which might come from the Ukrainian name of the holiday, ‘Vodokhreshcha’. Derived from &lt;em&gt;voda, &lt;/em&gt;which means ‘water’, and&lt;em&gt; khrest,&lt;/em&gt; ‘a cross’, it means baptism in the holy water.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In traditional celebrations, early in the morning, everyone tried to drink water from a nearby river or lake as a remedy for future illness. Girls used to wash their faces in it to get rosy cheeks and preserve their beauty. Swimming in the cold water on Epiphany was reserved for the bravest, and mostly for the young.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;People who participated in theatrical performances on the holiday of Malanka and Vasyl (&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/ukrainian-goat-carol-nye-traditions&#34;&gt;see our story on that&lt;/a&gt;) also did cold plunges on Epiphany to wash away evil spirits they might have accidentally summoned during their plays.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Today, some people still dare to jump. Among them are celebrities, politicians and the mayor of Kyiv, Vitalii Klitschko. Even the former President of Ukraine, Viktor Yushchenko, plunged in years past.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!AXRx!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F6c5ab1ad-d395-47fc-bc37-4304596d0357_1000x666.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f6c5ab1ad-d.png&#34; width=&#34;464&#34; height=&#34;309.024&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/6c5ab1ad-d395-47fc-bc37-4304596d0357_1000x666.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:666,&#34;width&#34;:1000,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:464,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;The mayor of Kyiv, Vitalii &lt;/em&gt;Klitschko&lt;em&gt;, celebrated Epiphany in 2021 with a cold plunge at -19°C. Photo from the official &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivcity.gov.ua/news/vitaliy_klichko_privitav_ukrantsiv_iz_vodokhreschem_ta_pirnuv_u_opolonku/&#34;&gt;site&lt;/a&gt; of the Kyiv city council.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Volodymyr is wary about the tradition, and only vaguely remembers his father plunging on Epiphany. He warns that diving might be unsafe and cause sudden cramps, especially for people who are not used to it. Even professional divers don’t jump into the cold water unprepared.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;To search for and neutralize mines in winter, Volodymyr wears a thick wetsuit, which ensures that his skin does not touch the water. Still, it confines his movements and cannot protect him entirely from the cold.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“In winter, we spend less time underwater, but you can get any disease. With some of them, like pneumonia or sinusitis, you cannot work in the water at all,” he said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;During the war, very few people dive to celebrate Epiphany as mass gatherings are forbidden by martial law. On the flip side, the Emergency Service performs increasingly challenging tasks.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As Volodymyr explains, an explosion in less than one kilometer next to divers may be deadly, even underwater. He faces further challenges when he has to deal with unfamiliar equipment and invent creative solutions to disarm it.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Many explosive devices were not used before, and we were not taught such methods. These are used specifically against divers, against any swimming equipment or armored equipment crossing rivers. When it is in the middle of the river, we can’t get to it by boat because of the big waves. Sometimes we use robotic systems or drones to liquidate it.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Each mission is carried out by at least 4 people, including a car driver, two divers, and a person to support and assist them on the ground. The longest missions could last for weeks.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Unexploded mines or missiles usually take the most time to extract and often require specific equipment and precise scans of the sea floor.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Some of it is not even invented yet,” joked Volodymyr.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!Zwkw!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa8ad893e-e3d9-489e-8575-13e86c5fb9c9_1600x1067.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fa8ad893e-e.jpg&#34; width=&#34;528&#34; height=&#34;352.1208791208791&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/a8ad893e-e3d9-489e-8575-13e86c5fb9c9_1600x1067.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:971,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:528,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;A member of the support team assists Volodymyr with his tasks&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Volodymyr said life-saving tasks and searching for bodies are the hardest for him.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“The most difficult thing is when you come to look for a dead child,” he said. I remember when two boys drowned... Not everyone can take that,” he said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Many calls to the Emergency Service are made by locals who spot suspicious objects in the water. For Volodymyr, one trend is disturbing and relieving at the same time: after almost four years of war, false alarms have grown rare. People have learned to recognize different kinds of explosive devices and self-monitor their requests for help.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Still, it’s better to be safe than sorry, he said, which can lead to some funny cases:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“There was a time when we came to remove an anti-personnel mine, but it turned out to be a drinking trough for little ducklings. It was just stuck in the ground, slightly trampled, and they thought it was a mine.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Volodymyr doesn’t celebrate Epiphany himself, but when he protects Ukrainians from explosives underwater, he helps to preserve this tradition and the Ukrainian way of life in a broader sense.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor’s note:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;The Counteroffensive would like to thank the readers in this video.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-component-name=&#34;VideoPlaceholder&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;mediaUploadId&#34;:&#34;bc1c0441-0cfe-4f52-967a-d36815d7188e&#34;,&#34;duration&#34;:null}&#39; data-sanitized-class=&#34;native-video-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Your support makes this kind of reporting possible and gives meaning to the work we do every day. By being part of this community, you help ensure that critical human stories from Ukraine continue to be told.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;We’re deeply grateful for your trust and wish you all the best in 2026.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Get Full Access!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Get Full Access!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Tip Jar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Tip Jar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;NEWS OF THE DAY:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;By Anastasiia Kryvoruchenko&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;ZELENSKYY-‘COALITION OF THE WILLING’ TALK ON SECURITY GUARANTEES&lt;/strong&gt;: Today, Zelenskyy and Western leaders will meet in Paris to define post-war security guarantees for Ukraine, AP &lt;a href=&#34;https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-macron-starmer-witkoff-21195f5b6a67fd2ac445d05803ae5948&#34;&gt;reported&lt;/a&gt;. U.S. representatives — Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner — will attend the meeting.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A key topic of the meeting will be securing U.S. approval for deploying American troops in Ukraine, as well as other forms of assistance within the framework of security guarantees.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;ZELENSKYY APPOINTED CANADIAN POLITICIAN AS ECONOMIC ADVISOR:&lt;/strong&gt; President Zelenskyy has appointed Chrystia Freeland, former Deputy Prime Minister of Canada, as an advisor on post-war reconstruction, NYT &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/05/world/europe/chrystia-freeland-ukraine-economic-adviser.html&#34;&gt;reported&lt;/a&gt;. She will provide consultations on rebuilding in the event that negotiations succeed and peace is reached.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Freeland’s appointment to this role comes amid Trump’s push for U.S. participation in reconstruction.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;U.S. TO SEIZE VENEZUELAN OIL TANKER UNDER RUSSIAN FLAG:&lt;/strong&gt; The U.S. plans to seize the tanker ‘Marinera’, which is carrying Venezuelan crude oil under the Russian flag, CBS &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/us-planning-to-intercept-oil-tanker-flying-russian-flag-linked-to-venezuelan-oil-trade-cbs-news-reports/&#34;&gt;reported&lt;/a&gt;. The ‘Marinera’ is listed as having departed a port in Sochi on the Black Sea coast.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Russian government has &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/02/us/politics/oil-tanker-russia-north-atlantic.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&#34;&gt;requested&lt;/a&gt; that the U.S. refrain from any attempt to seize the tanker. Sanctions and strikes on Russia’s oil infrastructure have dealt a painful blow to the Russian economy which is heavily reliant on the energy sector.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;DOG OF WAR:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;Nastia met this pup while having coffee with a friend and enjoying one of the few sunny days in Kyiv. The dog’s outfit matched the weather perfectly.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!vDsp!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd2fb69aa-5b9d-409f-a53e-32a4424b9b14_1200x1600.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fd2fb69aa-5.png&#34; width=&#34;1200&#34; height=&#34;1600&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/d2fb69aa-5b9d-409f-a53e-32a4424b9b14_1200x1600.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1600,&#34;width&#34;:1200,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Stay safe out there.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Best,&lt;br&gt;Oleksandra&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/ukraines-cold-water-warriors&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Zelenskyy in PARIS! &amp;quot;Coalition of Willing&amp;quot; PREPARES RESPONSE! Zaporizhzhia and Kherson under fire!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/06/zelenskyy-in-paris-quotcoalition-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 06 Jan 2026 15:00:17 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/06/zelenskyy-in-paris-quotcoalition-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/8cd5a49776.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelenskyy in PARIS! &amp;quot;Coalition of Willing&amp;quot; PREPARES RESPONSE! Zaporizhzhia and Kherson under fire!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFoTymiDgOw&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>&#39;Explosions rang out all night&#39; — SBU conducts fresh strikes on ammunition depot and oil facility deep inside Russia</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/06/explosions-rang-out-all-night.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 06 Jan 2026 14:46:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/06/explosions-rang-out-all-night.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/screenshot-2026-01-06-at-11-26-06-pm.png&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;Explosions rang out all night&#39; — SBU conducts fresh strikes on ammunition depot and oil facility deep inside Russia&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Long-range drones operated by the agency&#39;s Alpha special forces unit struck a large Russian arsenal near the town of Neya in Kostroma Oblast and an oil facility in Lipetsk Oblast.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/sbu-conducts-fresh-strikes-on-ammo-depot-and-oil-facility-deep-inside-russia-source-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Wow! The new head of the PRESIDENT&#39;S OFFICE, BUDANOV, is also in PARIS! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/06/wow-the-new-head-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 06 Jan 2026 14:29:37 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/06/wow-the-new-head-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/7f77820b89.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Wow! The new head of the PRESIDENT&#39;S OFFICE, BUDANOV, is also in PARIS! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/8DhxkoIEpv4&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Analysis: Ukraine&#39;s manpower, and what Kyiv does with it, will define the war in 2026</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/06/analysis-ukraines-manpower-and-what.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 06 Jan 2026 13:45:15 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/06/analysis-ukraines-manpower-and-what.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/upd-gettyimages-2250559351.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Analysis: Ukraine&#39;s manpower, and what Kyiv does with it, will define the war in 2026&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In a dimly-lit wooden bunker, a tall, formidably-built Ukrainian officer is filmed from behind, wishing his men good fortune one by one with firm handshakes before a mission.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The soldiers in question — a few dozen mobilized Ukrainian men mostly in their forties, each dressed in issued pixel fatigues and&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/analysis-effective-use-of-manpower-will-define-whether-ukraine-loses-the-war-in-2026/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Warm welcome! MACRON receives ZELENSKY in France #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/06/warm-welcome-macron-receives-zelensky.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 06 Jan 2026 13:26:26 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/06/warm-welcome-macron-receives-zelensky.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/56fbd0e9f5.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Warm welcome! MACRON receives ZELENSKY in France #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/hMKpnifUZrQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest live: Russia is arming Shahed-type drones with MANPADS heat-seeking missiles</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/06/ukraine-war-latest-live-russia.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 06 Jan 2026 12:10:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/06/ukraine-war-latest-live-russia.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/screenshot-2026-01-06-at-13-04-35.png&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest live: Russia is arming Shahed-type drones with MANPADS heat-seeking missiles&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Live coverage of Russia’s war against Ukraine with breaking news and frontline updates, updated 4 times today. A Russian Shahed-type drone reportedly downed in Chernihiv Oblast was armed with a MANPADS heat-seeking missile, media reported on Jan. 5.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-update-2026-01-06/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>(LIVE) Zelensky meets Macron in Paris as leaders gather for Coalition of the Willing summit</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/06/live-zelensky-meets-macron-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 06 Jan 2026 11:45:59 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/06/live-zelensky-meets-macron-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2254294261-1-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;(LIVE) Zelensky meets Macron in Paris as leaders gather for Coalition of the Willing summit&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;These talks are meant to deliver more protection and strength for Ukraine,&#34; Zelensky said on X. &#34;We are counting on our partners&#39; support and on steps that can guarantee real security for our people.&#34;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-arrives-in-paris-for-coalition-of-the-willing-meeting/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukrainian drones strike oil facilities in several Russian regions and residential building in Tver, officials say</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/06/ukrainian-drones-strike-oil-facilities.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 06 Jan 2026 05:35:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/06/ukrainian-drones-strike-oil-facilities.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/image0-2-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian drones strike oil facilities in several Russian regions and residential building in Tver, officials say&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukrainian drones carried out overnight attacks on several Russian regions on Jan. 6, with explosions and fires reported in multiple locations, according to Russian Telegram channels.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-drones-strike-oil-facilities-in-several-regions-residential-building-in-russias-tver-officials-say/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>US plans interception of Russian-flagged tanker linked to Venezuelan oil trade, CBS News reports</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/06/us-plans-interception-of-russianflagged.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 06 Jan 2026 01:52:33 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/06/us-plans-interception-of-russianflagged.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/a2491404c1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;US plans interception of Russian-flagged tanker linked to Venezuelan oil trade, CBS News reports&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Reports of the planned interception come amid increasingly tense relations between Washington and Moscow, as the U.S. continues to broker a peace deal in Ukraine.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/us-planning-to-intercept-oil-tanker-flying-russian-flag-linked-to-venezuelan-oil-trade-cbs-news-reports/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>33,000 LOSSES IN DECEMBER! Russia pays a terrible price for the war #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/05/losses-in-december-russia-pays.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 05 Jan 2026 21:30:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/05/losses-in-december-russia-pays.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/8502194563.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;33,000 LOSSES IN DECEMBER! Russia pays a terrible price for the war #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/4sX0Th4bNdY&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Trump doesn&#39;t believe Kremlin&#39;s fantasies, Putin loses record number of doldiers</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/05/trump-doesnt-believe-kremlins-fantasies.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 05 Jan 2026 21:00:29 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/05/trump-doesnt-believe-kremlins-fantasies.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/55e4be9f25.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Trump doesn&#39;t believe Kremlin&#39;s fantasies, Putin loses record number of doldiers&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXfFxvcVVnU&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Zelensky says Russia lost 90,000 troops over 3 months as Fedorov readies Defense Ministry overhaul</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/05/zelensky-says-russia-lost-troops.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 05 Jan 2026 19:34:23 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/05/zelensky-says-russia-lost-troops.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/photo-2026-01-05-20-07-04.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky says Russia lost 90,000 troops over 3 months as Fedorov readies Defense Ministry overhaul&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Ukrainian army has eliminated more than 90,000 Russian troops over the past three months, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced Jan. 5 after meeting with Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who is expected to lead the Defense Ministry soon.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-reports-heavy-russian-losses-over-past-3-months-as-zelenskys-pick-for-defense-minister-prepares-ministry-transformation-plan/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>❗️Russia prolongs war and maximizes Ukraine damage – strategy unchanged, — Zelenskyy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/05/russia-prolongs-war-and-maximizes.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 05 Jan 2026 19:29:04 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/05/russia-prolongs-war-and-maximizes.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/16393d6256.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️Russia prolongs war and maximizes Ukraine damage – strategy unchanged, — Zelenskyy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/SCd8O-QbffY&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Slavoj Zizek: Welcome to the age of corridors</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/05/slavoj-zizek-welcome-to-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 05 Jan 2026 18:06:57 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/05/slavoj-zizek-welcome-to-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2252056575.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Slavoj Zizek: Welcome to the age of corridors&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;When criminals are apprehended, their first statement is usually: &#34;But I did nothing wrong, I am an honest man!&#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The latest example of such a procedure — which, of course, stands for ideology at its purest — occurred in mid-December 2025 when &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/russia/&#34;&gt;Russia&lt;/a&gt; announced that it is &#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/slavoj-zizek-welcome-to-the-age-of-corridors/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukrainian strike on Tuapse – Russia is on fire! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/05/ukrainian-strike-on-tuapse-russia.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 05 Jan 2026 17:30:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/05/ukrainian-strike-on-tuapse-russia.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/3cf1462985.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian strike on Tuapse – Russia is on fire! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/o3apIDfRV-Y&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Year starts with FIRES: Ukrainian drones devastate Russia&#39;s rear, FSB pays for fake</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/05/year-starts-with-fires-ukrainian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 05 Jan 2026 17:04:22 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/05/year-starts-with-fires-ukrainian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/8949cae333.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Year starts with FIRES: Ukrainian drones devastate Russia&#39;s rear, FSB pays for fake&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFdKAO0ssQ4&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Witkoff, Kushner to join Paris summit on Ukraine security guarantees, source says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/05/witkoff-kushner-to-join-paris.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 05 Jan 2026 17:03:50 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/05/witkoff-kushner-to-join-paris.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2248985544.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Witkoff, Kushner to join Paris summit on Ukraine security guarantees, source says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Jan. 6 leaders&#39; meeting will focus on long-term security arrangements for Ukraine.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/witkoff-kushner-to-join-paris-summit-on-ukraine-security-guarantees/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>🔴 LIVE! US operation in Caracas – signal to Putin or end of Kremlin&#39;s allies?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/05/live-us-operation-in-caracas.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 05 Jan 2026 16:38:53 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/05/live-us-operation-in-caracas.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/37ba5eba0e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🔴 LIVE! US operation in Caracas – signal to Putin or end of Kremlin&#39;s allies?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-EbqOgj3OM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>ATTACK FOILED: Ukrainian Army destroys Russians near Kupiansk #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/05/attack-foiled-ukrainian-army-destroys.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 05 Jan 2026 15:24:41 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/05/attack-foiled-ukrainian-army-destroys.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/3b6f35c810.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;ATTACK FOILED: Ukrainian Army destroys Russians near Kupiansk #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/jDsbyg8u3lc&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>DIRECT HIT ON HOSPITAL! 🏥 Russia launches 165 drones &amp;amp;amp; ballistics: dead in Kyiv!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/05/direct-hit-on-hospital-russia.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 05 Jan 2026 15:01:26 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/05/direct-hit-on-hospital-russia.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/482e1a1c77.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;DIRECT HIT ON HOSPITAL! 🏥 Russia launches 165 drones &amp;amp; ballistics: dead in Kyiv!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDQsAlfRwAQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>US may raise tariffs on India &#39;very quickly&#39; if it keeps buying Russian oil, Trump says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/05/us-may-raise-tariffs-on.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 05 Jan 2026 14:42:41 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/05/us-may-raise-tariffs-on.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2254685994.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;US may raise tariffs on India &#39;very quickly&#39; if it keeps buying Russian oil, Trump says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;(Indian Prime Minister Narendra) Modi is a good guy. He knew I was not happy, and it was important to make me happy,&#34; U.S. President Donald Trump said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/us-may-raise-tariffs-on-india-very-quickly-if-it-keeps-buying-russian-oil/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Russian attempt to storm Kupiansk using gas pipeline &#39;thwarted,&#39; 40 soldiers &#39;eliminated,&#39; Ukraine&#39;s 7th Corps says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/05/russian-attempt-to-storm-kupiansk.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 05 Jan 2026 13:34:14 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/05/russian-attempt-to-storm-kupiansk.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/screenshot-2026-01-05-at-14-31-52.png&#34; alt=&#34;Russian attempt to storm Kupiansk using gas pipeline &#39;thwarted,&#39; 40 soldiers &#39;eliminated,&#39; Ukraine&#39;s 7th Corps says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russian troops are attempting to close in on Kupiansk from the north and east, aiming to solidify their presence on the western side of the Oskil River.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-7th-corps-says-it-thwarted-russias-attempt-to-storm-kupiansk-using-gas-pipeline/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest live: Russian troops attempting to expand combat zone in Sumy, Kharkiv oblasts, Border Guard Service says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/05/ukraine-war-latest-live-russian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 05 Jan 2026 13:13:49 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/05/ukraine-war-latest-live-russian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/499f460951.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest live: Russian troops attempting to expand combat zone in Sumy, Kharkiv oblasts, Border Guard Service says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Live coverage of Russia’s war against Ukraine with breaking news and frontline updates, updated 4 times today. Russian troops are trying to expand the combat zone near the state border area in Sumy and Kharkiv oblasts, Border Guard Service spokesperson Andrii Demchenko said on Jan. 5 on national television.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-update-2026-01-05/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Zelensky appoints former Canadian deputy PM as economic advisor</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/05/zelensky-appoints-former-canadian-deputy.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 05 Jan 2026 12:53:51 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/05/zelensky-appoints-former-canadian-deputy.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2195876646.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky appoints former Canadian deputy PM as economic advisor&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The move comes as Zelensky lays the groundwork for either a peace deal and Ukraine&#39;s post-war reconstruction, or the continuation of the war, with recent appointments aimed at preparing the country for both.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-appoints-former-canadian-deputy-pm-as-economic-advisor/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>BREAKING: Ukraine&#39;s Security Service chief resigns under Zelensky pressure, to focus on operations against Russia</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/05/breaking-ukraines-security-service-chief.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 05 Jan 2026 12:36:33 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/05/breaking-ukraines-security-service-chief.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/nwhfbwfhbweuief.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;BREAKING: Ukraine&#39;s Security Service chief resigns under Zelensky pressure, to focus on operations against Russia&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;Together, we discussed candidates for the new head of the SBU,&#34; President Volodymyr Zelensky said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/sbu-chief-behind-major-russia-strikes-resigns/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russians “DEFEATED” a hospital! Consequences of the horrific shelling of Kyiv #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/05/russians-defeated-a-hospital-consequences.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 05 Jan 2026 08:57:15 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/05/russians-defeated-a-hospital-consequences.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/256a765eb8.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russians “DEFEATED” a hospital! Consequences of the horrific shelling of Kyiv #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/SRbXu7hdPWw&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Batrbeg Ostaev</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/05/batrbeg-ostaev.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 05 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/05/batrbeg-ostaev.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2002-1cpp.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Batrbeg Ostaev&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2002-1cpp.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Batrbeg Ostaev&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Position Unknown - Major&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Unit:&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;a href=&#34;https://topcargo200.com/tag/4gmb/&#34;&gt;4th Guards Military Base&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&#34;https://topcargo200.com/tag/58gcaa/&#34;&gt;58th Guards Combined Arms Army&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&#34;https://topcargo200.com/tag/smd/&#34;&gt;Southern Military District&lt;/a&gt;, Russian Ministry of Defense (MOD)&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Cargo ID:&lt;/strong&gt; #2002&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;English Name:&lt;/strong&gt; Batrbeg Ilasovich Ostaev&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Russian Name:&lt;/strong&gt; Остаева Батрбега Иласовича&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Date of Birth:&lt;/strong&gt; Unspecified (age: 46 years)&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Place of Birth:&lt;/strong&gt; Unspecified&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Date of Death:&lt;/strong&gt; Unspecified (first reported January 5, 2026)&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Place of Death:&lt;/strong&gt; Unspecified&lt;/p&gt;&lt;figure data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-card kg-gallery-card kg-width-wide&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-container&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-row&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-image&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2002-sr.png&#34; width=&#34;600&#34; height=&#34;576&#34; alt=&#34;Batrbeg Ostaev&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-image&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2002-1c.webp&#34; width=&#34;1024&#34; height=&#34;1536&#34; alt=&#34;Batrbeg Ostaev&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-image&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2002-se-1.png&#34; width=&#34;613&#34; height=&#34;584&#34; alt=&#34;Batrbeg Ostaev&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-card kg-callout-card kg-callout-card-blue&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-callout-emoji&#34;&gt;ℹ️&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-callout-text&#34;&gt;Note: At the time of this posting we do not have confirmation of his specific rank. His officer portrait clearly shows the double red lines of a senior officer on his epaulettes, but the number of stars are not shown, nor is his rank mentioned in the funeral announcement. Until we can confirm his actual rank, we are listing him as a Major because that is the lowest possible rank indicated by his portrait.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://topcargo200.com/2002/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Russia targets capital and Kyiv Oblast, killing at least 2, damaging medical center</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/05/russia-targets-capital-and-kyiv.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 05 Jan 2026 04:50:21 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/05/russia-targets-capital-and-kyiv.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/36cf434ce4.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia targets capital and Kyiv Oblast, killing at least 2, damaging medical center&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;A privately owned medical center in Kyiv’s Obolonskyi district was damaged in the attack, and at least two people were injured, according to Tymur Tkachenko, who heads the Kyiv City Military Administration.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-targets-capital-and-kyiv-oblast-killing-at-least-2-damaging-medical-center/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>&#39;We don&#39;t believe that happened&#39; — Trump dismisses Putin’s claim of Ukrainian attack on his residence</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/05/we-dont-believe-that-happened.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 05 Jan 2026 03:10:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/05/we-dont-believe-that-happened.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2151595940.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;We don&#39;t believe that happened&#39; — Trump dismisses Putin’s claim of Ukrainian attack on his residence&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russia had publicly accused Ukraine of launching 91 drones toward a residence used by Putin — a claim Putin personally conveyed to Trump during the phone call.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/we-dont-believe-that-happened-trump-dismisses-putins-claim-of-ukrainian-attack-on-his-residence/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>RUSSIA ABANDONS ITS OWN – the Kremlin did not stand up for Maduro’s Venezuela | Wrap-Up Analytics</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/05/russia-abandons-its-own-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 05 Jan 2026 00:01:16 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/05/russia-abandons-its-own-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/e871e4386e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;RUSSIA ABANDONS ITS OWN – the Kremlin did not stand up for Maduro’s Venezuela | Wrap-Up Analytics&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzAw42wvjqM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>TRUMP hinted to PUTIN – you will be next after MADURO! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/04/trump-hinted-to-putin-you.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 04 Jan 2026 23:30:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/04/trump-hinted-to-putin-you.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/ab228d2b2a.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;TRUMP hinted to PUTIN – you will be next after MADURO! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/AUg97-A7ywc&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>After US attack on Venezuela, Trump&#39;s Greenland ambitions spark renewed alarm</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/04/after-us-attack-on-venezuela.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 04 Jan 2026 22:20:56 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/04/after-us-attack-on-venezuela.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/4ac33bd1ba.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;After US attack on Venezuela, Trump&#39;s Greenland ambitions spark renewed alarm&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;We do need Greenland, absolutely,&#34; Trump told the Atlantic in an interview on Jan. 4, saying the island is &#34;surrounded by Russian and Chinese ships.&#34;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/after-us-attack-on-venezuela-trumps-greenland-ambitions-spark-renewed-alarm/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>A New Era for Venezuela: TRUMP vs MADURO. The Valdai &amp;amp;quot;attack&amp;amp;quot; was... an AI fake</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/04/a-new-era-for-venezuela.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 04 Jan 2026 22:09:32 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/04/a-new-era-for-venezuela.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/9977362808.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;A New Era for Venezuela: TRUMP vs MADURO. The Valdai &amp;quot;attack&amp;quot; was... an AI fake&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVFi0T6KjYA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>🇻🇪 Venezuelan DOMINO EFFECT: Putin&#39;s oil empire will fall FIRST #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/04/venezuelan-domino-effect-putins-oil.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 04 Jan 2026 21:30:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/04/venezuelan-domino-effect-putins-oil.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/82e3dcc6bc.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🇻🇪 Venezuelan DOMINO EFFECT: Putin&#39;s oil empire will fall FIRST #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/VWpBEVoGfwo&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>A country that has DOOMED ITSELF – Putin&#39;s war has driven Russia into DECLINE | Explainer</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/04/a-country-that-has-doomed.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 04 Jan 2026 21:00:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/04/a-country-that-has-doomed.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/1424016ffd.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;A country that has DOOMED ITSELF – Putin&#39;s war has driven Russia into DECLINE | Explainer&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VyvkleTSnM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russian missile parts factory in flames after Ukrainian drone attack, media report</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/04/russian-missile-parts-factory-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 04 Jan 2026 20:44:38 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/04/russian-missile-parts-factory-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/lipetsk2.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian missile parts factory in flames after Ukrainian drone attack, media report&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Energia factory in Lipetsk Oblast produces components for Russian missiles and drones, including batteries for the Iskander ballistic missile system and cruise missiles.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-missile-factory-in-flames-after-ukrainian-drone-attack-media-report/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>🤡 PUTIN begs for a ticket to BIG POLITICS – and all in vain! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/04/putin-begs-for-a-ticket.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 04 Jan 2026 20:30:04 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/04/putin-begs-for-a-ticket.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/a9aa009490.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🤡 PUTIN begs for a ticket to BIG POLITICS – and all in vain! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/UinQeCdkh7I&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine prepared to continue fighting if diplomacy with Russia fails, Zelensky says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/04/ukraine-prepared-to-continue-fighting.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 04 Jan 2026 20:04:51 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/04/ukraine-prepared-to-continue-fighting.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2254593251.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine prepared to continue fighting if diplomacy with Russia fails, Zelensky says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Kyiv is ready for &#34;both options,&#34; Zelensky said: the diplomatic track, or ongoing active defense against Russia. &#34;Ukraine will never surrender,&#34; he said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-prepared-to-continue-fighting-if-diplomacy-with-russia-fails-zelensky-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>AZOV smashes RUSSIAN LIES and fake “VICTORIES”! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/04/azov-smashes-russian-lies-and.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 04 Jan 2026 19:45:14 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/04/azov-smashes-russian-lies-and.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2e0d4a76f1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;AZOV smashes RUSSIAN LIES and fake “VICTORIES”! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/U4_EIkoDdYI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>MEETING IN KYIV: The peace process continues! THE FRONT NOW: AZOV is fighting back!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/04/meeting-in-kyiv-the-peace.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 04 Jan 2026 19:22:45 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/04/meeting-in-kyiv-the-peace.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/3dda9b4484.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;MEETING IN KYIV: The peace process continues! THE FRONT NOW: AZOV is fighting back!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1MrMalh9CQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukraine war latest: Ukraine denies Russia&#39;s claim of capturing town near Pokrovsk, maintains &#39;control over key positions&#39;</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/04/ukraine-war-latest-ukraine-denies.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 04 Jan 2026 19:15:04 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/04/ukraine-war-latest-ukraine-denies.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/c96397b9b3.webp&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest: Ukraine denies Russia&#39;s claim of capturing town near Pokrovsk, maintains &#39;control over key positions&#39;&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Key developments on Jan. 3-4:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Ukraine denies Russia&#39;s claim of capturing town near Pokrovsk, maintains &#39;control over key positions&#39;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Ukraine slaps sanctions on companies supplying Russia&#39;s military industry&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Ukrainian drones target Moscow, trigger airport closures, Russia says&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Peace deal must include British, French military&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-ukraine-denies-russias-claim-of-capturing-town-near-pokrovsk-maintains-control-over-key-positions/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>❗️ Starved and nearly killed by &amp;quot;KADYROVTSY&amp;quot;: memories of a Mariupol resident #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/04/starved-and-nearly-killed-by.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 04 Jan 2026 18:30:09 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/04/starved-and-nearly-killed-by.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/fa4ae28a88.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️ Starved and nearly killed by &amp;quot;KADYROVTSY&amp;quot;: memories of a Mariupol resident #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/PPHyJ5_pykU&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Smashed shops, no water, and cooking food on open fires: HELLISH life under Russian occupation</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/04/smashed-shops-no-water-and.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 04 Jan 2026 18:05:51 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/04/smashed-shops-no-water-and.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/5de5827b2b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Smashed shops, no water, and cooking food on open fires: HELLISH life under Russian occupation&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rd-_ZbazYjs&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Zelensky dismisses Deineko as head of State Border Guard, names First Deputy Vavryniuk interim chief</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/04/zelensky-dismisses-deineko-as-head.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 04 Jan 2026 17:49:45 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/04/zelensky-dismisses-deineko-as-head.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2190384395.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky dismisses Deineko as head of State Border Guard, names First Deputy Vavryniuk interim chief&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Deineko has been appointed as an adviser to Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko. A permanent replacement to lead the State Border Guard Service will be named shortly, Zelensky said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-dismisses-deineko-as-head-of-state-border-guard-names-first-deputy-vavryniuk-interim-chief/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine denies Russia&#39;s claim of capturing town near Pokrovsk, maintains &#39;control over key positions&#39;</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/04/ukraine-denies-russias-claim-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 04 Jan 2026 17:16:04 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/04/ukraine-denies-russias-claim-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2201157056.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine denies Russia&#39;s claim of capturing town near Pokrovsk, maintains &#39;control over key positions&#39;&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;Control over key positions is maintained. The enemy is suffering significant losses in manpower and equipment,&#34; Ukraine&#39;s Air Assault Forces said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-denies-russias-claim-of-capturing-town-near-pokrovsk-maintans-control-over-key-positions/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Serbia&#39;s Russian-owned oil refinery to resume operations in mid-January, Vucic says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/04/serbias-russianowned-oil-refinery-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 04 Jan 2026 16:13:56 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/04/serbias-russianowned-oil-refinery-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2247827247.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Serbia&#39;s Russian-owned oil refinery to resume operations in mid-January, Vucic says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;NIS, one of the few remaining Russian energy assets operating in Europe, was sanctioned by Washington last January as part of broader efforts to restrict Russian energy exports.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/serbias-sanctioned-oil-refinery-to-resume-operations-in-mid-january-vucic-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>CIVILIANS are suffering! Dead and wounded in KHARKIV. The number of victims has risen!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/04/civilians-are-suffering-dead-and.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 04 Jan 2026 15:37:40 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/04/civilians-are-suffering-dead-and.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/b04577bee3.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;CIVILIANS are suffering! Dead and wounded in KHARKIV. The number of victims has risen!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxfPUIUfTrc&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Inside the prison Trump’s ICE sent Venezuelans to</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/04/inside-the-prison-trumps-ice.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 04 Jan 2026 15:35:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/04/inside-the-prison-trumps-ice.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f3d27cffd-5.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Inside the prison Trump’s ICE sent Venezuelans to&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!I-yh!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F26cc42f8-1307-4280-9c8f-14f865ecce55_1456x485.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f26cc42f8-1.png&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;485&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/26cc42f8-1307-4280-9c8f-14f865ecce55_1456x485.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:485,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:true,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor’s Note: &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;You may have noticed that 60 Minutes recently &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.theguardian.com/media/2025/dec/23/60-minutes-cecot-appears-online&#34;&gt;held up a report&lt;/a&gt; on this El Salvadorian prison, CECOT. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;We decided to double down on our independent journalism and push out this story so you could get a sense of the conditions there. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Support independent journalism? Upgrade today to get access to all our stories.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;UPGRADE NOW!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;UPGRADE NOW!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;TIP JAR!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;TIP JAR!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Warning: This article contains details that may be disturbing for some readers.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Nestled near the mountains, far from any settlement, stands a prison ostensibly made for the most dangerous terrorists and criminals.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Some consider the El Salvadorian institution one of the strictest prisons in the world.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Welcome to hell,” said the prison director to over 200 newcomers. “You will leave it only dead.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Andry Omar Blanco Bonilla, from Valencia, Venezuela, had seen videos about this place on YouTube.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Now, he asked himself: &lt;em&gt;what has gone wrong in his life for him to end up here?&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f3d27cffd-5.jpg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/084b8262f7.jpg&#34; width=&#34;358&#34; height=&#34;358&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/3d27cffd-5949-445b-ad45-3610a3b71e82_1080x1080.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1080,&#34;width&#34;:1080,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:358,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Venezuelan immigrant Andry Blanco-Bonilla. Photo from his social media.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Andry was among 252 Venezuelans who were &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.hrw.org/news/2025/11/12/us/el-salvador-torture-of-venezuelan-deportees&#34;&gt;sent&lt;/a&gt; by Trump’s order to the maximum-security prison in El Salvador, known as the Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo, or CECOT.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;They were accused of being members of the Venezuelan criminal gang Tren de Aragua, though no one provided any evidence. People with no criminal record, who were fleeing poverty, ended up confined in inhumane conditions alongside 40,000 dangerous criminals.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;At the prison, they &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.hrw.org/news/2025/11/12/us/el-salvador-torture-of-venezuelan-deportees&#34;&gt;were&lt;/a&gt; tortured and abused, including sexually, according to Human Rights Watch. One detainee was allegedly &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.politico.com/news/2025/11/12/venezuelans-el-salvador-tortured-00646508&#34;&gt;forced&lt;/a&gt; to have oral sex with one of the prison’s guards, while the others were called homophobic slurs.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The event formed the basis for hostile ties between the U.S and Venezuela, which culminated Saturday with the American bombing of Caracas.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It was a sign that Trump’s ambitions are to enforce a ‘might-makes-right’ philosophy in the Western hemisphere – where migration itself is treated as a crime and a military intervention to any country is justified.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;id&#34;:427826}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;PollToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;poll-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;For Andry, making ends meet in Venezuela was almost impossible.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Still, his growing up there had some brightness. His youth was filled with the loud sounds of motorcycle engines. It was a passion that led to him meeting his partner, Susana, at a motorcycle exhibition.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“We dated for a couple of months, getting to know each other. Over the years, our feelings grew stronger. What caught my attention most about her? Her gaze, her smile, her laugh,” Andry said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Just 20 years ago, Venezuela was a promising country because it held the world’s &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.worldometers.info/oil/oil-reserves-by-country/&#34;&gt;largest&lt;/a&gt; proven oil reserves. Today, it is associated with economic crises, &lt;a href=&#34;https://tradingeconomics.com/venezuela/inflation-cpi&#34;&gt;hyperinflation&lt;/a&gt;, repression, and a humanitarian catastrophe. The situation worsened after the political crisis in 2019, when Nicolás Maduro usurped power following rigged elections.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!CoOz!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe3c1c934-6cc3-46f7-9a97-afee0e7234d4_1200x1600.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fe3c1c934-6.png&#34; width=&#34;311&#34; height=&#34;414.6666666666667&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/e3c1c934-6cc3-46f7-9a97-afee0e7234d4_1200x1600.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1600,&#34;width&#34;:1200,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:311,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Andry Blanco-Bonilla with his daughter. Photo provided by him to The Counteroffensive. &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;So Andry found himself at the U.S. border at the end of 2023. He did not have a work permit, so he immediately surrendered to border authorities and filed for asylum, hoping to be able to work in the U.S. legally.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;After a month, Andry visited the immigration center to update his address. Fortune was not on his side.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Do you have any tattoos on your body that are not visible?” the officer asked while processing his address change.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Yes,” Andry replied as his chest, back, and leg were partially covered with ink. He explained the personal meaning of each. The drawing of a clock showed the time of his mother’s birth.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The officer was unsatisfied.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“The officer practically wanted to force me to affirm something that was totally a lie, to say I belonged to a gang,” Andry recalled. “He just said, ‘You’re detained.’”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!oZNK!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4f32544c-70c2-43be-9fd3-37401a6d6fbc_1080x1080.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f4f32544c-7.jpg&#34; width=&#34;382&#34; height=&#34;382&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/4f32544c-70c2-43be-9fd3-37401a6d6fbc_1080x1080.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1080,&#34;width&#34;:1080,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:382,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Andry’s tattoos. Photo from his social media.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Among Venezuelans, tattoos have sometimes been associated with the transnational criminal organization Tren de Aragua, which is involved in drug, weapons, and human trafficking.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The supposed fight against this organization became a focus of Trump’s second term. In February, the Trump administration &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.state.gov/designation-of-international-cartels&#34;&gt;designated&lt;/a&gt; Tren de Aragua as a foreign terrorist organization. From that point on, the United States attacked Venezuelan infrastructure and conducted military operations – culminating in Saturday’s capture of Maduro.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!p-lG!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F30139382-d463-48c5-807d-dabf8d194142_1600x898.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f30139382-d.png&#34; width=&#34;509&#34; height=&#34;285.6133241758242&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/30139382-d463-48c5-807d-dabf8d194142_1600x898.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:817,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:509,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;The U.S. attacked one of the Venezuelan boats on December 18, 2025. Screenshot from a video posted by the U.S. Southern Command on Twitter.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;More than one hundred Venezuelans have already been killed in boat strikes, even though the Trump administration has so far failed to provide evidence that these boats belonged to cartels or were carrying drugs.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A similar thing can be said of Andry: there was no evidence of his involvement in a criminal gang — other than the government’s interpretation of his tattoos.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The U.S. detained Andry for five months, labeling him as a “danger to society.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“I’ve been a person with an impeccable record. I’ve never been detained, never been imprisoned, never had a legal problem in the U.S., not even a traffic ticket the whole time I was there,” he said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Venezuela and the United States have severed diplomatic relations. When it became clear that deportation directly to his home country was impossible, the court released him on bail for several months.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Andry bought himself a plane ticket to return home to Venezuela in April 2025. He did not want to wait for ICE to come and deport him. But in February 2025, they acted first.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;He was told to appear at an ICE office the next day to update his data. It was a ruse. When he showed up, he was detained. They put handcuffs on Andry, “violently, like a criminal,” he recalled.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;When Andry said that he already had a ticket to Venezuela and could exchange it to the nearest date, the officer responded: “You should have left when you could.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;What followed was a nightmare most of us can barely imagine. After another month of detention with no clarity on his future, he thought he was returning home.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Andry boarded a military plane and was told not to raise the window shades.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;When the plane landed, instead of being back home in Venezuela, he saw the El Salvador flag. He was pulled off a bus in front of a massive fortress-like building surrounded by electric fences and dozens of watchtowers.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Trump had sent him, along with other Venezuelans, to El Salvador by &lt;a href=&#34;https://edition.cnn.com/2025/12/26/americas/venezuela-el-salvador-prison-us-court-challenge-latam-intl&#34;&gt;invoking&lt;/a&gt; an 18th-century military law that allowed the deportation of people without judicial review.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“They told that we were ‘welcome’ to the CECOT, what they now call the concrete hell,” recalled Andry.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The only option was to resign himself to a suffocating cell, a bed without a mattress, and white prison clothing. He had no way to contact either his family or a lawyer. There were days that he did not know if there would be a tomorrow, due to severe hypertension and a lack of adequate medical care.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“I was being beaten, treated verbally and physically very badly. I questioned myself a lot about why I was there,” Andry said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!_5f6!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F38bf8330-db8e-4a14-87e1-3a3bed57d37c_594x396.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f38bf8330-d.jpg&#34; width=&#34;496&#34; height=&#34;330.6666666666667&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/38bf8330-db8e-4a14-87e1-3a3bed57d37c_594x396.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:396,&#34;width&#34;:594,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:496,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;More than 250 suspected gang members arrive in El Salvador by plane to the country’s infamous mega-prison at CECOT. (Photo by El Salvador Presidency/Handout/Anadolu via Getty Images).&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Inside the cells, detainees had no access to proper hygiene: each cell had only two sinks and two toilets, without any partitions. The lights in the cell were not turned off at night. The food was always the same and had to be eaten by hand.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;According to &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.hrw.org/news/2025/11/12/us/el-salvador-torture-of-venezuelan-deportees&#34;&gt;Human Rights Watch&lt;/a&gt;, the guards took the detainees from the cells every day to search them. The deportees were forced to kneel and were beaten with kicks and fists, as well as batons.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;There were ten people in their tiny cell, which was designed for 80. They were already losing their minds, but perversely prison staff told them to be grateful. Other cells like theirs held 150–200 people, they’d say.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;From his first day in El Salvador, Andry felt like he had been kidnapped. Deprived of any human rights, he was trapped in a cell as if he were a dangerous criminal. However, the most difficult for him was not knowing what was happening to his family, if they even were aware he was detained in a prison for terrorists. He tried to support himself day by day by talking to his companions in the cell and recalling warm-hearted moments about his youth and family.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;At CECOT, prisoners are not allowed to do any activities outside of their cells besides half an hour of physical exercise in handcuffs. During the remaining 23 and a half hours, they are left with only two Bibles per cell. That was the only thing that saved Andry, who had felt distant from God until he found himself in hell.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“All our time there passed in uncertainty, not knowing when we would have the opportunity to see light again. We were detained inside the cell every single day. They never took us out to get sun or fresh air,” Andry recalled.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;His freedom was to come unexpectedly in the early morning hours of July 18, 2025, at approximately 1:30 a.m.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Andry was already sleeping because of his curfew, which required him to be in bed by 9 p.m. each night. The prison director entered, together with other officers, who were banging on the cell bars and saying to get up, bathe, and dress.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“You’re returning to your country, your hell is over,” Andry heard from the CECOT director.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!mZXV!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F28784c10-233c-457f-8a8f-b6657140ecc7_594x396.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f28784c10-2.jpg&#34; width=&#34;492&#34; height=&#34;328&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/28784c10-233c-457f-8a8f-b6657140ecc7_594x396.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:396,&#34;width&#34;:594,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:492,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Counter Terrorism Confinement Center in Tecoluca, El Salvador. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images).&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;They were &lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/SecRubio/status/1946299325803352323?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1946299325803352323%7Ctwgr%5Eadc981a704db854fca0c13c45f3484fc48fc59cf%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dw.com%2Fen%2Famericans-freed-as-el-salvador-sends-back-venezuelan-migrants-deported-from-the-united-states%2Fa-73332138&#34;&gt;traded&lt;/a&gt; for Venezuelan political prisoners and ten American detainees who were held in the country. Andry reunited with his family in Venezuela, and is now back home in Valencia.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;But his arrival in Venezuela now coincides with the next stage of escalation, when the U.S. has attacked his country directly. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;“There’s a bit of fear about what could happen. There’s no war or intervention where there hasn’t been some loss of human life,” he said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;At least 40 people &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.nytimes.com/live/2026/01/03/world/trump-maduro-venezuela-us-strikes&#34;&gt;died&lt;/a&gt;, including civilians, as a result of yesterday’s American attack on Caracas, the capital of Venezuela. Besides striking military infrastructure the U.S. also hit a three-story residential complex in a coastal area of the city.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Andry is currently safe with his family, but a period of political instability looms. The United States – the country which sent him to a prison hell – is now claiming that they will “run” Venezuela for the foreseeable future. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Competing claims for power in Venezuela could lead to civil war, prolonged conflict, or an even worse situation than he was trying to escape years ago.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;«[The war is not] what I.. want for my country either. It would destabilize the country much more than it’s already destabilized today,” he said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Abby Pender contributed to this reporting.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor’s Note: &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;You may have noticed that 60 Minutes recently &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.theguardian.com/media/2025/dec/23/60-minutes-cecot-appears-online&#34;&gt;held up a report&lt;/a&gt; on this El Salvadorian prison, CECOT. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;We decided to double down on our independent journalism and push out this story so you could get a sense of the conditions there. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Support independent journalism? Upgrade today to get access to all our stories.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;UPGRADE NOW!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;UPGRADE NOW!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;TIP JAR!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;TIP JAR!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;NEWS OF THE DAY:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;By Oksana Stepura&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;strong&gt;NUMBER OF WOMEN IN ARMY SURGES:&lt;/strong&gt; The share of female officers in the Ukrainian army has jumped from 4% to 21% over the past 2 years, Oksana Hryhorieva, the Ukrainian army’s gender adviser, &lt;a href=&#34;https://hromadske.radio/news/2026/01/03/kilkist-ofitserok-zrosla-z-4-do-21-za-ostanni-2-roky-radnytsia-z-hendernykh-pytan-henshtabu-zsu&#34;&gt;told&lt;/a&gt; Hromadske Radio.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;While women in the army have become captains and majors, due to a lack of training no woman in the army has risen to the rank of combat general.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;strong&gt;NO STRIKE RESTRICTIONS, NO NEW WEAPONS: &lt;/strong&gt;Following a meeting with foreign security advisers, Zelenskyy &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2026/01/03/8014533/&#34;&gt;said&lt;/a&gt; that allies are no longer imposing restrictions on strikes inside Russia, but are instead withholding certain types of weapons from Ukraine to prevent these strikes.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine is currently in a phase of “use what we have”, while the equipment that partners don’t want to be used by Ukraine isn’t being delivered.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;strong&gt;U.S. VENEZUELA ATTACK CASUALTY COUNT&lt;/strong&gt;: At least 40 people were killed in the U.S. attack on Venezuela, &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/03/us/politics/trump-capture-maduro-venezuela.html&#34;&gt;according&lt;/a&gt; to New York Times, citing a Venezuela official. There were no U.S. casualties but about six American troops were injured during the operation which captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The NYT’s sources in the U.S. government said that Maduro rejected an American proposal that would have allowed him to flee to Turkey. This was allegedly offered as a counter-proposal after Maduro offered the U.S. access to his country’s oil, in an attempt to prevent an American raid.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;VENZUELA’S DIRTY, EXPENSIVE OIL: &lt;/strong&gt;The infrastructure needed for peak oil production in Venezuela would cost $100 billion and take about ten years, The Washington Post &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2026/01/03/venezuela-oil-production-us-companies/&#34;&gt;reported&lt;/a&gt;. The challenge comes with ensuring sufficient security and stability to make such long term investments worthwhile and profitable.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The oil in the country is also a form of heavy crude which is more difficult to process and refining the oil requires more carbon emissions than other types of oil. There are also concerns about the resilience of Venezuela’s energy grid, as oil production is extremely energy-intensive.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;CAT OF CONFLICT: &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;Oksana’s Mary is very curious about a mouse she spotted.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!Hzh6!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2403330e-75f5-46dc-9679-3f21cc01189c_1280x960.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f2403330e-7.png&#34; width=&#34;1280&#34; height=&#34;960&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/2403330e-75f5-46dc-9679-3f21cc01189c_1280x960.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:960,&#34;width&#34;:1280,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Stay safe out there.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Best, &lt;br&gt;Mariana&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/inside-the-prison-trumps-ice-sent&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>MADURO may face trial as early as January 5 #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/04/maduro-may-face-trial-as.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 04 Jan 2026 15:30:03 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/04/maduro-may-face-trial-as.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/9b94405995.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;MADURO may face trial as early as January 5 #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/2l0TTR42EtE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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    <item>
      <title>Soldier injured in car explosion, classified as terror attack in Kyiv</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/04/soldier-injured-in-car-explosion.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 04 Jan 2026 14:29:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/04/soldier-injured-in-car-explosion.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/photo-2026-01-04-13-11-32.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Soldier injured in car explosion, classified as terror attack in Kyiv&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The blast occurred as the soldier was opening the trunk of his car, the Kyiv City Prosecutor&#39;s Office said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/soldier-injured-in-car-explosion-classified-as-terror-attack-in-kyiv/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine slaps sanctions on companies supplying Russia&#39;s military industry</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/04/ukraine-slaps-sanctions-on-companies.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 04 Jan 2026 13:17:21 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/04/ukraine-slaps-sanctions-on-companies.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/e3ac396fc7.webp&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine slaps sanctions on companies supplying Russia&#39;s military industry&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The new measures target 95 individuals and 70 entities, including manufacturers of communications, electronic warfare, and microelectronics for Russia&#39;s military-industrial complex and security agencies.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-slaps-sanctions-on-companies-supplying-russias-military-industry/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Global sport reopens doors to Russia | Ukraine This Week</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/04/global-sport-reopens-doors-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 04 Jan 2026 12:16:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/04/global-sport-reopens-doors-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/utw-4-01-1-3-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Global sport reopens doors to Russia | Ukraine This Week&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;In the first episode of Ukraine This Week in 2026, the Kyiv Independent’s Anna Belokur examines how international sports federations are gradually rolling back bans on Russian and Belarusian athletes as the Olympic year begins.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/global-sport-reopens-doors-to-russia-ukraine-this-week/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian drones target Moscow, trigger airport closures, Russia says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/04/ukrainian-drones-target-moscow-trigger.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 04 Jan 2026 12:00:54 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/04/ukrainian-drones-target-moscow-trigger.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2253911491.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian drones target Moscow, trigger airport closures, Russia says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russian air defense systems shot down 132 Ukrainian drones overnight on Jan. 3-4, including 11 intercepted over Moscow Oblast, the Russian Defense Ministry has claimed.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-drones-targeted-moscow-prompting-airports-closures-russia-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Coming of age during war, where mistakes can cost a life</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/04/coming-of-age-during-war.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 04 Jan 2026 11:32:03 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/04/coming-of-age-during-war.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/illustration-.png&#34; alt=&#34;Coming of age during war, where mistakes can cost a life&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor&#39;s note: This essay was originally published in the Kyiv Independent&#39;s first-ever print edition, titled &#34;The Power Within,&#34; in July 2025. &lt;/em&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://store.kyivindependent.com/collections/magazine&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;You can order a copy in our e-store&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;em&gt;.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Soldiers featured in this story are identified by first names only due to security reasons.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/coming-of-age-during-war-where-mistakes-can-cost-a-life/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russian attacks kill 4, injure 5 in Ukraine over past day</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/04/russian-attacks-kill-injure-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 04 Jan 2026 09:19:49 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/04/russian-attacks-kill-injure-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/photo-2026-01-04-06-38-02.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian attacks kill 4, injure 5 in Ukraine over past day&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukrainian forces downed 39 out of the 52 drones, including Shahed-type attack drones, launched by Russia overnight, the Air Force reported. Thirteen drones struck nine different locations, according to the statement.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-attacks-kill-4-injure-5-in-ukraine-over-past-day/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>General Staff: Russia has lost 1,211,530 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/04/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 04 Jan 2026 08:13:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/04/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2201968498.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;General Staff: Russia has lost 1,211,530 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The number includes 900 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day, the General Staff said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/general-staff-russia-has-lost-1-211-530-troops-in-ukraine-since-feb-24-2022/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Erik Selimov</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/04/erik-selimov.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 04 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/04/erik-selimov.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2001-2c.webp&#34; alt=&#34;Erik Selimov&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2001-2c.webp&#34; alt=&#34;Erik Selimov&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Brigade Commander - Colonel&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Unit:&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;a href=&#34;https://topcargo200.com/tag/136sgmrb/&#34;&gt;136th Separate Guards Motorized Rifle Brigade&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&#34;https://topcargo200.com/tag/58gcaa/&#34;&gt;58th Guards Combined Arms Army&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&#34;https://topcargo200.com/tag/smd/&#34;&gt;Southern Military District&lt;/a&gt;, Russian Ministry of Defense (MOD)&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Cargo ID:&lt;/strong&gt; #2001&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;English Name:&lt;/strong&gt; Erik Anverovich Selimov&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Russian Name:&lt;/strong&gt; Селимов Эрик Анверович&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Education:&lt;/strong&gt; Combined Arms Academy of the Russian Armed Forces&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Date of Birth:&lt;/strong&gt; September 3, 1987 (age: 38 years)&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Place of Birth:&lt;/strong&gt; Belidzhi, Republic of Dagestan, Russia&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Date of Death:&lt;/strong&gt; January 4, 2026&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Place of Death:&lt;/strong&gt; Alchevsk, Luhansk Oblast, Ukraine (via traffic accident)&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Participants:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Vehicle 1:&lt;/strong&gt; Selimov’s command vehicle (likely an armored SUV or UAZ Patriot)&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Vehicle 2:&lt;/strong&gt; A UAZ vehicle transporting personnel from the &lt;strong&gt;88th Brigade&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Casualties:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;KIA:&lt;/strong&gt; Colonel Selimov&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;KIA:&lt;/strong&gt; Three (3) personal guards/aides&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WIA:&lt;/strong&gt; Two (2) unspecified personnel (critical condition)&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Address:&lt;/strong&gt; 46 Utevskaya Street, Samara&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Phone:&lt;/strong&gt; +79633348225&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Email:&lt;/strong&gt; erik0309@valmfc.ru&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Passport:&lt;/strong&gt; 8211 041707 issued by: TP UFMS of Russia for the Republic of Dagestan in the village of Belidzhi on 08/05/2011, code. subdivision 050057&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Individual Number:&lt;/strong&gt; 051204099263&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;SNILS:&lt;/strong&gt; 17644727098&lt;/p&gt;&lt;figure data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-card kg-gallery-card kg-width-wide&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-container&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-row&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-image&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2001-1.jpg&#34; width=&#34;880&#34; height=&#34;1168&#34; alt=&#34;Erik Selimov&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-image&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2001-3.webp&#34; width=&#34;294&#34; height=&#34;500&#34; alt=&#34;Erik Selimov&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://topcargo200.com/2001/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Zelensky not considering replacing Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi amid government reshuffle</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/04/020844.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 04 Jan 2026 02:08:44 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/04/020844.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/dc84ef8b4d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky not considering replacing Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi amid government reshuffle&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Zelensky told reporters that his government &#34;reboot&#34; applies to various institutions, including Ukraine&#39;s Armed Forces, but added that &#34;replacing the commander-in-chief is not envisaged at this time.&#34;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-not-considering-replacing-commander-in-chief-syrskyi-amid-government-reshuffle/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Putin &#39;killing too many people,&#39; Trump says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/04/putin-killing-too-many-people.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 04 Jan 2026 00:33:47 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/04/putin-killing-too-many-people.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/db741b3edb.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Putin &#39;killing too many people,&#39; Trump says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;I&#39;m not thrilled with Putin. He&#39;s killing too many people,&#34; Trump told reporters on Jan. 3 during a news conference announcing Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro&#39;s capture.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/putin-killing-too-many-people-trump-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>John Bolton: Putin&#39;s strategy</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/03/john-bolton-putins-strategy.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 03 Jan 2026 23:46:21 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/03/john-bolton-putins-strategy.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2252026946.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;John Bolton: Putin&#39;s strategy&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As 2026 opens, Vladimir Putin projects the image of a calm, confident leader.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Although political &lt;em&gt;maskirovka&lt;/em&gt; comes naturally from his KGB background, &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/vladimir-putin/&#34;&gt;Putin&lt;/a&gt; very likely believes he is in a position of strength.  He has good reason to, unfortunately, having sized up his foreign opponents and found them wanting.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/putins-strategy/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Peace deal must include British, French military presence in Ukraine, Zelensky says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/03/peace-deal-must-include-british.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 03 Jan 2026 23:24:44 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/03/peace-deal-must-include-british.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/972e40d8ca.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Peace deal must include British, French military presence in Ukraine, Zelensky says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Any future security guarantees for Ukraine must include the physical presence of foreign troops on Ukrainian territory, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Jan. 3, stressing that forces from France and the U.K. are essential for peace.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-peace-deal-must-include-uk-france-military-presence-in-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>The horrors of Russian occupation: Isolation, economic decline, and repression |</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/03/the-horrors-of-russian-occupation.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 03 Jan 2026 22:33:23 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/03/the-horrors-of-russian-occupation.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/cc331dd298.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;The horrors of Russian occupation: Isolation, economic decline, and repression |&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uBTQnMDqEI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>On TWO points, no compromise was reached with Russia, – Zelenskyy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/03/on-two-points-no-compromise.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 03 Jan 2026 21:33:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/03/on-two-points-no-compromise.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/ebcbe53c27.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;On TWO points, no compromise was reached with Russia, – Zelenskyy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/QqDuteR3vSI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>❗️ Looting legalized by Russia: Ukrainians are being deprived of their homes! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/03/looting-legalized-by-russia-ukrainians.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 03 Jan 2026 21:30:16 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/03/looting-legalized-by-russia-ukrainians.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/5cacb80afd.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️ Looting legalized by Russia: Ukrainians are being deprived of their homes! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/jJOJdZugRZw&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>⚡️MADURO’s detention is ZELENSKYY’s first reaction #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/03/maduros-detention-is-zelenskyys-first.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 03 Jan 2026 21:13:37 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/03/maduros-detention-is-zelenskyys-first.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/91f4841384.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡️MADURO’s detention is ZELENSKYY’s first reaction #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/sy4ULm0plOY&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Zelensky names First Deputy Foreign Minister Kyslytsya as new Presidential Office deputy head</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/03/zelensky-names-first-deputy-foreign.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 03 Jan 2026 20:33:30 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/03/zelensky-names-first-deputy-foreign.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/dsc08729-1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky names First Deputy Foreign Minister Kyslytsya as new Presidential Office deputy head&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Sergiy Kyslytsya, Ukraine’s First Deputy Foreign Minister, will be appointed deputy head of the Office of the President of Ukraine.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-names-first-deputy-foreign-minister-kyslytsya-as-new-presidential-office-deputy-head/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Bloom amid ruin: Ukraine’s struggle through the journey of one rose</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/03/bloom-amid-ruin-ukraines-struggle.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 03 Jan 2026 19:34:12 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/03/bloom-amid-ruin-ukraines-struggle.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/upd-dsc-4950.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Bloom amid ruin: Ukraine’s struggle through the journey of one rose&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor&#39;s note: This story was originally published in The Kyiv Independent&#39;s first-ever print edition, titled &#34;The Power Within,&#34; in July 2025. &lt;a href=&#34;https://store.kyivindependent.com/collections/magazine&#34;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;You can order a copy in our e-store&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Billions of flowers grow every year in Ukraine, but it only takes one to tell&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/bloom-amid-ruin-ukraines-struggle-through-the-journey-of-one-rose/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>BAKERY in the frontline KHERSON works even under SHELLING #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/03/bakery-in-the-frontline-kherson.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 03 Jan 2026 19:30:51 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/03/bakery-in-the-frontline-kherson.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/8d46b6e849.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;BAKERY in the frontline KHERSON works even under SHELLING #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/UA9nv0ZuRMM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>SHOCK! The US has conducted a military operation in Venezuela – is this the end of Maduro&#39;s regime?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/03/shock-the-us-has-conducted.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 03 Jan 2026 19:24:50 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/03/shock-the-us-has-conducted.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/adeaa26116.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;SHOCK! The US has conducted a military operation in Venezuela – is this the end of Maduro&#39;s regime?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsYNyMab0og&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>🔥 BUDANOV KNOWS! Servicemen, money, resources: what will Russia lack in 2026?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/03/budanov-knows-servicemen-money-resources.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 03 Jan 2026 18:31:12 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/03/budanov-knows-servicemen-money-resources.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/6c2f02b743.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🔥 BUDANOV KNOWS! Servicemen, money, resources: what will Russia lack in 2026?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xOvhaX0coU&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Zelensky announces 5 governor appointments</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/03/zelensky-announces-governor-appointments.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 03 Jan 2026 18:23:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/03/zelensky-announces-governor-appointments.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/1cba91ac81.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky announces 5 governor appointments&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Zelensky announced on Jan. 3 that his team was finalizing a list of new heads for Vinnytsia, Ternopil, Poltava, Dnipropetrovsk, and Chernivtsi oblasts.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-finalizing-new-governors-for-five-ukrainian-regions/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>NEWSFLASH: Trump on Venezuela: “We are going to run the country”</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/03/newsflash-trump-on-venezuela-we.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 03 Jan 2026 18:19:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/03/newsflash-trump-on-venezuela-we.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f9daf219c-1.png&#34; alt=&#34;NEWSFLASH: Trump on Venezuela: “We are going to run the country”&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!USIG!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F22fbdbc4-f13d-4918-a2f5-5b66c2114858_1500x500.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f22fbdbc4-f.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;485&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/22fbdbc4-f13d-4918-a2f5-5b66c2114858_1500x500.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:485,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:true,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f9daf219c-1.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/407ddb0a38.png&#34; width=&#34;473&#34; height=&#34;206.8&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/9daf219c-1c96-41d2-a93a-ffbcacad8431_1290x564.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:564,&#34;width&#34;:1290,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:473,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine briefs the press on Saturday Jan. 3 (Screenshot from livestream).&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Donald Trump said that the U.S. will “run” Venezuela following its overnight strikes and capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro with his wife.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“We’re going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition,” Trump announced at Mar-a-Lago in Florida, saying that the risk of someone else taking over was too great. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Want our up-to-the-minute international reporting? The Counteroffensive has you covered from Kyiv to Caracas. Upgrade today to skip past the paywall.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Upgade!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Upgade!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;After the paywall: &lt;br&gt;-Trump outlines role for U.S. oil companies&lt;br&gt;-A photo of Maduro after his capture&lt;br&gt;-Details about the operation&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
      &lt;p&gt;
          &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/newsflash-trump-on-venezuela-we-are&#34;&gt;
              Read more
          &lt;/a&gt;
      &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/newsflash-trump-on-venezuela-we-are&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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    <item>
      <title>In Russia, there are more and more CEASEFIRE SUPPORTERS, explains Budanov #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/03/in-russia-there-are-more.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 03 Jan 2026 17:30:03 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/03/in-russia-there-are-more.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/ebc2243efc.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;In Russia, there are more and more CEASEFIRE SUPPORTERS, explains Budanov #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/2NXLRri7dUI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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    <item>
      <title>Fact Check: Viral Video Does NOT Show Caracas, Venezuela Under Missile Bombardment -- 2025 Israel Footage</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/03/fact-check-viral-video-does.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 03 Jan 2026 16:54:36 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/03/fact-check-viral-video-does.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;Does a viral video show missiles raining down from the clouds on Caracas, Venezuela on January 3, 2026? No, that&#39;s not true: A viral video making the rounds does not show the actual attacks that took place on that date. It is an old video from 2025 that was described at the time as missiles from Iran impacting Tel Aviv.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;An example of the viral video appeared in &lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/FrancoVRinaldi/status/2007373426701509111&#34;&gt;an X post&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260103153327/https://x.com/FrancoVRinaldi/status/2007373426701509111&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) published on January 3, 2025 with a description that read:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;De las mejores tomas de esta madrugada en Caracas. Que enfermito el de la bocina&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Translated with Google Translate that reads:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Among the best shots from this morning in Caracas. How sick the one with the megaphone is.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This was the first frame of the video in the post:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/paste-3497802.jpg&#34; width=&#34;320&#34; height=&#34;568&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: post by @FrancoVRinaldi on X.com.)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote data-sanitized-class=&#34;twitter-tweet&#34;&gt;
&lt;p lang=&#34;es&#34; dir=&#34;ltr&#34;&gt;De las mejores tomas de esta madrugada en Caracas. Que enfermito el de la bocina &lt;a href=&#34;https://t.co/VDSnTPpy0S&#34;&gt;pic.twitter.com/VDSnTPpy0S&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
-- Franco Rinaldi (@FrancoVRinaldi) &lt;a href=&#34;https://twitter.com/FrancoVRinaldi/status/2007373426701509111?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&#34;&gt;January 3, 2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The United States did strike Venezuela on January 3, 2026 &lt;a href=&#34;https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-us-explosions-caracas-ca712a67aaefc30b1831f5bf0b50665e&#34;&gt;as reported by AP News&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260103071520/https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-us-explosions-caracas-ca712a67aaefc30b1831f5bf0b50665e&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;However the video in the viral post has been online since at least June 13, 2025 when it appeared on the &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.instagram.com/reel/DK2mD7cTbt4/&#34;&gt;Instagram account of the Deccan Chronicle&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20260103153805/https://www.instagram.com/reel/DK2mD7cTbt4/&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;):&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote data-instgrm-captioned=&#34;&#34; data-instgrm-permalink=&#34;https://www.instagram.com/reel/DK2mD7cTbt4/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading&#34; data-instgrm-version=&#34;14&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;instagram-media&#34;&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.instagram.com/reel/DK2mD7cTbt4/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading&#34;&gt;
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&lt;div&gt;View this post on Instagram&lt;/div&gt;
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&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.instagram.com/reel/DK2mD7cTbt4/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading&#34;&gt;A post shared by Deccan Chronicle (@deccanchronicle_official)&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;At the time it first appeared it was described as:
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;#TelAviv | Video shows projectiles hitting central Tel Aviv during Iran&#39;s retaliatory strike.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;More than a dozen people injured in Tel Aviv and a few in Jerusalem, where explosions were heard.&lt;br&gt;#Israel #Iran #Khamenei #Jerusalem #Tehran&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://hoax-alert.leadstories.com/2026/01/fact-check-venezuela-caracas-missile-video.html&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>⚡️ Records set by Ukrainian sappers: 45,000 hectares cleared of mines in 2025! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/03/records-set-by-ukrainian-sappers.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 03 Jan 2026 15:30:19 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/03/records-set-by-ukrainian-sappers.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/08ce4af95c.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡️ Records set by Ukrainian sappers: 45,000 hectares cleared of mines in 2025! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Br4QtwSLGfQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>YEAR OF DRONES – Ukraine trained 5,000 drone operators in 2025</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/03/year-of-drones-ukraine-trained.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 03 Jan 2026 15:23:59 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/03/year-of-drones-ukraine-trained.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/895300304f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;YEAR OF DRONES – Ukraine trained 5,000 drone operators in 2025&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FN_fowYi90U&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>LIVE | TRUMP, guarantees, and an even more aggressive Russia – CHALLENGES we didn&#39;t expect in 2026!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/03/live-trump-guarantees-and-an.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 03 Jan 2026 14:31:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/03/live-trump-guarantees-and-an.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/5d6c9cf48b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;LIVE | TRUMP, guarantees, and an even more aggressive Russia – CHALLENGES we didn&#39;t expect in 2026!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtBF1UAhY40&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>What I saw as the U.S. bombed Venezuela</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/03/what-i-saw-as-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 03 Jan 2026 14:01:38 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/03/what-i-saw-as-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f61a8dac5-7.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;What I saw as the U.S. bombed Venezuela&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f61a8dac5-7.jpg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/9a97f53be2.jpg&#34; width=&#34;594&#34; height=&#34;407&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/61a8dac5-7dc7-4dbc-8750-7e9fbd5f0caa_594x407.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:407,&#34;width&#34;:594,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:&#34;&#34;,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:true,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; title=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;Fire at Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela’s largest military complex, is seen from a distance after a series of explosions in Caracas on January 3, 2026. (Photo by AFP via Getty Images)&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor’s note: This article was written by a reporter in Caracas who asked that we keep his identity hidden due to security risks.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;CARACAS, Venezuela – I heard the first strike at 1:55 in the morning. I was near La Carlota, a military base in the southeast of Caracas, visiting a friend of mine.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I must admit it took me off guard completely. It was a surprise for everyone. There were no alarms, no warnings at all.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The night was cloudy, with a full moon. I only heard the sound of planes and one loud explosion. I woke up my friend, warning that, maybe, a military strike is starting.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Everything else was silent: just the airplanes and the explosions.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;My heart rate increased. I chatted with all my journalist friends: nobody knew anything. My WhatsApp started to fill with messages. We could only see a dark and cloudy sky. We could only hear airplanes and explosions.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Minutes later, at 02:16 a.m., a friend of mine sent me a message: “They strike [near] at 4F.” 4F is what Venezuelans called an old military base that is known as a museum of Hugo Chávez’ regime.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I turned on the TV, one of the little official communications that the regime had, and there were Christmas jingles, as well as pirated movies with propaganda.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;[x.com/andresAzp...](https://x.com/andresAzp/status/2007365741696422249?s=20)&#34;,&#34;full_text&#34;:&#34;&amp;lt;span class=\&#34;tweet-fake-link\&#34;&amp;gt;#Venezuela&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt; state TV right now:\n\nVTV: reruns of propaganda shows \nFANB TV (armed forces): A travel show\nANTV: Pirated movies\nTVES: Pirated movies &#34;,&#34;username&#34;:&#34;andresAzp&#34;,&#34;name&#34;:&#34;Andres  Azpurua&#34;,&#34;profile_image_url&#34;:&#34;[pbs.substack.com/profile_i...](https://pbs.substack.com/profile_images/1649501671565807630/_XOhFZ4d_normal.jpg)&#34;,&#34;date&#34;:&#34;2026-01-03T08:17:42.000Z&#34;,&#34;photos&#34;:[{&#34;img_url&#34;:&#34;[pbs.substack.com/media/G9u...](https://pbs.substack.com/media/G9uYeqQW0AA3MaN.jpg)&#34;,&#34;link_url&#34;:&#34;[t.co/aWokSQqzj...](https://t.co/aWokSQqzjI)&#34;},{&#34;img_url&#34;:&#34;[pbs.substack.com/media/G9u...](https://pbs.substack.com/media/G9uYeqeXAAEod1p.jpg)&#34;,&#34;link_url&#34;:&#34;[t.co/aWokSQqzj...](https://t.co/aWokSQqzjI)&#34;},{&#34;img_url&#34;:&#34;[pbs.substack.com/media/G9u...](https://pbs.substack.com/media/G9uYe11WwAA9wY5.jpg)&#34;,&#34;link_url&#34;:&#34;[t.co/aWokSQqzj...](https://t.co/aWokSQqzjI)&#34;},{&#34;img_url&#34;:&#34;[pbs.substack.com/media/G9u...](https://pbs.substack.com/media/G9uYe1_X0AAMnOX.jpg)&#34;,&#34;link_url&#34;:&#34;[t.co/aWokSQqzj...](https://t.co/aWokSQqzjI)&#34;}],&#34;quoted_tweet&#34;:{},&#34;reply_count&#34;:3,&#34;retweet_count&#34;:137,&#34;like_count&#34;:286,&#34;impression_count&#34;:107588,&#34;expanded_url&#34;:null,&#34;video_url&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;Twitter2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;twitter-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;That didn’t surprise me at all: for more than 20 years the Chávez and the Maduro regime have repressed the free press with violence. All we have are our families and friends’ messages. Audios, videos, texts passed with fear and information. My journalist friends were working to verify everything, but the strikes continued.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I told my friend to create an emergency kit: our IDs, our passport, some bottles of water and some flashlights. Friends from other countries, like Paraguay, Ecuador and the USA, reached me to know how I was, how I was doing.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I was fine, but nervous, just hearing the airplanes. It sounded like I lived near an airport… Except for the bombs.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!XDyd!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F198a075c-d67b-4859-873b-5e8c754fbb1c_594x401.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f198a075c-d.jpg&#34; width=&#34;594&#34; height=&#34;401&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/198a075c-d67b-4859-873b-5e8c754fbb1c_594x401.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:401,&#34;width&#34;:594,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Map of Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, showing the location of Fuerte Tiuna and La Carlota Air Base, which were bombed by the United States (Graphic by Patricio ARANA / AFP via Getty Images)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Other friends in El Valle, a neighborhood near a military base called Fuerte Tiuna, told me that the sky has turned  orange and their windows are shaking a lot.  And I was scared: Fuerte Tiuna has civilian neighborhoods.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Then, at 2:15 a.m., my aunt wrote to me: “They [struck] some television antennas near my home.” Those antennas were military equipment in El Volcán, a neighborhood to the southeast of Caracas.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Videos of La Guaira, a coastal state near Caracas, show that the port there has been bombarded too.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;[x.com/osinttech...](https://x.com/osinttechnical/status/2007361273726742989?s=48)&#34;,&#34;full_text&#34;:&#34;Damage after U.S. airstrikes targeting the port of La Guaira in northern Venezuela. &#34;,&#34;username&#34;:&#34;Osinttechnical&#34;,&#34;name&#34;:&#34;OSINTtechnical&#34;,&#34;profile_image_url&#34;:&#34;[pbs.substack.com/profile_i...](https://pbs.substack.com/profile_images/1191175818933932032/W4GF6Nbe_normal.jpg)&#34;,&#34;date&#34;:&#34;2026-01-03T07:59:57.000Z&#34;,&#34;photos&#34;:[{&#34;img_url&#34;:&#34;[substackcdn.com/image/upl...](https://substackcdn.com/image/upload/w_1028,c_limit,q_auto:best/l_twitter_play_button_rvaygk,w_88/u8zakimgtoy6ouxpyawb)&#34;,&#34;link_url&#34;:&#34;[t.co/FJU5e0AJd...](https://t.co/FJU5e0AJdb)&#34;}],&#34;quoted_tweet&#34;:{},&#34;reply_count&#34;:27,&#34;retweet_count&#34;:303,&#34;like_count&#34;:1325,&#34;impression_count&#34;:124633,&#34;expanded_url&#34;:null,&#34;video_url&#34;:&#34;[video.twimg.com/amplify_v...](https://video.twimg.com/amplify_video/2007361208953794560/vid/avc1/480x854/pM1K9XNRETBteTTq.mp4)&#34;,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;Twitter2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;twitter-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Venezuelan regime has previously closed all kinds of platforms like Twitter, radio broadcast, television, and independent journalism web pages. People were expecting news from Nicolás Maduro or Vládimir Padrino López, the ministry of Defense in Venezuela, but we were met with silence.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The planes stopped near 3:10 a.m., just over an hour after it started.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Then, out of nowhere, there was the first official statement from Maduro´s regime on national television. Nobody from Maduro’s inner circle was present. They only said that those strikes were from the USA, the rest was socialist propaganda.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!7NE-!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff7f731fa-72d9-492a-92aa-3c4ea7a8d245_1044x500.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2ff7f731fa-7.png&#34; width=&#34;450&#34; height=&#34;215.51724137931035&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/f7f731fa-72d9-492a-92aa-3c4ea7a8d245_1044x500.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:500,&#34;width&#34;:1044,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:450,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Trump announced that the leader of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, had been captured by the United States.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Venezuelan government also announced that the United States is responsible for the attacks, and have declared a state of emergency. They have not announced who is in charge of the government.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The streets were silent, nobody left their home. There was no military movement, no police men on sight patrolling any vicinity.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;At this moment, everybody is inside their houses: they are scared, not about what the U.S.A. will do, but about what the Venezuelan regime will do next.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Delcy Rodríguez, the person who proclaimed herself as Venezuelan Vice President, said on national television that Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been held captive and called on all guerrillas to take arms. For years “the colectivos”, people armed by the government, have killed and ‘disappeared’ civilians.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The future is as opaque as the Caracas’ sky on January 3rd.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The sun is rising and the Venezuelan population don’t know yet what is happening. We don’t know how many civilians or soldiers are injured or dead (or if there are any casualties at all). We just hope that the dictatorship can be toppled for good without Venezuelan blood.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;[x.com/sentdefen...](https://x.com/sentdefender/status/2007340229536239646?s=48)&#34;,&#34;full_text&#34;:&#34;Footage from a vantage point over the city, showing multiple explosions across the Venezuelan capital of Caracas. &#34;,&#34;username&#34;:&#34;sentdefender&#34;,&#34;name&#34;:&#34;OSINTdefender&#34;,&#34;profile_image_url&#34;:&#34;[pbs.substack.com/profile_i...](https://pbs.substack.com/profile_images/1505052393750384642/XNFUztL2_normal.jpg)&#34;,&#34;date&#34;:&#34;2026-01-03T06:36:19.000Z&#34;,&#34;photos&#34;:[{&#34;img_url&#34;:&#34;[substackcdn.com/image/upl...](https://substackcdn.com/image/upload/w_1028,c_limit,q_auto:best/l_twitter_play_button_rvaygk,w_88/pssotcfemzkwwqkzk8r7)&#34;,&#34;link_url&#34;:&#34;[t.co/yzymxK6ki...](https://t.co/yzymxK6kib)&#34;}],&#34;quoted_tweet&#34;:{},&#34;reply_count&#34;:121,&#34;retweet_count&#34;:1037,&#34;like_count&#34;:4887,&#34;impression_count&#34;:413202,&#34;expanded_url&#34;:null,&#34;video_url&#34;:&#34;[video.twimg.com/amplify_v...](https://video.twimg.com/amplify_video/2007340176972845057/vid/avc1/360x640/T7t3edMHeO5Kttlx.mp4)&#34;,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;Twitter2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;twitter-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Tim’s Take&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;After the paywall: Tim walks through the implications of this Trump administration attack.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Reporting from conflict zones all around the world is a costly endeavor. Upgrade your subscription now for full access — and to show that this sort of independent journalism IS worth it.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
      &lt;p&gt;
          &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/what-i-saw-as-the-us-bombed-venezuela&#34;&gt;
              Read more
          &lt;/a&gt;
      &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/what-i-saw-as-the-us-bombed-venezuela&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Zelensky proposes Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal for vacant energy minister role</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/03/zelensky-proposes-defense-minister-denys.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 03 Jan 2026 13:56:49 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/03/zelensky-proposes-defense-minister-denys.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2244837619.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky proposes Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal for vacant energy minister role&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;We held consultations with Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, and I count on lawmakers&#39; support,&#34; President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Jan. 3.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-proposes-defense-minister-denys-shmyhal-to-take-on-vacant-energy-minister-role/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>European national security advisors arrive in Kyiv, Coalition of the Willing talks to be held later in the day</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/03/european-national-security-advisors-arrive.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 03 Jan 2026 11:45:19 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/03/european-national-security-advisors-arrive.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/photo-2026-01-03-12-00-22.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;European national security advisors arrive in Kyiv, Coalition of the Willing talks to be held later in the day&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;A busy working day lies ahead: security and economic issues, work on framework documents, coordination of further steps with partners,&#34; National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/european-national-security-advisers-arrive-to-kyiv-to-hold-high-level-coalition-of-willing-talks/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>US strikes Venezuela, captures President Maduro, Trump says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/03/us-strikes-venezuela-captures-president.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 03 Jan 2026 10:59:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/03/us-strikes-venezuela-captures-president.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2253840880.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;US strikes Venezuela, captures President Maduro, Trump says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;The United States of America has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the country,&#34; Donald Trump said on Truth Social.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/us-carries-out-large-scale-strike-on-venezuela-maduro-captured-and-flown-out-the-country-trumps-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>At least 6 killed, 42 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine over past day</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/03/at-least-killed-injured-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 03 Jan 2026 09:31:56 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/03/at-least-killed-injured-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/photo-2026-01-03-09-29-37.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;At least 6 killed, 42 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine over past day&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russia launched 95 drones at Ukraine overnight, the Air Force said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/at-least-6-killed-42-injured-in-russian-attacks-on-ukraine-over-past-day/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>General Staff: Russia has lost 1,210,630 troops in Ukraine since 2022</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/03/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 03 Jan 2026 08:17:42 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/03/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/f8f81c4107.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;General Staff: Russia has lost 1,210,630 troops in Ukraine since 2022&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The number includes 750 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day, the General Staff said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/general-staff-russia-has-lost-1-210-630-troops-in-ukraine-since-2022/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>NEWSFLASH: Loud explosions overnight in Venezuela</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/03/newsflash-loud-explosions-overnight-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 03 Jan 2026 08:08:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/03/newsflash-loud-explosions-overnight-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/85cabeda-2d5c-4dfa-a133-c9c120e763dd-874x850.png&#34; alt=&#34;NEWSFLASH: Loud explosions overnight in Venezuela&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!wuOK!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fca77de32-38a6-4e33-a65d-64f721c02770_1500x500.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fca77de32-3.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;485&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/ca77de32-38a6-4e33-a65d-64f721c02770_1500x500.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:485,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:true,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor’s Note:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;At a time when overlapping crises are reshaping the world, we believe no story should be lost in the noise.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Wherever events are unfolding, and whenever they matter, our goal is to keep you informed with context, depth, and humanity.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;This is the work we do for you, every day.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Upgrade now to support our work.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Get Full Access!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Get Full Access!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Tip Jar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Tip Jar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-component-name=&#34;VideoPlaceholder&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;mediaUploadId&#34;:&#34;ccffa0c0-03df-42df-9d12-dc3ee5eda3ce&#34;,&#34;duration&#34;:null}&#39; data-sanitized-class=&#34;native-video-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Video: bombing in Venezuela, obtained by Joshua Freitas&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;There are reports of explosions in areas of Venezuela. For months, the aggression was kept offshore, sinking boats in the Caribbean. More recently, the U.S. seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela. Just last week, the U.S. conducted a drone strike on a Venezuelan port.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;id&#34;:427295}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;PollToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;poll-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Tensions have been climbing between the United States and Venezuela since August, when the U.S. started to rev up its military presence in the Caribbean.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In November&lt;strong&gt;, &lt;/strong&gt;Trump wrote on Truth Social that Venezuela’s airspace should be closed, warning “airlines, pilots, drug dealers and human traffickers.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;What began as a series of maritime strikes on suspected smuggling vessels soon widened into a broader pressure campaign: the U.S. &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/14/us/politics/trump-pressure-venezuela.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&amp;referringSource=articleShare&#34;&gt;carried out&lt;/a&gt; at least 20 lethal attacks at sea, killing over 100 people, President Trump authorized covert CIA operations in Venezuela, and recently, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth &lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/SecWar/status/1989094923497316430&#34;&gt;unveiled&lt;/a&gt; “Operation Southern Spear,” framing the mission as an effort to protect “America’s neighborhood,” the Western Hemisphere, from “narco-terrorists.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-component-name=&#34;VideoPlaceholder&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;mediaUploadId&#34;:&#34;aed46e0a-e30c-4064-b739-1a4e3934028e&#34;,&#34;duration&#34;:null}&#39; data-sanitized-class=&#34;native-video-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Video: bombing in Venezuela, obtained by Joshua Freitas&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor’s Note:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Usually, articles like this are paid content, but the threat of invasion in Venezuela is so significant that we are publishing this news without a paywall.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;The campaign escalated further on November 11, when the USS Gerald R Ford arrived in the Caribbean as part of a deployment that ultimately put 15,000 U.S. troops in the region.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Beyond the Gerald R Ford, the United States has moved a wide range of military assets into the region. Warships, a nuclear-powered submarine, fighter jets, helicopters, surveillance aircraft and armed drones have all been positioned near Venezuela, along with additional personnel stationed in Puerto Rico.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Trump administration has explicitly framed this increased aggression as a campaign against drug traffickers, but to some, these moves against Maduro look more like an attempt at regime-change than anything else.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Venezuelan Ministry of Defense &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.cbsnews.com/news/venezuela-military-mobilization-us-navy-flotilla-nears-caribbean-uss-ford/&#34;&gt;said&lt;/a&gt; the country launched a major military exercise using about 200,000 troops and involving land air and sea assets.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;According to &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/10/31/russia-venezuela-oil-trump/?utm_source=chatgpt.com&#34;&gt;reporting&lt;/a&gt; from The Washington Post, Maduro had reached out to Russia, China and Iran for support.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In his letter to Chinese President Xi Jinping, he requested “expanded military cooperation” to work against U.S. escalation, and asked that China expedite production of radar detection systems.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In late October, a Russian transport aircraft, the Ilyushin I1-76,  &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.defensenews.com/global/the-americas/2025/10/28/heavy-russian-cargo-plane-lands-in-caracas-amid-us-venezuela-tensions/&#34;&gt;landed&lt;/a&gt; in Caracas from Russia.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;According to &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.cnn.com/2025/11/06/politics/trump-venezuela-legal-congress-land&#34;&gt;CNN reporting&lt;/a&gt;, Trump administration officials are saying that the U.S. does not have legal justification to strike land targets in Venezuela. The administration is turning away from lawmakers and toward the Justice Department for a justification for land strikes that would not require congressional approval.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The administration’s entire legal argument boils down to a&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/13/us/politics/boat-strikes-doj-memo-trump.html&#34;&gt; secret Department of Justice memo &lt;/a&gt;that says drug cartels count as wartime enemies, so Trump can legally strike them as if the U.S. is already at war. Critics say that idea isn’t grounded in any real law — it’s just the government redefining the situation to justify killings that would otherwise be illegal.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;United Nations experts have warned that hitting boats in international waters could violate the U.N. Charter and human rights protections.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Though the Trump administration insists that this is a campaign against drug trafficking, there is speculation that this is an attempt at regime change in Venezuela. Trump’s public attitude, including a recent comment saying that Maduro’s “days are numbered,” could signal broader goals in the region.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor’s Note:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;At a time when overlapping crises are reshaping the world, we believe no story should be lost in the noise.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Wherever events are unfolding, and whenever they matter, our goal is to keep you informed with context, depth, and humanity.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;This is the work we do for you, every day.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Upgrade now to support our work.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Get Full Access!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:&#34;button-wrapper&#34;}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Get Full Access!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Tip Jar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:&#34;button-wrapper&#34;}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Tip Jar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Stay safe out there.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Best,&lt;br&gt;Jacqueline&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/newsflash-loud-explosions-overnight&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>This SSU operation will GO DOWN in military strategy textbooks! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/02/this-ssu-operation-will-go.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 02 Jan 2026 23:30:04 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/02/this-ssu-operation-will-go.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/c8021a8b69.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;This SSU operation will GO DOWN in military strategy textbooks! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/IXkNWJIQsfc&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>🔥Ukraine’s TOP STRIKES against Russia in 2025 – overview of the Spiderweb and Deep Strike operation</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/02/ukraines-top-strikes-against-russia.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 02 Jan 2026 23:00:26 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/02/ukraines-top-strikes-against-russia.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/be5178d9ee.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🔥Ukraine’s TOP STRIKES against Russia in 2025 – overview of the Spiderweb and Deep Strike operation&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S60pID2TStI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>🚫 Why TRUMP’S security GUARANTEES may be EMPTY #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/02/why-trumps-security-guarantees-may.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 02 Jan 2026 21:30:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/02/why-trumps-security-guarantees-may.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/cc09cc1ce4.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🚫 Why TRUMP’S security GUARANTEES may be EMPTY #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/D5dbq_u9pBA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>BREAKING: Zelensky proposes appointing Mykhailo Fedorov as defense minister</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/02/breaking-zelensky-proposes-appointing-mykhailo.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 02 Jan 2026 21:10:39 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/02/breaking-zelensky-proposes-appointing-mykhailo.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-1244459537.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;BREAKING: Zelensky proposes appointing Mykhailo Fedorov as defense minister&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;President Volodymyr Zelensky has proposed appointing Mykhailo Fedorov as the country&#39;s new defense minister on Jan. 2.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Fedorov currently serves as Ukraine&#39;s the deputy prime minister and digital transformation minister.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The decision was announced as part of a major political shake-up, following several key appointments. &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/breaking-ukraines-military-intelligence-head-kyrylo-budanov-appointed-as-zelenskys-new-chief-of-staff/&#34;&gt;Kyrylo&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/breaking-zelensky-proposes-appointing-mykhailo-fedorov-as-defense-minister/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>URGENT! Russia can stage a PROVOCATION! Risky guarantees from TRUMP?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/02/urgent-russia-can-stage-a.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 02 Jan 2026 21:00:47 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/02/urgent-russia-can-stage-a.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/e1e88b9324.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;URGENT! Russia can stage a PROVOCATION! Risky guarantees from TRUMP?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQ8TJUsO32w&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>❗️TRUMP leans toward THIS PEACEFUL PLAN for Ukraine: conditions #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/02/trump-leans-toward-this-peaceful.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 02 Jan 2026 20:30:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/02/trump-leans-toward-this-peaceful.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/70b824f34e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️TRUMP leans toward THIS PEACEFUL PLAN for Ukraine: conditions #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/8qnAeI48alw&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>From peace in 24 hours to a 100-day deadline: why did Trump&#39;s plan change?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/02/from-peace-in-hours-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 02 Jan 2026 20:13:22 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/02/from-peace-in-hours-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/ff7855e387.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;From peace in 24 hours to a 100-day deadline: why did Trump&#39;s plan change?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5zd2JkZPkU&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>WAR in 2026: THOUSANDS OF UAVs and MORE TRANSPARENT BATTLEFIELD #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/02/war-in-thousands-of-uavs.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 02 Jan 2026 19:30:58 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/02/war-in-thousands-of-uavs.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/88f9e61af9.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;WAR in 2026: THOUSANDS OF UAVs and MORE TRANSPARENT BATTLEFIELD #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ZBZs4-KDXCs&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Zelensky to replace head of Ukraine&#39;s State Border Guard</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/02/zelensky-to-replace-head-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 02 Jan 2026 19:07:26 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/02/zelensky-to-replace-head-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-1243070680.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky to replace head of Ukraine&#39;s State Border Guard&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko will soon give the president a list of possible candidates to replace Serhii Deineko as head of Ukraine&#39;s State Border Guard Service.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-to-replace-head-of-ukraines-border-guard/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>War in 2026: CHEAP FPV, new JAMMERS, and still – &amp;quot;MEAT ASSAULTS&amp;quot; by the Russians</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/02/war-in-cheap-fpv-new.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 02 Jan 2026 19:00:30 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/02/war-in-cheap-fpv-new.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/a734d1a64f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;War in 2026: CHEAP FPV, new JAMMERS, and still – &amp;quot;MEAT ASSAULTS&amp;quot; by the Russians&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6G9hWNtk_c&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>How Ukraine&#39;s military intelligence faked the death of  Denis Kapustin, a Russian commander fighting for Kyiv</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/02/how-ukraines-military-intelligence-faked.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 02 Jan 2026 18:20:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/02/how-ukraines-military-intelligence-faked.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/screenshot-2026-01-02-at-12-00-02-pm.png&#34; alt=&#34;How Ukraine&#39;s military intelligence faked the death of  Denis Kapustin, a Russian commander fighting for Kyiv&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;HUR has published video footage of Kapustin&#39;s staged &#34;death,&#34; which the agency used to collect a $500,000 bounty. The video shows a drone strike on a minibus shortly after Kapustin is seen entering the vehicle.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/how-ukraines-military-intelligence-faked-the-death-of-denis-kapustin-a-russian-commander-fighting-for-kyiv/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>The first RESOUNDING FAILURE of the Russian special services in 2026 #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/02/the-first-resounding-failure-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 02 Jan 2026 17:30:09 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/02/the-first-resounding-failure-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/3c1b29c725.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;The first RESOUNDING FAILURE of the Russian special services in 2026 #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/NPRLvySLYDE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Zelensky to appoint Foreign Intelligence Service chief as Budanov&#39;s replacement, President&#39;s Office says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/02/zelensky-to-appoint-foreign-intelligence.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 02 Jan 2026 17:21:57 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/02/zelensky-to-appoint-foreign-intelligence.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/20bf90854e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky to appoint Foreign Intelligence Service chief as Budanov&#39;s replacement, President&#39;s Office says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The news comes a few hours after Zelensky announced he would appoint Kyrylo Budanov, head of the military intelligence, to take charge of the President’s Office.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-to-appoint-foreign-intelligence-service-chief-as-budanovs-replacement-presidents-office-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>PUTIN has been given an ultimatum! DEFEAT of Russian special services and frontline &amp;quot;SURPRISES&amp;quot;</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/02/putin-has-been-given-an.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 02 Jan 2026 17:01:35 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/02/putin-has-been-given-an.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/30c986ddd8.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;PUTIN has been given an ultimatum! DEFEAT of Russian special services and frontline &amp;quot;SURPRISES&amp;quot;&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfgrBAY8tos&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>⚡️ KHARKIV NOW! Two Russian &amp;quot;ISKANDER&amp;quot; destroyed HOUSES #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/02/kharkiv-now-two-russian-quotiskanderquot.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 02 Jan 2026 16:15:29 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/02/kharkiv-now-two-russian-quotiskanderquot.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/3c1f252a10.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡️ KHARKIV NOW! Two Russian &amp;quot;ISKANDER&amp;quot; destroyed HOUSES #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/cP_0fpn4zgU&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Inside the fight for Ukraine&#39;s river islands</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/02/inside-the-fight-for-ukraines.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 02 Jan 2026 16:01:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/02/inside-the-fight-for-ukraines.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/-ombat-on-the-river-1-7-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Inside the fight for Ukraine&#39;s river islands&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Along the Dnipro River in southern Ukraine, the front line has remained largely static, but fighting continues every day. The Kyiv Independent’s Francis Farrell and Olena Zashko embedded with Ukraine’s forces in Kherson Oblast, following FPV drone and night bomber teams tasked with defending river islands.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/inside-the-fight-for-ukraines-river-islands/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russian attack on Kharkiv injures at least 15 people, including a baby, local authorities report</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/02/russian-attack-on-kharkiv-injures.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 02 Jan 2026 15:51:59 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/02/russian-attack-on-kharkiv-injures.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/photo-2026-01-03-01-30-15.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian attack on Kharkiv injures at least 15 people, including a baby, local authorities report&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Six of the wounded were hospitalized, including a woman in serious condition, Kharkiv Oblast Governor Oleh Syniehubov said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-attack-on-kharkiv-injures-at-least-15-people-including-a-baby-local-authorities-report/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>PARTISANS go active in Russia’s BORDER regions, hitting MILITARY plants #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/02/partisans-go-active-in-russias.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 02 Jan 2026 15:30:34 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/02/partisans-go-active-in-russias.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/f3ed9e8c27.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;PARTISANS go active in Russia’s BORDER regions, hitting MILITARY plants #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/UAqCILD2_iY&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Poll: 74% of Ukrainians against peace plan involving Kyiv&#39;s withdrawal from Donbas, army cap</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/02/poll-of-ukrainians-against-peace.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 02 Jan 2026 15:06:33 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/02/poll-of-ukrainians-against-peace.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2253732356.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Poll: 74% of Ukrainians against peace plan involving Kyiv&#39;s withdrawal from Donbas, army cap&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The poll also revealed that 69% of Ukrainians support a peace plan that would freeze the war with security guarantees, as long as Ukraine is not forced to officially recognize Russian-occupied territories as part of Russia, Kyiv International Institute of Sociology said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/poll-74-of-ukrainians-against-peace-plan-involving-kyivs-withdrawal-from-donbas-army-cap/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Night of terror across Ukraine: Russia strikes cities, ambulances, and hospitals</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/02/night-of-terror-across-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 02 Jan 2026 15:01:30 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/02/night-of-terror-across-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/64bbf53c3b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Night of terror across Ukraine: Russia strikes cities, ambulances, and hospitals&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oryuB8zb4Qc&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>NEWSFLASH: Zelenskyy taps spy Budanov as head of presidential office</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/02/newsflash-zelenskyy-taps-spy-budanov.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 02 Jan 2026 14:52:25 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/02/newsflash-zelenskyy-taps-spy-budanov.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f4996cb45-8.png&#34; alt=&#34;NEWSFLASH: Zelenskyy taps spy Budanov as head of presidential office&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!Ryrl!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F67b1328e-2241-4c34-95b4-0219ea5170dc_1500x500.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f67b1328e-2.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;485&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/67b1328e-2241-4c34-95b4-0219ea5170dc_1500x500.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:485,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:true,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Featured Subscriber’s Comment:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;“I support you for the vital information you give the world about what is truly happening in Ukraine. People MUST know and be reminded of this horrendous invasion every day! I have been forwarding what you write to people I know and will be glad to be able to share more with them now that I am a subscriber... Please stay safe. Слава Україні!!! Героям слава!!!”&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;By Tana Q&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;For one more day, we are offering a discount for new subscribers.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Click below to lock in those savings!&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/4e8b8e7a&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Get Full Access With Discount!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/4e8b8e7a&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Get Full Access With Discount!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Tip Jar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Tip Jar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f4996cb45-8.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/1a82606276.png&#34; width=&#34;428&#34; height=&#34;285.3333333333333&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/4996cb45-85fe-4e60-8526-8df9af1b0f0e_594x396.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:396,&#34;width&#34;:594,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:428,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Chief of the Main Directorate of Intelligence of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov attends the ‘Ukraine. Year 2025’ forum. (Photo by Aleksandr Gusev/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images).&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appointed a new Chief of the President’s Office — Kyrylo Budanov, a Ukrainian military commander and head of Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A taciturn official, Budanov has cultivated an enigmatic reputation.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;His interviews with the press are often delivered with half-smiles, giving off the impression of an unflappable spy with confidence bordering on intimidation. His attitude has led to the proliferation of many memes in Ukrainian politics.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This appointment occurred after the dismissal of his predecessor, Andrii Yermak, for his alleged involvement in a corruption scandal.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Head of the Office of the President is mostly a consultative position. Formally, they cannot influence state-building processes or make decisions independently. However, during Zelenskyy’s presidency, this position has become especially influential in Ukrainian diplomacy and in shaping key political appointments in the country.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;After paywall:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Who is Kyrylo Budanov?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Why was he chosen as the Chief of the President’s Office?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;What is his reputation, and what’s with all the memes about him?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
      &lt;p&gt;
          &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/newsflash-zelenskyy-taps-spy-budanov&#34;&gt;
              Read more
          &lt;/a&gt;
      &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/newsflash-zelenskyy-taps-spy-budanov&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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    <item>
      <title>‘A cult of death’ — Former Soviet dissident on Russia and authoritarianism&#39;s global rise</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/02/a-cult-of-death-former.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 02 Jan 2026 14:22:03 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/02/a-cult-of-death-former.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/6860eb4e-3dfa-414e-b9dc-08d461c2e836.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;‘A cult of death’ — Former Soviet dissident on Russia and authoritarianism&#39;s global rise&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In an authoritarian society, it’s free thinkers who are targeted by those in power. A book, a social media post, a private conversation — anything can be used against those who refuse to conform in a country ruled by intimidation, lies, and outright violence. This is why, in&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/a-cult-of-death-former-soviet-dissident-on-russia-and-authoritarianisms-global-rise/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russia may be preparing &#39;large-scale provocation with human casualties,&#39; Ukraine&#39;s intelligence warns</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/02/russia-may-be-preparing-largescale.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 02 Jan 2026 13:21:36 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/02/russia-may-be-preparing-largescale.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2169936812.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia may be preparing &#39;large-scale provocation with human casualties,&#39; Ukraine&#39;s intelligence warns&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukraine&#39;s Foreign Intelligence Service warned on Jan. 2 that Russia may be preparing a provocation as part of its efforts to disrupt the U.S.-mediated peace talks.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-may-be-preparing-large-scale-provocation-with-human-casualties-ukraines-intelligence-warns/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>BREAKING: Zelensky picks Military Intelligence Head Budanov as his new chief of staff</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/02/breaking-zelensky-picks-military-intelligence.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 02 Jan 2026 12:39:21 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/02/breaking-zelensky-picks-military-intelligence.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2223911528.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;BREAKING: Zelensky picks Military Intelligence Head Budanov as his new chief of staff&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor&#39;s note: The story is being updated.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;President Volodymyr Zelensky has offered Kyrylo Budanov, the military intelligence chief, to take charge of the President’s Office on Jan. 2.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&#34;Now, Ukraine needs more focus on security issues, the development of the Defense and Security Forces of&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/breaking-ukraines-military-intelligence-head-kyrylo-budanov-appointed-as-zelenskys-new-chief-of-staff/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine denies targeting civilians in drone strike on occupied part of Kherson Oblast</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/02/ukraine-denies-targeting-civilians-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 02 Jan 2026 11:24:16 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/02/ukraine-denies-targeting-civilians-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2183246419.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine denies targeting civilians in drone strike on occupied part of Kherson Oblast&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Earlier on Jan. 1, Volodymyr Saldo, a Ukrainian politician turned top Russian proxy head of Russian-occupied parts of Kherson Oblast, accused Kyiv of launching three drones at a hotel and a cafe on the Black Sea coast. Saldo claimed that the alleged New Year drone strike on the village of Khorly killed 24 people, including a child, and wounded more than 50.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-denies-targeting-civilians-in-drone-strike-on-occupied-part-of-kherson-oblast/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>General Staff: Russia has lost 1,209,880 troops in Ukraine since 2022</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/02/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 02 Jan 2026 08:29:24 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/02/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2253536028.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;General Staff: Russia has lost 1,209,880 troops in Ukraine since 2022&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The number includes 910 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day, the General Staff said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/general-staff-russia-has-lost-1-209-880-troops-in-ukraine-since-2022/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russia captured over 4,300 square kilometers of Ukraine in 2025, DeepState reports</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/01/russia-captured-over-square-kilometers.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Jan 2026 23:00:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/01/russia-captured-over-square-kilometers.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/4c148cb76f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia captured over 4,300 square kilometers of Ukraine in 2025, DeepState reports&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russian forces occupied 4,336 square kilometers (1,674 square miles) of Ukrainian territory in 2025, accounting for less than 1% of the country, the Ukrainian open-source mapping project DeepState reported in an year-end assessment published on Jan. 1.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-captured-over-4-300-square-kilometers-of-ukraine-in-2025-deepstate-reports/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>🔥 SHOCK for PUTIN – POKROVSK returns to UKRAINIAN control #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/01/shock-for-putin-pokrovsk-returns.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Jan 2026 22:30:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/01/shock-for-putin-pokrovsk-returns.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/b3d475944a.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🔥 SHOCK for PUTIN – POKROVSK returns to UKRAINIAN control #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/oYST8DHTdsg&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>“Meat assaults” on buggies: Russia is trying at all costs to show something on the battlefield</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/01/meat-assaults-on-buggies-russia.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Jan 2026 22:01:03 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/01/meat-assaults-on-buggies-russia.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/cd07a0b5cb.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;“Meat assaults” on buggies: Russia is trying at all costs to show something on the battlefield&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWFDVjOvIOo&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>&amp;amp;quot;Blow&amp;amp;quot; to VALDAI: CIA finds no EVIDENCE! Across Russia – &amp;amp;quot;fireworks&amp;amp;quot; at oil refineries</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/01/ampquotblowampquot-to-valdai-cia-finds.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Jan 2026 21:00:36 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/01/ampquotblowampquot-to-valdai-cia-finds.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/418d18c7d8.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&amp;quot;Blow&amp;quot; to VALDAI: CIA finds no EVIDENCE! Across Russia – &amp;quot;fireworks&amp;quot; at oil refineries&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-t9lQqf4OU&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>PUTIN acknowledges the DECLINE of the Russian economy for the FIRST TIME! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/01/putin-acknowledges-the-decline-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Jan 2026 20:30:09 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/01/putin-acknowledges-the-decline-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/e2ba0a7c24.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;PUTIN acknowledges the DECLINE of the Russian economy for the FIRST TIME! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/QEqjFeHLoNI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>PUTIN is at war: the ARMY is the only PRIORITY – the people are in decline under SANCTIONS!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/01/putin-is-at-war-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Jan 2026 20:00:40 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/01/putin-is-at-war-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/8e0f795f3f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;PUTIN is at war: the ARMY is the only PRIORITY – the people are in decline under SANCTIONS!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTaXOAN6B-w&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Lions injured, birds killed — Russian attack strikes eco-park near Kharkiv</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/01/lions-injured-birds-killed-russian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Jan 2026 19:37:15 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/01/lions-injured-birds-killed-russian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/yakiv-16.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Lions injured, birds killed — Russian attack strikes eco-park near Kharkiv&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Since the start of Russia&#39;s full-scale invasion, over 100 animals and five people, including employees and volunteers, have been killed by Russian forces on the eco-park&#39;s grounds.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/lions-injured-birds-killed-russian-attack-strikes-eco-park-near-kharkiv/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>💬 How RUSSIA enters 2026: BUDANOV&#39;S FORECAST #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/01/how-russia-enters-budanovs-forecast.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Jan 2026 19:30:49 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/01/how-russia-enters-budanovs-forecast.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/9f47949b00.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;💬 How RUSSIA enters 2026: BUDANOV&#39;S FORECAST #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/_FgeJyh_YVM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>The DIU tricked the Russian special services... and made $500,000 off them #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/01/the-diu-tricked-the-russian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Jan 2026 19:15:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/01/the-diu-tricked-the-russian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/1ace5775e0.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;The DIU tricked the Russian special services... and made $500,000 off them #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/1dMoQE9yUCs&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Russia enters 2026 exhausted: the war drags on, the economy is falling apart at the seams</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/01/russia-enters-exhausted-the-war.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Jan 2026 19:02:11 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/01/russia-enters-exhausted-the-war.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/d836a4cb9f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia enters 2026 exhausted: the war drags on, the economy is falling apart at the seams&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbYa0LrQz_0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Priority for 2026 – prisoner exchanges, – Zelenskyy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/01/priority-for-prisoner-exchanges-zelenskyy.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Jan 2026 18:36:19 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/01/priority-for-prisoner-exchanges-zelenskyy.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/b20e6acd4f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Priority for 2026 – prisoner exchanges, – Zelenskyy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/qsyjDLGeyvQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Budanov outplays Russia! “Eliminated” RDK commander is alive!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/01/budanov-outplays-russia-eliminated-rdk.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Jan 2026 18:00:57 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/01/budanov-outplays-russia-eliminated-rdk.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/23f220da2c.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Budanov outplays Russia! “Eliminated” RDK commander is alive!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g33mT9PUJpQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukraine enters EU&#39;s single mobile roaming zone</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/01/ukraine-enters-eus-single-mobile.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Jan 2026 17:47:12 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/01/ukraine-enters-eus-single-mobile.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/4adbb2fe93.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine enters EU&#39;s single mobile roaming zone&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukraine formally joined the European Union&#39;s single roaming zone on Jan. 1, allowing Ukrainian citizens to use their mobile phone service across the European bloc without incurring additional charges.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-enters-eus-single-mobile-roaming-zone/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>⚡️ DON&#39;T UNDERESTIMATE IT – Russia will try to ATTACK Europe! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/01/dont-underestimate-it-russia-will.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Jan 2026 17:30:17 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/01/dont-underestimate-it-russia-will.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/5ad0fbcafd.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡️ DON&#39;T UNDERESTIMATE IT – Russia will try to ATTACK Europe! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/JsR1LjOz19c&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>From Poland to the Baltics: Russian threat to NATO at critical level</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/01/from-poland-to-the-baltics.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Jan 2026 17:00:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/01/from-poland-to-the-baltics.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2f933ee6e3.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;From Poland to the Baltics: Russian threat to NATO at critical level&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHk6-ihGz8s&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukraine deploys two additional Patriot air defense systems, Defense Ministry reports</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/01/ukraine-deploys-two-additional-patriot.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Jan 2026 16:59:55 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/01/ukraine-deploys-two-additional-patriot.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2156619827.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine deploys two additional Patriot air defense systems, Defense Ministry reports&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Patriot is one of the world&#39;s most advanced air defense systems, capable of intercepting aircraft as well as cruise, ballistic, and hypersonic missiles.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-deploys-two-additional-patriot-air-defense-systems-defense-ministry-reports/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>LIVE | 2026 WITHOUT ILLUSIONS: Russia enters it EXHAUSTED and ISOLATED</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/01/live-without-illusions-russia-enters.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Jan 2026 15:27:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/01/live-without-illusions-russia-enters.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/0213f8bdf1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;LIVE | 2026 WITHOUT ILLUSIONS: Russia enters it EXHAUSTED and ISOLATED&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIAO8yF5BLE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Finnish reservist on the first hours of the war in Ukraine: “Holy war” #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/01/finnish-reservist-on-the-first.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Jan 2026 15:14:23 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/01/finnish-reservist-on-the-first.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/d82b2e250c.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Finnish reservist on the first hours of the war in Ukraine: “Holy war” #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/imuN_NgzXUI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>&#39;Welcome back to life&#39; — Ukraine&#39;s HUR faked death of top anti-Putin Russian commander, claimed Kremlin bounty money</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/01/welcome-back-to-life-ukraines.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Jan 2026 15:05:26 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/01/welcome-back-to-life-ukraines.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/photo-2026-01-01-15-37-52.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;Welcome back to life&#39; — Ukraine&#39;s HUR faked death of top anti-Putin Russian commander, claimed Kremlin bounty money&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Denis Kapustin, commander of the Russian Volunteer Corps (RDK), was reported killed in action on Dec. 27.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-hur-faked-death-of-top-anti-putin-russian-commander-claimed-kremlin-bounty-money/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Putin&#39;s New Year speech lauds Russia&#39;s war, makes no mention of peace in Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/01/putins-new-year-speech-lauds.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Jan 2026 13:10:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/01/putins-new-year-speech-lauds.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2253589483.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Putin&#39;s New Year speech lauds Russia&#39;s war, makes no mention of peace in Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Putin&#39;s speech avoided any mention of Ukraine, peace talks, or plans to bring the war to an end in 2026.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/we-believe-in-our-victory-putins-new-year-speech-shows-no-intention-to-end-the-war-in-2026/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>💥 New Year&#39;s Eve with shelling! Russia attacked Ukraine with drones #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/01/new-years-eve-with-shelling.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Jan 2026 12:11:36 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/01/new-years-eve-with-shelling.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/e95e78ed8b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;💥 New Year&#39;s Eve with shelling! Russia attacked Ukraine with drones #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/uek1sJEH1TM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>CIA rejects Putin&#39;s claim of Ukrainian attack on his residence, CNN reports</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/01/cia-rejects-putins-claim-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Jan 2026 11:19:19 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/01/cia-rejects-putins-claim-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/15008e091e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;CIA rejects Putin&#39;s claim of Ukrainian attack on his residence, CNN reports&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The report confirms Ukraine&#39;s original denial and undercuts claims made by the Kremlin.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/after-putin-claim-to-trump-cia-rejects-allegation-of-ukraine-attack-on-his-residence-cnn-reported/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>🎄 PEACE – for years to come! ZELENSKYY voiced Ukraine&#39;s wishes on New Year&#39;s Eve #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/01/peace-for-years-to-come.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Jan 2026 10:54:26 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/01/peace-for-years-to-come.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/aebba9f3fe.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🎄 PEACE – for years to come! ZELENSKYY voiced Ukraine&#39;s wishes on New Year&#39;s Eve #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Gt0_en4Iel8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>General Staff: Russia has lost 1,208,970 troops in Ukraine since 2022</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/01/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Jan 2026 09:54:32 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/01/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-1243747572.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;General Staff: Russia has lost 1,208,970 troops in Ukraine since 2022&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Russia has lost around 1,208,970 troops in Ukraine since the beginning of its full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022, Ukraine&#39;s General Staff reported on Jan. 1.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The number includes 1,060 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day, the General Staff said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;According to&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/general-staff-russia-has-lost-1-208-970-troops-in-ukraine-since-2022/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>At least 2 killed, 16 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine over past day</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/01/at-least-killed-injured-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Jan 2026 09:34:28 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/01/at-least-killed-injured-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/gettyimages-2251635351.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;At least 2 killed, 16 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine over past day&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russia launched 205 drones at Ukraine overnight, the Air Force said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/at-least-killed-injured-in-russian-attacks-on-ukraine-over-past-day/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>5 things we lost in Pokrovsk</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/01/things-we-lost-in-pokrovsk.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Jan 2026 09:25:19 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/01/things-we-lost-in-pokrovsk.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/e28dbcda-3d8b-4640-b00a-15d5c8bac11e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;5 things we lost in Pokrovsk&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#39;All memories of my childhood in Pokrovsk seem like a dream, as if it never really happened.&#39;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/5-things-we-lost-in-pokrovsk/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russian shadow fleet ship that sank in 2024 carried nuclear reactor components to North Korea, may have been torpedoed, La Verdad reports</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/01/russian-shadow-fleet-ship-that.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Jan 2026 08:14:47 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/01/russian-shadow-fleet-ship-that.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/dcb06a9c00.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian shadow fleet ship that sank in 2024 carried nuclear reactor components to North Korea, may have been torpedoed, La Verdad reports&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Undeclared nuclear reactor components bound for North Korea were allegedly aboard the Ursa Major when it sank off Spain in 2024, with damage consistent with a torpedo strike, according to Spain’s La Verdad.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-shadow-fleet-vessel-that-sank-in-2024-carried-nuclear-reactors-to-north-korea-la-verdad-reports/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Tumultuous New Year’s Eve in Russia marked by reported drone strikes on oil sites</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/01/tumultuous-new-years-eve-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Jan 2026 04:59:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/01/tumultuous-new-years-eve-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/fbf5693892.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Tumultuous New Year’s Eve in Russia marked by reported drone strikes on oil sites&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Several fires were reported at oil facilities in Kaluga Oblast and Krasnodar Krai overnight on Jan. 1, according to Telegram monitoring channels.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tumultuous-new-years-night-in-russia-marked-by-reported-drone-strikes-on-oil-sites/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russia launches New Year’s Day drone attacks across Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/01/russia-launches-new-years-day.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Jan 2026 03:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/01/russia-launches-new-years-day.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/photo-2025-12-31-20-06-46.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia launches New Year’s Day drone attacks across Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russia attacked several Ukrainian regions with drones overnight on Jan. 1, striking energy infrastructure in southern Odesa Oblast.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-launches-new-years-day-drone-attacks-across-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>🪖 Over 400,000 soldiers KILLED in a YEAR! 2025 for Putin&#39;s army #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/01/over-soldiers-killed-in-a.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:30:12 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/01/over-soldiers-killed-in-a.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/057f996d1e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🪖 Over 400,000 soldiers KILLED in a YEAR! 2025 for Putin&#39;s army #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/HNuHCZx3W6Y&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>A kilometer at the cost of thousands of lives: the true price of the Kremlin&#39;s fake victories</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2026/01/01/a-kilometer-at-the-cost.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2026/01/01/a-kilometer-at-the-cost.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/0825100d77.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;A kilometer at the cost of thousands of lives: the true price of the Kremlin&#39;s fake victories&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VGUvy9HNT0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>&#39;We want the end of the war — not the end of Ukraine,&#39; Zelensky says in New Year address</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/31/we-want-the-end-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 23:15:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/31/we-want-the-end-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2253561539.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;We want the end of the war — not the end of Ukraine,&#39; Zelensky says in New Year address&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;A Budapest-style piece of paper will not satisfy Ukraine. Ukraine does not need a Minsk-style meticulously drafted trap. My signature will be under a strong agreement,&#34; Zelensky said in his address on Dec. 31.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/we-want-the-end-of-the-war-not-the-end-of-ukraine-zelensky-says-in-new-year-address/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>✨ Peace for YEARS – Ukraine&#39;s wish for 2026: Zelenskyy&#39;s address</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/31/peace-for-years-ukraines-wish.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 23:00:54 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/31/peace-for-years-ukraines-wish.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/6fd2e1bda0.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;✨ Peace for YEARS – Ukraine&#39;s wish for 2026: Zelenskyy&#39;s address&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPQTso9flQQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Finland detains Russia-linked ship suspected of sabotage</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/31/finland-detains-russialinked-ship-suspected.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 22:47:39 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/31/finland-detains-russialinked-ship-suspected.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/fitburg.png&#34; alt=&#34;Finland detains Russia-linked ship suspected of sabotage&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Early in the morning on Dec. 31, the Finnish telecommunications service provider Elisa reported that  an undersea cable linking Finland and Estonia had been damaged. The cargo ship Fitburg, sailing from Russia, may have been responsible.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/finland-detains-russia-linked-ship-suspected-of-sabotage/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Kyiv names new board members of state nuclear energy company in wake of corruption scandal</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/31/kyiv-names-new-board-members.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 21:48:05 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/31/kyiv-names-new-board-members.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/628c8a924b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Kyiv names new board members of state nuclear energy company in wake of corruption scandal&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The four independent members of the new board have been unanimously approved, Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko said. Three additional state representatives will be selected for the board in the beginning of January 2026.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/kyiv-names-new-board-members-of-state-nuclear-energy-company-in-wake-of-corruption-scandal/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Everyone applaud! Top SSU special operations in 2025 #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/31/everyone-applaud-top-ssu-special.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 21:30:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/31/everyone-applaud-top-ssu-special.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/d526ea360f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Everyone applaud! Top SSU special operations in 2025 #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/-CQhf6OWreM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>The year that shook Russia – its oil refineries, army, and wallets! Peace with no peace?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/31/the-year-that-shook-russia.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 21:00:35 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/31/the-year-that-shook-russia.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/23139893e6.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;The year that shook Russia – its oil refineries, army, and wallets! Peace with no peace?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFInZzwkiTM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>RUSSIA will remember 2025 for A LONG TIME Disappointing results for PUTIN #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/31/russia-will-remember-for-a.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 20:30:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/31/russia-will-remember-for-a.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/1fe63e0766.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;RUSSIA will remember 2025 for A LONG TIME Disappointing results for PUTIN #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/NR4ZjW9xV0Q&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>❗️ 150,000 Russian SOLDIERS will not be able to occupy POKROVSK! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/31/russian-soldiers-will-not-be.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 20:30:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/31/russian-soldiers-will-not-be.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/a14cfa5726.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️ 150,000 Russian SOLDIERS will not be able to occupy POKROVSK! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/J_Hr9pXhP_M&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>PUTIN BELIEVES IN LIES! Everything is bad on the front line FOR RUSSIA | Frontline Summary</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/31/putin-believes-in-lies-everything.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 20:00:25 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/31/putin-believes-in-lies-everything.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/df24ed39ab.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;PUTIN BELIEVES IN LIES! Everything is bad on the front line FOR RUSSIA | Frontline Summary&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXCSqjrczhk&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine damages major Russian oil assets in New Year&#39;s Eve strikes, military reports</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/31/ukraine-damages-major-russian-oil.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 19:57:40 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/31/ukraine-damages-major-russian-oil.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/sso.png&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine damages major Russian oil assets in New Year&#39;s Eve strikes, military reports&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Targets included Russia&#39;s Tuapse Oil Refinery, the Tamanneftegaz oil terminal, a Rosreserv oil base, a temporary military base for river boats, and ammunition depots in occupied Ukraine, the General Staff said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-damages-major-russian-oil-assets-in-new-years-eve-strikes-military-reports/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>A CATASTROPHIC 2025 for Russia: Strikes deep in the rear, ruined plans, and a devastated economy!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/31/a-catastrophic-for-russia-strikes.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 19:00:59 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/31/a-catastrophic-for-russia-strikes.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/0afe4c812f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;A CATASTROPHIC 2025 for Russia: Strikes deep in the rear, ruined plans, and a devastated economy!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngYOR-Pqyt8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>🤡 &amp;amp;quot;Nazi force in Europe&amp;amp;quot; and other NONSENSICAL statements by RUSSIAN media #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/31/ampquotnazi-force-in-europeampquot-and.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 18:30:25 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/31/ampquotnazi-force-in-europeampquot-and.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/c6c798c73b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🤡 &amp;quot;Nazi force in Europe&amp;quot; and other NONSENSICAL statements by RUSSIAN media #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/irgsrXxcCKk&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>INFORMATIONAL preparation for WAR against EUROPE – Russia INVENTS AN EXCUSE!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/31/informational-preparation-for-war-against.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 18:26:57 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/31/informational-preparation-for-war-against.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/3e33a7472c.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;INFORMATIONAL preparation for WAR against EUROPE – Russia INVENTS AN EXCUSE!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuD9ZfMWXFo&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russia shares dubious &#39;evidence&#39; of Ukrainian drone attack 3 days after claiming Kyiv tried to assassinate Putin</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/31/russia-shares-dubious-evidence-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 17:59:16 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/31/russia-shares-dubious-evidence-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2253168901.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia shares dubious &#39;evidence&#39; of Ukrainian drone attack 3 days after claiming Kyiv tried to assassinate Putin&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukraine&#39;s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi, speaking to Reuters, called the footage &#34;laughable.&#34;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-shares-dubious-evidence-of-ukrainian-drone-attack-3-days-after-claiming-kyiv-tried-to-assassinate-putin/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>📢 With RUSSIA, it will happen in 2026! The ECONOMY will be the first to react #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/31/with-russia-it-will-happen.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 17:53:49 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/31/with-russia-it-will-happen.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/81f03bf439.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;📢 With RUSSIA, it will happen in 2026! The ECONOMY will be the first to react #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/zHUw9r0UzGo&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>2026 will not be any better for Russia: high taxes, no money, and the war continues!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/31/will-not-be-any-better.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 17:02:29 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/31/will-not-be-any-better.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/bdf1a5e072.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;2026 will not be any better for Russia: high taxes, no money, and the war continues!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQD1RmLsRJI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine strikes oil facility north of Moscow, source says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/31/ukraine-strikes-oil-facility-north.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 16:46:54 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/31/ukraine-strikes-oil-facility-north.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/94f71f07c2.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine strikes oil facility north of Moscow, source says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The operation targeted a large oil depot in Rybinsk, a city 160 miles north of Moscow in Yaroslavl Oblast, the sources said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-claims-strike-on-oil-facility-north-of-moscow/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Kellogg&#39;s daughter on why Trump hasn&#39;t ended Russia&#39;s war</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/31/kelloggs-daughter-on-why-trump.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 16:03:51 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/31/kelloggs-daughter-on-why-trump.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/meaghan-mobbs-1-2-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Kellogg&#39;s daughter on why Trump hasn&#39;t ended Russia&#39;s war&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Kyiv Independent&#39;s Tim Zadorozhnyy speaks with Meaghan Mobbs, head of the R.T. Weatherman Foundation and the daughter of President Donald Trump&#39;s outgoing special envoy on Ukraine, Keith Kellogg.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/kelloggs-daughter-on-why-trump-hasnt-ended-russias-war/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>✨ New Year and CAROLS during air raid sirens – UKRAINE celebrates #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/31/new-year-and-carols-during.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 15:30:29 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/31/new-year-and-carols-during.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/88858e2ea3.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;✨ New Year and CAROLS during air raid sirens – UKRAINE celebrates #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/J7B-sUFe9E0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia intensifies attacks on New Year&#39;s Eve! Should Putin expect a backlash?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/31/russia-intensifies-attacks-on-new.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 15:00:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/31/russia-intensifies-attacks-on-new.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/33c4226222.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia intensifies attacks on New Year&#39;s Eve! Should Putin expect a backlash?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOLIl0LLEP0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Croatia and Romania to join NATO-backed plan to purchase US weapons for Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/31/croatia-and-romania-to-join.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 14:24:15 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/31/croatia-and-romania-to-join.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2156620067.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Croatia and Romania to join NATO-backed plan to purchase US weapons for Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Romania will contribute 50 million euros ($59 million), according to a press release by the Romanian government.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/croatia-and-romania-to-join-nato-backed-plan-to-purchase-us-weapons-for-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Malanka: Ukraine&#39;s winter ritual of masks, mischief, and good fortune</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/31/malanka-ukraines-winter-ritual-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 14:00:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/31/malanka-ukraines-winter-ritual-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-1364705242.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Malanka: Ukraine&#39;s winter ritual of masks, mischief, and good fortune&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Each winter in southwestern Ukraine, villages are transformed by a riot of color, noise, and a kind of organized chaos. Costumed performers that are sometimes human, sometimes animal, sometimes entirely otherworldly wander from house to house, dancing, singing, playing instruments, cracking whips, and offering shots of alcoholic drinks.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Their mission&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/malanka-ukraines-winter-ritual-of-masks-mischief-and-good-fortune/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>General Staff: Russia has lost 1,207,910 troops in Ukraine since 2022</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/31/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 11:34:35 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/31/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2252933462.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;General Staff: Russia has lost 1,207,910 troops in Ukraine since 2022&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The number includes 1,000 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/general-staff-russia-has-lost-1-207-910-troops-in-ukraine-since-2022/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>Russian attacks kill 6, injure 23 in Ukraine over past day</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/31/russian-attacks-kill-injure-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 10:51:27 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/31/russian-attacks-kill-injure-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/2025-12-31-08-20-23.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian attacks kill 6, injure 23 in Ukraine over past day&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Ukrainian Air Force reported intercepting 101 of the 127 drones launched by Russia overnight.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-attacks-against-ukraine-kill-6-injure-23-over-past-day/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>&#39;Russia is targeting civilians&#39; — Casualties, outages reported following Russian drone strikes on residential buildings in Odesa</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/31/russia-is-targeting-civilians-casualties.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 01:34:44 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/31/russia-is-targeting-civilians-casualties.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/photo-2025-12-30-19-26-19.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;Russia is targeting civilians&#39; — Casualties, outages reported following Russian drone strikes on residential buildings in Odesa&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russian forces launched a large-scale drone attack on the city of Odesa overnight on Dec. 30-31, striking residential buildings and leaving part of the city without heat, electricity, or water, local officials reported.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-is-targeting-civilians-russian-drones-strike-residential-building-in-odesa-outages-reported/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>89 UAVs &amp;quot;attacked&amp;quot; PUTIN and his ESTATE – this one looks RIDICULOUS! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/30/uavs-quotattackedquot-putin-and-his.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 30 Dec 2025 21:30:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/30/uavs-quotattackedquot-putin-and-his.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/9fa543de46.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;89 UAVs &amp;quot;attacked&amp;quot; PUTIN and his ESTATE – this one looks RIDICULOUS! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/SihZf4rLQas&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>Ukraine&#39;s military reportedly strikes Russian-occupied oil depot in Luhansk Oblast</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/30/212924.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 30 Dec 2025 21:29:24 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/30/212924.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/photo-2025-12-30-14-51-08.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine&#39;s military reportedly strikes Russian-occupied oil depot in Luhansk Oblast&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukraine&#39;s military reportedly struck an oil depot in the Russian-occupied community of Rovenky in Luhansk Oblast, Russian Telegram media channels reported on Dec. 30.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-military-reportedly-strikes-russian-occupied-oil-depot-in-luhansk-oblast/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>Russia staged an attack on Putin&#39;s residence – the Kremlin&#39;s operation has been declassified!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/30/russia-staged-an-attack-on.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 30 Dec 2025 21:00:53 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/30/russia-staged-an-attack-on.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/b1792f1d8c.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia staged an attack on Putin&#39;s residence – the Kremlin&#39;s operation has been declassified!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7ea6X2zEfc&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>Francis Fukuyama: What to expect in 2026</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/30/francis-fukuyama-what-to-expect.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 30 Dec 2025 19:34:52 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/30/francis-fukuyama-what-to-expect.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2253424195.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Francis Fukuyama: What to expect in 2026&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The single most important development that will unfold during 2026 are the U.S. midterm elections that will take place in November.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The world has seen a dramatic regression of liberal democracies worldwide over the past decade.  Two large authoritarian powers, &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/russia/&#34;&gt;Russia&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/china/&#34;&gt;China&lt;/a&gt;, have tightened repression at home&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/francis-fukuyama-what-to-expect-in-2026/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>❗️ SEARCH FOR OCCUPIERS in the ruins of POKROVSK – you have to see this! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/30/search-for-occupiers-in-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 30 Dec 2025 19:30:29 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/30/search-for-occupiers-in-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/af2c79c9ed.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️ SEARCH FOR OCCUPIERS in the ruins of POKROVSK – you have to see this! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/IyDRpchdNdE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>Kupiansk slips from Russian control – fighting rages in Pokrovsk</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/30/kupiansk-slips-from-russian-control.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 30 Dec 2025 19:00:49 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/30/kupiansk-slips-from-russian-control.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/df3371a37f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Kupiansk slips from Russian control – fighting rages in Pokrovsk&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bD3G2OfwYQQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>Zelensky calls out India, UAE over their support of Putin&#39;s &#39;assassination attempt&#39; claim</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/30/zelensky-calls-out-india-uae.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 30 Dec 2025 18:37:44 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/30/zelensky-calls-out-india-uae.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/ccb5f822c9.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky calls out India, UAE over their support of Putin&#39;s &#39;assassination attempt&#39; claim&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;Where is their condemnation of the fact that our children are being bombed and people are being killed all this time? I don&#39;t hear India, frankly, nor the United Arab Emirates,&#34; President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Dec. 30.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/where-is-their-condemnation/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>PUTIN has set his sights on more than just UKRAINE: new occupation plans! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/30/putin-has-set-his-sights.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 30 Dec 2025 17:30:12 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/30/putin-has-set-his-sights.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/e1943ea118.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;PUTIN has set his sights on more than just UKRAINE: new occupation plans! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/B5_Z5dAWPSw&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>Zelensky and Trump reach agreement – Russia is hysterical and threatening nuclear war!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/30/zelensky-and-trump-reach-agreement.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 30 Dec 2025 17:00:58 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/30/zelensky-and-trump-reach-agreement.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/35659b380f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky and Trump reach agreement – Russia is hysterical and threatening nuclear war!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UR_hI1MjFFc&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>Zelensky announces upcoming high-level meetings in Ukraine, France</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/30/zelensky-announces-upcoming-highlevel-meetings.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 30 Dec 2025 16:57:31 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/30/zelensky-announces-upcoming-highlevel-meetings.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/20c13fce70.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky announces upcoming high-level meetings in Ukraine, France&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;National security advisers from the Coalition of the Willing countries, led by the U.K. and France, have agreed to meet in Ukraine on Jan. 3, according to Zelensky. The meeting will be followed by another meeting among state leaders,  planned for Jan. 6 in France.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-announces-series-of-high-level-meetings-as-push-for-peace-continues-into-4th-year-of-russias-war/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>“Courage to call things as they are” — Founding editor of Gwara Media speaks at Free Media Award Ceremony in Hamburg </title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/30/courage-to-call-things-as.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 30 Dec 2025 15:52:11 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/30/courage-to-call-things-as.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width=&#34;3165&#34; height=&#34;2183&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/serhiiprokopenko-e1764846181796.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Serhii Prokopenko, founding editor of Gwara Media&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This year, the Gwara Media editorial team received the Free Media Award 2025. This is an A-level European award, and receiving it is real international recognition. We were nominated and informed of our victory after the jury made their decision in the summer.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The Free Media Award is organized by two foundations, ZEIT Stiftung Bucerius (Germany) and the Fritt Ord Foundation (Norway), to honor journalists, newsrooms, and media outlets that work independently under significant risks and pressure in Eastern and Central Europe.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Democracy is only partially inherited. Even in supposedly progressive countries, democracy is not a given. But this award is among the key European awards supporting independent newsrooms in regions where democracy is significantly threatened and rests on those who fight for it every day. It holds institutional significance for us as a local media, especially this year, when Gwara had its 10th anniversary in August.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;At different times, the Free Media Award was given to Stanislav Aseiev and the Schemes media investigative project, as well as to Mstyslav Chernov, Evgenii Maloletka, Natalia Humeniuk, Andriy Dubchak, Vladyslav Yesypenko, Sevgil Musaieva, Olena Prytula, and Novoye Vremia newspaper, all of whom were working in Ukraine. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In 2025, the award was given to us, and I kept thinking about the list above and asking myself, &#34;Why us?&#34;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Sevgil Musaieva and Olena Prytula were nominated during the Euromaidan protests. Later, the prize went to institutional newsrooms. In 2022, only Ukrainian journalists were nominated for the award. This indicated that the award recognised war journalism as an international phenomenon. Chernov, Maloletka, Dubchak, Humeniuk, and others shaped the global perception of Russia’s full-scale war in Ukraine.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Gwara Media became the first Ukrainian local outlet to be recognized for work at the intersection of civilian and military life. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Our newsroom was (and is) documenting Russian war crimes against civilians, reporting under relentless airstrikes, and reporting from the frontlines. The appearance of a local newsroom on the Free Media Award list represents a paradigm shift.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;For me, this is a signal that small local newsrooms in high-risk zones are becoming primary sources of information for the international community, replacing secondary sources like Telegram channels and competing with big national outlets. It further underscores the importance of local reporting, as the concept of this award was previously centered around nationwide journalism. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;At Gwara Media, we dream to break the image of weak local newsrooms and establish a regional media of international caliber. This Award confirms that it&#39;s possible.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Awards are usually a celebration. But during a war, an award is a strange thing. You’re not thinking about being recognized. You just try to do good work and survive. Among your decisions: who will go out at night to report on the consequences of a missile strike on the city, in whose car they’ll go to the impact site, and who can and cannot publish a report on the website in the evening.  &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;And then — organizers are telling us that we won the Award. That they want us to come, and they want me to deliver a speech. It was a strange win for my team and me, particularly because, in 2025, the world had become “fatigued” of &#34;war in Ukraine.&#34; It was getting harder to keep what Russia does to our home in at least some sort of spotlight. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Five minutes of speaking to a focused audience is an opportunity, though. I wanted to use it to reach the hearts of European partners and, to a degree, teleport them to Kharkiv from the Hamburg City Hall, where the Award Ceremony was held. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;I prepared very carefully. A few times in my life, I have had to write a speech, and it has been difficult. You must say something brief yet fulfilling. Be genuine and true, but not overshare. Dignified but not overly solemn. The speech has to be relevant to the moment and the context. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This time, I recalled the recent years and simply wrote from the heart. A speech conveys a state of being in which it is read. I treated it as a point in time where all my experiences came to converge towards one moment.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;So, here it is.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Ladies and Gentlemen,&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;It feels somewhat unusual, even poetic, to stand here, far from the shelling in Kharkiv, far from the frontline, and still feel the war close.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Reality is different from illusions. It lives on the ground, and only glimpses of it can be found in social media posts, photos, or analytical reports. The truth about war exists in the mud, in the ruins of cities. It is held by the people who suffer but don’t give up.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;At Gwara Media, we have learned that to find the truth, you must roll up your sleeves and go where it hurts. To stand among the wreckage and ask not only what happened, but why it happened.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;All the while hoping that a Russian drone won’t strike your apartment at night — or that an FPV drone won’t target you while you work or go on a field trip. We’ve learned to tell stories that are hard to hear. But they must be told, because silence is dangerous.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Now ends the fourth year of Russia’s full-scale war on Ukraine. We live in constant crisis: under Moscow’s shelling, amidst blackouts, maintaining a fragile balance between despair and hope.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Many Ukrainians today experience an existential crisis of the war’s greyness. Constant horror can become dull, even if the danger never ends. This award gives us a chance to break through that greyness.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Standing here today, I feel your support as the light — the light I can take back home to Kharkiv. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Every day, our team in Kharkiv faces the war not only with texts and cameras, but with faith. Faith that truth and facts still matter. That facts can help to maintain awareness and be conscious of what’s going on when everything around descends into the endless chaos amidst a long war.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;I will take your light and bring it back to my team and our readers — to remind everyone why we do this work. I will return home to Kharkiv to keep working, to stand with those who hold the sky and the ground. With people who now fight not only for us, but for everyone who still believes that freedom, dignity, and justice are worth fighting for. We value this award deeply for standing with us, for believing in us.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Because journalism is not only about news. It’s about dignity, freedom, and the courage to call things as they are. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Thank you.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-sanitized-class=&#34;has-background&#34;&gt;If you want to support Gwara Media&#39;s local reporting, please, consider tipping us at &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://buymeacoffee.com/gwaramedia&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;buy me a coffee&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The post &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/courage-to-call-things-as-they-are-founding-editor-of-gwara-media-speaks-at-free-media-award-ceremony-in-hamburg/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;“Courage to call things as they are” — Founding editor of Gwara Media speaks at Free Media Award Ceremony in Hamburg &lt;/a&gt; appeared first on &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;Gwara Media&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/courage-to-call-things-as-they-are-founding-editor-of-gwara-media-speaks-at-free-media-award-ceremony-in-hamburg/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>⚡️ Attack on PUTIN&#39;S RESIDENCE – debunking the FAKE NEWS! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/30/attack-on-putins-residence-debunking.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 30 Dec 2025 15:30:58 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/30/attack-on-putins-residence-debunking.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/cdc9af621d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡️ Attack on PUTIN&#39;S RESIDENCE – debunking the FAKE NEWS! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/VNDG5ZdWUbM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>Ukrainian drones &amp;quot;ATTACKED PUTIN&amp;quot;! The Kremlin is spreading FAKE NEWS</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/30/ukrainian-drones-quotattacked-putinquot-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 30 Dec 2025 15:13:55 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/30/ukrainian-drones-quotattacked-putinquot-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/2335738240.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian drones &amp;quot;ATTACKED PUTIN&amp;quot;! The Kremlin is spreading FAKE NEWS&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJ4wSsttkkY&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Extensive damage to energy infrastructure leaves parts of Kyiv, Odesa oblasts without scheduled blackouts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/30/extensive-damage-to-energy-infrastructure.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 30 Dec 2025 15:10:08 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/30/extensive-damage-to-energy-infrastructure.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/amamdjian-14-1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Extensive damage to energy infrastructure leaves parts of Kyiv, Odesa oblasts without scheduled blackouts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;Each restoration requires significant time and resources, as the level of damage varies across regions,&#34; Deputy Energy Minister Olha Yukhymchuk said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/extensive-damage-to-energy-infrastructure-has-left-kyiv-odesa-oblasts-without-scheduled-rolling-blackouts/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian goat carol NYE traditions</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/30/ukrainian-goat-carol-nye-traditions.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 30 Dec 2025 15:08:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/30/ukrainian-goat-carol-nye-traditions.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2ff5ee9528-7.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian goat carol NYE traditions&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!Kcbm!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2eebb42c-37ed-4a02-893f-38d583296e57_1500x500.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f2eebb42c-3.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;485&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/2eebb42c-37ed-4a02-893f-38d583296e57_1500x500.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:485,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:true,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;Editor’s note: &lt;strong&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;D’oh! 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PLEASE consider clicking here.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Upgrade now!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Upgrade now!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!vk_s!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe5470ec8-5d58-4e57-aeab-de9942887d90_853x1280.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fe5470ec8-5.png&#34; width=&#34;287&#34; height=&#34;430.6682297772567&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/e5470ec8-5d58-4e57-aeab-de9942887d90_853x1280.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1280,&#34;width&#34;:853,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:287,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Laima, starring as a Goat at the Golden Gates metro station in Kyiv. Photo provided by her.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;For the past three years, Laima Daukshas has been a part of theatrical performances on the holidays of Malanka and Vasyl.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;She plays the goat: the life of the party who wards off evil spirits and brings luck and prosperity to the audience.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The day of Malanka, named after the pagan goddess of spring, marks the end of the year, while the day of her husband Vasyl starts it anew.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The celebration itself takes place around New Year’s Eve but feels very much like Halloween. People dress up and visit their neighbors to wish them a happy new year, performing short plays along the way. While the tradition may seem playful, it was originally intended to honor deceased ancestors, ask for fertile ground and a successful marriage in the new year.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Celebrating Malanka and Vasyl is about reclaiming the part of the Ukrainian identity erased by decades under Soviet rule. The custom of ‘walking the goat,’ as the festive performances are also called, is deeply rooted in Ukrainian traditional lifestyle, which has circulated for more than a thousand years. It asserts a unique Ukrainian identity, the preservation of which is especially important during this existential war.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;id&#34;:425606}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;PollToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;poll-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;For Laima, the winter holidays were always a time to bond with her family. Her interest in authentic celebrations didn’t come until later in life. Before that, her only experience of Koliada, a tradition of singing carols in exchange for gifts on Christmas, was somewhat disappointing.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As teenagers, Laima and her friend tried to sing Christmas carols to her neighbors, but only two out of six opened the door, and they were not especially generous.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“We dreamt of returning with full bags of gifts, but they only gave us a few sweets and a banana,” Laima recalled. “I didn’t want to repeat the experience anymore.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;But in 2014, after the Revolution of Dignity, when preserving Ukrainian identity came at tremendous risk, she consciously chose to observe traditional Ukrainian holidays.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Now, as a researcher of Ukrainian Language at the Kyiv National University of Borys Hrinchenko, Laima draws on her background in linguistics to deepen her knowledge of authentic Ukrainian traditions.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2ff5ee9528-7.jpg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/6cd6175649.jpg&#34; width=&#34;500&#34; height=&#34;347.64309764309763&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/f5ee9528-77a6-4eb7-ab4f-791f9137a74e_594x413.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:413,&#34;width&#34;:594,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:500,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;People take part in a performance on traditional Ukrainian New Year’s Eve, Malanka, on December 30, 2023 in Kyiv, Ukraine. (Photo by Maksym Polishchuk/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images).&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Laima’s interest in literature is what eventually led her to the Kyiv Koliada, a team of actors that stages performances on Malanka and Vasyl.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;At the time, she was leading theatrical excursions to parts of Kyiv where famous writers lived and worked, and hosting festivals for traditional Ukrainian culture. At one of the festivals, Laima’s friend introduced her to Koliada, where she was offered a prized role: the goat.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“I just looked at it with such big eyes. Three years ago, when they asked me to play the goat, I didn’t expect it. But the men who could do that are on the frontline. They do not sing with us anymore, and that’s how I got here,” she said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The character she plays is the central figure of Shchedryi Vechir, Ukrainian New Year’s Eve. During the performance, the goat traditionally dies and comes back to life.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Video: Laima’s goat dies &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-component-name=&#34;VideoPlaceholder&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;mediaUploadId&#34;:&#34;78f3cf67-e75f-44b3-8f42-41bf2b66bf0b&#34;,&#34;duration&#34;:null}&#39; data-sanitized-class=&#34;native-video-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;This way, it embodies the meaning of the whole celebration dedicated to Malanka, when the year ends, and Vasyl, which starts it anew.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;While this act of a dying goat may sound violent, it has two deeper meanings. First, it is a pagan symbol of fertility, which brings blessings for a generous harvest in the next year.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Not only in Ukraine, but in many other countries, a goat is a totem which has to die, welcoming a year of birth and some kind of well-being,” Laima explained.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Second, the goat, who is led by Did (“the grandfather” or “an elderly man” in Ukrainian), symbolizes respect for the ancestors. Death of the old, birth of the new.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The goat’s revival is Laima’s favorite moment of the performance.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“To revive our goat in Kyiv Koliada, children sing or ring the bells to wake it up. And when the goat “comes alive,” I usually thank the kids for reviving it, shaking their hands and wishing the goat a happy birthday.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Video: Kids bring Laima’s goat back to life&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-component-name=&#34;VideoPlaceholder&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;mediaUploadId&#34;:&#34;975a2344-642f-422e-99c5-370d9c797855&#34;,&#34;duration&#34;:null}&#39; data-sanitized-class=&#34;native-video-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Still, she warns that most goats are not as lovely and kind as hers. Historically, on Shchedryi Vechir, the night when performances happen, the actors were considered messengers between the living and the dead. Symbolic gifts, like sweets or money, which the festive crowd gets for their performance, were offerings for the ancestors so that they protect them from any kind of evil.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“There are even some records that goat masks were made to look very scary, so children would cry when the goat entered the house,” Laima recalled.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;To confuse the dead, the performers dress up and act in ways that contradict their usual behaviour. For instance, the goat wears her coat inside out, while other characters, Vasyl and Malanka, are represented by people of the opposite genders.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The goat, which Laima plays for Kyiv Koliada, differs from the others in one more respect. Traditionally, this character is played by a male actor, but her example reflects the broader picture of modern Ukrainian society, where women gradually take on masculine family and professional roles, as more and more men are getting conscripted to the army.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!y3gp!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7d06d72c-5c7a-426b-9168-23351801b378_1280x853.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f7d06d72c-5.png&#34; width=&#34;453&#34; height=&#34;301.88203125&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/7d06d72c-5c7a-426b-9168-23351801b378_1280x853.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:853,&#34;width&#34;:1280,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:453,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Laima, in her Goat costume, is posing with ‘Vasyl’, usually performed by a young woman.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Apart from the goat, there are many other noteworthy characters in these festive plays. For instance, Did, accompanied by Baba (“an elderly woman” in Ukrainian), brings the goat with him and ‘kills’ it at some point in the story.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Malanka and Vasyl take their names after the saints celebrated on these days after Christianity spread in Ukraine, but the tradition itself originates from paganism. According to legend, Malanka, the goddess of spring, was stolen by an evil giant serpent and later rescued by the strongman Vasyl, who then married her. The story symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and the belief that spring will ultimately prevail over winter. That is why young people traditionally ask for a successful marriage during the celebration, and why many symbols and rituals, like the goat itself, are dedicated to fertility, wealth and renewal.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Celebrating Shchedryi Vechir in the traditional sense was mainly preserved in remote villages. During Soviet times, it was under threat, as the USSR aimed to build a secular society. That’s why it made the New Year the central winter holiday, leaving traditional celebrations like Malanka and Vasyl out of the picture.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This Soviet policy affected Laima’s family, too. When Laima’s grandmother was young, she was ashamed of whatever made her look like a villager, an embarrassment she learned from Soviet propaganda. Authentic New Year’s traditions were never preserved in her family.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Wearing traditional clothing and following other Christmas traditions was not the norm for her. She did not do it and did not like it,” Laima said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!_rsy!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F941b02dd-f1df-4295-9160-7da041f87999_1280x853.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f941b02dd-f.png&#34; width=&#34;480&#34; height=&#34;319.875&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/941b02dd-f1df-4295-9160-7da041f87999_1280x853.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:853,&#34;width&#34;:1280,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:480,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Laima thanks the kids for ‘reviving’ the Goat.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Today, the tradition of Shchedryi Vechir is getting a new life in Ukraine, as people reclaim the lost parts of their national identity in the face of Russia. Even the original date of the celebration, the night of December 31, has been &lt;a href=&#34;https://suspilne.media/563183-iz-1-veresna-pcu-perehodit-na-novoulianskij-kalendar/&#34;&gt;restored&lt;/a&gt; from January 13, which used to create a lot of confusion.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Modern-day performances change with Ukrainian society itself to reflect familiar problems and the latest trends. The Kyiv Koliada tries to make its plays fun and relatable amid the darkest days in Ukraine.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Last year, we showed how a woman &lt;a href=&#34;https://life.liga.net/istoriyi/article/tse-buly-pomidory-ligalife-znaishla-kyianku-iaka-zbyla-vorozhyi-dron-bankoiu-konservatsii&#34;&gt;hit&lt;/a&gt; a drone with a jar of salted tomatoes and made Malanka clean her house with an electric broom…This year, we will show Trump’s 28-point plan for Ukraine and how Malanka will do her makeup with no electricity,” Laima said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!aKi9!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5132d125-58ad-4947-8de7-46f97c808232_1280x848.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f5132d125-5.png&#34; width=&#34;508&#34; height=&#34;336.55&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/5132d125-58ad-4947-8de7-46f97c808232_1280x848.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:848,&#34;width&#34;:1280,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:508,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;The whole team of the Kyiv Koliada with their handmade Christmas stars.&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;For the last three years, during the war, Koliada has been performing underground at the metro station to stay safe from the constant risk of drone and missile attacks.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;To Laima’s great pleasure, no matter how distant and exhausted the passers-by might look, someone always stops to watch.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Children really like to take pictures with us, especially costume characters. Even parents come up to me and ask for a photo. It’s very pleasant,” she explained. “I often catch myself thinking that if I ever have children, I would like to introduce them to all these traditions.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;Editor’s note: &lt;strong&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;D’oh! In a recent email, we included the wrong URL to upgrade to a paid subscription. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;When we tried to fix it, the whole website crashed, preventing upgrades. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;This is the peril of operating a small independent news organization!&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Are you able to upgrade now? PLEASE consider clicking here.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Upgrade now!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Upgrade now!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;NEWS OF THE DAY:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;By Viktoria Kriukova, Oksana Stepura&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;ZELENSKYY REITERATED THAT UKRAINE CANNOT WITHDRAW FROM ITS TERRITORIES: &lt;/strong&gt;He made the remarks  after his meeting with Donald Trump in Florida, adding that a 20-point draft of the revised peace plan to end the war is now almost complete.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Zelenskyy &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/we-cant-just-withdraw-from-our-territories-zelensky-says-following-his-meeting-with-trump/&#34;&gt;described&lt;/a&gt; the meeting as productive and expressed hope that the war could be over in the next year.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;He also underlined that while Ukraine and Russia hold opposing views on territorial issues, the United States understands the positions of both sides and “tries to find a compromise.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;BELARUS DEPLOYED RUSSIAN NUCLEAR-CAPABLE MISSILE SYSTEM: &lt;/strong&gt;The hypersonic Oreshnik missiles &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/belarus-shows-off-deployment-russian-nuclear-capable-oreshnik-missiles-its-2025-12-30/&#34;&gt;could enhance&lt;/a&gt; Moscow’s ability to deliver missiles across Europe.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, an ally of Vladimir Putin’s, announced the deployment of the intermediate-range ballistic missiles on Belarusian territory earlier in December. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Several Western experts say that this deployment would make it slightly faster for Russian nuclear missiles to reach European targets.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Two U.S. researchers added that, according to their research of satellite images, Moscow is likely stationing the missiles and their mobile launchers at a former airbase in eastern Belarus.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;SECURITY GUARANTEES INCLUDE U.S. MILITARY PRESENCE IN UKRAINE:&lt;/strong&gt; For the first time since Russia’s&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.ukrinform.ua/rubric-polytics/4075052-ssa-mozut-rozgornuti-vijska-v-ukraini-ak-element-garantij-bezpeki-tusk.html&#34;&gt; full-scale invasion &lt;/a&gt;of Ukraine, the U.S. included the deployment of American troops in Ukraine in security guarantees.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Zelenskyy said that Trump assured these guarantees would be voted on in U.S. congress.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This is the first time that the U.S. has explicitly confirmed willingness to send American troops in the event of a peace deal.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;KHARTIIA DRONES BRING CHRISTMAS JOY TO FRONTLINE SOLDIERS: &lt;/strong&gt;Even while spending Christmas on the frontlines, soldiers of Ukraine’s Khartiia brigade strive to find small moments of joy. One drone crew came up with a creative way to lift spirits — using Vampire drones to deliver surprise gifts to their fellow soldiers.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The parcels arrive tightly wrapped in layers of tape, turning the slow unwrapping into a moment of playful banter. Inside, they found simple comforts: bread, tea, candy and even Stollen cakes. The soldiers were particularly delighted by the cakes and eager to share them around.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The drone crew delivered something far more special than supplies — a genuine Christmas moment for their brothers in arms.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-component-name=&#34;VideoPlaceholder&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;mediaUploadId&#34;:&#34;f8035f12-e2e5-4a0f-bf02-402c234452a6&#34;,&#34;duration&#34;:null}&#39; data-sanitized-class=&#34;native-video-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;DOG OF WAR:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;Viktoriia met this dog near the coffee shop a week ago. This little puppy was waiting for her owner when he was having a coffee. Then she joined him and jumped onto his legs.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!m4ex!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F15dde19c-df91-479f-81e2-dc2a203013ae_1280x960.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f15dde19c-d.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1280&#34; height=&#34;960&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/15dde19c-df91-479f-81e2-dc2a203013ae_1280x960.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:960,&#34;width&#34;:1280,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Stay safe out there.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Best, &lt;br&gt;Oleksandra&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/ukrainian-goat-carol-nye-traditions&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest live: Ukraine faces no mobilization restrictions under proposed U.S. peace plan, Syrskyi says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/30/ukraine-war-latest-live-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 30 Dec 2025 14:16:39 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/30/ukraine-war-latest-live-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/64fe5302d2.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest live: Ukraine faces no mobilization restrictions under proposed U.S. peace plan, Syrskyi says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Live coverage of Russia’s war against Ukraine with breaking news and frontline updates, updated 6 times today. The draft U.S.-backed peace framework aimed at ending Russia&#39;s full-scale war against Ukraine does not impose any limitations on Ukraine&#39;s right to mobilize troops, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi said in an interview with 24 Chanel, Suspilne reported on Dec. 29.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-update-2025-12-30/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine strikes Russian drone storage at occupied Donetsk Airport, commander says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/30/ukraine-strikes-russian-drone-storage.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 30 Dec 2025 13:04:52 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/30/ukraine-strikes-russian-drone-storage.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/1727843a9f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine strikes Russian drone storage at occupied Donetsk Airport, commander says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukraine struck a Russian drone storage facility at Donetsk Airport in occupied Donetsk Oblast, Unmanned Systems Forces commander Robert “Madyar” Brovdi said on Dec. 30.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-attacks-russian-drone-storage-facility-at-occupied-donetsk-airport-military-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>US peace efforts make full circle, as Putin tells Trump Ukraine out to kill him</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/30/us-peace-efforts-make-full.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 30 Dec 2025 12:57:54 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/30/us-peace-efforts-make-full.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2210447238.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;US peace efforts make full circle, as Putin tells Trump Ukraine out to kill him&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Donald Trump’s peace negotiations have seemingly made a full circle.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;After U.S. pressuring Ukraine to accept an &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/28-points-later-why-trumps-latest-peace-plan-for-ukraine-is-different&#34;&gt;unfavorable peace&lt;/a&gt; settlement, Kyiv spent &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-reveals-20-point-peace-plan-draft-backed-by-ukraine-us&#34;&gt;over a month&lt;/a&gt; renegotiating the offer and getting close to receiving &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-meets-trump-in-florida-to-discuss-a-peace-proposal-to-end-russias-war&#34;&gt;Trump&#39;s blessing&lt;/a&gt; on a revised proposal.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Then Vladimir Putin called. Twice.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/us-peace-efforts-make-full-circle-as-putin-tells-trump-ukraine-out-to-kill-him/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Syrskyi says battalion commander to face legal review after loss of command post in Huliaipole</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/30/syrskyi-says-battalion-commander-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 30 Dec 2025 11:14:05 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/30/syrskyi-says-battalion-commander-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2168439716.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Syrskyi says battalion commander to face legal review after loss of command post in Huliaipole&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukraine&#39;s top commander said a battalion commander will face a legal review after Ukrainian troops abandoned a command post in the Huliaipole sector, leaving behind equipment and potentially sensitive materials.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/battalion-commanders-actions-to-be-subject-to-legal-review-syrskyi-on-loss-of-ukrainian-command-post-in-huliaipole-in-zaporizhzhia-oblast/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>&#39;We can&#39;t just withdraw from our territories,&#39; —Zelensky says following his meeting with Trump</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/30/we-cant-just-withdraw-from.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 30 Dec 2025 03:20:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/30/we-cant-just-withdraw-from.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2253857419.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;We can&#39;t just withdraw from our territories,&#39; —Zelensky says following his meeting with Trump&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Zelensky tells Fox News&#39; Bret Baier that Ukraine has demonstrated concrete steps toward peace over the past month and raised the possibility of a referendum on the peace plan. At the same time, a referendum would not legitimize withdrawing from Ukrainian territory, given the current security realities.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/we-cant-just-withdraw-from-our-territories-zelensky-says-following-his-meeting-with-trump/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Trump &#39;very angry&#39; about alleged Ukrainian attack on Putin residence</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/30/trump-very-angry-about-alleged.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 30 Dec 2025 01:16:42 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/30/trump-very-angry-about-alleged.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2253972529.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Trump &#39;very angry&#39; about alleged Ukrainian attack on Putin residence&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;U.S. President Donald Trump said Dec. 29 that Russian President Vladimir Putin told him Ukraine had tried to attack Putin’s residence, an allegation Kyiv has denied. &#34;I learned about it from President Putin today. I was very angry about it,&#34; Trump said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/trump-very-angry-about-alleged-ukrainian-attack-on-putin-residence/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Echoes of the FLORIDA TALKS: Putin REJECTS a CEASEFIRE! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/29/echoes-of-the-florida-talks.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 29 Dec 2025 21:30:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/29/echoes-of-the-florida-talks.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/25ca17a4e9.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Echoes of the FLORIDA TALKS: Putin REJECTS a CEASEFIRE! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/103BKgOFXE8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Will Ukraine receive unprecedented guarantees? Trump reveals details of conversation with Putin</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/29/will-ukraine-receive-unprecedented-guarantees.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 29 Dec 2025 21:00:48 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/29/will-ukraine-receive-unprecedented-guarantees.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/d3337475fe.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Will Ukraine receive unprecedented guarantees? Trump reveals details of conversation with Putin&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWKeht6p31E&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Dr. Strangelove or: How the West taught Putin to stop worrying and love his bombs</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/29/dr-strangelove-or-how-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 29 Dec 2025 20:18:26 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/29/dr-strangelove-or-how-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2230343866.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Dr. Strangelove or: How the West taught Putin to stop worrying and love his bombs&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In Netflix&#39;s&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32376165/&#34;&gt; &lt;em&gt;House of Dynamite&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/a&gt;, a ballistic missile hurtles toward the United States, the nightmare scenario that keeps defense planners awake at night. Yet the West&#39;s Russia policies, over the past decade, have done more to increase the odds of such a catastrophe than prevent it.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/dr-strangelove-or-how-the-west-taught-putin-to-stop-worrying-and-love-his-bombs/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine could forfeit $4.2B in EU funds after missing reform conditions</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/29/ukraine-could-forfeit-b-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 29 Dec 2025 20:08:41 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/29/ukraine-could-forfeit-b-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2252018311.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine could forfeit $4.2B in EU funds after missing reform conditions&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Kyiv failed to implement nine indicators in the last three months of 2025, the highest number missed in any quarter since the Ukraine Facility began in 2024, according to a Dec. 29 assessment by RRR4U.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-could-forfeit-4-2b-in-eu-funds-after-missing-reform-conditions/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Exclusive: &#39;Be careful&#39; — European leaders warned Zelensky to assess Trump&#39;s real stance at Mar-a-Lago</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/29/exclusive-be-careful-european-leaders.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 29 Dec 2025 19:26:08 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/29/exclusive-be-careful-european-leaders.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2253835800.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Exclusive: &#39;Be careful&#39; — European leaders warned Zelensky to assess Trump&#39;s real stance at Mar-a-Lago&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A day before President Volodymyr Zelensky met U.S. President Donald Trump, European leaders privately warned the Ukrainian president that the talks could go badly and urged him to &#34;be careful,&#34; according to detailed notes from the call shared with the Kyiv Independent by a senior diplomatic source.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/european-leaders-warned-zelensky-to-assess-real-us-stance-at-trump-meeting/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>💥 STORM SHADOW strike on RUSSIA: New hits on the Map #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/29/storm-shadow-strike-on-russia.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 29 Dec 2025 17:42:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/29/storm-shadow-strike-on-russia.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/e5f95b385d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;💥 STORM SHADOW strike on RUSSIA: New hits on the Map #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/AYYrMfHJOWE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>LIVE | ⚡️ Zelenskyy – Trump negotiations. PEACE TALKS IN FLORIDA. 90% of the agreement is agreed!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/29/live-zelenskyy-trump-negotiations-peace.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 29 Dec 2025 17:35:05 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/29/live-zelenskyy-trump-negotiations-peace.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/168a61cec6.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;LIVE | ⚡️ Zelenskyy – Trump negotiations. PEACE TALKS IN FLORIDA. 90% of the agreement is agreed!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pB-JHTx3wBk&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>&#39;They are looking for a pretext&#39; — Zelensky denies drone attack on Putin&#39;s residence</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/29/they-are-looking-for-a.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 29 Dec 2025 17:24:24 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/29/they-are-looking-for-a.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/photo-2025-12-29-18-13-16.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;They are looking for a pretext&#39; — Zelensky denies drone attack on Putin&#39;s residence&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Zelensky dismissed Russian claims that Ukrainian drones targeted Putin’s residence as “another lie,” warning Moscow is using the allegation as a pretext for possible strikes on Kyiv and government buildings.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/they-are-preparing-the-ground-for-new-strikes-zelensky-denies-drone-attack-on-putins-residence/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Trump, Putin hold phone call following Zelensky&#39;s visit to Florida</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/29/trump-putin-hold-phone-call.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 29 Dec 2025 17:14:44 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/29/trump-putin-hold-phone-call.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/8c7d5c75a1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Trump, Putin hold phone call following Zelensky&#39;s visit to Florida&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;President Trump has concluded a positive call with President Putin concerning Ukraine,&#34; said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/trump-putin-hold-phone-call-following-zelenskys-visit-to-florida/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>A SERIES OF BLOWS AGAINST RUSSIA! A message from FLORIDA to PUTIN – THE KREMLIN IS SABOTAGING</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/29/a-series-of-blows-against.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 29 Dec 2025 17:03:53 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/29/a-series-of-blows-against.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/0f719333a0.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;A SERIES OF BLOWS AGAINST RUSSIA! A message from FLORIDA to PUTIN – THE KREMLIN IS SABOTAGING&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgOpaKYU-ms&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>&#39;A continuous field of battle&#39; — Huliaipole becomes gray zone as fighting intensifies in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, Southern Command says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/29/a-continuous-field-of-battle.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 29 Dec 2025 16:47:49 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/29/a-continuous-field-of-battle.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2176364149.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;A continuous field of battle&#39; — Huliaipole becomes gray zone as fighting intensifies in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, Southern Command says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukraine’s Southern Operational Command says Huliaipole is now a gray zone, with no clear front line anymore, according to spokesperson Vladyslav Voloshyn.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/a-continuous-field-of-battle-huliaipole-turns-into-a-gray-zone-as-fighting-intensifies-in-zaporizhzhia-oblast-southern-command-spokesperson-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>PUTIN sabotages one point of the PEACE PLAN! Trump is angry! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/29/putin-sabotages-one-point-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 29 Dec 2025 15:38:24 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/29/putin-sabotages-one-point-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/7222c9ef34.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;PUTIN sabotages one point of the PEACE PLAN! Trump is angry! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/7-Nr2duEAH8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Zelenskyy–Trump: Agreement in Florida. Is peace closer than it seems?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/29/zelenskyytrump-agreement-in-florida-is.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 29 Dec 2025 15:18:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/29/zelenskyytrump-agreement-in-florida-is.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/375857dfa0.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelenskyy–Trump: Agreement in Florida. Is peace closer than it seems?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4RD1_BPpi8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest live: Ukraine says it still holds parts of Pokrovsk, Myrnohrad situation &#39;difficult&#39;</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/29/ukraine-war-latest-live-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 29 Dec 2025 13:59:36 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/29/ukraine-war-latest-live-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/screen-shot-2025-12-29-at-13-57-10.png&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest live: Ukraine says it still holds parts of Pokrovsk, Myrnohrad situation &#39;difficult&#39;&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Live coverage of Russia’s war against Ukraine with breaking news and frontline updates, updated 4 times today. Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to control the northern part of Pokrovsk, while the situation in Myrnohrad &#34;remains difficult,&#34; the 7th Rapid Response Corps said on Dec. 29.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-update-2025-12-29/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russian forces executed 2 Ukrainian POWs in Donetsk Oblast, prosecutors say</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/29/russian-forces-executed-ukrainian-pows.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 29 Dec 2025 12:35:43 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/29/russian-forces-executed-ukrainian-pows.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/photo-2025-12-29-11-55-55.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian forces executed 2 Ukrainian POWs in Donetsk Oblast, prosecutors say&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Russian troops shot dead two unarmed Ukrainian prisoners of war on Dec. 27 in the village of Shakhove near Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine’s Prosecutor General’s Office reported on Dec. 29, in what appeared to be at least the third reported case this month of captured&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-forces-executed-2-ukrainian-pows-in-donetsk-oblast-prosecutor-generals-office/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Bringing art to the cemetery — How &#39;The Invisible Gallery&#39; reclaims legacy overshadowed by Russian imperialism</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/29/bringing-art-to-the-cemetery.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 29 Dec 2025 12:00:09 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/29/bringing-art-to-the-cemetery.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/dsc07297.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Bringing art to the cemetery — How &#39;The Invisible Gallery&#39; reclaims legacy overshadowed by Russian imperialism&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In Ukraine&#39;s cemeteries, some graves are more than symbols of memory. They hold the truth about the country&#39;s enduring place in European culture, testifying to centuries of creative achievement and innovation — and to the lengths Russia has gone to obscure and even try to steal&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-art-masters-how-the-invisible-gallery-reclaims-overshadowed-legacy/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>US security guarantees set for 15 years, with Ukraine pushing for extension, Zelensky says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/29/us-security-guarantees-set-for.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 29 Dec 2025 10:16:47 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/29/us-security-guarantees-set-for.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2253854178.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;US security guarantees set for 15 years, with Ukraine pushing for extension, Zelensky says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;I told (Trump) that we would like to consider guarantees for 30, 40, or even 50 years, and that would be a historic decision by president Trump. The president said he would think about it,&#34; President Volodymyr Zelensky said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/us-security-guarantees-outlined-for-15-years-with-ukraine-pushing-for-extention/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russian drone attacks houses in Zolochiv settlement of Kharkiv oblast, killing animals, injuring 1 civilian</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/29/russian-drone-attacks-houses-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 29 Dec 2025 09:50:12 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/29/russian-drone-attacks-houses-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width=&#34;1280&#34; height=&#34;853&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/photo-2025-12-29-12.44.55.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;The photo of damaged building after Russian attack on Kharkiv oblast&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;UKRAINE, KHARKIV OBLAST&lt;/strong&gt;, Dec. 29 — On Dec. 28, Russian forces attacked the Zolochiv settlement in Kharkiv oblast, damaging houses and outbuildings. The attack killed domestic animals, and a 54-year-old woman suffered an intense stress reaction, told journalists Viktor Kovalenko, the head of the Zolochiv settlement military administration.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Over the past day, Russian forces attacked four settlements of the region with Lancet, Molnia drones, and two FPV drones, &lt;a href=&#34;https://t.me/synegubov/19276&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;reported&lt;/a&gt; Oleh Syniehubov, the governor of the Kharkiv oblast.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Russians also attacked the Novoplatonivka village of the Izium district, injuring a 72-year-old man, &lt;a href=&#34;https://t.me/police_kh_region/47374&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;said&lt;/a&gt; the Kharkiv regional police.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;On Dec. 28, a Russian FVP drone attacked a civilian car in Hroza village of the Kupiansk district, injuring a 73-year-old local.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Medics also helped a 70-year-old woman who was injured in a Russian attack on Kupiansk on Dec. 20.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;On Dec. 26, Russian forces &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/russians-attacked-kharkivs-main-road-with-glide-bomb-killing-2-injuring-8-including-child-photo/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;attacked&lt;/a&gt; Kharkiv and its outskirts with three glide bombs, killing two and injuring eight people.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-heading&#34;&gt;Read more&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;ul data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-list&#34;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Ukraine &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/ukraine-returns-mother-with-2-sons-from-russian-occupied-territories/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;returns&lt;/a&gt; mother with 2 sons from Russian-occupied territories&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p data-sanitized-class=&#34;has-background&#34;&gt;Hi! Winter has come, and Russian airstrikes on power infrastructure disrupt our daily lives &amp; work a lot here in Kharkiv. Despite it all, we keep working to bring you reports from the city and the Kharkiv region. Please consider supporting our newsroom with &lt;a href=&#34;https://buymeacoffee.com/gwaramedia&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;a one-time tip&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; or become a &lt;a href=&#34;https://buymeacoffee.com/gwaramedia/membership&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;member of our community&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The post &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/russian-drone-attacks-houses-in-zolochiv-settlement-of-kharkiv-oblast-killing-animals-injuring-1-civilian/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;Russian drone attacks houses in Zolochiv settlement of Kharkiv oblast, killing animals, injuring 1 civilian&lt;/a&gt; appeared first on &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;Gwara Media&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/russian-drone-attacks-houses-in-zolochiv-settlement-of-kharkiv-oblast-killing-animals-injuring-1-civilian/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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    <item>
      <title>FALSE: Melitopol voluntarily decided to join Russia</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/29/false-melitopol-voluntarily-decided-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 29 Dec 2025 08:07:12 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/29/false-melitopol-voluntarily-decided-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;single-post-lead&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Verification within Meta’s Third-Party Fact-Checking Program&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;A video is being &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://t.me/anb_028/64686&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;circulated&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; online showing Melitopol residents chanting: “&lt;/span&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt;We are the authority here&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;span&gt;.” The post claims that Ukraine wanted to remain in power in the Zaporizhzhia region, but the locals decided to join russia.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;However, this is false. After the start of the full-scale invasion, Melitopol residents took to rallies against the Russian occupation and stated that they wanted to remain with Ukraine. Later, Russia occupied the city and held illegal pseudo-referendums.&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/melitopol-dobrovilno-vyrishyv.png&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; width=&#34;501&#34; height=&#34;760&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;aligncenter wp-image-191985&#34;&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;single-post-footnote&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Screenshot of the &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://t.me/anb_028/64686&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;post&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Propagandists took the slogan “We are the authority here” out of context and presented it as supposedly pro-Russian. But in fact, in the first weeks after the Russian invasion, mass pro-Ukrainian rallies took place in Melitopol and other occupied cities. In particular, thousands of Melitopol residents took to the streets to protest, &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://youtu.be/8Kne0bk7plM?t=235&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;chanting&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; the slogan “We are the authority here.” In this way, they demonstrated that they opposed the Russian occupation and considered the true authority to be the residents of Melitopol.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Residents of the Zaporizhzhia region and other Ukrainian regions did not choose to join Russia. In September 2022, Russia &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.radiosvoboda.org/a/news-psevdoreferendumy-okupovani-terytorii/32047516.html&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;held&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; pseudo-referendums in order to legitimize the occupation of Ukrainian territories. However, they are illegal. Russia violated Article 2 of the UN Charter, which &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.un.org/en/about-us/un-charter/full-text&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;prohibits&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; the use of force against the political independence and territorial integrity of another state. This norm is also enshrined in other international documents, such as the Helsinki Final &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/994_055#Text&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Act&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe and the &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;http://www.un-documents.net/a25r2625.htm&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Declaration&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; on Principles of International Law.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;According to international humanitarian &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.icrc.org/en/doc/assets/files/other/law9_final.pdf&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;law&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt;, the occupying authority must maintain the legal order established in the territory prior to its occupation and must not violate the rights of civilians. Holding so-called “referendums” to annex territory and forcing civilians to participate in these events are gross violations of international norms.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Moreover, Ukrainian legislation &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/254%D0%BA/96-%D0%B2%D1%80/conv/parast73#n4401&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;prohibits&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; holding referendums in individual regions. Changes to the territory of Ukraine are possible only through a nationwide referendum, which is held at the &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/254%D0%BA/96-%D0%B2%D1%80/conv#n4398&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;request&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; of no fewer than 3 million citizens with the right to vote. Another mandatory condition for a nationwide referendum is to collect signatures in at least two-thirds of the regions and at least 100,000 in each region.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;In addition, the number of people who allegedly came to participate in the vote often did not match the actual number of residents in the occupied territories. Thus, on September 27, 2022, after the end of the pseudo-referendums, Russian media &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/15887881?utm_source=google.com&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_campaign=google.com&amp;utm_referrer=google.com&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;reported&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; that more than 93% of residents in the Zaporizhzhia region had “voted.” In total, the Russians included more than 541,000 residents of the region on voter lists, of whom allegedly about 430,000 residents “voted in favor.”&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;However, this information was &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://nv.ua/ukr/ukraine/events/psevdoreferendum-u-zaporizkiy-oblasti-skilki-lyudey-progolosuvali-realno-novini-ukrajini-50273096.html&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;refuted&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; by Melitopol Mayor Ivan Fedorov. According to him, only 0.5% of the region’s residents voted in the pseudo-referendum. People were &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://youtu.be/HapEPCkLy-U&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;threatened&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; with deportation and forced to have one person vote on behalf of several others at once. In Melitopol itself, according to &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://t.me/ukrpravda_news/12791&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Fedorov&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt;, as of April 1, 2022, about 70–75 thousand citizens remained — approximately &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://population-hub.com/ua/ua/population-of-melitopol-6178.html&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;half&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; of the city’s population before the occupation.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;The international community condemned the so-called “referendums” in the temporarily occupied territories. The United States &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/09/23/statement-from-president-biden-on-russias-sham-referenda-in-ukraine/&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;emphasized&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; that the “referendums” were a sham to justify the annexation of part of Ukrainian territory. The EU &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/ukraine-statement-high-representative-josep-borrell-illegal-%E2%80%9Creferenda%E2%80%9D-luhansk-kherson-and_en&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;stated&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; that the illegal votes cannot be considered a free expression of the will of the residents of these regions.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Earlier, we refuted the &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://voxukraine.org/nepravda-zhyteli-zaporizkoyi-ta-hersonskoyi-oblastej-hochut-provesty-referendum-ta-pryyednatys-do-rosiyi/&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;fake&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; claim that residents of the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions want to hold a referendum and join Russia.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://voxukraine.org/en/false-melitopol-voluntarily-decided-to-join-russia&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Explosions reportedly rock Russia&#39;s Khanskaya military airfield</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/29/explosions-reportedly-rock-russias-khanskaya.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 29 Dec 2025 01:57:50 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/29/explosions-reportedly-rock-russias-khanskaya.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/upd-il-78m-90a-rf-78741.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Explosions reportedly rock Russia&#39;s Khanskaya military airfield&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Explosions reportedly rocked the Khanskaya military airfield near the southern Russian city of Maykop as air defenses were engaged late on Dec. 29.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/explosions-reportedly-rock-russias-khanskaya-military-airfield/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>❗️Zelenskyy: Security guarantees are the key milestone in achieving lasting peace #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/29/zelenskyy-security-guarantees-are-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:38:57 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/29/zelenskyy-security-guarantees-are-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/4df3ae3e3d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️Zelenskyy: Security guarantees are the key milestone in achieving lasting peace #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/8VMPbq7jqIA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>❗️🇺🇸Trump: We&#39;re very close #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/29/trump-were-very-close-shorts.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:21:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/29/trump-were-very-close-shorts.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/3cb0527d47.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️🇺🇸Trump: We&#39;re very close #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/75g2gU51_bo&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>❗️Trump: This is a war where both sides want to end it #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/28/trump-this-is-a-war.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 28 Dec 2025 22:12:09 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/28/trump-this-is-a-war.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/2639f65207.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️Trump: This is a war where both sides want to end it #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/4u8apO2kB2Y&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>We have a 20-point plan, 90% completed by our two teams, – Zelenskyy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/28/we-have-a-point-plan.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 28 Dec 2025 21:51:32 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/28/we-have-a-point-plan.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/7a956573ac.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;We have a 20-point plan, 90% completed by our two teams, – Zelenskyy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/umQxJH7DfHU&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>⚡️ Russia sabotaged &amp;amp;quot;Christmas Truce&amp;amp;quot;! Zelenskyy in USA reveals 20 PEACE POINTS!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/28/210038.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 28 Dec 2025 21:00:38 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/28/210038.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/fcb42079ee.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡️ Russia sabotaged &amp;quot;Christmas Truce&amp;quot;! Zelenskyy in USA reveals 20 PEACE POINTS!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lL5TSqWCKeE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>⚡️&amp;amp;quot;The world has never seen such a war!&amp;amp;quot;: US Army veteran from Texas shocked by Russian brutality</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/28/ampquotthe-world-has-never-seen.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 28 Dec 2025 21:00:38 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/28/ampquotthe-world-has-never-seen.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/517155fe58.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡️&amp;quot;The world has never seen such a war!&amp;quot;: US Army veteran from Texas shocked by Russian brutality&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuFpviabvi8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest: Zelensky, Trump hold talks in Florida to discuss an end to Russia&#39;s war; Trump holds call with Putin before meeting with Ukrainian delegation</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/28/ukraine-war-latest-zelensky-trump.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 28 Dec 2025 20:59:17 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/28/ukraine-war-latest-zelensky-trump.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/9a755557f0.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest: Zelensky, Trump hold talks in Florida to discuss an end to Russia&#39;s war; Trump holds call with Putin before meeting with Ukrainian delegation&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Key developments on Dec. 28-29:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Trump holds call with Putin just before scheduled meeting with Zelensky&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&#39;I have no deadlines&#39; — Zelensky, Trump hold talks in Florida to discuss an end to Russia&#39;s war&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&#39;It was horrifying, like an earthquake&#39; – Kyiv recovering from&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-zelensky-trump-hold-talks-in-florida-to-discuss-an-end-to-russias-war-trump-holds-call-with-putin-just-before-scheduled-meeting-with-ukrainian-delegation-in-florida/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>&amp;amp;quot;Russia is not interested in ending the war, Ukraine applies constructive pressure,&amp;amp;quot; Podolyak</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/28/ampquotrussia-is-not-interested-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 28 Dec 2025 20:30:22 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/28/ampquotrussia-is-not-interested-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/288f521b9a.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&amp;quot;Russia is not interested in ending the war, Ukraine applies constructive pressure,&amp;quot; Podolyak&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/r7QE7dIhKX4&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>WATCH LIVE! Zelenskyy and Trump&#39;s press conference in Florida</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/28/watch-live-zelenskyy-and-trumps.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 28 Dec 2025 20:05:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/28/watch-live-zelenskyy-and-trumps.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/55a4ec7d3c.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;WATCH LIVE! Zelenskyy and Trump&#39;s press conference in Florida&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nm77oEvTwvo&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>PODOLYAK on dismantling Russian influence! ⚡️US secret levers, pressure on China, and Macron&#39;s trap!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/28/podolyak-on-dismantling-russian-influence.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 28 Dec 2025 20:00:11 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/28/podolyak-on-dismantling-russian-influence.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/1d4e119bbf.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;PODOLYAK on dismantling Russian influence! ⚡️US secret levers, pressure on China, and Macron&#39;s trap!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbIYBLte_qM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>ODESA HIT: children without schools, families without homes! Did Kremlin lie about Kostiantynivka?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/28/odesa-hit-children-without-schools.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 28 Dec 2025 19:00:14 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/28/odesa-hit-children-without-schools.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/8add2bdd2b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;ODESA HIT: children without schools, families without homes! Did Kremlin lie about Kostiantynivka?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eo962WLbpi0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>🇺🇦 WOW! Americans with Ukrainian flags welcome Zelenskyy to Mar-a-Lago! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/28/wow-americans-with-ukrainian-flags.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 28 Dec 2025 18:58:49 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/28/wow-americans-with-ukrainian-flags.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/5bef8c4d6e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🇺🇦 WOW! Americans with Ukrainian flags welcome Zelenskyy to Mar-a-Lago! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/4SZ-jQMoCnM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Trump holds call with Putin just before scheduled meeting with Zelensky</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/28/trump-holds-call-with-putin.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 28 Dec 2025 18:45:53 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/28/trump-holds-call-with-putin.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/d4cb70cb15.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Trump holds call with Putin just before scheduled meeting with Zelensky&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;U.S. President Donald Trump said on Dec. 28 that he held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin ahead of his scheduled meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/trump-holds-call-with-putin-just-before-scheduled-meeting-with-zelensky/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Orbán slows down support for Ukraine again, – history repeats itself #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/28/orbn-slows-down-support-for.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 28 Dec 2025 18:30:30 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/28/orbn-slows-down-support-for.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/b8abdc0c5b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Orbán slows down support for Ukraine again, – history repeats itself #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/r9ezR0esl7E&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>END OF THE BLACKMAIL ERA! Europe launches &amp;amp;quot;Iron Dome&amp;amp;quot; and isolates the Kremlin for decades!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/28/end-of-the-blackmail-era.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 28 Dec 2025 18:00:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/28/end-of-the-blackmail-era.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/b1a067d923.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;END OF THE BLACKMAIL ERA! Europe launches &amp;quot;Iron Dome&amp;quot; and isolates the Kremlin for decades!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZE5y_mcfWc&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Freedom of speech in 2026: Between Brussels&#39; demands and the realities of war</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/28/freedom-of-speech-in-between.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 28 Dec 2025 17:48:56 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/28/freedom-of-speech-in-between.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2195274702.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Freedom of speech in 2026: Between Brussels&#39; demands and the realities of war&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;About the author: Yaroslav Yurchyshyn is a Ukrainian MP and chair of the parliamentary Committee on Freedom of Speech.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For Ukraine&#39;s media environment, 2026 is set to be an intense year — no less demanding than 2025.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In December, the president signed the &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-resumes-live-parliament-sessions-broadcasts/&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/law/&#34;&gt;law&lt;/a&gt; opening parliamentary committees to&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/freedom-of-speech-in-2026-between-brussels-demands-and-the-realities-of-war/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russia strikes Kherson thermal plant, cuts residents from heating</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/28/russia-strikes-kherson-thermal-plant.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 28 Dec 2025 17:25:34 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/28/russia-strikes-kherson-thermal-plant.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2252828201.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia strikes Kherson thermal plant, cuts residents from heating&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russian troops opened artillery fire against the Kherson Thermal Power Plant (TPP), causing significant damage, head of Ukraine&#39;s Naftogaz said on Dec. 28.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-strikes-kherson-heating-plant-crucial-for-tens-of-thousands-of-residents/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>🔥Kherson under rocket fire: elderly woman injured #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/28/kherson-under-rocket-fire-elderly.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 28 Dec 2025 16:09:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/28/kherson-under-rocket-fire-elderly.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/68d6691fb9.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🔥Kherson under rocket fire: elderly woman injured #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Ql_XF2rAUBk&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>🔥Massive strike on Kherson and Odesa: wounded children and elderly! Part of the city without power!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/28/massive-strike-on-kherson-and.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 28 Dec 2025 15:00:12 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/28/massive-strike-on-kherson-and.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/ae709566da.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🔥Massive strike on Kherson and Odesa: wounded children and elderly! Part of the city without power!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHbFSUJS1qA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russia, Ukraine agree temporary ceasefire near Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant for power line repairs, IAEA says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/28/russia-ukraine-agree-temporary-ceasefire.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 28 Dec 2025 14:58:35 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/28/russia-ukraine-agree-temporary-ceasefire.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/26a85dab83.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia, Ukraine agree temporary ceasefire near Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant for power line repairs, IAEA says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi thanked &#34;both sides&#34; for agreeing to a temporary &#34;window of silence,&#34; which is &#34;part of ongoing efforts to prevent a nuclear accident during military conflict.&#34;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-and-ukraine-agree-to-temporary-ceasefire-near-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-power-plant-for-power-line-repairs-iaea-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine This Year: a year of stalled peace and escalating war</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/28/ukraine-this-year-a-year.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 28 Dec 2025 14:02:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/28/ukraine-this-year-a-year.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/img-2543.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine This Year: a year of stalled peace and escalating war&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;In this year-end wrap-up of Ukraine This Week, the Kyiv Independent’s Anna Belokur looks back at the moments that defined 2025, the fourth year of Russia&#39;s full-scale invasion of Ukraine — from stalled peace efforts and escalating Russian attacks to mass anti-corruption protests and political upheaval at home.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-this-year-a-year-of-stalled-peace-and-escalating-war/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine, Russia publish videos from Myrnohrad, claim control of front-line town</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/28/ukraine-russia-publish-videos-from.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 28 Dec 2025 13:05:43 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/28/ukraine-russia-publish-videos-from.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/dd6161ac08.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine, Russia publish videos from Myrnohrad, claim control of front-line town&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukrainian and Russian troops have been publishing conflicting claims and videos about who controls the front-line town of Myrnohrad, located just northeast of the embattled town of Pokrovsk.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-forces-hold-key-positions-in-myrnohrad-in-donetsk-oblast-as-russians-attempt-infiltration-to-claim-propaganda-victory/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Zelensky set to meet Trump in Florida to discuss peace proposal to end Russia&#39;s war (LIVE)</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/28/zelensky-set-to-meet-trump.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 28 Dec 2025 11:15:58 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/28/zelensky-set-to-meet-trump.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2246611596.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky set to meet Trump in Florida to discuss peace proposal to end Russia&#39;s war (LIVE)&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;A member of the Ukrainian delegation told the Kyiv Independent that they don&#39;t know how the meeting will unfold and are ready for &#34;all scenarios.&#34;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-meets-trump-in-florida-to-discuss-a-peace-proposal-to-end-russias-war/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>General Staff: Russia has lost 1,204,510 troops in Ukraine since 2022</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/28/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 28 Dec 2025 08:40:30 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/28/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2252937217.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;General Staff: Russia has lost 1,204,510 troops in Ukraine since 2022&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russia has lost around 1,204,510 troops in Ukraine since the beginning of its full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022, the General Staff of Ukraine&#39;s Armed Forces reported on Dec. 28.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/general-staff-russia-has-lost-1-204-510-troops-in-ukraine-since-2022/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russia&#39;s Syzran Oil Refinery under attack by Ukrainian drones, media reports</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/28/russias-syzran-oil-refinery-under.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 28 Dec 2025 02:40:23 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/28/russias-syzran-oil-refinery-under.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/syzran1.png&#34; alt=&#34;Russia&#39;s Syzran Oil Refinery under attack by Ukrainian drones, media reports&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The refinery was attacked multiple times in the night, residents claimed. An electrical substation in Syzran was also hit, causing blackouts in the city.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russias-syzran-oil-refinery-under-attack-by-ukrainian-drones-media-reports/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine denies Russia&#39;s claims of capturing key front-line cities ahead of Zelensky-Trump meeting</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/28/ukraine-denies-russias-claims-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 28 Dec 2025 00:09:08 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/28/ukraine-denies-russias-claims-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2184052863.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine denies Russia&#39;s claims of capturing key front-line cities ahead of Zelensky-Trump meeting&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Myrnohrad in Donetsk Oblast and Huliaipole in Zaporizhzhia Oblast are not under Russian control, Ukraine&#39;s General Staff said, dismissing the Kremlin&#39;s claims as &#34;the weapon of disinformation.&#34;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-denies-russias-claims-of-capturing-key-front-line-cities-ahead-of-zelensky-trump-meeting/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russians against Putin: 64% say the year has been unsuccessful #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/27/russians-against-putin-say-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 27 Dec 2025 22:00:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/27/russians-against-putin-say-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/08872444e0.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russians against Putin: 64% say the year has been unsuccessful #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/0C0SW57SH3g&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russia aims to recruit over 400,000 soldiers in 2026, Ukraine&#39;s military intelligence chief says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/27/russia-aims-to-recruit-over.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 27 Dec 2025 21:42:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/27/russia-aims-to-recruit-over.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/38824e4190.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia aims to recruit over 400,000 soldiers in 2026, Ukraine&#39;s military intelligence chief says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russia has fulfilled its mobilization goals in 2025 and has set its mobilization target to recruit 409,000 Russian soldiers in 2026, Ukraine&#39;s military intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov, told Suspilne in a year-end interview.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-aims-to-recruit-over-400-000-soldiers-in-2026-budanov-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>PRICES TO THE MOON, LIFE IN THE DITCH! 🚨 Why Are Russians Panicking About 2025?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/27/prices-to-the-moon-life.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 27 Dec 2025 21:00:36 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/27/prices-to-the-moon-life.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/9f0d67ff56.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;PRICES TO THE MOON, LIFE IN THE DITCH! 🚨 Why Are Russians Panicking About 2025?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ez1okzBHPnY&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>🇺🇸 BabyDoc from Utah: How I became a medic in the 2nd International Legion in Ukraine  #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/27/babydoc-from-utah-how-i.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 27 Dec 2025 20:30:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/27/babydoc-from-utah-how-i.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/fe98150ef6.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🇺🇸 BabyDoc from Utah: How I became a medic in the 2nd International Legion in Ukraine  #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/-ZtneuvRZQM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>&amp;quot;We&#39;ll win if the West doesn&#39;t give us empty tanks!&amp;quot; &amp;quot;Baby Doc&amp;quot; on hell at zero and enemy&#39;s weapons</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/27/quotwell-win-if-the-west.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 27 Dec 2025 20:00:30 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/27/quotwell-win-if-the-west.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/c38b7d47a1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&amp;quot;We&#39;ll win if the West doesn&#39;t give us empty tanks!&amp;quot; &amp;quot;Baby Doc&amp;quot; on hell at zero and enemy&#39;s weapons&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JO-LUg1GlhQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian lawmakers exposed getting cash for votes, anti-corruption agency says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/27/ukrainian-lawmakers-exposed-getting-cash.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 27 Dec 2025 19:58:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/27/ukrainian-lawmakers-exposed-getting-cash.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2220706299.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian lawmakers exposed getting cash for votes, anti-corruption agency says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Earlier in December, Ukrainian news site Zn.ua reported, citing its sources, that NABU had wiretapped the office of Yuriy Kisel, a lawmaker for the Servant of the People party, and the head of the Parliamentary Transport Committee. The investigation concerned cash allegedly handed out to the ruling party lawmakers at the office.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-lawmakers-exposed-taking-bribes-for-votes-anti-corruption-agency-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Canada to provide $1.8 billion in economic aid to Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/27/canada-to-provide-billion-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 27 Dec 2025 19:22:51 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/27/canada-to-provide-billion-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/img-3261.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Canada to provide $1.8 billion in economic aid to Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Canada will provide Ukraine with $2.5 billion Canadian dollars ($1.8 billion) in economic aid to Ukraine, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Dec. 27.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/canada-to-provide-1-8-billion-in-economic-aid-to-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>10 HOURS OF HELL IN KYIV! ⚡️ Russia targets heat and power: 28 injured, children under rubble!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/27/hours-of-hell-in-kyiv.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 27 Dec 2025 19:01:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/27/hours-of-hell-in-kyiv.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/fd6c601032.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;10 HOURS OF HELL IN KYIV! ⚡️ Russia targets heat and power: 28 injured, children under rubble!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgLK3o_P7UA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>This place in Ukraine keeps birds safe from the war</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/27/this-place-in-ukraine-keeps.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 27 Dec 2025 17:34:48 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/27/this-place-in-ukraine-keeps.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/upd-sk-6804.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;This place in Ukraine keeps birds safe from the war&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;KOZHYCHI, Lviv Oblast &lt;/strong&gt;— When approaching the quaint yard of Viktor Shelvinsky&#39;s house, one can scarcely believe it serves as a haven for hundreds of birds of all kinds.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;But quickly, the entry gate gives way to a spacious garden filled with aviaries of different shapes and sizes,&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/free-wings-sanctuary-offers-refuge-to-birds-in-war-torn-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Burning Russia: Su-30 and Su-27 destroyed after successful sabotage #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/27/burning-russia-su-and-su.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 27 Dec 2025 17:30:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/27/burning-russia-su-and-su.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/70e48b7d5a.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Burning Russia: Su-30 and Su-27 destroyed after successful sabotage #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/I-dWXFdB-H8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia preparing to proclaim future Ukrainian elections rigged, Zelensky says, citing intelligence</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/27/russia-preparing-to-proclaim-future.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 27 Dec 2025 17:05:15 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/27/russia-preparing-to-proclaim-future.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-1243478648-1664140759smggn.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia preparing to proclaim future Ukrainian elections rigged, Zelensky says, citing intelligence&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Elections have been floated as part of a peace or ceasefire deal that Ukraine has been discussing with the U.S., but voting in the occupied territories complicates the process.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-to-proclaim-elections-rigged/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine intelligence &amp;quot;Spiderweb&amp;quot;: Planes burned in hangars, generals killed in their cars. Details!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/27/170045.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 27 Dec 2025 17:00:45 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/27/170045.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/c23802a480.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine intelligence &amp;quot;Spiderweb&amp;quot;: Planes burned in hangars, generals killed in their cars. Details!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2dNFUJt8w8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>The little things that keep them going</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/27/the-little-things-that-keep.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 27 Dec 2025 15:46:32 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/27/the-little-things-that-keep.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f314e819e-4.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;The little things that keep them going&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!bb20!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F6d41f190-30f0-4977-8c0f-c6e7458dcd15_1500x500.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f6d41f190-3.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;485&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/6d41f190-30f0-4977-8c0f-c6e7458dcd15_1500x500.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:485,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:true,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor’s note: &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Mass attacks struck Kyiv the day before Zelenskyy and Trump are expected to meet in Washington, D.C. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Paid subscribers literally keep us out of the dark by helping us get the supplies, like Ecoflow batteries, that we need to turn the lights on.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;This holiday season, help us continue our reporting: Upgrade to a paid subscription today, or hit the tip jar!&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;http://counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;UPGRADE FOR FULL ACCESS&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;http://counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;UPGRADE FOR FULL ACCESS&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Tip Jar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Tip Jar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!dtj7!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ffc42e4f8-7d23-43c4-960f-d5b3e7bda989_2048x1536.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2ffc42e4f8-7.jpg&#34; width=&#34;504&#34; height=&#34;378&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/fc42e4f8-7d23-43c4-960f-d5b3e7bda989_2048x1536.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1092,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:504,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;A candle lit for a short Christmas service in a home occupied by members of the Khartiia Brigade, in the Kharkiv Region of Ukraine.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;The holidays are many things to many people, but it is almost universally a time for reflection.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I joked last year around this time that I was feeling exhausted down to my very &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/imagining-ukrainian-end-of-war-scenarios?utm_source=publication-search&#34;&gt;bone marrow&lt;/a&gt;. If that was the case then, well, my mitochondria are flickering on and off now, whining and grinding, as if to ask: ‘Is this all *strictly necessary*?’ &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;When – as happened over the last day – the night was filled with loud explosions, the water cut off for the first time ever, and you awake in a cold room without power, there is even a temptation to feel sorry for one’s self.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;But as they say in Ukraine, it’s a sin to complain.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;And nowhere is there less room for self-pity than when you are standing next to a soldier who has spent years facing down death, destruction and grief with no schedule for relief.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!RDUH!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F6673662c-2961-4270-8f96-c4f686060ad0_1536x2048.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f6673662c-2.jpg&#34; width=&#34;382&#34; height=&#34;509.2458791208791&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/6673662c-2961-4270-8f96-c4f686060ad0_1536x2048.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1941,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:382,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;A Christmas tree in a basement office for the Khartiia Brigade, on Christmas Eve.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
      &lt;p&gt;
          &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/the-little-things-that-keep-them&#34;&gt;
              Read more
          &lt;/a&gt;
      &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/the-little-things-that-keep-them&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>After the Russian strike, Kyiv is partially without heat: schools and residential buildings damaged</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/27/after-the-russian-strike-kyiv.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 27 Dec 2025 15:30:26 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/27/after-the-russian-strike-kyiv.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/b485a2128c.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;After the Russian strike, Kyiv is partially without heat: schools and residential buildings damaged&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/brKXpBRgzsU&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>DOUBLE STRIKE ON KYIV! 🔥 500 drones and &amp;amp;quot;Kinzhals&amp;amp;quot;: 28 injured, children in hospitals!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/27/double-strike-on-kyiv-drones.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 27 Dec 2025 15:00:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/27/double-strike-on-kyiv-drones.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/15d07d5637.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;DOUBLE STRIKE ON KYIV! 🔥 500 drones and &amp;quot;Kinzhals&amp;quot;: 28 injured, children in hospitals!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xVc6oeAH1M&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>🔴 LIVE! Zelenskyy plans meeting with Trump – Ukranian forces driving Russians out of Kupyansk</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/27/live-zelenskyy-plans-meeting-with.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 27 Dec 2025 14:52:37 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/27/live-zelenskyy-plans-meeting-with.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/d02aabd899.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🔴 LIVE! Zelenskyy plans meeting with Trump – Ukranian forces driving Russians out of Kupyansk&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpEVy6PYeqs&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>En route to America, Zelensky shares his top priority for upcoming meeting with Trump</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/27/en-route-to-america-zelensky.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 27 Dec 2025 14:02:53 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/27/en-route-to-america-zelensky.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/8a93b10eca.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;En route to America, Zelensky shares his top priority for upcoming meeting with Trump&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Without security guarantees, Ukraine cannot take any steps towards peace or hold presidential elections, which Trump&#39;s administration has pressured Zelensky to implement.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-says-security-guarantees-top-priority-in-peace-talks-with-trump/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>&#39;Missiles and drones speak for Russia&#39; – Zelensky blasts Moscow for 10-hour air attack ahead of Trump meeting</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/27/missiles-and-drones-speak-for.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 27 Dec 2025 11:25:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/27/missiles-and-drones-speak-for.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/792b4595-2cb0-4bb0-84f0-296b191c1351.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;Missiles and drones speak for Russia&#39; – Zelensky blasts Moscow for 10-hour air attack ahead of Trump meeting&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russia launched nearly 500 drones and 40 missiles overnight on Dec. 26-27, largely targeting Kyiv’s energy and civilian infrastructure.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/missiles-and-drones-speak-for-russia-zelensky-blasts-moscow-ahead-of-trump-meeting/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Top anti-Putin Russian commander killed fighting for Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/27/top-antiputin-russian-commander-killed.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 27 Dec 2025 10:19:52 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/27/top-antiputin-russian-commander-killed.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-1257760492.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Top anti-Putin Russian commander killed fighting for Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Denis Kapustin, also known by his nom de guerre &#34;White Rex,&#34; led the right-wing Russian Volunteer Corps until he was killed by an FPV drone on the southern front, according to preliminary reports. More details are expected later.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/top-anti-putin-russian-commander-killed-in-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>BRUTAL attack on Kyiv: Russian forces launch a MASSIVE strike #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/27/brutal-attack-on-kyiv-russian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 27 Dec 2025 09:23:49 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/27/brutal-attack-on-kyiv-russian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/46ef09a626.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;BRUTAL attack on Kyiv: Russian forces launch a MASSIVE strike #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/v02WGfx_c7I&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>General Staff: Russia has lost 1,203,310 troops in Ukraine since 2022</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/27/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 27 Dec 2025 08:18:39 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/27/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-1494251171-1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;General Staff: Russia has lost 1,203,310 troops in Ukraine since 2022&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The number includes 1,240 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/general-staff-russia-has-lost-1-203-310-troops-in-ukraine-since-feb-24-2022/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Trump says Russia-Ukraine peace has &#39;good shot,&#39; New York Post reports</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/27/trump-says-russiaukraine-peace-has.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 27 Dec 2025 04:03:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/27/trump-says-russiaukraine-peace-has.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/f45470e568.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Trump says Russia-Ukraine peace has &#39;good shot,&#39; New York Post reports&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;I think they want to do it now, and I think that Russia wants to do it. But every time one wants to do it, the other doesn’t,&#34; Trump told the New York Post in a Dec. 26 phone call.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/trump-says-russia-ukraine-peace-has-good-shot-new-york-post-reports/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia&#39;s mass missile attack targets Kyiv ahead of upcoming Trump-Zelensky meeting</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/27/russias-mass-missile-attack-targets.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 27 Dec 2025 01:19:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/27/russias-mass-missile-attack-targets.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2252432419.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia&#39;s mass missile attack targets Kyiv ahead of upcoming Trump-Zelensky meeting&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Several explosions were heard across the capital, according to Kyiv Independent reporters on the ground, as well as in Kyiv Oblast, where power outages were reported in the town of Brovary and surrounding areas following the strikes.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russias-mass-missile-attack-targets-kyiv-ahead-of-upcoming-trump-zelensky-meeting/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>An empty vessel with a secret: Ukraine intercepted a signal from a Russian &amp;amp;quot;shadow&amp;amp;quot; tanker  #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/27/an-empty-vessel-with-a.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 27 Dec 2025 00:00:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/27/an-empty-vessel-with-a.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/9f2277b6fa.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;An empty vessel with a secret: Ukraine intercepted a signal from a Russian &amp;quot;shadow&amp;quot; tanker  #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/1Ywpy0B4JiI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Mindich speaks to Ukrainian media for first time since fleeing country, denies guilt, claims no contact with Zelensky or Yermak</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/26/mindich-speaks-to-ukrainian-media.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 26 Dec 2025 23:04:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/26/mindich-speaks-to-ukrainian-media.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/screenshot-2025-12-26-at-23-18-17.png&#34; alt=&#34;Mindich speaks to Ukrainian media for first time since fleeing country, denies guilt, claims no contact with Zelensky or Yermak&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Timur Mindich, a close associate of President Volodymyr Zelensky and suspect in a major corruption investigation, gave his first media interview since leaving Ukraine in November, speaking with Ukrainska Pravda in an interview published Dec. 26.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/mindich-speaks-with-ukrainian-media-for-first-time-since-leaving-country-amid-corruption-scandal/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>2000KM STRIKE! Security Service of Ukraine sinks Russia spy network in the Mediterranean!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/26/km-strike-security-service-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 26 Dec 2025 23:01:04 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/26/km-strike-security-service-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/bfe140ccd4.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;2000KM STRIKE! Security Service of Ukraine sinks Russia spy network in the Mediterranean!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAtB6Z7UeXw&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Zelenskyy and Trump may meet on December 28 in Florida #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/26/zelenskyy-and-trump-may-meet.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 26 Dec 2025 22:00:34 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/26/zelenskyy-and-trump-may-meet.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/7e96e7e32a.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelenskyy and Trump may meet on December 28 in Florida #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/QgVfIlu_SWY&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Zelenskyy and Trump meeting: everything could be decided before New Year?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/26/zelenskyy-and-trump-meeting-everything.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 26 Dec 2025 21:00:40 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/26/zelenskyy-and-trump-meeting-everything.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/77836bf98a.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelenskyy and Trump meeting: everything could be decided before New Year?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIl4bvVGHsU&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russia continues systematically recruiting foreign fighters for war, Ukraine says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/26/russia-continues-systematically-recruiting-foreign.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 26 Dec 2025 20:27:19 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/26/russia-continues-systematically-recruiting-foreign.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/1766739583918.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia continues systematically recruiting foreign fighters for war, Ukraine says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russia is continuing to systematically recruit foreign nationals for its war against Ukraine, said Oleh Ivashchenko, head of Ukraine&#39;s Foreign Intelligence Service, on Dec. 26.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-is-systematically-recruiting-foreign-fighters-for-war-ukraine-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Professor Tim Wilson dismantles Kremlin myths: &amp;amp;quot;There is no future for peace with Putin&amp;amp;quot;</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/26/professor-tim-wilson-dismantles-kremlin.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 26 Dec 2025 19:00:25 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/26/professor-tim-wilson-dismantles-kremlin.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/94c93f6e1a.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Professor Tim Wilson dismantles Kremlin myths: &amp;quot;There is no future for peace with Putin&amp;quot;&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2Rvlflj3gQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>How does Ukrainian culture survive war? One Austrian foundation has a long-term answer</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/26/how-does-ukrainian-culture-survive.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 26 Dec 2025 18:24:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/26/how-does-ukrainian-culture-survive.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/advertising.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;How does Ukrainian culture survive war? One Austrian foundation has a long-term answer&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;From the grand halls of Kyiv&#39;s cultural institutions to small regional initiatives shaping public dialogue, Ukraine&#39;s cultural life has faced unprecedented pressures.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Amid daily attacks, occupation, and displacement, many of the country&#39;s most remarkable cultural projects continue — thanks to steadfast support from ERSTE&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/how-does-ukrainian-culture-survive-war-one-austrian-foundation-has-a-long-term-answer/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>A guided aerial bomb hit the CENTER of Kharkiv! 2 KILLED 😱 #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/26/a-guided-aerial-bomb-hit.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 26 Dec 2025 18:03:26 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/26/a-guided-aerial-bomb-hit.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/c85b558e03.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;A guided aerial bomb hit the CENTER of Kharkiv! 2 KILLED 😱 #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/fuW5xGNkJaY&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>&amp;amp;quot;We will fire without discussions&amp;amp;quot; – Estonian Foreign Ministry addresses Russia #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/26/ampquotwe-will-fire-without-discussionsampquot.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 26 Dec 2025 18:01:09 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/26/ampquotwe-will-fire-without-discussionsampquot.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/e4e8e8b491.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&amp;quot;We will fire without discussions&amp;quot; – Estonian Foreign Ministry addresses Russia #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/c9kCtI4IDro&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>NATO DRAWS THE LINE! Baltic Sea on the brink of explosion: Estonia prepares RESPONSE to Russia!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/26/nato-draws-the-line-baltic.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 26 Dec 2025 17:00:40 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/26/nato-draws-the-line-baltic.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/16ed68dd6e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;NATO DRAWS THE LINE! Baltic Sea on the brink of explosion: Estonia prepares RESPONSE to Russia!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJ4Fxv9UatE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Russian attacks on Uman and Kharkiv&#39;s &#39;busiest road&#39; kill at least 2, injure 14</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/26/russian-attacks-on-uman-and.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 26 Dec 2025 16:58:41 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/26/russian-attacks-on-uman-and.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/photo-2025-12-26-17-40-30.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian attacks on Uman and Kharkiv&#39;s &#39;busiest road&#39; kill at least 2, injure 14&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Kharkiv Oblast was struck with with three KAB guided bombs, one of which targeted the city of Kharkiv, Governor Oleh Syniehubov reported.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-attacks-on-uman-and-kharkiv-kills-at-least-2-injures-10-others/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Japan prepares for threats – defense budget rises to historic high #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/26/japan-prepares-for-threats-defense.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 26 Dec 2025 16:36:30 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/26/japan-prepares-for-threats-defense.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/921509fc90.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Japan prepares for threats – defense budget rises to historic high #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/H0I1YrJVeFQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>MEETING WITH TRUMP IN JUST DAYS! Russia in rage strikes Odesa and Mykolaiv: ports in flames!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/26/meeting-with-trump-in-just.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 26 Dec 2025 15:00:41 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/26/meeting-with-trump-in-just.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/d121d21f1d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;MEETING WITH TRUMP IN JUST DAYS! Russia in rage strikes Odesa and Mykolaiv: ports in flames!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsIAJUaxzzI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russia attacks sea port, energy, and railway infrastructure across Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/26/russia-attacks-sea-port-energy.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 26 Dec 2025 13:42:45 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/26/russia-attacks-sea-port-energy.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/photo-2025-12-26-13-43-25.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia attacks sea port, energy, and railway infrastructure across Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russia overnight on Dec. 26 launched drone attacks at Ukraine&#39;s sea port and energy infrastructure in Odesa and Mykolaiv oblasts, as well as railway infrastructure in Volyn Oblast, authorities reported.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-attacked-ukraines-sea-port-logistics-and-railway-infrastructure-in-several-oblasts/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine in 2025: A year in photos</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/26/ukraine-in-a-year-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 26 Dec 2025 12:20:04 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/26/ukraine-in-a-year-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/new-2026-photos.gif&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine in 2025: A year in photos&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The year 2025 arrived with talk of peace. It ended to the rattle of air-defense systems across Ukraine.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It was a year shaped by negotiations and expectations, driven by U.S. President &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/donald-trump/&#34;&gt;Donald Trump&#39;s&lt;/a&gt; push for a settlement — even as &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/russia/&#34;&gt;Russia&lt;/a&gt; continued to strike Ukrainian cities.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/2025-ukraine-year-in-photos/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>At least 5 killed, 23 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine over past day</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/26/at-least-killed-injured-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 26 Dec 2025 11:27:54 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/26/at-least-killed-injured-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/photo-2025-12-26-12-01-16.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;At least 5 killed, 23 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine over past day&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russia launched 99 drones and one Iskander ballistic missiles at Ukraine overnight, the Air Force said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/at-least-4-killed-35-injured-in-russian-attacks-on-ukraine-over-past-day/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>&#39;A lot can be decided before New Year&#39; — Zelensky says he and Trump plan to meet in &#39;near future&#39;</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/26/a-lot-can-be-decided.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 26 Dec 2025 09:30:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/26/a-lot-can-be-decided.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2241658374.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;A lot can be decided before New Year&#39; — Zelensky says he and Trump plan to meet in &#39;near future&#39;&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine and the U.S. had agreed to meet &#34;in the near future,&#34; suggesting there could be progress in peace talks to end Russia&#39;s war before the New Year.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/a-lot-can-be-decided-before-new-year-zelensky-plans-to-meet-trump/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>General Staff: Russia has lost 1,202,070 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/26/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 26 Dec 2025 08:43:08 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/26/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2247703528.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;General Staff: Russia has lost 1,202,070 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The number includes 840 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/general-staff-russia-has-lost-1-201-230-troops-in-ukraine-since-feb-24-2022-2/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Youth without idols: the tragedy of teenage violence in Russia #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/25/youth-without-idols-the-tragedy.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 25 Dec 2025 23:00:50 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/25/youth-without-idols-the-tragedy.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/00952295fd.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Youth without idols: the tragedy of teenage violence in Russia #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/nEtzzgZ-J7s&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Kremlin teaches to kill! Why Russian teens are drawn to knives and violence</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/25/kremlin-teaches-to-kill-why.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 25 Dec 2025 22:00:14 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/25/kremlin-teaches-to-kill-why.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/cef2a0e701.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Kremlin teaches to kill! Why Russian teens are drawn to knives and violence&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qg_WxORGxds&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Putin&#39;s secret conversations with Bush: Kremlin planned aggression and didn&#39;t hide its hatred</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/25/putins-secret-conversations-with-bush.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 25 Dec 2025 21:30:16 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/25/putins-secret-conversations-with-bush.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/25856a9fa5.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Putin&#39;s secret conversations with Bush: Kremlin planned aggression and didn&#39;t hide its hatred&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/hcEn0SbjafQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Putin-Bush transcripts declassified! Kremlin hated Ukraine 20 years ago</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/25/putinbush-transcripts-declassified-kremlin-hated.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 25 Dec 2025 21:00:08 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/25/putinbush-transcripts-declassified-kremlin-hated.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/a2061b0bdb.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Putin-Bush transcripts declassified! Kremlin hated Ukraine 20 years ago&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Osgt_-YH2jo&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Kharkiv locals celebrate Christmas Eve 30 kilometers from border with Russia — in photos</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/25/kharkiv-locals-celebrate-christmas-eve.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 25 Dec 2025 20:58:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/25/kharkiv-locals-celebrate-christmas-eve.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width=&#34;2500&#34; height=&#34;1875&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/dsc9905.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;UKRAINE, KHARKIV&lt;/strong&gt; — Christmas is valued by many in Ukraine. According to Zagoryi Foundation’s research, over 97% of their 3,200 respondents considered it the most important holiday in general and the most important religious holiday. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;About 65% of those people sing koliadkas, traditional Christmas songs that are sung to people a singer or singers meet. These songs retell Biblical stories, wish for well-being, health, and good luck. Celebrate beauty, strength, or other qualities of the &#34;recipient.&#34; For these performances — if one&#39;d liked the koliadka — it’s a tradition to give money. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;For the second year in a row, Ukraine has officially celebrated Christmas on Dec. 25 — previously, this holiday was celebrated on Jan. 7.  On Dec. 24, Kharkiv locals gathered to celebrate Christmas Eve with koliadas, walking and singing along the streets of the city, located 30 kilometers (19 miles) from the Russian border. Gwara Media joined them. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Christmas celebrations took place in Kharkiv over the last weekend as well — and Gwara visited some of them. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;On Dec. 21, the Ocheret theater held a festive caroling event on Vokzalna Square in Kharkiv.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“We wished people all the best for the coming year,” said Anastasia, one of the theater’s representatives.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;She said that caroling and nativity plays, known as vertep, are old Ukrainian traditions that are unique and distinct from other countries’ Christmas events. She said that these traditions allow Ukrainians to identify themselves in the world.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“When we sing our Christmas carols and ‘Shchedryk’ (a famous Ukrainian carol known in English as ‘Carol of Bells’), we can identify ourselves as Ukrainians. We have all known these songs since childhood and pass them on in this way,” explained Anastasia.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The actors presented “Ocheretivska Koliada” — a theatrical Christmas performance with traditional characters from the Ukrainian vertep. Those are the Angel and the Chort (a magic spirit or demon in Slavic folk tradition), the Goat and Death, the bag carrier, and the star carrier.  &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;They also had elements of Malanka, a New Year’s ritual with traditional dressing up as animals and folklore characters. Actors performed koliadkas and shchedrivkas (the latter are New Year’s songs or Malanka’s songs). The scenes of the vertep combined classical and modern elements. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Anastasia Koshel was the director of the production. The theater planned to invest money collected during the performances in heating for their theater building. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Also on December 21, Art Area DK and the Kharkiv Puppet Theater organized the fourth mini-festival Vertep Skhid. It featured the Savielievs’ performance “Rodinny Vertep” (family vertep in translation from Ukrainian), a performance by Folk Stream, and “Makabrichny Vertep” (macabre vertep) by the youth theater. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“Well, this year it&#39;s a bit of a compact format for us, all in one day,” said Oleksii Myhailov, the art director of the Art Area DK.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;He shared that the goal of the festival is to focus on verteps in all possible ways, on all types of them. This time, there were more intimate and larger-scale performances, including two performances at the Puppet Theater.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“We were very happy that the tradition of the nativity scene now exists in Kharkiv,” said Iryna, one of the visitors.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Iryna came to the event with her daughter and shared that they wanted to support Ukrainian traditions more. “We want to learn more about them, because we really know very little,” said the woman. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Many in Ukraine see celebrating Christmas on Dec. 25 as a step away from Russian traditions. In the early Soviet Union, though, people celebrated this holiday on Dec. 25 and Jan. 7. The latter festivities were supported by the church and the former by the state (as the time ‘moved’ towards Dec. 25 as soon as the Soviets transitioned to the Gregorian calendar), &lt;a href=&#34;https://theukrainians.org/daria-antsybor/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;says&lt;/a&gt; Daria Antsybor, anthropologist, in an interview with &lt;em&gt;The Ukrainians&lt;/em&gt; media. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The Soviets banned Christmas in the second half of the 1920s and came up with a New Year holiday as a way to “unite new Soviet people” of all nationalities, Antsybor says. That became the supposedly neutral, secular replacement of both Christmases. Antsybor notes many in Ukraine didn’t know any particular Christmas traditions because of this and the ban. Now, some of them are indeed trying to learn more.  &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-heading&#34;&gt;Read more&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;ul data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-list&#34;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;“I won’t go through occupation again” — &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/i-wont-go-through-occupation-again-life-in-ukrainian-village-one-mile-from-russia/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;life in Ukrainian village&lt;/a&gt; one mile from Russia&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p data-sanitized-class=&#34;has-background&#34;&gt;Hi! Winter has come, and Russian airstrikes on power infrastructure disrupt our daily lives &amp; work a lot here in Kharkiv. Despite it all, we keep working to bring you reports from the city and the Kharkiv region. Please consider supporting our newsroom with &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://buymeacoffee.com/gwaramedia&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;a one-time tip&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; or become a &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://buymeacoffee.com/gwaramedia/membership&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;member of our community&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The post &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/kharkiv-celebrates-christmas-eve-30-kilometers-from-border-with-russia-in-photos/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;Kharkiv locals celebrate Christmas Eve 30 kilometers from border with Russia — in photos&lt;/a&gt; appeared first on &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;Gwara Media&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/kharkiv-celebrates-christmas-eve-30-kilometers-from-border-with-russia-in-photos/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Occupiers unable to restore logistics routes in Kupyansk #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/25/occupiers-unable-to-restore-logistics.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 25 Dec 2025 20:30:19 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/25/occupiers-unable-to-restore-logistics.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/7ed49bb2bb.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Occupiers unable to restore logistics routes in Kupyansk #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/wMwkfDHy8hc&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>ENCLOSURE COMPLETED! Russians trapped on Oskil, and a rocket fuel plant exploded in Tula!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/25/enclosure-completed-russians-trapped-on.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 25 Dec 2025 20:00:19 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/25/enclosure-completed-russians-trapped-on.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/e1fc0cedba.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;ENCLOSURE COMPLETED! Russians trapped on Oskil, and a rocket fuel plant exploded in Tula!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLD7cpi-V6Y&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>There are new ideas on how to bring real peace closer, – Zelenskyy on conversation with Americans</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/25/there-are-new-ideas-on.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 25 Dec 2025 19:30:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/25/there-are-new-ideas-on.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/65e9010530.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;There are new ideas on how to bring real peace closer, – Zelenskyy on conversation with Americans&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/DDzAIQZGahU&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Kremlin in shock: Ukraine&#39;s robotic army changes the rules on the front line!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/25/kremlin-in-shock-ukraines-robotic.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 25 Dec 2025 19:04:33 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/25/kremlin-in-shock-ukraines-robotic.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/f7650ece4e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Kremlin in shock: Ukraine&#39;s robotic army changes the rules on the front line!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nzL-s1OCkE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Zelensky holds phone call with Trump&#39;s envoys as Russia claims talks making &#39;slow but steady progress&#39;</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/25/zelensky-holds-phone-call-with.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 25 Dec 2025 18:20:03 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/25/zelensky-holds-phone-call-with.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/3efbefb924.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky holds phone call with Trump&#39;s envoys as Russia claims talks making &#39;slow but steady progress&#39;&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;President Volodymyr Zelensky held a phone call with U.S. President Trump’s Special Envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner on Christmas Day to discuss &#34;several substantive details&#34; of ongoing peace talks, the president said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-holds-phone-call-with-trumps-envoys-as-russia-says-talks-slow-but-steady-progress/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia talks about “peace” but prepares a new war: why not to trust Putin?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/25/russia-talks-about-peace-but.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 25 Dec 2025 17:01:09 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/25/russia-talks-about-peace-but.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/6701628278.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia talks about “peace” but prepares a new war: why not to trust Putin?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6taYC8Kzos&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia attacks Kherson market, Chernihiv apartment building on Christmas Day, killing at least 2</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/25/russia-attacks-kherson-market-chernihiv.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 25 Dec 2025 16:42:57 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/25/russia-attacks-kherson-market-chernihiv.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/photo-2025-12-25-16-24-21.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia attacks Kherson market, Chernihiv apartment building on Christmas Day, killing at least 2&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukraine is marking its fourth Christmas under a full-scale Russian invasion.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-attacks-kherson-market-chernihiv-residential-building-causing-numerous-civilian-casualties-on-christmas-day/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>The war in Ukraine could end in 90 days, says US ambassador to NATO #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/25/the-war-in-ukraine-could.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 25 Dec 2025 16:30:45 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/25/the-war-in-ukraine-could.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/e515700877.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;The war in Ukraine could end in 90 days, says US ambassador to NATO #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/XaqAoQG_ZRY&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine strikes oil refinery in Russia&#39;s Rostov Oblast with Storm Shadow missiles, General Staff says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/25/ukraine-strikes-oil-refinery-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 25 Dec 2025 15:45:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/25/ukraine-strikes-oil-refinery-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2163689551.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine strikes oil refinery in Russia&#39;s Rostov Oblast with Storm Shadow missiles, General Staff says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The missiles struck the refinery, triggering multiple explosions, the General Staff said, adding that the extent of the damage was still being clarified.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-forces-strike-oil-refinery-in-russias-rostov-oblast-with-storm-shadow-missiles-general-staff-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia launched 131 drones — Ukraine fights back, but there are victims and destruction!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/25/russia-launched-drones-ukraine-fights.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 25 Dec 2025 15:00:22 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/25/russia-launched-drones-ukraine-fights.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/bb03d0f954.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia launched 131 drones — Ukraine fights back, but there are victims and destruction!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHA2YFE0SnQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>🔴131 drones over Ukraine – blackouts, Zelenskyy&#39;s peace plan, and Russia&#39;s nuclear blackmail</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/25/drones-over-ukraine-blackouts-zelenskyys.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 25 Dec 2025 14:40:03 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/25/drones-over-ukraine-blackouts-zelenskyys.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/31ffd642db.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🔴131 drones over Ukraine – blackouts, Zelenskyy&#39;s peace plan, and Russia&#39;s nuclear blackmail&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmEwrglew90&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>With Germany’s help, Ukrainian communities keep kindergartens and hospitals running through blackouts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/25/with-germanys-help-ukrainian-communities.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 25 Dec 2025 14:28:50 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/25/with-germanys-help-ukrainian-communities.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/shared-image.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;With Germany’s help, Ukrainian communities keep kindergartens and hospitals running through blackouts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In the winter of 2023, just after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began, Natalia Kovalenko, the director of one of the largest kindergartens in Kyiv Oblast, was grappling with challenges that went far beyond lesson plans and playtime. As Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure intensified,&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/with-germanys-help-ukrainian-communities-keep-kindergartens-and-hospitals-running-through-blackouts/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russian forces use fiber optic FPV drone to kill Kharkiv volunteer during evacuation in Donetsk region</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/25/russian-forces-use-fiber-optic.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 25 Dec 2025 12:57:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/25/russian-forces-use-fiber-optic.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width=&#34;2499&#34; height=&#34;1661&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/dsc09900-1-2.jpg.webp&#34; alt=&#34;The photo of Viacheslav Ilchenko during the evacuation mission&#34; decoding=&#34;async&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;UKRAINE, KOSTIANTYNIVKA&lt;/strong&gt;, Dec. 25 — On Dec. 24, Russian forces attacked a car of an evacuation volunteer team with an FPV drone, killing Viacheslav Ilchenko, a Kharkiv volunteer and founder of &#34;Nezlamna” (“Unbreakable”) charity, said the “Rose on the Hand” evacuation team to Gwara Media.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;At 7:40 a.m., a Russian FPV drone with fiber optics hit the car of volunteers. The attack also injured two members of the evacuation team, &lt;a href=&#34;https://suspilne.media/kharkiv/1198122-na-doneccini-zaginuv-volonter-z-harkova-vaceslav-ilcenko/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;said&lt;/a&gt; Yevhen Koliada, the head of the Relief Coordinating Centre to Suspilne Ukraine.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-quote&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“The charity sector is currently cooperating with all services involved. Viacheslav’s body has already been taken away, and we are moving forward in keeping with all procedural norms,” Kolyada said.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Kolyada said that Ilchenko was insured by their organization, and they had already provided the information to the insurance company, and his family would be paid the full amount.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Also, Daryna Marynenko, the founder of the volunteer organization “Plus Plus,” said that Viacheslav is survived by his wife and two daughters. Volunteers &lt;a href=&#34;https://send.monobank.ua/jar/6hxSqdy9dq&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;are raising &lt;/a&gt;funds to help the family.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Since 2022, Viacheslav Ilchenko has been involved in evacuating people from the Kharkiv and Donetsk regions. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In October 2024, Gwara Media &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/crossing-to-safety-evacuation-from-left-bank-of-oskil-river-amidst-russias-push-to-take-kupiansk-again/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;joined&lt;/a&gt; volunteers from the “Nezlamna” charity on an evacuation mission to the left bank of the Oskil River and spoke with people deciding whether to leave or stay amidst frequent Russian attacks. We followed his other evacuation missions as well. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-heading&#34;&gt;Read more&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;ul data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-list&#34;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Russia &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/russia-attacks-kharkivs-critical-infrastructure-disrupting-heating-water-supply/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;attacks&lt;/a&gt; Kharkiv’s critical infrastructure, disrupting heating, water supply&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p data-sanitized-class=&#34;has-background&#34;&gt;Hi! Winter has come, and Russian airstrikes on power infrastructure disrupt our daily lives &amp; work a lot here in Kharkiv. Despite it all, we keep working to bring you reports from the city and the Kharkiv region. Please consider supporting our newsroom with &lt;a href=&#34;https://buymeacoffee.com/gwaramedia&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;a one-time tip&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; or become a &lt;a href=&#34;https://buymeacoffee.com/gwaramedia/membership&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;member of our community&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The post &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/russian-forces-use-fiber-optic-fpv-drone-to-kill-kharkiv-volunteer-during-evacuation-in-donetsk-region/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;Russian forces use fiber optic FPV drone to kill Kharkiv volunteer during evacuation in Donetsk region&lt;/a&gt; appeared first on &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;Gwara Media&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/russian-forces-use-fiber-optic-fpv-drone-to-kill-kharkiv-volunteer-during-evacuation-in-donetsk-region/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>SBU drones hit Krasnodar Krai seaport, Orenburg gas plant, source says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/25/sbu-drones-hit-krasnodar-krai.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 25 Dec 2025 10:49:04 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/25/sbu-drones-hit-krasnodar-krai.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/8613bf239b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;SBU drones hit Krasnodar Krai seaport, Orenburg gas plant, source says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Drones from the &#34;Alpha&#34; Special Operations Center of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) struck the Temryuk Seaport in Krasnodar Krai and a gas processing plant in Orenburg Oblast overnight on Dec. 25, an agency source confirmed to the Kyiv Independent.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/drone-attack-sparks-fire-at-two-oil-tanks-in-russias-krasnodar-krai-port/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>At least 2 killed, 35 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine over past day</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/25/at-least-killed-injured-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 25 Dec 2025 09:20:27 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/25/at-least-killed-injured-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/photo-2025-12-25-10-03-23.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;At least 2 killed, 35 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine over past day&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russia launched 131 drones at Ukraine overnight, the Air Force said. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 106 drones. At least 22 drones made it through, striking 15 locations.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/at-least-2-killed-34-injured-in-russian-attacks-on-ukraine-over-past-day/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>General Staff: Russia has lost 1,201,230 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/25/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 25 Dec 2025 08:17:05 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/25/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/fb090330f6.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;General Staff: Russia has lost 1,201,230 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The number includes 860 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/general-staff-russia-has-lost-1-201-230-troops-in-ukraine-since-feb-24-2022/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Alexander Yuskin</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/25/alexander-yuskin.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 25 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/25/alexander-yuskin.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2003-ppl.webp&#34; alt=&#34;Alexander Yuskin&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2003-ppl.webp&#34; alt=&#34;Alexander Yuskin&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Artillery Officer - Colonel&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Unit:&lt;/strong&gt; Unknown&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Cargo ID:&lt;/strong&gt; #2003&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;English Name:&lt;/strong&gt; Alexander Valerievich Yuskin&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Russian Name:&lt;/strong&gt; Юскин Александр Валерьевич&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Date of Birth:&lt;/strong&gt; November 27, 1978 (age: 47 years)&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Place of Birth:&lt;/strong&gt; Mozhginsk, Udmurtian Republic, Russia&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Date of Death:&lt;/strong&gt; December 25, 2025&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Place of Death:&lt;/strong&gt; Unspecified&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Social Media:&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;a href=&#34;https://vk.com/id388061239&#34;&gt;VK.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Awards:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br&gt;Medal &#34;For Military Valor&#34; 1st Class, &lt;br&gt;Medal &#34;For Military Valor&#34; 2nd Class, &lt;br&gt;Medal &#34;For Distinction in Military Service&#34; 1st Class, &lt;br&gt;Medal &#34;For Distinction in Military Service&#34; 2nd Class, &lt;br&gt;Medal &#34;For Distinction in Military Service&#34; 3rd Class, &lt;br&gt;Badge &#34;Graduation from a Higher Education Institution&#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;figure data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-card kg-gallery-card kg-width-wide&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-container&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-row&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-image&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2003-1.jpg&#34; width=&#34;794&#34; height=&#34;1191&#34; alt=&#34;Alexander Yuskin&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-image&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2003-9.jpg&#34; width=&#34;549&#34; height=&#34;549&#34; alt=&#34;Alexander Yuskin&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-image&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2003-23.jpg&#34; width=&#34;945&#34; height=&#34;1680&#34; alt=&#34;Alexander Yuskin&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-row&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-image&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2003-22.jpg&#34; width=&#34;768&#34; height=&#34;768&#34; alt=&#34;Alexander Yuskin&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-image&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2003-21.jpg&#34; width=&#34;768&#34; height=&#34;768&#34; alt=&#34;Alexander Yuskin&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-image&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2003-20.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1024&#34; height=&#34;683&#34; alt=&#34;Alexander Yuskin&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-row&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-image&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2003-19.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1024&#34; height=&#34;683&#34; alt=&#34;Alexander Yuskin&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-image&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2003-13.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1944&#34; height=&#34;1944&#34; alt=&#34;Alexander Yuskin&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;hr&gt;&lt;h2 data-sanitized-id=&#34;wife&#34;&gt;Wife&lt;/h2&gt;&lt;figure data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-card kg-gallery-card kg-width-wide&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-container&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-row&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-image&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2003-w1.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1154&#34; height=&#34;1299&#34; alt=&#34;Alexander Yuskin&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-image&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2003-w2.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1440&#34; height=&#34;2086&#34; alt=&#34;Alexander Yuskin&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-image&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2003-w3.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1440&#34; height=&#34;1800&#34; alt=&#34;Alexander Yuskin&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-row&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-image&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2003-2-1.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1666&#34; height=&#34;1680&#34; alt=&#34;Alexander Yuskin&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-image&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2003-w4.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1386&#34; height=&#34;2560&#34; alt=&#34;Alexander Yuskin&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-image&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2003-w5.jpg&#34; width=&#34;889&#34; height=&#34;1187&#34; alt=&#34;Alexander Yuskin&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-row&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-image&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2003-8-1.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1080&#34; height=&#34;1080&#34; alt=&#34;Alexander Yuskin&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-image&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2003-f2.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1816&#34; height=&#34;1816&#34; alt=&#34;Alexander Yuskin&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-image&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2003-f7.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1556&#34; height=&#34;2560&#34; alt=&#34;Alexander Yuskin&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;English Name: &lt;/strong&gt;Victoria Yuskina&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Russian Name: &lt;/strong&gt;Виктория Юскина&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Date of Birth: &lt;/strong&gt;August 28th&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Living In: &lt;/strong&gt;Sochi, Krasnodar Krai, Russia&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Social Media:&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;a href=&#34;https://vk.com/aleserge&#34;&gt;VK.com&lt;/a&gt; (1), &lt;a href=&#34;https://vk.com/id409885307&#34;&gt;VK.com&lt;/a&gt; (2)&lt;/p&gt;&lt;figure data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-card kg-gallery-card kg-width-wide kg-card-hascaption&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-container&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-row&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-image&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2003-wsingle.webp&#34; width=&#34;1852&#34; height=&#34;1694&#34; alt=&#34;Alexander Yuskin&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;figcaption&gt;&lt;p dir=&#34;ltr&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;It didn&#39;t take long for Victoria to change her marital status to &#34;single&#34;. Even as the last image on her wall is the memorial candle for her late husband.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;figure data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-card kg-gallery-card kg-width-wide&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-container&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-row&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-image&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2003-25.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1512&#34; height=&#34;1512&#34; alt=&#34;Alexander Yuskin&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-image&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2003-24.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1944&#34; height=&#34;1944&#34; alt=&#34;Alexander Yuskin&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-image&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2003-18.jpg&#34; width=&#34;996&#34; height=&#34;1080&#34; alt=&#34;Alexander Yuskin&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-row&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-image&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2003-17.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1080&#34; height=&#34;1080&#34; alt=&#34;Alexander Yuskin&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-image&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2003-16.jpg&#34; width=&#34;923&#34; height=&#34;1181&#34; alt=&#34;Alexander Yuskin&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-image&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2003-15.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1512&#34; height=&#34;1512&#34; alt=&#34;Alexander Yuskin&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-row&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-image&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2003-14.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1512&#34; height=&#34;1512&#34; alt=&#34;Alexander Yuskin&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-image&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2003-7.jpg&#34; width=&#34;960&#34; height=&#34;1280&#34; alt=&#34;Alexander Yuskin&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-image&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2003-6.jpg&#34; width=&#34;960&#34; height=&#34;1280&#34; alt=&#34;Alexander Yuskin&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;figure data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-card kg-gallery-card kg-width-wide&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-container&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-row&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-image&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2003-f1-1.jpg&#34; width=&#34;2000&#34; height=&#34;2000&#34; alt=&#34;Alexander Yuskin&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-image&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2003-3-1.jpg&#34; width=&#34;960&#34; height=&#34;1280&#34; alt=&#34;Alexander Yuskin&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-image&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2003-4-1.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1153&#34; height=&#34;2560&#34; alt=&#34;Alexander Yuskin&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-row&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-image&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2003-f3.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1153&#34; height=&#34;2560&#34; alt=&#34;Alexander Yuskin&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-image&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2003-f6.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1153&#34; height=&#34;2560&#34; alt=&#34;Alexander Yuskin&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-image&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2003-f5.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1153&#34; height=&#34;2560&#34; alt=&#34;Alexander Yuskin&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-row&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-image&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2003-5.jpg&#34; width=&#34;960&#34; height=&#34;1280&#34; alt=&#34;Alexander Yuskin&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-image&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2003-11-1.jpg&#34; width=&#34;960&#34; height=&#34;1280&#34; alt=&#34;Alexander Yuskin&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-image&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2003-10-1.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1231&#34; height=&#34;1231&#34; alt=&#34;Alexander Yuskin&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;figure data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-card kg-gallery-card kg-width-wide&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-container&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-row&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-image&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2003-s1.jpg&#34; width=&#34;960&#34; height=&#34;1280&#34; alt=&#34;Alexander Yuskin&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-image&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2003-f7-1.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1556&#34; height=&#34;2560&#34; alt=&#34;Alexander Yuskin&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-image&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2003-f4.jpg&#34; width=&#34;2000&#34; height=&#34;2000&#34; alt=&#34;Alexander Yuskin&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-row&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-image&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2003-w7.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1440&#34; height=&#34;2560&#34; alt=&#34;Alexander Yuskin&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-image&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2003-w6.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1448&#34; height=&#34;1448&#34; alt=&#34;Alexander Yuskin&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;hr&gt;&lt;figure data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-card kg-gallery-card kg-width-wide&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-container&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-row&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-image&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2003-sr.png&#34; width=&#34;596&#34; height=&#34;1064&#34; alt=&#34;Alexander Yuskin&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-image&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2003-se.png&#34; width=&#34;606&#34; height=&#34;1080&#34; alt=&#34;Alexander Yuskin&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://topcargo200.com/2003/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>How Russia could use any &amp;quot;free zone&amp;quot; against Ukraine #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/24/how-russia-could-use-any.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 24 Dec 2025 22:30:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/24/how-russia-could-use-any.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/951a3f69f0.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;How Russia could use any &amp;quot;free zone&amp;quot; against Ukraine #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/G42rfLs7LIU&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russian officials claim 16 drones headed for Moscow were downed on Christmas Eve</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/24/russian-officials-claim-drones-headed.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 24 Dec 2025 21:53:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/24/russian-officials-claim-drones-headed.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2250006112.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian officials claim 16 drones headed for Moscow were downed on Christmas Eve&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russia&#39;s Defense Ministry reported that between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. Moscow time on Dec. 24, its air defense systems intercepted and destroyed 132 Ukrainian drones.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-officials-claim-16-drones-headed-for-moscow-were-downed-on-christmas-eve/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Poland builds &amp;quot;Eastern Shield&amp;quot;: a new observation tower with radar #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/24/poland-builds-quoteastern-shieldquot-a.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 24 Dec 2025 21:30:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/24/poland-builds-quoteastern-shieldquot-a.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/09becfa3d9.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Poland builds &amp;quot;Eastern Shield&amp;quot;: a new observation tower with radar #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/54R3NXTEx48&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>NEWSFLASH: Unknown object in Ukrainian airspace</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/24/newsflash-unknown-object-in-ukrainian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 24 Dec 2025 21:08:14 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/24/newsflash-unknown-object-in-ukrainian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f5a82e9e2-a.png&#34; alt=&#34;NEWSFLASH: Unknown object in Ukrainian airspace&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!QxRQ!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1740f64f-8772-49c9-9c8a-5482eecc8f96_1500x500.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f1740f64f-8.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;485&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/1740f64f-8772-49c9-9c8a-5482eecc8f96_1500x500.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:485,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:true,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; fetchpriority=&#34;high&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor’s Note:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Wishing you a peaceful Christmas from all of us at &lt;em&gt;The Counteroffensive&lt;/em&gt;. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Tim and Tania spent Christmas Eve with the Khartiia Brigrade in the Kharkiv region of northeastern Ukraine. More on that soon.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This year, Christmas in Ukraine looks different, quieter in some ways, heavier in others. For our team, it’s a day marked between air raid alerts, frontline updates, and calls home, holding on to small traditions where we can: shared meals, candles, familiar songs, even when the lights go out.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you’re able, consider supporting our work this holiday season. Upgrading to a paid subscription helps keep our reporting going through the winter, funding electricity, safety, and the ability to stay on the ground telling Ukraine’s story as it unfolds.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Your support is the best gift you can give us this Christmas.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Get Full Access!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Get Full Access!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Hit our Tip Jar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Hit our Tip Jar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Our team was traveling to our hometowns today when suddenly, at around 8 p.m., our publication detected an unidentified object in Ukraine’s airspace. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It was flying at high speed, maneuvering around residential buildings.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Our reporters assess there was a person inside.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f5a82e9e2-a.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/de6e70d145.png&#34; width=&#34;444&#34; height=&#34;508.03846153846155&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/5a82e9e2-a804-4e47-988d-0ee85dfe4407_832x952.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:952,&#34;width&#34;:832,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:444,&#34;bytes&#34;:1371699,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:&#34;image/png&#34;,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:&#34;[www.counteroffensive.news/i/1823102...](https://www.counteroffensive.news/i/182310254?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5a82e9e2-a804-4e47-988d-0ee85dfe4407_832x952.png)&#34;,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) screenshot of this unidentified object.&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Identifying features:&lt;/strong&gt; a large belly, a red suit, a white beard, and repeated vocalizations of “Ho, ho, ho.” &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The object was accompanied by around a dozen four-legged associates.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The object is expected to leave Ukraine’s airspace shortly and continue toward Europe before reaching North America. We will keep a close eye on how events unfold on the ground in Kyiv.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;The Counteroffensive &lt;/em&gt;reached out to Ukraine’s air defense for comment; however, it received no response at the time of publication. No response was received from NORAD either.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;However, our sources &lt;strong&gt;can&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;strong&gt;confirm&lt;/strong&gt; that air defense was temporarily paused over the country until the object leaves the airspace.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you obtain any information that can help us identify the person in a sleigh, please contact our editor-in-chief, Tim Mak, via his work email: &lt;a href=&#34;mailto:tim@counteroffensive.news&#34;&gt;tim@counteroffensive.news&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Stay safe out there and Merry Christmas! &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Thank you for being with us during this difficult year.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;SECRET SANTA:&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Christmas spirit is knocking on the door. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;On this festive Christmas Eve, we invite you behind the scenes of The Counteroffensive for a glimpse of how we celebrated Secret Santa in our newsroom.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Our team took a brief break from the headlines to exchange warm wishes and thoughtful gifts. Even with a war outside, we found a little magic inside. ❤️🎁&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Check out this video: &lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-component-name=&#34;VideoPlaceholder&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;mediaUploadId&#34;:&#34;26349ab0-a1dc-4348-b8bb-023d512fa624&#34;,&#34;duration&#34;:null}&#39; data-sanitized-class=&#34;native-video-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Best,&lt;br&gt;The Counteroffensive team&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h4&gt;NEWS OF THE DAY: &lt;/h4&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!6B8y!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F8004cfeb-0c72-487c-a035-f029f751f268_1600x1066.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f8004cfeb-0.jpg&#34; width=&#34;504&#34; height=&#34;335.7692307692308&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/8004cfeb-0c72-487c-a035-f029f751f268_1600x1066.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:970,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:504,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy on December 22, 2025. (Photo by Danylo Antoniuk/Ukrinform/NurPhoto via Getty Images)&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;NEWSFLASH: Zelenskyy preps referendum on peace deal: &lt;/strong&gt;Ukraine may decide to hold presidential elections and include during that process a referendum on a proposed peace deal, Zelenskyy said during a conversation with journalists.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A referendum can be held simultaneously with the elections if a 60-day ceasefire is implemented, Zelenskyy said, according to &lt;a href=&#34;https://hromadske.ua/en/ukraine/256910-zelensky-says-ukraine-can-hold-a-referendum-on-the-peace-plan-under-what-conditions&#34;&gt;Hromadske&lt;/a&gt;. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Here’s the current proposal by the US and Ukraine, consisting of a 20 point peace plan&lt;a href=&#34;https://suspilne.media/1196954-zelenskij-vperse-rozpoviv-pro-20-punktiv-bazovogo-dokumenta-pro-zakincenna-vijni/&#34;&gt;,&lt;/a&gt; according to Suspilne: the deal &lt;a href=&#34;https://suspilne.media/1196954-zelenskij-vperse-rozpoviv-pro-20-punktiv-bazovogo-dokumenta-pro-zakincenna-vijni/&#34;&gt;stipulates&lt;/a&gt; that the size of the Ukrainian army will remain at 800,000; the US, NATO, and Europe will provide Ukraine with security guarantees that are similar in nature to Article 5; and Russia will withdraw its troops from the Dnipropetrovsk, Mykolaiv, Sumy, and Kharkiv regions.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The most contested issue in the proposed peace plan is territorial control, with two options available: &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A) The current line of contact would remain. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;B) A free economic zone would be established in part of eastern Ukraine as a de facto demilitarized area. International forces would be stationed in this zone to ensure its security.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Russia has not commented on this version of the plan yet, but has already &lt;a href=&#34;https://newsukraine.rbc.ua/news/russia-rejects-and-wants-to-rewrite-20-point-1766592818.html&#34;&gt;rejected&lt;/a&gt; the 20 point plan as merely a “starting point” that needs changes. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor’s Note:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Wishing you a peaceful Christmas from all of us at &lt;em&gt;The Counteroffensive&lt;/em&gt;. Tim and Nastia spent Christmas Eve with the Khartiia Brigrade in the Kharkiv region. More on that soon.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This year, Christmas in Ukraine looks different, quieter in some ways, heavier in others. For our team, it’s a day marked between air raid alerts, frontline updates, and calls home, holding on to small traditions where we can: shared meals, candles, familiar songs, even when the lights go out.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you’re able, consider supporting our work this holiday season. Upgrading to a paid subscription helps keep our reporting going through the winter, funding electricity, safety, and the ability to stay on the ground telling Ukraine’s story as it unfolds.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Your support is the best gift you can give us this Christmas.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Get Full Access!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:&#34;button-wrapper&#34;}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Get Full Access!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Hit our Tip Jar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:&#34;button-wrapper&#34;}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Hit our Tip Jar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/newsflash-unknown-object-in-ukrainian&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>20 points of peace: chance for Ukraine or step toward dangerous compromise?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/24/points-of-peace-chance-for.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 24 Dec 2025 21:00:38 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/24/points-of-peace-chance-for.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/75d2c23a30.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;20 points of peace: chance for Ukraine or step toward dangerous compromise?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcZMk-ySpwo&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>🔥The Armed Forces of Ukraine control the north of Pokrovsk and eliminate the enemy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/24/the-armed-forces-of-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 24 Dec 2025 20:30:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/24/the-armed-forces-of-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/45c694f647.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🔥The Armed Forces of Ukraine control the north of Pokrovsk and eliminate the enemy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Ok-ZezdRJyQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>POLAND BUILDS &amp;quot;TUSK LINE&amp;quot;! Putin sells GOLD to China for $1 BILLION to survive!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/24/poland-builds-quottusk-linequot-putin.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 24 Dec 2025 19:01:05 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/24/poland-builds-quottusk-linequot-putin.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/14337b2dac.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;POLAND BUILDS &amp;quot;TUSK LINE&amp;quot;! Putin sells GOLD to China for $1 BILLION to survive!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqpMCPDcPMs&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russian propaganda 2025: Europe – &amp;amp;quot;a dumping ground for warring countries&amp;amp;quot; #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/24/russian-propaganda-europe-ampquota-dumping.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 24 Dec 2025 18:33:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/24/russian-propaganda-europe-ampquota-dumping.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/d5df1674f2.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian propaganda 2025: Europe – &amp;quot;a dumping ground for warring countries&amp;quot; #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/bFEsZFhr5ZQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Is Russia preparing Europe for war? Kremlin propaganda has crossed the line</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/24/is-russia-preparing-europe-for.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 24 Dec 2025 18:01:31 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/24/is-russia-preparing-europe-for.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/e6ecfc07a7.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Is Russia preparing Europe for war? Kremlin propaganda has crossed the line&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHhCOQd_t9A&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>&#39;May he perish,&#39; — Zelensky voices Ukrainians&#39; wish in his Christmas Eve address</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/24/may-he-perish-zelensky-voices.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 24 Dec 2025 17:51:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/24/may-he-perish-zelensky-voices.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/d3c107b3eade57643123ae336640f8b4-1766583415-extra-large.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;May he perish,&#39; — Zelensky voices Ukrainians&#39; wish in his Christmas Eve address&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;&#39;May he perish,&#39; each of us may think to ourselves,&#34; Zelensky said, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin. &#34;But when we turn to God, of course, we ask for something greater. We ask for peace for Ukraine.&#34;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/may-he-perish-zelensky-voices-ukrainians-wish-in-his-christmas-eve-address/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>&#39;Medieval raids&#39; — fear, uncertainty in Ukraine&#39;s Sumy Oblast border region</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/24/medieval-raids-fear-uncertainty-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 24 Dec 2025 17:30:26 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/24/medieval-raids-fear-uncertainty-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/upd-gettyimages-2226726661.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;Medieval raids&#39; — fear, uncertainty in Ukraine&#39;s Sumy Oblast border region&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As Ukraine’s future is debated in distant conference rooms and Ukrainians prepare to mark another wartime Christmas, dozens of residents of a small border village in Sumy Oblast have vanished across the Russian border — taken by force from their homes, with no idea about what awaits them&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/what-is-happening-to-a-village-in-ukraines-sumy-oblast-after-russia-deported-its-residents/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>❗️20 points of peace: Zelenskyy reveals key political document of the war #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/24/points-of-peace-zelenskyy-reveals.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 24 Dec 2025 17:30:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/24/points-of-peace-zelenskyy-reveals.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/cc6f978080.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️20 points of peace: Zelenskyy reveals key political document of the war #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/EeKvab_Hzec&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>&amp;amp;quot;THAT HE PERISH&amp;amp;quot;: we all share one dream, — Zelenskyy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/24/ampquotthat-he-perishampquot-we-all.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 24 Dec 2025 17:00:23 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/24/ampquotthat-he-perishampquot-we-all.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/8e1892457d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&amp;quot;THAT HE PERISH&amp;quot;: we all share one dream, — Zelenskyy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Fz7uLkCcIos&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine election poll shows tight first round, decisive Zaluzhnyi runoff win over Zelensky</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/24/ukraine-election-poll-shows-tight.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 24 Dec 2025 16:50:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/24/ukraine-election-poll-shows-tight.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/photo-collage-png-1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine election poll shows tight first round, decisive Zaluzhnyi runoff win over Zelensky&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;In a hypothetical runoff between the two, Zaluzhnyi would secure a decisive victory, winning 64% of the vote compared to Zelensky&#39;s 36%, according to the poll.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-election-poll-shows-tight-first-round-decisive-zaluzhnyi-runoff-win-over-zelensky/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>💫 Today we all share one dream, and this wish we make as one for everyone, — Zelenskyy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/24/today-we-all-share-one.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 24 Dec 2025 16:48:40 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/24/today-we-all-share-one.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/e9106cba76.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;💫 Today we all share one dream, and this wish we make as one for everyone, — Zelenskyy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/SXbqvXguUao&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Christmas of strength and unity: Address by the President of Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/24/christmas-of-strength-and-unity.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 24 Dec 2025 16:41:59 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/24/christmas-of-strength-and-unity.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/a2bab5274a.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Christmas of strength and unity: Address by the President of Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paAeZCvfcgM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Why Russia sent Ukrainian children to North Korea, explained</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/24/why-russia-sent-ukrainian-children.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 24 Dec 2025 16:03:20 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/24/why-russia-sent-ukrainian-children.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/kateryna-raschevska-2-5-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Why Russia sent Ukrainian children to North Korea, explained&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Kyiv Independent’s Myroslava Chauin speaks with Kateryna Rashevska, a legal expert at the Regional Center for Human Rights and a children’s rights activist, about evidence that Ukrainian children from Russian-occupied territories were transferred to a children’s camp in North Korea.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/why-russia-sent-ukrainian-children-to-north-korea-explained/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>POLAND BUILDS &amp;amp;quot;TUSK LINE&amp;amp;quot;! Putin sells GOLD to China for $1 BILLION to survive!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/24/poland-builds-ampquottusk-lineampquot-putin.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 24 Dec 2025 16:00:59 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/24/poland-builds-ampquottusk-lineampquot-putin.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/840d2251c8.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;POLAND BUILDS &amp;quot;TUSK LINE&amp;quot;! Putin sells GOLD to China for $1 BILLION to survive!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S84FfI0zApw&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Odesa father who lost family in drone strike survives second attack: ‘This time feels different’</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/24/odesa-father-who-lost-family.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 24 Dec 2025 15:14:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/24/odesa-father-who-lost-family.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2056106288.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Odesa father who lost family in drone strike survives second attack: ‘This time feels different’&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;When a Shahed drone struck Serhii Haidarzhy’s home in Odesa on Dec. 13, it was the second time in less than two years that a Russian weapon had shattered his life.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The first attack, on March 2, 2024, &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/5-ukrainian-children-killed-single-russian-attack/&#34;&gt;killed 12 people&lt;/a&gt;, including his wife, Anna Haidarzhy, and his&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/odesa-father-who-lost-family-in-drone-strike-survives-second-attack-this-time-feels-different/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>ZELENSKYY&#39;S 20 POINTS: NATO Article 5 &amp;amp;amp; 800,000-strong army! Strikes on ZAPORIZHZHIA and CHERNIHIV</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/24/zelenskyys-points-nato-article-ampamp.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 24 Dec 2025 15:01:09 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/24/zelenskyys-points-nato-article-ampamp.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/1fd2c5cbc0.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;ZELENSKYY&#39;S 20 POINTS: NATO Article 5 &amp;amp; 800,000-strong army! Strikes on ZAPORIZHZHIA and CHERNIHIV&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zyj2eCrOJKE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukraine on track to receive total of 3 million FPV drones in 2025, defense minister says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/24/ukraine-on-track-to-receive.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 24 Dec 2025 14:57:36 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/24/ukraine-on-track-to-receive.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/b4ba35f9f5.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine on track to receive total of 3 million FPV drones in 2025, defense minister says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;The role of unmanned systems on the battlefield is growing, and therefore the production of innovative instruments of war is our number one priority,&#34; Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-on-track-to-receive-total-of-3-million-fpv-drones-in-2025/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Moscow explosion kills 2 Russian police officers tied to Ukrainian POW abuse, intelligence source says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/24/moscow-explosion-kills-russian-police.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 24 Dec 2025 13:27:49 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/24/moscow-explosion-kills-russian-police.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/dwdqwdqd.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Moscow explosion kills 2 Russian police officers tied to Ukrainian POW abuse, intelligence source says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukrainian intelligence sources said the officers had previously taken part in Russia&#39;s war against Ukraine and were implicated in the abuse of Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs).&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/2-russian-police-officers-involved-in-ukrainian-pow-torture-killed-in-moscow-explosion-sources-say/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>2025 in 25 features from the Kyiv Independent</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/24/in-features-from-the-kyiv.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 24 Dec 2025 13:23:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/24/in-features-from-the-kyiv.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2222752346.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;2025 in 25 features from the Kyiv Independent&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;As we enter 2026, here are 25 articles that reflected the year, from the rollercoaster of U.S. President Donald Trump&#39;s foreign policy to continued Russian attacks on the front line and hundreds of miles beyond.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/2025-ukraine-in-25-articles/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Territories and Zaporizhzhia plant — where US, Ukraine still can&#39;t find agreement</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/24/territories-and-zaporizhzhia-plant-where.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 24 Dec 2025 12:26:34 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/24/territories-and-zaporizhzhia-plant-where.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2230840759.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Territories and Zaporizhzhia plant — where US, Ukraine still can&#39;t find agreement&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As President Volodymyr Zelensky unveiled details of a U.S.-Ukraine draft peace plan on Dec. 24, aimed at ending Russia&#39;s full-scale war, two key provisions remain unresolved.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The disagreements center on provisions 12 and 14 of the 20-point &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-reveals-20-point-peace-plan-draft-backed-by-ukraine-us/&#34;&gt;proposal&lt;/a&gt;. Both deal with issues Kyiv calls existential: territories&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/where-russia-ukraine-still-cant-find-agreement/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Poll shows 55% of Russians expect war to end in 2026 — and want life back to &#39;normal&#39;</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/24/poll-shows-of-russians-expect.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 24 Dec 2025 09:52:17 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/24/poll-shows-of-russians-expect.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/baddc9beed.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Poll shows 55% of Russians expect war to end in 2026 — and want life back to &#39;normal&#39;&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;While many respondents expressed hopes for an end to the fighting, they largely expect it to conclude on terms &#34;proclaimed as its goals,&#34; reflecting continued alignment with the Kremlin&#39;s narrative.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/poll-shows-55-of-russians-expect-war-to-end-in-2026/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Zelensky reveals full 20-point peace plan draft backed by Ukraine, US</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/24/zelensky-reveals-full-point-peace.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 24 Dec 2025 09:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/24/zelensky-reveals-full-point-peace.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/f71f3e576b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky reveals full 20-point peace plan draft backed by Ukraine, US&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;After weeks of talks, Ukraine and the U.S. have prepared a draft of the revised peace plan to end Russia’s full-scale war.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The initial &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/a-plan-of-capitulation-us-push-for-controversial-peace-plan-met-with-backlash-in-ukraine/&#34;&gt;28-point plan&lt;/a&gt;, which effectively pushed Ukraine toward capitulation, has been reworked into a 20-point framework, which President &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/volodymyr-zelensky/&#34;&gt;Volodymyr Zelensky&lt;/a&gt; presented to journalists.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-reveals-20-point-peace-plan-draft-backed-by-ukraine-us/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>General Staff: Russia has lost 1,200,370 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/24/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 24 Dec 2025 08:53:17 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/24/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/cab739ffea.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;General Staff: Russia has lost 1,200,370 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The number includes 1,090 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/general-staff-russia-has-lost-1-200-370-troops-in-ukraine-since-feb-24-2022/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russian rubber plant catches fire after reported attack in Tula oblast, locals say</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/24/russian-rubber-plant-catches-fire.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 24 Dec 2025 06:31:16 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/24/russian-rubber-plant-catches-fire.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/screenshot-2025-12-23-at-11-27-34-pm.png&#34; alt=&#34;Russian rubber plant catches fire after reported attack in Tula oblast, locals say&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;A synthetic rubber factory in Russia&#39;s Tula region was attacked and caught fire overnight on Dec. 24, according to local residents and regional officials.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-rubber-plant-catches-fire-after-reported-attack-in-tula-oblast-locals-say/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Chornobyl protective structure could collapse following Russian strikes, plant director warns</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/24/chornobyl-protective-structure-could-collapse.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 23 Dec 2025 23:23:51 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/24/chornobyl-protective-structure-could-collapse.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/6561cb92e5.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Chornobyl protective structure could collapse following Russian strikes, plant director warns&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;No one can guarantee that the shelter facility will remain standing after that. That is the main threat,&#34; plant director Serhii Tarakanov said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/chornobyl-protective-structure-could-collapse-following-russian-strikes-plant-director-warns/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russia escalates openly: abducts civilians and intensifies terror</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/24/russia-escalates-openly-abducts-civilians.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 23 Dec 2025 23:00:05 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/24/russia-escalates-openly-abducts-civilians.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/f09875d645.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia escalates openly: abducts civilians and intensifies terror&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3u3UBhGl60o&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>THE WEST signals: Putin is AGAINST peace! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/23/the-west-signals-putin-is.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 23 Dec 2025 22:01:03 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/23/the-west-signals-putin-is.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/110852c2c2.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;THE WEST signals: Putin is AGAINST peace! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/mF7Go9J08VI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukrainian drone attack in Russia&#39;s Belgorod Oblast kills 1, injures 3, governor claims</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/23/ukrainian-drone-attack-in-russias.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 23 Dec 2025 21:54:20 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/23/ukrainian-drone-attack-in-russias.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/screenshot-2025-12-23-at-3-15-03-pm.png&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian drone attack in Russia&#39;s Belgorod Oblast kills 1, injures 3, governor claims&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;A Ukrainian drone attack in Russia&#39;s Belgorod Oblast killed one person and injured three others, Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov claimed late on Dec. 23.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-drone-attack-in-russias-belgorod-oblast-kills-1-injures-3-governor-claims/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>DRAFT agreements ready! Ukraine will NEVER be an obstacle to peace, says Zelenskyy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/23/draft-agreements-ready-ukraine-will.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 23 Dec 2025 21:30:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/23/draft-agreements-ready-ukraine-will.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/79924ddf28.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;DRAFT agreements ready! Ukraine will NEVER be an obstacle to peace, says Zelenskyy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/6qs96OWt1lw&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>No peace? Putin lies to the world while preparing new war!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/23/no-peace-putin-lies-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 23 Dec 2025 21:00:04 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/23/no-peace-putin-lies-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/cd4bab2f52.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;No peace? Putin lies to the world while preparing new war!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qn1J0roJbU&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Attack on NATO? Russians plan to use BELARUS! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/23/attack-on-nato-russians-plan.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 23 Dec 2025 20:00:29 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/23/attack-on-nato-russians-plan.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/09dbc41bd8.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Attack on NATO? Russians plan to use BELARUS! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/YPZkqKq1104&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Philanthropist Howard Buffett travels to Kupiansk suburb in Kharkiv Oblast to help evacuate civilians</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/23/philanthropist-howard-buffett-travels-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 23 Dec 2025 19:24:12 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/23/philanthropist-howard-buffett-travels-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/694a5d12e2688271663066.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Philanthropist Howard Buffett travels to Kupiansk suburb in Kharkiv Oblast to help evacuate civilians&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Buffett received a state award from President Volodymyr Zelensky in 2024, naming him a &#34;National Legend of Ukraine.&#34;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/philanthropist-howard-buffett-travels-to-kupiansk-suburb-in-kharkiv-oblast-to-help-evacuate-civilians/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine set to count voters, preparing for potential elections during war</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/23/ukraine-set-to-count-voters.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 23 Dec 2025 19:16:19 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/23/ukraine-set-to-count-voters.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/f457c5079b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine set to count voters, preparing for potential elections during war&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;Updating the voter register is one of the fundamental conditions for holding any elections,&#34; said David Arakhamia, leader of the Servant of the People faction. &#34;The war has had a significant impact on demographic indicators, and this must be reflected in the register.&#34;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-resumes-work-of-state-voter-register-for-first-time-since-start-of-russias-all-out-war/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Chart of the week: What did Ukrainians search online in 2025?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/23/chart-of-the-week-what.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 23 Dec 2025 19:10:19 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/23/chart-of-the-week-what.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/what-ukrainians-googled-take2-02.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Chart of the week: What did Ukrainians search online in 2025?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This year saw Donald Trump&#39;s return to the presidency, a shouting match with President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office, and the famed U.S.-Ukraine &#34;minerals deal.&#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;There were &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/peace-negotiations/&#34;&gt;talks&lt;/a&gt; in Istanbul, Alaska, Miami, Geneva — almost Budapest — and peace plans of all shapes&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/chart-of-the-week-what-did-ukrainians-search-online-in-2025/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Switzerland extradites Ukrainian over Russian-backed sabotage plot</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/23/200925.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 23 Dec 2025 19:09:25 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/23/200925.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2151301447-1-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Switzerland extradites Ukrainian over Russian-backed sabotage plot&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The suspect was arrested in Switzerland in May. Two other participants of the alleged plot were also arrested in Germany the same month.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/switzerland-extradites-ukrainian-over-russian-backed-sabotage-plot/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>⚡️ CRIMEA UNDER FIRE! UKRAINE STRIKES BELBEK — RUSSIA THREATENS WITH &amp;amp;quot;ORESHNIK&amp;amp;quot; FROM BELARUS</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/23/crimea-under-fire-ukraine-strikes.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 23 Dec 2025 19:00:41 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/23/crimea-under-fire-ukraine-strikes.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/2cc4f80a19.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡️ CRIMEA UNDER FIRE! UKRAINE STRIKES BELBEK — RUSSIA THREATENS WITH &amp;quot;ORESHNIK&amp;quot; FROM BELARUS&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHCzRldw-oM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Putin issued a decree. Now, thousands of Ukrainians face losing their homes</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/23/putin-issued-a-decree-now.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 23 Dec 2025 18:56:04 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/23/putin-issued-a-decree-now.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2225523089.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Putin issued a decree. Now, thousands of Ukrainians face losing their homes&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor&#39;s note: The names of some of those from Russian-occupied Ukraine have been changed for security reasons.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;With one decree, Russian President Vladimir Putin this month effectively legalized property theft in Ukraine&#39;s occupied territories.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The new law allows the &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/russian-occupation/&#34;&gt;occupational&lt;/a&gt; authorities to seize residential premises that&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/putin-issued-a-decree-now-thousands-of-ukrainians-face-losing-their-homes/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian man spying for Belarus sentenced to 15 years in prison</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/23/ukrainian-man-spying-for-belarus.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 23 Dec 2025 18:37:33 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/23/ukrainian-man-spying-for-belarus.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2018752931.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian man spying for Belarus sentenced to 15 years in prison&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The 24-year-old unemployed man was recruited by Belarusian State Security Committee (KGB) to spy on Ukraine&#39;s northern borders.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/sbu-detained-and-sentenced-belarusian-spy-in-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>JUST IN! Russia has moved to &amp;amp;quot;zero phase&amp;amp;quot; of preparations for WAR with NATO #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/23/just-in-russia-has-moved.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 23 Dec 2025 18:30:09 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/23/just-in-russia-has-moved.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/f0792c304d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;JUST IN! Russia has moved to &amp;quot;zero phase&amp;quot; of preparations for WAR with NATO #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/R8YWQaY_Q2Q&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia already at the starting line! Kremlin cuts preparations for war with NATO</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/23/russia-already-at-the-starting.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 23 Dec 2025 18:05:41 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/23/russia-already-at-the-starting.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/0c447cc058.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia already at the starting line! Kremlin cuts preparations for war with NATO&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ms1gBoETGK0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine withdraws from Siversk, Donetsk Oblast, General Staff says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/23/ukraine-withdraws-from-siversk-donetsk.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 23 Dec 2025 17:33:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/23/ukraine-withdraws-from-siversk-donetsk.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/a358fc6891.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine withdraws from Siversk, Donetsk Oblast, General Staff says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukrainian soldiers withdrew from the settlement &#34;in order to save lives and maintain the combat capability of units.&#34;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-military-withdraw-from-siversk-the-general-staff-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>⚡️ PORTUGAL AND UKRAINE BUILDING A SEA DRONE FLEET! JD Vance announces BREAKTHROUGH in Miami</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/23/portugal-and-ukraine-building-a.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 23 Dec 2025 17:01:16 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/23/portugal-and-ukraine-building-a.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/2379416c78.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡️ PORTUGAL AND UKRAINE BUILDING A SEA DRONE FLEET! JD Vance announces BREAKTHROUGH in Miami&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lms0yNAS6Jw&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Serbia reaches deal to buy Russian gas until March</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/23/serbia-reaches-deal-to-buy.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 23 Dec 2025 16:40:42 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/23/serbia-reaches-deal-to-buy.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/e978be0f68.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Serbia reaches deal to buy Russian gas until March&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Serbia and Russia have not yet agreed on a long-term gas supply contract. The previous three-year contract expired earlier this year.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/serbia-reaches-deal-to-buy-russian-gas-until-march/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Carol of the Bells: the song that made the world speak about Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/23/carol-of-the-bells-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 23 Dec 2025 16:22:24 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/23/carol-of-the-bells-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/screenshot-2024-12-05-at-19-04-09.png&#34; alt=&#34;Carol of the Bells: the song that made the world speak about Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;About the author: Mariana Hirniak is a journalist and public speaker on Ukrainian culture and history.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In early 1919, when Ukraine&#39;s pleas for recognition were falling on largely deaf ears, it dispatched not only diplomats to Europe, but also a choir.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Led by conductor Oleksandr Koshyts, the Ukrainian&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/carol-of-the-bells-the-song-that-made-the-world-speak-about-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>TRUMP: Negotiations to END the war between Ukraine and Russia are progressing! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/23/trump-negotiations-to-end-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 23 Dec 2025 15:30:34 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/23/trump-negotiations-to-end-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/b94c2e6089.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;TRUMP: Negotiations to END the war between Ukraine and Russia are progressing! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ZY2q-d-0Ekw&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia incinerates birthplace of famous Christmas song</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/23/russia-incinerates-birthplace-of-famous.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 23 Dec 2025 15:09:29 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/23/russia-incinerates-birthplace-of-famous.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f86cc2bb4-5.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia incinerates birthplace of famous Christmas song&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!qA1o!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3252d549-6e66-4f19-a84d-91368496232d_1500x500.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f3252d549-6.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;485&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/3252d549-6e66-4f19-a84d-91368496232d_1500x500.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:485,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:true,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; fetchpriority=&#34;high&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor’s Note:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;This Christmas season, support a team conducting journalism in the harshest conditions. Your subscription goes directly to things that keep us safe: body armor, batteries, first aid kits – keeping our reporting going.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;If you find our work valuable, subscribe. Independent reporting depends on readers like you.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Get Full Access!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Get Full Access!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Tip Jar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Tip Jar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;“[The enemy] is destroying the home where such a great song was created that inspires everyone…Yes, it was born in Pokrovsk,” priest Oleksandr Soldatenko said of one of the world’s most well-known Christmas carols.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The birthplace of that song, he said, is now “soaked in blood.” You will likely remember this tune:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-component-name=&#34;VideoPlaceholder&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;mediaUploadId&#34;:&#34;b2630283-7c17-41a8-8ad5-638bc73c1a38&#34;,&#34;duration&#34;:null}&#39; data-sanitized-class=&#34;native-video-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Video: YouTube/Libera Official&lt;/em&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A few years ago, Oleksandr remembered Pokrovsk as a city where ‘Shchedryk’ echoed through the streets — the Ukrainian song the world knows as ‘Carol of the Bells.’&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Today, as the world hums a familiar melody, the city is silent except for the sound of explosions. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!o9tO!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fcba30db2-3e79-4aa3-82cc-6e486015d07f_954x960.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fcba30db2-3.jpg&#34; width=&#34;388&#34; height=&#34;390.44025157232704&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/cba30db2-3e79-4aa3-82cc-6e486015d07f_954x960.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:960,&#34;width&#34;:954,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:388,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Priest Oleksandr Soldatenko. Photo provided by him to The Counteroffensive.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;For nearly one and a half years, Pokrovsk, a key logistical hub in the Donetsk region and the birthplace of the famous carol, has been in the middle of one of the fiercest battles on the front lines. Russians have surrounded it from three sides, infiltrating the city center and capturing it district by district.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Life there has become unbearable: the gas supply has been cut off, and houses, if they have not already been destroyed, are left without electricity and water, forcing thousands of citizens like Oleksandr to flee.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This year, the city of the carol will likely mark its last Christmas under Ukrainian flags before it is completely reduced to ashes. Its fall would carry political weight: it could deepen Donald Trump’s doubts about Ukraine’s ability to hold the Donetsk region, increasing pressure on Kyiv in any future negotiations.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;However, at Christmas time, its significance transcends politics. The destruction of Pokrovsk would be a loss not only for Ukraine but for the whole world, marking the erasure of a global cultural cradle.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;id&#34;:423155}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;PollToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;poll-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Oleksandr heard Shchedryk, as Ukrainians call it, for the first time in his grandmother’s house when he was a small child. In Pokrovsk, as in any other region of Ukraine, children dressed up during Christmas celebrations and knocked on neighbors’ doors to sing carols in exchange for small gifts like candy, food, or money.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“I remember how we had pockets full of candy, a good mood, and relatives even gave me some money. It was very exciting because you could buy something,” Oleksandr said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Back then, though, he had no idea that the song he was singing had been born in the same city he was.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Oleksandr recalls Pokrovsk as a city that embodied peace, harmony, and development. It was a city of miners, railway workers, and ordinary people who enjoyed stability in their lives. Oleksandr was among them, raising two daughters with the love of his life.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f86cc2bb4-5.jpg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/a66a2d685b.jpg&#34; width=&#34;560&#34; height=&#34;312.72727272727275&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/86cc2bb4-50f5-4b7b-a4f8-38152560b015_770x430.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:430,&#34;width&#34;:770,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:560,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;The city of Pokrovsk during the Christmas holidays before war started there.                   Source: &lt;a href=&#34;http://ddk.dn.ua/&#34;&gt;ddk.dn.ua&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;As was common in the Donetsk region, an area rich with coal, he worked as a miner, pulling night shifts at the mine extracting coal while building a church during the day. And then, 20 years ago, he immersed himself fully in religion, meeting others in the city who were interested in Ukrainian Orthodoxy. That’s how he became the priest in his own Orthodox church of Ukraine, reviving original religious traditions in the city.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“We always celebrated Christmas at our church in Pokrovsk and decorated the Christmas tree there, singing ‘Shchedryk’ together as a [choir] before the Russian invasion,” Oleksandr recalled.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The spirit of Christmas would be impossible to imagine without the person who created its main melody, composer Mykola Leontovych.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!XXW-!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5dd48fb8-aff6-4fe7-a316-1b67e0f95596_190x265.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f5dd48fb8-a.jpg&#34; width=&#34;262&#34; height=&#34;365.42105263157896&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/5dd48fb8-aff6-4fe7-a316-1b67e0f95596_190x265.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:265,&#34;width&#34;:190,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:262,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovych. Source: parafia.org.ua&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;‘Shchedryk,’ which later became known as ‘Carol of the Bells,’ &lt;a href=&#34;https://v-variant.com.ua/article/shedrik-donbass/&#34;&gt;was&lt;/a&gt; a pre-Christian ritual song sung before the arrival of spring, when the New Year was celebrated in Ukraine. It was a song about a swallow that was believed to predict a prosperous year ahead. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;At that time, carols differed from traditional Christian ones, as they praised not Christ but the householders, wishing them prosperity. In return, according to tradition, carolers could receive money and food — a custom that has been preserved among Ukrainians and has survived to this day.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Leontovych heard this simple folk song, which had long existed, and composed a more profound choral melody for it at the beginning of the 20th century, a song that would later become known all over the world. Historians debate the exact place where the song was written, but its years of composition coincide with the period when Leontovych was working in Pokrovsk, then known as Hryshyne. It was there that he founded a music school and eventually organized a choir of railway workers.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!H-ft!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F428f597d-5e57-4ab3-b718-978689dc18f4_650x410.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f428f597d-5.jpg&#34; width=&#34;562&#34; height=&#34;354.4923076923077&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/428f597d-5e57-4ab3-b718-978689dc18f4_650x410.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:410,&#34;width&#34;:650,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:562,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Ukrainian National Chorus, which sang Shchedryk. Source: day.kyiv.ua&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;‘Shchedryk’ became more than just a Christmas song. It turned into a tool of Ukrainian diplomacy and a symbol of separation from Russia as early as a hundred years ago, when Ukraine nearly achieved full independence after the First World War.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The leadership of the Ukrainian state, already facing a Soviet advance, &lt;a href=&#34;https://fw-daily.com/shhedrik-istoriya-stvorennya-vsesvitno-vidomo%D1%97-ukra%D1%97nsko%D1%97-shhedrivki/&#34;&gt;sought to&lt;/a&gt; break through Russian propaganda and help secure international recognition for Ukraine. This is why a choir toured European capitals in 1918 performing ‘Shchedryk.’&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;When the choir left for its tour, Russian troops were already approaching Kyiv – just like they are targeting Pokrovsk again now.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Everything that existed in peaceful Pokrovsk is now in the past. Only memories, unspeakable pain and sadness are left,” Oleksandr said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Pokrovsk has long been considered one of the most intense flashpoints on the front. It’s where Russians have concentrated their most significant forces, around 150,000 troops, attacking the city with FPV drones and glider bombs. In a single day this week, Russian troops unleashed more than 50 &lt;a href=&#34;https://suspilne.media/donbas/1195456-zadum-v-protivnika-moze-i-e-ale-v-ce-tango-tancuut-udvoh-oficer-7-korpusu-dsv-pro-boi-v-pokrovsku-ta-na-okolicah/&#34;&gt;assaults&lt;/a&gt; on the town, and they are actively raising their flags to claim full capture.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ukrainian forces are still fighting to hold the city, focusing on the northwestern outskirts. They have reclaimed captured areas and taken down the tricolor flags planted by Russians.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;But dense fog has been working against the Ukrainian army. Under poor weather conditions, it becomes difficult to use drones to attack Russian columns, making it easier for them to maneuver within the city. As a result, Russian columns have &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx276px3280o&#34;&gt;entered&lt;/a&gt; the outskirts of the city using civilian motorcycles and cars.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!qmYE!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7032b0f2-e270-4ac8-a727-b547d81a376a_1536x863.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f7032b0f2-e.png&#34; width=&#34;566&#34; height=&#34;317.9862637362637&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/7032b0f2-e270-4ac8-a727-b547d81a376a_1536x863.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:818,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:566,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Russians entering Pokrovsk on motorcycles in November 2025. Source: &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx276px3280o&#34;&gt;BBC&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;“We constantly changed shelters, looking for basements to spend the night in. What I remember most is hearing ‘glider bombs, glider bombs, glider bombs’ on the radio, especially on the last night…They were targeting us,” Sasha, a soldier who was recently injured in Pokrovsk, told&lt;em&gt; The Counteroffensive.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Russians in Pokrovsk spare no one: neither soldiers nor civilians. Any person who dares to leave their basement in search of food or water risks being hit by a Russian FPV drone or other weapon. At the end of October, for instance, a Russian sabotage and reconnaissance group &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.radiosvoboda.org/a/pokrovsk-rosiyska-drh-vbyti-tsyvilni/33564859.html&#34;&gt;infiltrated&lt;/a&gt; Pokrovsk and hid in the train station. There, they killed several civilians.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Many people Oleksandr knew personally in Pokrovsk and in the wider Donetsk region suffered similar fates.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“They didn’t give [my friends] any chance to stay alive,” Oleksandr said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!rfNR!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff0f88413-6586-4ebd-abdd-4fc83e9d8e73_770x433.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2ff0f88413-6.jpg&#34; width=&#34;553&#34; height=&#34;310.9727272727273&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/f0f88413-6586-4ebd-abdd-4fc83e9d8e73_770x433.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:433,&#34;width&#34;:770,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:553,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;The church that Oleksandr built was also destroyed by the Russians. &lt;a href=&#34;https://risu.ua/rosijski-agresori-znishchili-hram-pcu-v-pokrovsku_n159334?fbclid=IwdGRjcAOx7aNjbGNrA7HtnmV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHp0O0jOZdU17RCYUG857TWlaYEQ2nSgEMWKRoB7XsGo0cyALsIKUPsWVyv62_aem_j2R6QTkx5UudfYT27LnFYw&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;: risu.ua.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;A year ago, Russians also destroyed the church he had put so much effort into building. All that remains of the church after the bombs fell is piles of rubble.  Oleksandr learned of that devastation from a colleague when he was already in Vinnytsia, in the center of Ukraine.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;His family had no choice but to flee when the Russians started to get closer to Pokrovsk in 2024. He still misses his hometown but takes solace in a small piece of Pokrovsk moving to Vinnytsia: The monument to composer Mykola Leontovych was moved there in September.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!qUXu!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ffa7d37d4-2339-421a-962c-84e1cfe41c03_870x594.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2ffa7d37d4-2.jpg&#34; width=&#34;398&#34; height=&#34;271.73793103448276&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/fa7d37d4-2339-421a-962c-84e1cfe41c03_870x594.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:594,&#34;width&#34;:870,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:398,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;The monument to Mykola Leontovych. Source: &lt;a href=&#34;http://naparisi.com/&#34;&gt;naparisi.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/em&gt;.&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;The fate of Leontovych was no less tragic than that of the people dying in Pokrovsk today.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In 1921, Leontovych was killed by a Soviet state security agent who had entered his home disguised as a guest and shot the composer before robbing the family.  At that time, any form of cultural self-identification was perceived by the regime as a threat, and Leontovych paid the price for ‘Shchedryk’ and his other works.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;He missed seeing worldwide fame by just one month, as the Christmas song then spread across the world.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Now, the Russians want to finish what they were unable to do before and wipe out  Ukraine’s Christmas spirit by capturing the song’s birthplace.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;On the eve of the Christmas holidays, Oleksandr recalls Pokrovsk with utmost sorrow.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“No one will celebrate anything in the city… People are sitting in basements, being shot at by Russians, killed every day by drones, missiles, mortars, aerial bombs, and small arms. They are being tortured, cut, and raped there,” he said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This year, Oleksandr will keep busy working in a church over the holiday, though he might have a minute to stop and think about his old life together with his family: two daughters and a 10-year-old granddaughter.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The child might ask her grandfather what happened to the city where she was born and spent a large part of her childhood – and she’ll hear that Pokrovsk is almost gone now.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;There is a tiny hope that the city will survive, but reality suggests otherwise.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;And for now, all we can do is watch the slow death of the city that gave the world the famous ‘Carol of the Bells.’&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor’s Note:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;This Christmas season, support a team conducting journalism in the harshest conditions. Your subscription goes directly to things that keep us safe: body armor, batteries, first aid kits – keeping our reporting going.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;If you find our work valuable, subscribe. Independent reporting depends on readers like you.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Get Full Access!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Get Full Access!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Tip Jar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Tip Jar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;NEWS OF THE DAY:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;By Oksana Stepura&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;ONE-OFF LAW FOR WARTIME ELECTIONS&lt;/strong&gt;: Ruslan Stefanchuk, speaker of the Verkhovna Rada, has formed a working group to draft a specific, one-time law for holding elections during martial law, as &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.kyivpost.com/post/66784&#34;&gt;reported &lt;/a&gt;by the Kyiv Post. The group aims to address complex security and logistical hurdles, such as voting access for soldiers and refugees, to ensure the elections are considered legitimate both in Ukraine and internationally. President Zelenskyy has expressed readiness for this move but noted that parliament still needs to reach a consensus on certain technicalities, including the potential for online voting.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;RUSSIA’S WARTIME ECONOMY NEARS COLLAPSE: &lt;/strong&gt;Despite maintaining strength throughout the war, Russia’s economy is nearing a breaking point. Plummeting oil prices and massive debt in the defense sector threaten a systemic banking crisis by 2026, as &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/12/22/russia-war-economy-ukraine/&#34;&gt;reported &lt;/a&gt;by The Washington Post. While the Kremlin continues utilizing its cash reserves for high military spending, those funds are now exhausted, leaving Russia with soaring inflation and unpaid wages across several industrial regions.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;RUSSIAN WINTER SURGE RISKS LOGISTICAL COLLAPSE: &lt;/strong&gt;Russia is launching a massive offensive in Ukraine, but military analysts warn that poor weather and overstretched supply lines could turn the surge into a costly failure, &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.forbes.com/sites/vikrammittal/2025/12/23/russia-risks-logistics-crisis-with-winter-troop-surge-in-ukraine/&#34;&gt;according&lt;/a&gt; to Forbes. While the increased manpower aims to break the current stalemate, Ukraine’s drone campaign is systematically isolating Russian units by destroying resupply vehicles and fuel depots.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;DOG OF WAR&lt;/strong&gt;: &lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;Zoriana met this very focused dog near the supermarket close to her home. He was waiting for his owner, keeping an eye on the door, and then greeted him cheerfully with loud barks.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!OoOh!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fab4e959d-ed5c-4ec2-bfd2-e5674b1b1a4c_922x2048.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fab4e959d-e.jpg&#34; width=&#34;922&#34; height=&#34;2048&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/ab4e959d-ed5c-4ec2-bfd2-e5674b1b1a4c_922x2048.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:2048,&#34;width&#34;:922,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Stay safe out there.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Best,&lt;br&gt;Viktoria&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/russia-incinerates-birthplace-of&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>⚡️635 DRONES AND 38 MISSILES! Russia strikes WESTERN Ukraine: three regions WITHOUT POWER!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/23/drones-and-missiles-russia-strikes.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 23 Dec 2025 15:01:35 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/23/drones-and-missiles-russia-strikes.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/5fe095844d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡️635 DRONES AND 38 MISSILES! Russia strikes WESTERN Ukraine: three regions WITHOUT POWER!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWRAsryuvYk&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Fire breaks out at ship repair facility in Russia&#39;s Nizhny Novgorod</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/23/fire-breaks-out-at-ship.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 23 Dec 2025 14:59:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/23/fire-breaks-out-at-ship.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/photo-2025-12-23-13-28-50-1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Fire breaks out at ship repair facility in Russia&#39;s Nizhny Novgorod&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;According to Russian state media, one person was killed as a result of the incident.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/local-residents-reported-explosions-at-ship-repair-enterprise-in-russias-nizhny-novgorod-oblast/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Bribes, TikTok, and escapes through disused pipelines — Ukraine&#39;s SBU reveals &#39;mobilization evasion schemes&#39;</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/23/bribes-tiktok-and-escapes-through.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 23 Dec 2025 13:54:08 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/23/bribes-tiktok-and-escapes-through.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/5dc6e291-e452-4011-909d-e3259c26f41b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Bribes, TikTok, and escapes through disused pipelines — Ukraine&#39;s SBU reveals &#39;mobilization evasion schemes&#39;&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Under martial law, Ukrainian men aged 25 to 60 are subject to conscription and are forbidden from leaving the country except under a certain number of specific circumstances.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/bribes-tiktok-and-escapes-though-disused-pipelines-ukraines-sbu-reveals-mobilization-evasion-schemes/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukraine war latest live: Nearly 100 Russian troops enter Hrabovske, Sumy Oblast, in &#39;sudden&#39; attack</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/23/ukraine-war-latest-live-nearly.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 23 Dec 2025 12:43:41 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/23/ukraine-war-latest-live-nearly.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2250713694.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest live: Nearly 100 Russian troops enter Hrabovske, Sumy Oblast, in &#39;sudden&#39; attack&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Live coverage of Russia’s war against Ukraine with breaking news and frontline updates, updated 2 times today. Around 100 Russian soldiers entered the village of Hrabovske in Sumy Oblast and attempted to advance toward the settlement of Riasne, Viktor Tregubov, head of the Joint Forces communications department, told Suspilne on Dec. 23.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-update-2025-12-23/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>ZELESNYY: Hard to believe Putin can live without murders and invasions! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/23/zelesnyy-hard-to-believe-putin.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 23 Dec 2025 11:30:22 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/23/zelesnyy-hard-to-believe-putin.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/82d2f03e87.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;ZELESNYY: Hard to believe Putin can live without murders and invasions! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/JTLN5BRwcqk&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>MASSIVE attack on Ukraine: consequences of the strike on KYIV #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/23/massive-attack-on-ukraine-consequences.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 23 Dec 2025 10:51:42 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/23/massive-attack-on-ukraine-consequences.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/f6d63f270b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;MASSIVE attack on Ukraine: consequences of the strike on KYIV #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/6IVkcsIrt1w&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Explosions heard in multiple cities as Russian missiles, drones target energy infrastructure in western Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/23/explosions-heard-in-multiple-cities.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 23 Dec 2025 06:03:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/23/explosions-heard-in-multiple-cities.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/01af7f14b0.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Explosions heard in multiple cities as Russian missiles, drones target energy infrastructure in western Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The attack comes as President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Ukrainians should brace for mass Russian missile and drone strikes over the Christmas period.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/explosions-heard-as-russia-launches-missiles-drones-towards-western-cities-hundreds-of-kilometers-from-front-line/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian drones reportedly strike Russia&#39;s Stavrolen petrochemical plant</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/23/ukrainian-drones-reportedly-strike-russias.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 23 Dec 2025 02:53:49 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/23/ukrainian-drones-reportedly-strike-russias.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/screenshot-2025-12-22-204724.png&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian drones reportedly strike Russia&#39;s Stavrolen petrochemical plant&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukraine&#39;s General Staff previously said that the plant produces drone components, composite materials, body parts, seals, and insulation for various types of Russian military equipment.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-military-reportedly-strikes-russias-stavrolen-petrochemical-plant-russian-media-reports/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine-Russia talks &#39;going along,&#39; Trump says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/23/ukrainerussia-talks-going-along-trump.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 23 Dec 2025 01:09:14 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/23/ukrainerussia-talks-going-along-trump.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2253190667.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine-Russia talks &#39;going along,&#39; Trump says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;U.S. President Donald Trump, speaking at an event in Palm Beach, Florida on Dec. 22, said talks on ending Russia&#39;s war in Ukraine are ongoing, but offered few specifics on progress, next steps, or deadlines.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-russia-talks-going-along-trump-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>There is NOTHING sacred: Zelenskyy warns of possible Russian Christmas STRIKE #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/22/there-is-nothing-sacred-zelenskyy.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 Dec 2025 22:00:29 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/22/there-is-nothing-sacred-zelenskyy.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/4dac3402af.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;There is NOTHING sacred: Zelenskyy warns of possible Russian Christmas STRIKE #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/NxIxWvLop0c&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Sanctions, Tomahawks, pressure: the new US strategy towards Russia #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/22/sanctions-tomahawks-pressure-the-new.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 Dec 2025 21:30:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/22/sanctions-tomahawks-pressure-the-new.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/f5d3938a65.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Sanctions, Tomahawks, pressure: the new US strategy towards Russia #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/OTucdRKLwVg&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Kremlin doesn&#39;t want peace — it&#39;s official! The world prepares to act without Russia</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/22/kremlin-doesnt-want-peace-its.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 Dec 2025 21:00:43 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/22/kremlin-doesnt-want-peace-its.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/77db145153.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Kremlin doesn&#39;t want peace — it&#39;s official! The world prepares to act without Russia&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iL5lyw-7Zro&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Sanctions AGAINST chaos: why Russian communications are BREAKING DOWN #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/22/sanctions-against-chaos-why-russian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 Dec 2025 20:40:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/22/sanctions-against-chaos-why-russian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/6e26c0564b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Sanctions AGAINST chaos: why Russian communications are BREAKING DOWN #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/oztPkfj1xK0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Zelenskyy on framework PEACE PLAN: Everything looks DECENT! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/22/zelenskyy-on-framework-peace-plan.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 Dec 2025 20:20:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/22/zelenskyy-on-framework-peace-plan.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/73ad8d30f7.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelenskyy on framework PEACE PLAN: Everything looks DECENT! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/6mt9svSqP3c&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>RUSSIA IS LOSING! &amp;amp;quot;Sub Sea Baby&amp;amp;quot; killer drones sink submarines, skies locked down!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/22/russia-is-losing-ampquotsub-sea.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 Dec 2025 20:00:25 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/22/russia-is-losing-ampquotsub-sea.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/15b34cbc48.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;RUSSIA IS LOSING! &amp;quot;Sub Sea Baby&amp;quot; killer drones sink submarines, skies locked down!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MR56hsnnaAc&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HISTORY! Ukraine united the ENTIRE WORLD around itself, – Zelenskyy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/22/for-the-first-time-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 Dec 2025 19:21:24 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/22/for-the-first-time-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/0c25acf7a4.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HISTORY! Ukraine united the ENTIRE WORLD around itself, – Zelenskyy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/GPB4bXZigKY&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>With his right-hand man gone, Zelensky learns to rule Ukraine alone</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/22/with-his-righthand-man-gone.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 Dec 2025 19:15:48 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/22/with-his-righthand-man-gone.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2245894161.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;With his right-hand man gone, Zelensky learns to rule Ukraine alone&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It’s been nearly a month since President Volodymyr Zelensky was forced to oust his right-hand man. Unable to immediately find a due successor, the president is now running the country alone.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Being second only to the president, former President&#39;s Office Head &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/who-is-andriy-yermak-and-can-ukraines-new-corruption-scandal-finally-sink-him/&#34;&gt;Andriy Yermak&lt;/a&gt; has gathered unprecedented&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/with-his-right-hand-man-gone-zelensky-learns-to-rule-ukraine-alone/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Czechia&#39;s security council to decide future of Ukraine ammunition initiative on Jan. 7</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/22/czechias-security-council-to-decide.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 Dec 2025 18:08:39 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/22/czechias-security-council-to-decide.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/ae338c197c.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Czechia&#39;s security council to decide future of Ukraine ammunition initiative on Jan. 7&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;In principle, the ammunition initiative has certainly been a good thing; the question is whether it has occurred without corruption,&#34; Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/czechias-security-council-to-decide-future-of-ukraine-ammunition-initiative-on-jan-7/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>BIG FISH! Russian GENERAL&#39;s car blown up in Moscow, he died #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/22/big-fish-russian-generals-car.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 Dec 2025 18:01:33 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/22/big-fish-russian-generals-car.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/90f09fe85b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;BIG FISH! Russian GENERAL&#39;s car blown up in Moscow, he died #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/o4Se8o8dOSE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>🔥 Strike on Putin&#39;s army! Russian General Sarvarov eliminated</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/22/strike-on-putins-army-russian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 Dec 2025 17:01:33 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/22/strike-on-putins-army-russian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/62acb28e9d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🔥 Strike on Putin&#39;s army! Russian General Sarvarov eliminated&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5f7O2y9ot8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Kyiv Independent’s community has raised over $100,000 for Ukraine in 2025</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/22/kyiv-independents-community-has-raised.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 Dec 2025 16:48:52 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/22/kyiv-independents-community-has-raised.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/header.png&#34; alt=&#34;Kyiv Independent’s community has raised over $100,000 for Ukraine in 2025&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;‌‌‌Earlier this year, the Kyiv Independent launched its “How to Help Ukraine” newsletter — a membership benefit created in direct response to our community’s requests for more ways to help Ukraine during Russia’s full-scale invasion. ‌‌In the first six months since the newsletter’s launch, our community has raised over $105,300, according to the organizations we featured. ‌‌&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/kyiv-independents-community-has-raised-over-100-000-for-ukraine-in-2025/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>A dark Christmas looms in Odesa Oblast as Russia hammers energy facilities, bridges, ports</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/22/a-dark-christmas-looms-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 Dec 2025 16:47:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/22/a-dark-christmas-looms-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2251737310-1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;A dark Christmas looms in Odesa Oblast as Russia hammers energy facilities, bridges, ports&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Russian attacks have plunged Odesa Oblast into darkness and cold just days before Christmas, cutting power to more than 120,000 residents after strikes on three energy facilities on Dec. 22.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Russia has stepped up attacks in &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/odesa-oblast/&#34;&gt;Odesa Oblast&lt;/a&gt; this December, targeting ports, roads, energy infrastructure, and homes. Frequent strikes&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/over-120-000-people-left-without-power-as-russia-strikes-3-energy-facilities-in-odesa-oblast/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>EU and US pressure the Kremlin: money to Ukraine, sanctions on Russia</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/22/eu-and-us-pressure-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 Dec 2025 16:28:27 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/22/eu-and-us-pressure-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/a7156dad6e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;EU and US pressure the Kremlin: money to Ukraine, sanctions on Russia&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85CDrz4unqM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>$45 billion in aid: how partners strengthened Ukraine&#39;s defense in 2025 #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/22/billion-in-aid-how-partners.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 Dec 2025 15:30:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/22/billion-in-aid-how-partners.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/fb180b2211.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;$45 billion in aid: how partners strengthened Ukraine&#39;s defense in 2025 #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/AtQIr-72R9c&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>From peace talks with Russia to elections in Ukraine, here&#39;s what our journalists expect to cover in 2026</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/22/from-peace-talks-with-russia.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 Dec 2025 15:12:43 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/22/from-peace-talks-with-russia.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/ki-1-1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;From peace talks with Russia to elections in Ukraine, here&#39;s what our journalists expect to cover in 2026&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As 2025 draws to a close, Ukraine once again finds itself at a critical juncture.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In the last few months alone, Ukrainians have faced pressure from seemingly every side: a renewed push from the U.S. for an unfavorable peace with Russia, a major political corruption scandal, and Moscow’&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/from-russias-war-to-elections-in-ukraine-heres-what-our-journalists-expect-to-cover-in-2026/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>⚡️ &amp;quot;PIVDENNYI PORT&amp;quot; IN FLAMES! Trump prepares STATEMENT after intelligence report!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/22/quotpivdennyi-portquot-in-flames-trump.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 Dec 2025 15:00:28 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/22/quotpivdennyi-portquot-in-flames-trump.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/c7c2eb8047.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡️ &amp;quot;PIVDENNYI PORT&amp;quot; IN FLAMES! Trump prepares STATEMENT after intelligence report!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7fJD1TA458&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Vance touts &#39;breakthrough&#39; in talks, but says Ukraine-Russia peace far from certain</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/22/vance-touts-breakthrough-in-talks.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 Dec 2025 14:16:21 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/22/vance-touts-breakthrough-in-talks.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2236786072.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Vance touts &#39;breakthrough&#39; in talks, but says Ukraine-Russia peace far from certain&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;I think that we&#39;ve made progress, but sitting here today, I wouldn&#39;t say with confidence that we&#39;re going to get to a peaceful resolution,&#34; U.S. Vice President JD Vance said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/vance-says-ukraine-russia-peace-far-from-certain/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukraine war latest live: &#39;Extremely difficult&#39; situation as Russian forces attempt to cross Siverskyi Donets River</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/22/ukraine-war-latest-live-extremely.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 Dec 2025 13:05:51 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/22/ukraine-war-latest-live-extremely.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/img-0623.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest live: &#39;Extremely difficult&#39; situation as Russian forces attempt to cross Siverskyi Donets River&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Live coverage of Russia’s war against Ukraine with breaking news and frontline updates, updated 5 times today. The situation near Siversk, Donetsk Oblast, is &#34;extremely difficult&#34; as Russian forces continue to attempt crossings of the Siverskyi Donets River, Ukraine&#39;s 7th Air Assault Corps said on Dec. 22.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-update-2025-12-22/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Azerbaijan&#39;s president cites &#39;busy schedule&#39; to skip Russia summit despite Kremlin expecting his attendance</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/22/azerbaijans-president-cites-busy-schedule.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 Dec 2025 11:44:34 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/22/azerbaijans-president-cites-busy-schedule.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/43be1ce4d1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Azerbaijan&#39;s president cites &#39;busy schedule&#39; to skip Russia summit despite Kremlin expecting his attendance&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Kremlin had earlier signaled it was preparing for Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev&#39;s arrival.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/azerbaijans-president-cites-busy-schedule-to-skip-russia-summit/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian partisans set ablaze Russian Su-30, Su-27 fighter jets in Lipetsk Oblast, HUR says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/22/ukrainian-partisans-set-ablaze-russian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 Dec 2025 10:47:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/22/ukrainian-partisans-set-ablaze-russian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-1234191564.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian partisans set ablaze Russian Su-30, Su-27 fighter jets in Lipetsk Oblast, HUR says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The attack targeted an airfield near the city of Lipetsk, about 340 kilometers (210 miles) from the Ukrainian border, and caused two military aircraft to catch fire.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-strikes-russian-su-30-su-27-fighter-jets-in-russias-lipetsk-oblast-intelligence-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>China&#39;s Russian LNG imports hit record, making Moscow second-largest supplier</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/22/chinas-russian-lng-imports-hit.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 Dec 2025 10:20:15 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/22/chinas-russian-lng-imports-hit.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/lng.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;China&#39;s Russian LNG imports hit record, making Moscow second-largest supplier&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russian LNG deliveries to China more than doubled year-on-year to 1.6 million metric tons last month, Bloomberg reported.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/chinas-russian-lng-imports-hit-record/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>High-ranking Russian general killed in Moscow car bombing</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/22/highranking-russian-general-killed-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 Dec 2025 09:54:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/22/highranking-russian-general-killed-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/screenshot-2025-12-22-at-10-16-50.png&#34; alt=&#34;High-ranking Russian general killed in Moscow car bombing&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;An explosive device attached to the underside of Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov&#39;s car detonated on Yaseneva Street in Moscow on Dec. 22.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/high-ranking-russian-general-killed-after-car-bombing-in-moscow-russia-cites-possible-ukrainian-involvement/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Fanil Sarvarov</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/22/fanil-sarvarov.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/22/fanil-sarvarov.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2020-1pp.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Fanil Sarvarov&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2020-1pp.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Fanil Sarvarov&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Head of the Operational Training Directorate - Lieutenant General&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Unit:&lt;/strong&gt; Operational Training Directorate, Russian Ministry of Defense&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Cargo ID:&lt;/strong&gt; #2020&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;English Name:&lt;/strong&gt; Fanil Fanisovich Sarvarov&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Russian Name:&lt;/strong&gt; Сарваров Фанил Фанисович&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Education:&lt;/strong&gt; Kazan Higher Tank Command School (graduated 1990), Malinovsky Military Armored Forces Academy (graduated 1999), Military Academy of the General Staff (graduated 2008)&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Date of Birth:&lt;/strong&gt; March 11, 1969 (age: 56 years)&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Place of Birth:&lt;/strong&gt; Gremyachinsk, Perm Krai, Russia&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Date of Death:&lt;/strong&gt; December 22, 2025 (via &lt;a href=&#34;https://topcargo200.com/tag/car-bomb/&#34;&gt;Car Bomb&lt;/a&gt;)&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-card kg-callout-card kg-callout-card-blue&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-callout-emoji&#34;&gt;ℹ️&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-callout-text&#34;&gt;His death constitutes the third successful elimination of a general-grade officer within the Russian capital in a span of just over twelve months, following the killings of &lt;a href=&#34;https://topcargo200.com/1500/&#34;&gt;Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a href=&#34;https://topcargo200.com/1600/&#34;&gt;Lieutenant General Yaroslav Moskalik&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;figure data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-card kg-gallery-card kg-width-wide&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-container&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-row&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-image&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2020-car2.jpg&#34; width=&#34;960&#34; height=&#34;585&#34; alt=&#34;Fanil Sarvarov&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-image&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2020-car1.webp&#34; width=&#34;1300&#34; height=&#34;731&#34; alt=&#34;Fanil Sarvarov&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Place of Death:&lt;/strong&gt; Parking lot of Garage Cooperative No. 66, near building 12, block 5, Yasenevaya Street (Ulitsa Yasenevaya), Orekhovo-Borisovo Yuzhnoye District, Southern Administrative Okrug, Moscow, Russia&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-card kg-callout-card kg-callout-card-blue&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-callout-emoji&#34;&gt;ℹ️&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-callout-text&#34;&gt;Yasenevaya Street, where the explosion occurred, is just 150 meters from housing blocks known to be inhabited by GRU (military intelligence) employees. This suggests Sarvarov lived in a &#34;siloviki&#34; cluster, implying the assassins had infiltrated a zone theoretically under heightened surveillance.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;figure data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-card kg-gallery-card kg-width-wide&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-container&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-row&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-image&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2020-car4.jpg&#34; width=&#34;960&#34; height=&#34;1280&#34; alt=&#34;Fanil Sarvarov&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-image&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2020-car3.webp&#34; width=&#34;1400&#34; height=&#34;934&#34; alt=&#34;Fanil Sarvarov&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Mechanism of Death:&lt;/strong&gt; General Sarvarov was departing for the General Staff headquarters in his personal vehicle, a white Kia Sorento SUV. A magnetic Improvised Explosive Device (IED) containing approximately 300 grams of TNT equivalent had been placed under the car below the driver&#39;s seat. The explosion occurred after the vehicle had moved &#34;several meters&#34;. This suggests a sophisticated triggering mechanism, either:   &lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;A motion-activated fuze (mercury switch or accelerometer).&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;A wheel-rotation counter.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;A remote detonator operated by a nearby spotter who waited to confirm the driver&#39;s identity on the roadway.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;The blast breached the unarmored floor of the Kia Sorento, directing the thermal and blast wave upward into the driver. Sarvarov sustained &#34;multiple shrapnel injuries, closed fractures, leg injuries, and a fractured facial bone&#34;. Despite the devastation, he was reportedly pulled from the wreckage alive by first responders but succumbed to traumatic shock and blood loss shortly after arrival at the hospital.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;figure data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-card kg-gallery-card kg-width-wide&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-container&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-row&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-image&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2020-car5.webp&#34; width=&#34;1180&#34; height=&#34;663&#34; alt=&#34;Fanil Sarvarov&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-gallery-image&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2020-car5.jpg&#34; width=&#34;600&#34; height=&#34;600&#34; alt=&#34;Fanil Sarvarov&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;figure data-kg-thumbnail=&#34;https://topcargo200.com/content/media/2026/01/2020-scene_thumb.jpg&#34; data-kg-custom-thumbnail data-sanitized-class=&#34;kg-card kg-video-card kg-width-wide&#34;&gt;
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                    &amp;lt;span data-sanitized-class=&amp;quot;kg-video-current-time&amp;quot;&amp;gt;0:00&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;
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                        /&amp;lt;span data-sanitized-class=&amp;quot;kg-video-duration&amp;quot;&amp;gt;0:28&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;
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                    &amp;lt;button aria-label=&amp;quot;Adjust playback speed&amp;quot; data-sanitized-class=&amp;quot;kg-video-playback-rate&amp;quot;&amp;gt;1×&amp;lt;/button&amp;gt;
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                &amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;
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        &amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;
        
    &amp;lt;/figure&amp;gt;&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;strong&amp;gt;Previously Deployed:&amp;lt;/strong&amp;gt; Georgia, Chechnya, Syria, Ukraine (2014)&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;strong&amp;gt;Awards:&amp;lt;/strong&amp;gt; &amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Order of Merit for the Fatherland 4th Class, &amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Order of Courage, &amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Order &amp;quot;For Military Merit&amp;quot;, &amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Medal of the Order &amp;quot;For Merit to the Fatherland&amp;quot; 1st Class, &amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Medal of the Order &amp;quot;For Merit to the Fatherland&amp;quot; 2nd Class, &amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Medal of Suvorov, &amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Medal &amp;quot;For Military Valor&amp;quot; 1st Class, &amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Medal &amp;quot;For Military Valor&amp;quot; 2nd Class, &amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Medal &amp;quot;For Military Valor&amp;quot; 3rd Class, &amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Medal &amp;quot;For Distinction in Military Service&amp;quot; 1st Class, &amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Medal &amp;quot;For Distinction in Military Service&amp;quot; 2nd Class, &amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Medal &amp;quot;For Distinction in Military Service&amp;quot; 3rd Class, &amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Medal &amp;quot;Participant of the Military Operation in Syria&amp;quot;, &amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Medal &amp;quot;For the Return of Crimea&amp;quot;,&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Badge &amp;quot;Graduation from a Higher Education Institution&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;strong&amp;gt;Social Media:&amp;lt;/strong&amp;gt; &amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://instagram.com/feliksbars1969&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Instagram&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;strong&amp;gt;Military Number:&amp;lt;/strong&amp;gt; &amp;quot;Т-790131&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;strong&amp;gt;Promotion:&amp;lt;/strong&amp;gt; May 2, 2024 (promoted to Lt. General)&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;strong&amp;gt;Passport Data:&amp;lt;/strong&amp;gt; 4514 № 564780&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;strong&amp;gt;TIN:&amp;lt;/strong&amp;gt; 150205287180&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;strong&amp;gt;SNILS:&amp;lt;/strong&amp;gt; 145-589-491 11&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;strong&amp;gt;Email:&amp;lt;/strong&amp;gt; feliks.sarvarov@mail.ru&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;strong&amp;gt;Phone:&amp;lt;/strong&amp;gt; +7 (919) 761-2857&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;figure data-sanitized-class=&amp;quot;kg-card kg-gallery-card kg-width-wide&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;div data-sanitized-class=&amp;quot;kg-gallery-container&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;div data-sanitized-class=&amp;quot;kg-gallery-row&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;div data-sanitized-class=&amp;quot;kg-gallery-image&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;img src=&amp;quot;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2020-1.jpg&amp;quot; width=&amp;quot;899&amp;quot; height=&amp;quot;1200&amp;quot; alt=&amp;quot;Fanil Sarvarov&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&amp;lt;div data-sanitized-class=&amp;quot;kg-gallery-image&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;img src=&amp;quot;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2020-3.webp&amp;quot; width=&amp;quot;1500&amp;quot; height=&amp;quot;843&amp;quot; alt=&amp;quot;Fanil Sarvarov&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&amp;lt;div data-sanitized-class=&amp;quot;kg-gallery-row&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;div data-sanitized-class=&amp;quot;kg-gallery-image&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;img src=&amp;quot;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2020-4.jpg&amp;quot; width=&amp;quot;939&amp;quot; height=&amp;quot;525&amp;quot; alt=&amp;quot;Fanil Sarvarov&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&amp;lt;div data-sanitized-class=&amp;quot;kg-gallery-image&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;img src=&amp;quot;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/2020-2.png&amp;quot; width=&amp;quot;994&amp;quot; height=&amp;quot;765&amp;quot; alt=&amp;quot;Fanil Sarvarov&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/figure&amp;gt;&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;https://topcargo200.com/2020/&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Source&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;
&lt;/code&gt;&lt;/pre&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>US Senator Graham says Tomahawks should go to Ukraine if Putin rejects peace deal</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/22/us-senator-graham-says-tomahawks.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 Dec 2025 01:11:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/22/us-senator-graham-says-tomahawks.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/1f3e23e80e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;US Senator Graham says Tomahawks should go to Ukraine if Putin rejects peace deal&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;If Putin says no, we need to dramatically change the game, including giving Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine to hit the drone and missile factories that exist in Russia. I would go all in if Putin says no,&#34; U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham said on Dec. 21.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/us-senator-graham-says-tomahawks-should-go-to-ukraine-if-putin-rejects-peace-deal/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>The Kremlin&#39;s pressure on the EU: why Belgium is hesitating #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/22/the-kremlins-pressure-on-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 Dec 2025 00:00:32 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/22/the-kremlins-pressure-on-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/6523aa6579.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;The Kremlin&#39;s pressure on the EU: why Belgium is hesitating #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/IK4YN-_ZPmc&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Frozen Russian Assets Could Weaken Putin’s Influence – Andreas Umland | Wrap-Up Weekly</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/22/frozen-russian-assets-could-weaken.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 21 Dec 2025 23:00:34 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/22/frozen-russian-assets-could-weaken.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/10f0f900ba.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Frozen Russian Assets Could Weaken Putin’s Influence – Andreas Umland | Wrap-Up Weekly&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFCE6mlALEI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>What We’ve Learned Covering NATO’s Eastern Flank for Nine Months</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/21/what-weve-learned-covering-natos.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 21 Dec 2025 22:57:12 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/21/what-weve-learned-covering-natos.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com2.png&#34; alt=&#34;What We’ve Learned Covering NATO’s Eastern Flank for Nine Months&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Here is a short personal observation on what we have learned over the past nine months of releasing &lt;em&gt;RedHorizon&lt;/em&gt;, our weekly research brief covering the military situation in Ukraine, Belarus, and NATO’s Eastern Flank.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The bottom line up front is that I am cautiously optimistic about the trajectory of NATO’s efforts—by both the United States and European allies—to improve defence capabilities on the Eastern Flank.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;[rochanconsulting.substack.com/subscribe](https://rochanconsulting.substack.com/subscribe?)&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Subscribe&#34;,&#34;language&#34;:&#34;en&#34;}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;SubscribeWidgetToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;subscription-widget-wrap-editor&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;subscription-widget show-subscribe&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;preamble&#34;&gt;&lt;p data-sanitized-class=&#34;cta-caption&#34;&gt;Thanks for reading Ukraine Conflict Monitor! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;fake-input-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;fake-input&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;fake-button&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;When we began systematically tracking Eastern Flank developments earlier this year, we had a solid grasp of the formal NATO force posture: troop numbers, rotational frameworks, and headline deployments. What we lacked was a deeper understanding of domestic politics, institutional constraints, defence-industrial realities, and the genuine level of political commitment underpinning force generation, mobilisation, and sustainment. Over time, it became clear that this context matters at least as much as force posture itself. Deterrence is not defined by order-of-battle slides alone, but by whether capabilities can be generated, integrated, and sustained under real crisis conditions.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;On the U.S. side, progress remains visible not only in continued presence, but in credibility and integration (still). Rotational deployments, deeper command-and-control integration, and increasingly realistic exercises indicate a shift away from reassurance-by-symbolism toward readiness-for-contingency. The emphasis is less on static numbers and more on how quickly forces can be reinforced, sustained, and employed in a high-intensity scenario.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;European allies, meanwhile, are moving more unevenly—but in ways that are structurally significant. Defence spending increases are increasingly being translated into actual ground combat power rather than remaining at the level of procurement announcements. Across the Eastern Flank, states are expanding land forces, investing in armour, artillery, air defence, and long-range fires, while also rebuilding training pipelines, reserve systems, and logistics—areas long neglected in peacetime force models. On top of that, Germany will have a fully-deployed brigade (5,000 troops) in Lithuania in 2027-2028.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;One of the most encouraging shifts has been in defence-industrial policy. Ammunition production, repair capacity, and sustainment infrastructure are no longer treated as background issues. Exercises, too, have changed in character: they now increasingly test reinforcement, endurance, and multi-domain coordination rather than scripted reassurance scenarios.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;None of this removes real constraints. Demography, industrial bottlenecks, political cycles, and competing fiscal pressures remain. Progress is uneven, and vulnerabilities persist. But compared to the pre-2022 baseline, there is a clear shift away from declaratory deterrence toward practical, capacity-based deterrence. NATO forces on the Eastern Flank are becoming more capable, the overall trajectory is correct, and the flank already looks markedly different from 2022. It will look very different again three years from now.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Developments from just last week illustrate this trend clearly.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In Estonia, authorities entered a deliberate one-year transition phase in force generation. For 2026, conscription intake will be sharply reduced—from around 4,000 to 1,200—in order to rebuild instructor capacity, standardise training methods, and refresh wartime procedures. This contraction is explicitly preparatory. From 2027, Estonia plans to shift to a uniform 12-month conscription model designed to sustain complex capabilities such as rocket artillery and medium-range air defence. In parallel, Tallinn established a Future Capabilities and Innovation Command, a hybrid civilian–military structure focused on UAVs, automation, and rapid implementation of battlefield lessons. Defence-industrial capacity also advanced with the launch of domestic explosives filling at Ämari, strengthening supply-chain resilience.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Latvia formalised one of the most ambitious defence budgets in NATO, allocating EUR 2.16 bn (4.91 % of GDP) for 2026, with a clear trajectory toward 5 %. More than half of spending is directed toward combat capabilities—particularly IFVs, layered air defence, artillery, munitions, and UAVs—while EUR 55 m is earmarked for counter-mobility infrastructure along the eastern border. Riga also accelerated domestic defence-industrial development, including a 155 mm propellant-charge facility, EDF-backed UAV programmes such as VANTAGE, and expanded innovation funding. Operationally, exercises like Winter Shield 2025 tested winter combat and heavy UAV integration.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In Lithuania, the week was dominated by hybrid pressure from Belarus, prompting a nationwide state of emergency. Vilnius moved to integrate the Armed Forces more directly into internal security, granting soldiers temporary law-enforcement powers and deploying air-defence units along the Belarusian border. At the same time, Lithuania approved a record 2026 defence budget of EUR 4.79 bn (5.38 % of GDP), with major investments in CV90 Mk IV IFVs, Leopard 2A8 tanks, CAESAR artillery, HIMARS, and layered air defence. Defence-industrial localisation advanced through tank assembly, artillery support facilities, and ammunition-compatibility initiatives. Infrastructure spending expanded training areas in the Suwałki corridor, underscoring Lithuania’s focus on division-level readiness and sustained allied presence.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Poland continued to consolidate its role as the logistical and operational backbone of NATO’s Eastern Flank. Allied integration deepened through German Eurofighter deployments, Patriot rotations, and forthcoming Bundeswehr engineer support for Tarcza Wschód, Poland’s nationwide border defence programme. Warsaw also advanced major territorial defence reforms, creating a dedicated Border Defence Component within the Territorial Defence Forces to free manoeuvre brigades for high-intensity warfighting. Logistically, Poland joined NATO’s Central Europe Pipeline System, recognising fuel sustainment as decisive for prolonged conflict. Industrially, Poland reached milestones in K2 tank localisation, artillery expansion (now Europe’s largest 155 mm SPH fleet), domestic ammunition production, loitering munitions, naval mine warfare, and soldier modernisation. The overall trajectory points toward large-scale, sustained, high-intensity readiness.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Finally, Romania focused on airspace security, Black Sea posture, and sustainment capacity. Bucharest clarified its rules for engaging Russian drones, balancing escalation control with population safety, while reinforcing counter-drone measures under NATO’s Eastern Sentry framework. Allied integration continued through rotations of Spanish marines and cooperation with Dutch forces. On the industrial side, Romania moved to assume responsibility for the European F-16 Training Centre—supporting both national and Ukrainian pilot training—while expanding radar coverage through SAFE-financed acquisitions.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Taken together, these developments illustrate how activity has intensified not only in Ukraine, but across the wider region. Yet developments on the Eastern Flank itself remain largely underreported and receive limited attention in broader public discussions of NATO posture and actions. From a deterrence perspective, however, they are among the most consequential shifts currently underway in Europe.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;[rochanconsulting.substack.com/subscribe](https://rochanconsulting.substack.com/subscribe?)&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Subscribe&#34;,&#34;language&#34;:&#34;en&#34;}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;SubscribeWidgetToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;subscription-widget-wrap-editor&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;subscription-widget show-subscribe&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;preamble&#34;&gt;&lt;p data-sanitized-class=&#34;cta-caption&#34;&gt;Thanks for reading Ukraine Conflict Monitor! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;fake-input-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;fake-input&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;fake-button&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://rochanconsulting.substack.com/p/what-weve-learned-covering-natos&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian drone attack sets Russian pipeline ablaze in Krasnodar Krai, officials say</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/21/ukrainian-drone-attack-sets-russian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 21 Dec 2025 22:32:33 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/21/ukrainian-drone-attack-sets-russian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/6cba396584.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian drone attack sets Russian pipeline ablaze in Krasnodar Krai, officials say&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Drone debris hit a pipeline at a terminal in Volna, a village in the region&#39;s Temryuk district, the Krasnodar Krai Emergency Headquarters said. A fire broke out as a result of the attack.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-drone-attack-damages-russian-pipeline-in-krasnodar-krai-officials-say/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>How Russia is fighting with fakes against Ukraine and the West #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/21/how-russia-is-fighting-with.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 21 Dec 2025 22:00:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/21/how-russia-is-fighting-with.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/b60353787a.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;How Russia is fighting with fakes against Ukraine and the West #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/1mvbpDyVcxg&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>KREMLIN IN SHOCK: €90bn for Ukraine, strikes on Russia’s shadow fleet, AFU push in Kupiansk</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/21/kremlin-in-shock-bn-for.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 21 Dec 2025 21:00:19 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/21/kremlin-in-shock-bn-for.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/ca8f743d30.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;KREMLIN IN SHOCK: €90bn for Ukraine, strikes on Russia’s shadow fleet, AFU push in Kupiansk&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P47odh0x8M8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Sweden detains sanctioned Russian vessel linked to weapons transport</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/21/sweden-detains-sanctioned-russian-vessel.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 21 Dec 2025 20:02:35 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/21/sweden-detains-sanctioned-russian-vessel.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2252354829.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Sweden detains sanctioned Russian vessel linked to weapons transport&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The cargo ship Adler has previously been used to transport Russian weapons and its owner, M Leasing LLC, is sanctioned by the U.S. and EU.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/sweden-detains-sanctioned-russian-vessel-linked-to-weapons-transport/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia has no intention of actually ending its aggression, says Zelenskyy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/21/russia-has-no-intention-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 21 Dec 2025 19:08:28 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/21/russia-has-no-intention-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/81da6a389e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia has no intention of actually ending its aggression, says Zelenskyy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/FUdi2dzYOE8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>How the Kremlin&#39;s spy system works – from agents to random executors #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/21/how-the-kremlins-spy-system.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 21 Dec 2025 19:00:30 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/21/how-the-kremlins-spy-system.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/db3e5146b9.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;How the Kremlin&#39;s spy system works – from agents to random executors #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/J3FOzddFxHI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest: Ukrainian drones hit 2 Russian Su-27 jets in Crimea, intelligence agency says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/21/ukraine-war-latest-ukrainian-drones.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 21 Dec 2025 18:44:48 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/21/ukraine-war-latest-ukrainian-drones.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/842440d6c1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest: Ukrainian drones hit 2 Russian Su-27 jets in Crimea, intelligence agency says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Key developments on Dec. 20-21:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Ukrainian drones hit 2 Russian Su-27 jets in Crimea, intelligence agency says&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;France and Russia signal openness to holding separate talks as US-led peace efforts remain inconclusive&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;50 civilians in Sumy Oblast abducted and forcibly taken to Russia, ombudsman says&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Ukraine to replace head of&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-ukrainian-drones-hit-2-russian-su-27-jets-in-crimea-intelligence-agency-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>‘We are f–king fascists’ — Pussy Riot memoir looks at everything wrong with Russia</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/21/we-are-fking-fascists-pussy.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 21 Dec 2025 18:27:04 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/21/we-are-fking-fascists-pussy.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/pussy-riot.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;‘We are f–king fascists’ — Pussy Riot memoir looks at everything wrong with Russia&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Upon being released from prison in December 2013 after serving time for “hooliganism motivated by religious hatred,” Russian political activist Maria Alyokhina observes that she and her fellow Pussy Riot punk group members “arrived in a different country.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Outwardly, Russia sought to convey to the world&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/we-are-f-king-fascists-pussy-riot-memoir-looks-at-everything-wrong-with-russia/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian, US delegates hold another round of talks as Russian team meets Americans in Miami</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/21/ukrainian-us-delegates-hold-another.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 21 Dec 2025 18:05:30 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/21/ukrainian-us-delegates-hold-another.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2248651558-1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian, US delegates hold another round of talks as Russian team meets Americans in Miami&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The meeting is part of ongoing diplomatic negotiations in Washington&#39;s latest push to secure a peace deal. A Russian team is also expected to meet with U.S. delegates again on Dec. 21.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-us-delegates-hold-another-round-of-talks-as-russian-team-meets-americans-in-miami/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>The Kremlin&#39;s agent networks in Europe – Russia&#39;s war against the West has already begun!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/21/the-kremlins-agent-networks-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 21 Dec 2025 18:00:45 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/21/the-kremlins-agent-networks-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/c3cd6b8740.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;The Kremlin&#39;s agent networks in Europe – Russia&#39;s war against the West has already begun!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEjvxF2YPz4&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>France and Russia signal openness to holding separate talks as US-led peace efforts remain inconclusive</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/21/france-and-russia-signal-openness.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 21 Dec 2025 16:23:23 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/21/france-and-russia-signal-openness.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2202896182.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;France and Russia signal openness to holding separate talks as US-led peace efforts remain inconclusive&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;On Dec. 17, Russian President Vladimir Putin lashed out at Western leaders during an annual meeting with his defense ministry, calling European leaders &#34;piglets&#34; and declaring that the goals of Russia&#39;s full-scale war against Ukraine would be met &#34;unconditionally.&#34;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/france-and-russia-signal-openness-to-dialogue-as-peace-talks-continue/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>&#39;Not under discussion&#39;: Kremlin denies preparations for trilateral US-Ukraine-Russia talks</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/21/not-under-discussion-kremlin-denies.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 21 Dec 2025 15:45:58 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/21/not-under-discussion-kremlin-denies.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2249001619.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;Not under discussion&#39;: Kremlin denies preparations for trilateral US-Ukraine-Russia talks&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukrainian and Russian delegations have rushed to Miami to take part in yet another round of talks with the U.S. representatives in what some see as an American effort to end Russia&#39;s war against Ukraine.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/not-under-discussion-kremlin-denies-preparations-for-trilateral-us-ukraine-russia-talks/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>How Russia split my family over Christmas</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/21/how-russia-split-my-family.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 21 Dec 2025 15:01:58 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/21/how-russia-split-my-family.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f2fcd3c47-0.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;How Russia split my family over Christmas&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!iR-5!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F9daa2f04-8cb2-4d6a-ad92-fc161aa27201_1500x500.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f9daa2f04-8.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;485&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/9daa2f04-8cb2-4d6a-ad92-fc161aa27201_1500x500.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:485,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:true,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; fetchpriority=&#34;high&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor’s Note:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;LAST CALL! &lt;br&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;Want a Ukrainian tiger, crocodile or camel to greet you every day of the year?&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt; We’re announcing our new 2026 Wild Animals of War calendar! If you’re a free subscriber, upgrade to an &lt;strong&gt;annual plan today&lt;/strong&gt; and get one for free. We’re printing a limited run only:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Get Full Access!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Get Full Access!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!hZJY!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F08a717f5-f5f7-4d46-a82d-0c4cae45db43_1280x853.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f08a717f5-f.jpg&#34; width=&#34;460&#34; height=&#34;306.546875&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/08a717f5-f5f7-4d46-a82d-0c4cae45db43_1280x853.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:853,&#34;width&#34;:1280,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:460,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Already a paid subscriber but still want a calendar? &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;strong&gt;LAST CHANCE: &lt;/strong&gt;Snag one for a suggested donation of $90. (Our printing/mailing costs are about $25). Get one here!&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://buy.stripe.com/4gMcN50yv0eU9qifjefjG06&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Wild Animals Calendar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://buy.stripe.com/4gMcN50yv0eU9qifjefjG06&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Wild Animals Calendar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;For the past four years, I have loved Christmas. My family reunites in our hometown after long weeks of separation, sets the table with clay dishes, and annoys the neighbors with rumbling laughter.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;But the joy is short-lived. My mother’s gaze shifts toward my grandmother, who, instead of a festive dinner, declined to celebrate. Christmas has not yet arrived for her.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Within seconds, accusations will begin: specifically, that my grandmother is continuing the traditions of “Russian agents.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!Q3CS!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F78d7384c-257b-42fc-83c0-74810b4308c5_960x1280.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f78d7384c-2.jpg&#34; width=&#34;265&#34; height=&#34;353.3333333333333&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/78d7384c-257b-42fc-83c0-74810b4308c5_960x1280.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1280,&#34;width&#34;:960,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:265,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;In 2023, my family found our gifts under the Christmas tree for the first time on December 25, instead of on New Year’s Day as we had been doing previously.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Most of the world celebrates Christmas on December 25. But Ukraine, until recently, followed Russia’s lead, marking it on January 7. The shared religious calendar was one of the tools used to sustain the myth of Slavic unity, allowing Moscow to maintain its influence long after Ukrainian independence.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The war has accelerated Ukraine’s separation from Russia, including through religion. Celebrating Christmas on December 25 was another step toward aligning with the West. and a process of decolonization.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;But this shift came with consequences. For thousands of families, including my own, Christmas is not only a time of reunion but also a source of arguments.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I have personally witnessed how Russian influence can quietly take root, even among those closest to us. It often reveals itself in fierce resistance to returning to our own Ukrainian traditions, even among people who consider themselves patriotic.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;There is tragedy in this for every such family: a holiday that typically unites people has instead become a source of division — and a weapon in Russia’s hands.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; I witnessed this chasm with my own eyes.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;In the spirit of Christmas, this article will not be paywalled. &lt;/strong&gt; Still, it’s our last call: upgrade to an annual plan and get our 2026 calendar!&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;UPGRADE TO BYPASS PAYWALLS ALL YEAR&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;UPGRADE TO BYPASS PAYWALLS ALL YEAR&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f2fcd3c47-0.jpg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/5e82e63e21.jpg&#34; width=&#34;440&#34; height=&#34;293.3333333333333&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/2fcd3c47-029e-4ee4-a27d-7cbe556d40f7_594x396.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:396,&#34;width&#34;:594,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:440,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Under the dark skies of wartime power outages, the country’s main Christmas tree is illuminated on Sofiyska Square on December 5, 2025 in Kyiv, Ukraine. (Photo by Maksym Kishka/Frontliner/Getty Images).&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;My grandmother was never a supporter of pro-Russian ideas.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Still, she remains a parishioner of the ‘Ukrainian’ Orthodox Church, which has never fully severed its ties with Russia.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It’s hard for me to blame her.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;My grandparents began attending a church subordinated to the Moscow Patriarchate in the early 2010s, when my grandfather developed serious health problems. At the time, there were few alternatives. My home region, Volyn, had historically been a stronghold of the so-called ‘Ukrainian’ Orthodox Church, which fell under the Moscow Patriarchy.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;id&#34;:422292}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;PollToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;poll-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Nine years ago, my grandfather died. My grandmother’s world collapsed like a house of cards. They had lived together for decades, inseparable and deeply loving. Imagining how to piece herself back together felt impossible.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;She found comfort in continuing to attend the church they had once attended together. It was a community of people she still meets for coffee and celebrates holidays with. Older generations often turn to religion for meaning and support — even as churches like hers in Ukraine are now &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.ukrinform.ua/rubric-kyiv/3838778-u-kievi-vikrili-merezu-fsb-aka-diala-pid-prikrittam-upc-mp.html&#34;&gt;associated&lt;/a&gt; with collaborationism and Kremlin mouthpieces.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!GKIa!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F86b5c7a7-8534-42de-8e45-61524fa05ec5_641x641.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f86b5c7a7-8.png&#34; width=&#34;367&#34; height=&#34;367&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/86b5c7a7-8534-42de-8e45-61524fa05ec5_641x641.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:641,&#34;width&#34;:641,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:367,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Russian Orthodox Patriarchate churches in Ukraine as of 2024. Source: &lt;a href=&#34;https://opendatabot.ua/analytics/russian-church-2024-4&#34;&gt;Opendatabot&lt;/a&gt;. According to the data, the Volyn region has 422 churches.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Since the time of the Russian Empire, Ukraine has been under the influence of the Russian Orthodox Church.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Russian Orthodox church was more than a religious institution; it was a bridge to cement Russian ideology in my country. Even during the Soviet era, priests were recruited to &lt;a href=&#34;https://argumentua.com/stati/russkaya-pravoslavnaya-tserkov-na-sluzhbe-kgbfsb&#34;&gt;become&lt;/a&gt; secret agents, tasked with surveillance and spreading Soviet propaganda.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Before Soviet rule, Ukrainians celebrated Christmas on December 25, drawing them closer to Europe and farther from Russia, which refused to adopt the Gregorian calendar. In 1918, the Soviets returned to the Julian calendars for churches and shifted the holiday to January 7, uniting all occupied territories under a single schedule.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!SbC-!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1d7daa67-b32e-4076-81e9-78b8f8649608_957x575.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f1d7daa67-b.jpg&#34; width=&#34;472&#34; height=&#34;283.594566353187&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/1d7daa67-b32e-4076-81e9-78b8f8649608_957x575.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:575,&#34;width&#34;:957,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:472,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;The head of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate at his residence, where a portrait of Moscow Patriarch Kirill hangs, 2017. &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.radiosvoboda.org/a/upc-mp-moskovsky-patriarkhat-viyna/31124061.html&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;: UNIAN&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;The critical role of the Russian Orthodox Church persisted even after Ukraine gained independence in 1991, as the overwhelming majority of clergy had long-standing ties to Moscow.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Along with the Russian Orthodox Church, Ukraine continued to use the Julian calendar, which reflected its long-standing confrontation with the West, even in matters of faith.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Failing to break those ties was a serious mistake.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In 2014, Vladimir Putin exploited this historical connection between churches, using it as a tool of hybrid aggression to justify the war against Ukraine. Back then, the clergy of the so-called “Ukrainian Orthodox Church” supported separatists in Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk, as militants from the pseudo-republics &lt;a href=&#34;http://www.ucipr.org.ua/ua/med-a/research-updates/aktualniy-stan-pravoslavnih-cerkov-ukra-ni-v-umovah-v-yni-nad-na-ob-dnannya-utiski-na-donbas-ta-susp-lno-pol-tichna-pozic-ya&#34;&gt;created&lt;/a&gt; by Putin openly promoted Moscow Orthodoxy. They framed the conflict in Donbas a “crusade,” with the backing of the Russian Orthodox Church.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Only after three years of war, in 2018, Ukraine finally secured an independent Orthodox Church of Ukraine. Since then, the country has been engulfed in a confrontation over which church is legitimate.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;People in my region would go as far as to physically beat each other to assert their beliefs. Now, the Russian Orthodoxy tries to fuel the confrontation, especially on the eve of religious holidays.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In 2024, Ukraine &lt;a href=&#34;https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/card/3894-20&#34;&gt;introduced&lt;/a&gt; a law which banned religious formations associated with Moscow. Yet, the church continues to be under its influence.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Сlashes between parishioners of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchy) and the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (independent) in my home region in 2024. Source: &lt;a href=&#34;https://t.me/IA_VGOLOS/22687&#34;&gt;https://t.me/IA_VGOLOS/22687&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-component-name=&#34;VideoPlaceholder&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;mediaUploadId&#34;:&#34;dd0f5fd2-1918-4d10-a7bc-59ce1a89688e&#34;,&#34;duration&#34;:null}&#39; data-sanitized-class=&#34;native-video-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;No one in my family had seriously confronted my grandmother about her church until recently.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;After February 2022, my grandmother and my mother started arguing more often about religion, as reports mounted of clergy from churches subordinated to the Moscow Patriarchate being exposed as collaborators and participating in repression in the occupied territories. As of August 2025, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) was &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.ukrinform.ua/rubric-society/4024990-sbu-rozslidue-ponad-170-sprav-proti-svasennikiv-upc-mp-za-derzzradu-i-rozpaluvanna-vorozneci.html&#34;&gt;investigating&lt;/a&gt; more than 170 cases involving priests linked to Moscow on potential treason.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;To be precise, it was my mother who argued. My grandmother cried.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;However, even after thousands of quarrels, my grandmother decided to stay in her church, saying it was “different.” She believes her friends, the priests, are pro-Ukrainian, as they support the army with prayers.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;After many tiring conversations, our family decided to make the subject taboo. But the crack kept widening whenever the holidays came around.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Before the full-scale invasion, this day did not hold much meaning for me. As a child, I always received presents on New Year’s Eve, a tradition since Soviet times.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Christmas, meanwhile, was treated almost humorously: limping through the twilight along snowy, freezing streets, we could always collect sweets and money from neighbors in exchange for singing carols. It always felt less important, coming only after the New Year.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!eFDh!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F01139dfa-33dc-464c-88b6-f509db362679_594x396.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f01139dfa-3.jpg&#34; width=&#34;472&#34; height=&#34;314.6666666666667&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/01139dfa-33dc-464c-88b6-f509db362679_594x396.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:396,&#34;width&#34;:594,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:472,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;A column of carolers moves from Rynok Square towards Yavorskyi Square to participate in the ceremony to install the city of Lviv’s main Christmas didukh in western Ukraine. (Photo credit should read Markiian Lyseiko / Ukrinform/Future Publishing via Getty Images).&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;But the war changed my relationship to Christmas.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Now, even for someone as secular as myself, Christmas has become the most important family holiday of the year. The moment when I can finally catch my breath and travel back to my hometown to see everyone I love.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In 2023, we already celebrated Christmas on December 25 for the second time, after this date &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.rbc.ua/rus/news/dva-rizdva-chi-zmozhe-ukrayina-shvidko-pereyti-1699635314.html&#34;&gt;became&lt;/a&gt; the official one in Ukraine. We also started the tradition of exchanging gifts under the Christmas tree.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“It feels like we’ve brought real Christmas back,” my mother said as she cleared the festive table that year.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Everyone felt that way — except for my grandmother.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;That 2023 Christmas, she wanted to celebrate it without us. Her church, which continued to observe Christmas according to the old calendar, considered the new date incorrect.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;We were already eating kutia, singing carols, and drinking wine. My grandmother, meanwhile, was observing a strict fast which usually goes before Christmas. There was no celebration, no drinking, and no meat allowed for her, so she just ate plain vegetable dishes. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!VDBQ!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5ef7dc37-a0b3-4a32-8245-77755f075934_1000x600.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f5ef7dc37-a.png&#34; width=&#34;502&#34; height=&#34;301.2&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/5ef7dc37-a0b3-4a32-8245-77755f075934_1000x600.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:600,&#34;width&#34;:1000,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:502,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;A traditional Ukrainian dish, “kutia,” made of wheat or barley grains boiled in water with honey. Source: &lt;a href=&#34;http://klopotenko.com/&#34;&gt;klopotenko.com&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Late in the evening, she would eventually return from church, and the conversation would inevitably grow heated. The familiar arguments would begin again, stretching late into the night.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;But two years ago, she finally agreed to join our festive meal after my mom asked her not to “spoil the holiday.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;By 2024, statistics showed that most Ukrainians had &lt;a href=&#34;https://life.pravda.com.ua/society/ponad-50-ukrajinciv-cogorich-svyatkuvali-rizdvo-25-grudnya-opituvannya-i-zmini-300876/&#34;&gt;adapted&lt;/a&gt; to the reform calendar and begun celebrating Christmas on December 25.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I finally feel how it became ours. It was already ours before the Soviets and the Russian Orthodox stole it. Our ancestors celebrated it on December 25 as a way to revive our national identity and separate Kyiv from Moscow.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I tried to explain this to my grandmother.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;We never managed to change her mind completely. She still goes to her church and celebrates Christmas on January 7 with her friends there.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;But something eventually changed. She decided to mark two Christmases in a year and gave up on her fasting meals when everyone around is celebrating.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;She chose, after all, to spend the holiday with us.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor’s Note:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;LAST CALL! &lt;br&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;Want a Ukrainian tiger, crocodile or camel to greet you every day of the year?&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt; We’re announcing our new 2026 Wild Animals of War calendar! If you’re a free subscriber, upgrade to an &lt;strong&gt;annual plan today&lt;/strong&gt; and get one for free. We’re printing a limited run only:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Get Full Access!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Get Full Access!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!hZJY!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F08a717f5-f5f7-4d46-a82d-0c4cae45db43_1280x853.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f08a717f5-f.jpg&#34; width=&#34;451&#34; height=&#34;300.54921875&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/08a717f5-f5f7-4d46-a82d-0c4cae45db43_1280x853.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:853,&#34;width&#34;:1280,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:451,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Already a paid subscriber but still want a calendar? &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;strong&gt;LAST CHANCE: &lt;/strong&gt;Snag one for a suggested donation of $90. (Our printing/mailing costs are about $25). Get one here!&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://buy.stripe.com/4gMcN50yv0eU9qifjefjG06&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Wild Animals Calendar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://buy.stripe.com/4gMcN50yv0eU9qifjefjG06&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Wild Animals Calendar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;NEWS OF THE DAY:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;By Tim Mak&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;We built today’s News of the Day section using &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;http://www.groundnews.com/mak&#34;&gt;Ground.News&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;, a media literacy tool that helps cut through the fog in this time of disinformation. The website and app filters through thousands of news stories every day, merging them by topic to help show which topics are being covered by left and right.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;That’s why we’re partnering with &lt;a href=&#34;http://www.groundnews.com/mak&#34;&gt;Ground.News&lt;/a&gt; for this issue. It features bias detection, provides funding transparency about news outlets, and compares headlines so you can see how different outlets are framing the topic.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It’s bias detection helped surface the differences between how right-leaning and left-leaning outlets are covering the ongoing peace process through its ‘blindspots’ feature: &lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!x-EO!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe61343f4-1386-42a8-9b4b-fc14d77f5d33_1342x786.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fe61343f4-1.png&#34; width=&#34;552&#34; height=&#34;323.3025335320417&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/e61343f4-1386-42a8-9b4b-fc14d77f5d33_1342x786.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:786,&#34;width&#34;:1342,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:552,&#34;bytes&#34;:626837,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:&#34;image/png&#34;,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:&#34;[www.counteroffensive.news/i/1822278...](https://www.counteroffensive.news/i/182227823?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe61343f4-1386-42a8-9b4b-fc14d77f5d33_1342x786.png)&#34;,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Interested in improving your news diet like I have? Subscribe to Ground News and get 40% off their Vantage plan!&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;http://www.groundnews.com/mak&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Subscribe to Ground.News!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;http://www.groundnews.com/mak&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Subscribe to Ground.News!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;RUSSIA MIXED SIGNALS ON PEACE PROCESS:&lt;/strong&gt; Putin envoy Kirill Dmitriev &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.france24.com/en/americas/20251221-ongoing-ukraine-peace-talks-miami-constructive-kremlin-envoy-says&#34;&gt;hailed&lt;/a&gt; peace talks in Florida as “constructive,” as he met with Trump representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;At the same time, Putin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov slammed changes to the notorious 28 point plan, which the Europeans and Ukrainians have whittled down to 20 points. Ushakov &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/kremlin-says-chances-peace-not-improved-by-european-ukrainian-changes-us-2025-12-21/&#34;&gt;claimed&lt;/a&gt; that the revisions “definitely do not improve the document and do not improve the possibility of achieving long-term peace.”&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Both stories found on &lt;a href=&#34;https://groundnews.com/mak&#34;&gt;Ground.News&lt;/a&gt;, with high factuality: &lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!x0h6!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F6b2a190a-b500-4684-a104-dafcd8d8a048_842x242.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f6b2a190a-b.png&#34; width=&#34;424&#34; height=&#34;121.86223277909738&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/6b2a190a-b500-4684-a104-dafcd8d8a048_842x242.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:242,&#34;width&#34;:842,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:424,&#34;bytes&#34;:29906,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:&#34;image/png&#34;,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:&#34;[www.counteroffensive.news/i/1822278...](https://www.counteroffensive.news/i/182227823?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F6b2a190a-b500-4684-a104-dafcd8d8a048_842x242.png)&#34;,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;strong&gt;US INTEL: RUSSIA WANTS ALL UKRAINE:&lt;/strong&gt; Intelligence from the United States continues to show that Putin’s objectives continue to be the capture of all Ukraine, as well as parts of Europe that were part of the USSR. These assessments have been consistent since 2022, &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/us-intelligence-indicates-putins-war-aims-ukraine-are-unchanged-2025-12-19/&#34;&gt;Reuters reports&lt;/a&gt;, citing six sources that have familiarity with the intelligence. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;…BUT GABBARD DEFLECTS&lt;/strong&gt;: Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard &lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/DNIGabbard/status/2002484806978834862&#34;&gt;said&lt;/a&gt;  that “warmongers” in the government are promoting a “false narrative to block President Trump’s peace effort.” She claimed that Russia wants to avoid a larger war with NATO and also does not have the ability to conquer all of Ukraine. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The problem with Gabbard’s statement is that she does not contradict the Reuters story.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;ZELENSKY SUPPORTS ONLINE VOTING:&lt;/strong&gt; The Ukrainian president said that presidential elections could permit online voting for Ukrainians abroad, as preparations are made for a possible election campaign even during the war. More at &lt;a href=&#34;https://ground.news/article/zelensky-supports-online-voting-in-future-presidential-election_d38f32&#34;&gt;Ground.News&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;strong&gt;… AS PUTIN CONSIDERS BALLOT SITE CEASEFIRE:&lt;/strong&gt; For his part, Putin said he’s considering a ceasefire on election day if Kyiv holds elections that he is pushing for. Russia is “prepared to consider ways to ensure election security in Ukraine, at least by refraining from strikes deep into the country’s territory on election day,” he said. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;But he insisted that Ukrainians living in Russia be allowed to vote, and his promises are notably worthless.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!FlaA!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5f0edfc6-7834-462c-b9af-adf3f91f1cd0_850x488.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f5f0edfc6-7.png&#34; width=&#34;422&#34; height=&#34;242.27764705882353&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/5f0edfc6-7834-462c-b9af-adf3f91f1cd0_850x488.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:488,&#34;width&#34;:850,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:422,&#34;bytes&#34;:59201,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:&#34;image/png&#34;,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:&#34;[www.counteroffensive.news/i/1822278...](https://www.counteroffensive.news/i/182227823?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5f0edfc6-7834-462c-b9af-adf3f91f1cd0_850x488.png)&#34;,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;CAT OF CONFLICT:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;Sasha saw this cat “on sale” at a convenience store. Sometimes he comes there on cold days and lifts everyone’s spirits!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!5X62!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F67988eee-35c5-4480-8769-b23a2ef37033_720x1280.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f67988eee-3.jpg&#34; width=&#34;352&#34; height=&#34;625.7777777777778&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/67988eee-35c5-4480-8769-b23a2ef37033_720x1280.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1280,&#34;width&#34;:720,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:352,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Stay safe out there.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Best,&lt;br&gt;Mariana&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/how-russia-split-my-family-over-christmas&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>50 civilians in Sumy Oblast abducted and forcibly taken to Russia, ombudsman says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/21/civilians-in-sumy-oblast-abducted.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 21 Dec 2025 13:49:04 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/21/civilians-in-sumy-oblast-abducted.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2252120610.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;50 civilians in Sumy Oblast abducted and forcibly taken to Russia, ombudsman says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;According to preliminary information, on Dec. 18, Russian forces illegally detained about 50 civilians — residents of the village of Hrabovske — holding them without access to communication or adequate conditions. On Dec. 20, they were forcibly taken to Russia.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/50-civilians-in-sumy-oblast-abducted-and-forcibly-taken-to-russia-ombudsman-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russian troops launch nearly 100 drones overnight, killing 4, injuring 19</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/21/russian-troops-launch-nearly-drones.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 21 Dec 2025 12:03:46 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/21/russian-troops-launch-nearly-drones.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/2025-12-21-11-34-46.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian troops launch nearly 100 drones overnight, killing 4, injuring 19&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russian forces launched one Iskander-M ballistic missile from Russia’s Rostov Oblast, along with 97 drones from Russia’s Millerovo, Kursk, Orel, Primorsko-Akhtarsk, and Russian-occupied Crimea overnight, according to Ukraine&#39;s Air Force.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-attacks-overnight-kill-4-injure-19-across-ukraine-nearly-100-drones-deployed/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian partisans sabotage key railway hub in Russia&#39;s Rostov Oblast, group claims</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/21/ukrainian-partisans-sabotage-key-railway.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 21 Dec 2025 10:09:26 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/21/ukrainian-partisans-sabotage-key-railway.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/-2025-12-21-09-57-07.png&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian partisans sabotage key railway hub in Russia&#39;s Rostov Oblast, group claims&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Atesh operatives set fire at a railway hub in Bataysk, in Russia&#39;s Rostov Oblast, which Russian troops use to supply their forces in occupied parts of Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, and Donetsk oblasts, as well as Crimea.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/pro-ukrainian-partisans-sabotage-a-key-railway-hub-in-russias-rostov-oblast-group-claims/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>No concessions to the Kremlin: what the updated peace plan looks like  #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/20/no-concessions-to-the-kremlin.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 20 Dec 2025 22:30:23 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/20/no-concessions-to-the-kremlin.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/23cedbee18.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;No concessions to the Kremlin: what the updated peace plan looks like  #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/sf9bt640QAo&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine to replace head of Southern Air Command following repeated deadly Russian strikes in Odesa Oblast</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/20/ukraine-to-replace-head-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 20 Dec 2025 22:04:12 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/20/ukraine-to-replace-head-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/aa0a731c61.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine to replace head of Southern Air Command following repeated deadly Russian strikes in Odesa Oblast&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;No matter how difficult it is for us, we need to protect as many people as possible, protect Odesa and our other regions as much as possible,&#34; President Volodymyr Zelensky said of the planned replacement.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-to-replace-head-of-southern-air-command-following-repeated-deadly-russian-strikes-in-odesa-oblast/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>🇺🇸 Buck from Texas: How I became a Ukrainian intelligence scout #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/20/buck-from-texas-how-i.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 20 Dec 2025 21:30:12 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/20/buck-from-texas-how-i.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/a1732c104c.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🇺🇸 Buck from Texas: How I became a Ukrainian intelligence scout #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/boJUnnLNCQU&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Final version of the peace project? The US, Ukraine, and allies to meet in Miami</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/20/final-version-of-the-peace.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 20 Dec 2025 21:09:49 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/20/final-version-of-the-peace.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/f4a4bb0e7a.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Final version of the peace project? The US, Ukraine, and allies to meet in Miami&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gX1SLEnLPfs&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Veteran from TEXAS IN UKRAINE: From farming to fighting Russia</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/20/veteran-from-texas-in-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 20 Dec 2025 20:00:34 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/20/veteran-from-texas-in-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/460dd5b84f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Veteran from TEXAS IN UKRAINE: From farming to fighting Russia&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFXYToTwldM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>&#39;Alternatives to US support are uncertain&#39; — Zelensky says &#39;strength&#39; to end war exists with Trump, names &#39;most difficult issues&#39; in negotiations</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/20/alternatives-to-us-support-are.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 20 Dec 2025 19:49:49 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/20/alternatives-to-us-support-are.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/2bd584fcb3.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;Alternatives to US support are uncertain&#39; — Zelensky says &#39;strength&#39; to end war exists with Trump, names &#39;most difficult issues&#39; in negotiations&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;I believe such strength exists in the United States and in President Trump. And I believe we should not look for an alternative to the United States, because all alternatives are uncertain as to whether they can end the war),&#34; President Volodymyr Zelensky told reporters.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/alternatives-to-us-support-are-uncertain-zelensky-says-strength-to-end-war-exists-with-trump-names-most-difficult-issues-in-negotiations/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Between life and death under Russian drones in Kherson</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/20/between-life-and-death-under.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 20 Dec 2025 18:31:43 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/20/between-life-and-death-under.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/img-2513.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Between life and death under Russian drones in Kherson&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Liberated in 2022, Kherson is still under daily attack from Russian forces across the Dnipro River. The Kyiv Independent’s Francis Farrell and Olena Zashko report from a city living under anti-drone nets and constant surveillance, showing how everyday life, from hospitals and schools to aid deliveries and cultural events, continues under threat, and why residents refuse to leave.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/between-life-and-death-under-russian-drones-in-kherson/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine working on mechanism for overseas voting for citizens living abroad, Zelensky says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/20/ukraine-working-on-mechanism-for.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 20 Dec 2025 18:08:30 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/20/ukraine-working-on-mechanism-for.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-1156984374.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine working on mechanism for overseas voting for citizens living abroad, Zelensky says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukraine&#39;s Foreign Ministry is working on establishing a mechanism for providing Ukrainian citizen living abroad the ability to vote in the country&#39;s next election, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Dec. 20.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/foreign-ministry-working-on-mechanism-to-allow-ukrainian-citizen-abroad-to-vote-in-next-election-zelensky-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russia is afraid of the truth: acknowledging the war would be a political disaster #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/20/russia-is-afraid-of-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 20 Dec 2025 17:35:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/20/russia-is-afraid-of-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/36dd30b44e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia is afraid of the truth: acknowledging the war would be a political disaster #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/tFCwbJJbBSE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine, Portugal sign partnership to produce sea drones, Zelensky says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/20/ukraine-portugal-sign-partnership-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 20 Dec 2025 17:11:56 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/20/ukraine-portugal-sign-partnership-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/photo-2025-12-20-16-49-36.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine, Portugal sign partnership to produce sea drones, Zelensky says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Sea drones have become a crucial component of Ukraine&#39;s defense toolkit, and co-production with a NATO ally could enhance long-term output and deepen European defense-industrial cooperation at sea.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-portugal-sign-partnership-to-produce-sea-drones-zelensky-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>MOSCOW UNDER DRONE ATTACK! Russia suffers MAJOR DEFEAT in KUPIANSK</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/20/moscow-under-drone-attack-russia.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 20 Dec 2025 17:00:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/20/moscow-under-drone-attack-russia.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/8eb555b561.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;MOSCOW UNDER DRONE ATTACK! Russia suffers MAJOR DEFEAT in KUPIANSK&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75wE1spSI2s&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>WATCH! EU launches €90B for Ukraine | War hits Russia | Trump’s sanctions game</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/20/watch-eu-launches-b-for.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 20 Dec 2025 15:52:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/20/watch-eu-launches-b-for.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/27ad2bc87f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;WATCH! EU launches €90B for Ukraine | War hits Russia | Trump’s sanctions game&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mO6KeVBv4_o&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>🤝IMPORTANT COOPERATION! Ukraine and Portugal will jointly manufacture marine drones #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/20/important-cooperation-ukraine-and-portugal.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 20 Dec 2025 14:51:16 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/20/important-cooperation-ukraine-and-portugal.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/622fe93d41.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🤝IMPORTANT COOPERATION! Ukraine and Portugal will jointly manufacture marine drones #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/8mz8hDVYX_k&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ministry says 202 Indian citizens recruited by Russia to fight in war against Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/20/ministry-says-indian-citizens-recruited.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 20 Dec 2025 14:42:49 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/20/ministry-says-indian-citizens-recruited.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2232743753.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ministry says 202 Indian citizens recruited by Russia to fight in war against Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;According. Ukraine&#39;s Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, Russia had mobilized 18,092 foreigners from 128 countries as of October.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/india-confirms-over-200-citizens-recruited-by-russia-to-fight-in-war-against-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>❗️Zelenskyy and Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro honored fallen servicemen in Kyiv #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/20/zelenskyy-and-portuguese-prime-minister.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 20 Dec 2025 14:31:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/20/zelenskyy-and-portuguese-prime-minister.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/3af0a36ec6.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️Zelenskyy and Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro honored fallen servicemen in Kyiv #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/KRgo1391xKk&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian drones hit 2 Russian Su-27 jets in Crimea, intelligence agency says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/20/ukrainian-drones-hit-russian-su.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 20 Dec 2025 13:28:35 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/20/ukrainian-drones-hit-russian-su.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/photo-2025-12-20-12-53-37.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian drones hit 2 Russian Su-27 jets in Crimea, intelligence agency says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The drones are operated by the SBU&#39;s Special Operations Center &#34;A&#34; (Alpha), according to the agency.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/sbu-says-drones-hit-2-russian-su-27-jets-at-belbek-airfield-in-occupied-crimea/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>What is known about US-promised security guarantees for Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/20/what-is-known-about-uspromised.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 20 Dec 2025 12:27:37 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/20/what-is-known-about-uspromised.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width=&#34;1280&#34; height=&#34;853&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/peace-talks.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Peace talks in Berlin&#34; decoding=&#34;async&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;On Dec. 14, in Berlin, Ukraine and the US discussed a potential peace deal with Russia. Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, headed the Ukrainian delegation. On the American side were Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy to Kyiv, and Jared Kushner, son-in-law and the adviser of the US President. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The WSJ &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.wsj.com/world/europe/u-s-and-ukraine-try-to-break-impasse-over-peace-deal-with-russia-7609a95&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;reported&lt;/a&gt; that the negotiations were difficult and that the American side once again tried to pressure Ukraine into withdrawing its troops from the parts of Donetsk region Russia didn’t occupy. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The US even &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/16/ukraine-war-briefing-us-offers-nato-style-security-guarantees&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;resorted&lt;/a&gt; to an unexpected proposal. The American delegation offered Ukraine security guarantees from the US similar to Article 5 of NATO, i.e., guarantees that would compel America to give a “military response&#34; if Russia attacked Ukraine again. However, the American side said that such a proposal would not remain on the table indefinitely and that Ukraine had limited time to make a decision. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Ukraine &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/14/world/europe/zelensky-ukraine-peace-talks.html&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;confirmed&lt;/a&gt; that it’s open to compromise on security guarantees as well. President Zelenskyy has reportedly said that Ukraine&#39;s willing to give up its hopes of joining NATO in exchange for security guarantees.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“And above all, (the peace plan) must be workable. The plan truly should not be just a piece of paper, but a meaningful step toward ending the war,” said Zelenskyy. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The Guardian also  &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/15/what-did-ukraine-peace-talks-in-berlin-achieve-and-what-happens-next&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;wrote&lt;/a&gt; that European leaders perceived US-Ukraine talks in Berlin as the one that do really defend Ukraine from future Russian aggression. They were particularly optimistic about security guarantees., &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Following the talks in Berlin, European leaders issued a joint statement presenting such &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2025/12/15/leaders-statement-on-ukraine/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;guarantees&lt;/a&gt; for Ukraine: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-list&#34;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;A European-led “&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/15/ukraine-talks-european-leaders-meet-berlin-starmer-macron-zelenskyy-merz-us-witkoff&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;multinational force”&lt;/a&gt; to support Ukraine’s army and defend its skies and seas.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;A “legally binding commitment” from the UK and other European nations to “take measures to restore peace and security in the case of a future armed attack”.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;European support for Ukraine’s accession to the EU.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;“Sustained and significant support” from Europe to help Ukraine “build its armed forces”, which should remain at a peacetime level of 800,000 troops (Russia has demanded that Ukraine cut the size of its armed forces of 600,000 troops).&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;A US-led “ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism” to “provide early warning of any future attack”.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Investment in Ukraine’s reconstruction, which may include Russian sovereign assets that have been frozen in Europe.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Still, a lot of questions about how to make the peace deal happen are still up in the air. Ivan Marchenko, Doctor of Economics, Associate Professor of the Department of International Relations at Kharkiv National University, notes that Ukraine has effectively rejected the terms proposed by Kushner and Witkoff regarding the surrender of the Donetsk region, and Russia is unlikely to accept the Ukrainian side&#39;s amendments, which paves the way for a new round of negotiations. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-heading&#34;&gt;Uncertainty of response  &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;On Dec. 18, President Zelenskyy &lt;a href=&#34;https://nv.ua/ukr/world/geopolitics/garantiji-bezpeki-dlya-ukrajini-zelenskiy-zayaviv-shcho-narazi-konkretiki-shchodo-nih-nemaye-50569583.html&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;said&lt;/a&gt; that he did not fully understand how the security guarantees would work. He added that Ukraine was not yet ready to assess the effectiveness of the guarantees, noting that it was necessary to crystallize the main point — how the US and Europe will act if Russia attacksed again, and what kind of response there would be. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Zelenskyy also said that it is important for Ukraine to receive this response in writing, even if it is not made public. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Trump has consistently said that he will not send American troops to Ukraine. Instead, American guarantees reportedly &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/16/world/europe/ukraine-security-guarantees-talks.html&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;outline&lt;/a&gt; how the United States plans to utilize its extensive intelligence systems to monitor the ceasefire and detect any Russian activity aimed at re-entering unoccupied parts of Ukraine, according to officials. Additionally, the US will assist in verifying Russia&#39;s compliance with the ceasefire and ensure that “minor skirmishes” between Russia and Ukraine do not escalate into a new war.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Markus Reisner, an Austrian military historian and lecturer at the military academy in Wiener Neustadt, &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.dw.com/uk/ekspert-vrazae-so-ssa-tak-svidko-pogodilisa-nadati-garantii-bezpeki-ukraini/a-75195848&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;notes&lt;/a&gt; that such an unexpected and rapid proposal from the Americans regarding security guarantees seems suspicious. In his opinion, Trump&#39;s team may not take these guarantees seriously, viewing them as similar to the 1994 Budapest Memorandum. The Memorandum provided Ukraine with security guarantees from the US, Russia, France, and Britain in exchange for renouncing nuclear weapons, but it was non-binding legally and then violated by Russia. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Ihor Marchenko also thinks that the guarantee mechanism proposed by the US seems to be a real compromise, but its implementation remains questionable. He says there is a big difference between collective security provided by all NATO members and security guarantees provided by America only. Such guarantees may simply not be implemented by the US. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;He also notes that for Russia, Ukraine&#39;s non-accession to NATO is a key condition on a par with the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the Donetsk region. Therefore, there is a possibility that realistic and reliable security guarantees for Ukraine, similar to Article 5 of NATO, will be perceived by Putin as Ukraine&#39;s de facto accession to the alliance, which will lead to another rejection of the peace process by Russia&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Ihor Marchenko also said that EU accessio cannot be a military security guarantor  for Ukraine because is an economic alliance.  &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; “So when they combine them, saying that if you reject NATO, you automatically join the European Union, that’s a kind of substitution, where instead of hot, we get red,” Marchenko says. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Andrius Kubilius, European Commissioner for Defense, &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.radiosvoboda.org/a/news-es-ukrayina-harantiyi-bezpeky/33627355.html&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;spoke&lt;/a&gt; more about European security guarantees during the summit on December 18. He added that Germany, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Poland are still discussing possible formats of security guarantees for Ukraine. One of the conditions he mentioned was the possible redeployment of these countries&#39; troops to NATO territory. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;German Chancellor Friedrich Merz &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.zdfheute.de/politik/deutschland/was-nun-friedrich-merz-ukraine-100.html&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;spoke&lt;/a&gt; about such a prospect as well. He noted that a peace agreement could indeed provide for the deployment of peacekeeping forces, adding that Europeans may have to repel Russian attack if they decide to invade Ukraine again.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This scenario seems unlikely, as Russia has repeatedly &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.radiosvoboda.org/a/news-putin-myrni-perehovory-rosiya-ukrayina/33339467.html&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;declared&lt;/a&gt; the deployment of any foreign troops on Ukrainian territory unacceptable. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;However, it will be a major victory if Ukraine can secure ratification of security guarantees in the US Senate that will provide Ukraine with weapons, training for soldiers, and intelligence, &lt;a href=&#34;https://t.me/armchairgeneralUA/2753&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;says&lt;/a&gt; Mykola Bielieskov, an analyst at the National Institute for Strategic Studies of Ukraine. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-heading&#34;&gt;Issue with joining NATO&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Another important aspect of the Berlin negotiations is Ukraine&#39;s refusal to join NATO. In 2019, just a few months prior to the presidential election, Ukraine &lt;a href=&#34;https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/2680-19#Text&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;amended&lt;/a&gt; its Constitution to formally commit to EU and NATO membership as a strategic goal. This amendment was defined by a law passed by the Verkhovna Rada on February 7, 2019, highlighting Ukraine&#39;s desire for integration into Euro-Atlantic structures as an irreversible process.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Mark Rutte, NATO Secretary General, &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.radiosvoboda.org/a/news-ryutte-nato-vstup-ukrayina/33611081.html&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;said&lt;/a&gt; that the alliance has no consensus on Ukraine&#39;s accession, but emphasized the Washington Treaty, which states that any sovereign democratic state can apply for membership in the alliance.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“The practical situation is that, as you know, Ukraine&#39;s accession to NATO requires the consensus of all allies. And now, as you know, there is no consensus on Ukraine&#39;s accession to NATO,” Rutte said in response to a question about Ukraine&#39;s future membership in the alliance.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Zelenskyy&#39;s statements about seeking compromises were met with criticism from the Ukrainian opposition. &#34;If this is true, then it is an abuse of Zelensky&#39;s constitutional powers, for which the Ukrainian people did not give him any mandate. Victory for Ukraine means preserving our sovereignty,&#34; &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17xgpR72WF/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;says&lt;/a&gt; Iryna Gerashchenko, a Ukrainian MP and member of former President Petro Poroshenko&#39;s party. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In order to amend Ukraine&#39;s constitution, a referendum on withdrawal from the NATO course should be held. That is currently impossible due to martial law, but President Zelenskyy &lt;a href=&#34;https://suspilne.media/1185154-zelenskij-zaaviv-so-zvernuvsa-do-ssa-ta-evropi-abi-voni-zabezpecili-bezpecne-provedenna-prezidentskih-viboriv/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;ordered&lt;/a&gt; Ukrainian parliamentarians to draft a law that would guarantee elections in Ukraine during wartime. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Zelenskyy’s decision be more of a performance to show that Ukraine seriously understands the threat to democracy and is considering options for holding these elections not only democratically, but also without or with minimal threats of manipulation from Russia, which will not undermine Ukraine&#39;s sovereignty and state order, suggests Kateryna Bousol, a Ukrainian lawyer and associate professor at the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Busol adds that Ukraine&#39;s Euro-Atlantic and European integration course is not just a policy of wishes, but Ukraine&#39;s strategy enshrined in the Constitution. Western countries such as Britain and the US often refer to late 19th century norms and emphasize that even after more than a century, they remain relevant to their laws. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In her opinion, Ukraine should also defend a similar position for its Constitution: to show that, although the state is open to seeking legislative and legitimate solutions, but to also emphasize that the Ukrainian constitution is not just a “piece of paper,” and it cannot be changed every six months. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Busol also talks about possible compromise solutions. She explained that, according to the Constitution of Ukraine and the law on international treaties, an international treaty ratified by the Verkhovna Rada takes precedence over national legislation if its provisions differ from the Constitution or other norms. Busol said that this rule applies only to &lt;em&gt;ratified&lt;/em&gt; documents, not to those that have simply been signed. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The lawyer said that the potential referendum might involve authorities discussing the need for an interim decision. The authorities could also say that Ukraine has ratified this international treaty (if such a treaty — that includes a US Article 5-like security guarantee — is signed) and that its provisions are therefore binding. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Using Colombia as an example, she &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.bbva.com/en/timeline-colombian-peace-process/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;said&lt;/a&gt; that the first peace agreement reached within the armed conflict took a really long time to agree upon. The Colombian people did not support the agreement between the government and the FARC rebels, even though it was negotiated, as Busol put it, with their blood and sweat. A new round of negotiations then started. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“Signing peace agreements, of course, is very important, but the processes that follow can also influence whether the agreement will be implemented at the national level and in what format, and whether there will be a review, as was the case in Colombia, for example.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-heading&#34;&gt;Read more&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;ul data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-list&#34;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;“I won’t go through occupation again” — &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/i-wont-go-through-occupation-again-life-in-ukrainian-village-one-mile-from-russia/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;life &lt;/a&gt;in Ukrainian village one mile from Russia&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p data-sanitized-class=&#34;has-background&#34;&gt;Hello, this is Nazar, the author of the article. I was extremely interested in telling you about the possible security guarantees for Ukraine that are being talked about so much. If you are interested in learning more about such events with the opinions of Ukrainian experts, please &lt;a href=&#34;https://buymeacoffee.com/gwaramedia&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;buy us a coffee&lt;/a&gt; or consider subscribing to our &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.patreon.com/gwaramedia&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;Patreon&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The post &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/security-guarantees-for-ukraine-obstacles-to-their-implementation/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;What is known about US-promised security guarantees for Ukraine&lt;/a&gt; appeared first on &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;Gwara Media&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/security-guarantees-for-ukraine-obstacles-to-their-implementation/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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    <item>
      <title>Putin envoy heads to Miami for talks on Ukraine peace plan, Reuters reports</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/20/putin-envoy-heads-to-miami.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 20 Dec 2025 12:22:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/20/putin-envoy-heads-to-miami.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2248998264.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Putin envoy heads to Miami for talks on Ukraine peace plan, Reuters reports&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The planned Miami meetings follow Witkoff and Kushner’s talks in Berlin earlier this week with Ukrainian and European officials on revisions to a U.S.-backed peace plan.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/putin-envoy-dmitriev-heads-to-miami-for-talks-with-witkoff-kushner-as-u-s-pushes-ukraine-peace-plan-reuters-reports/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>At least 1 killed, 20 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine over past day</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/20/at-least-killed-injured-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 20 Dec 2025 11:19:49 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/20/at-least-killed-injured-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2206495704.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;At least 1 killed, 20 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine over past day&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;According to the Ukrainian Air Force, Russia targeted Ukraine overnight with three Iskander-M ballistic missiles launched from occupied Crimea and 51 attack drones.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/at-least-1-killed-20-injured-in-russian-attacks-on-ukraine-over-past-day/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian special forces hit Russian patrol ship and oil platform in Caspian Sea</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/20/ukrainian-special-forces-hit-russian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 20 Dec 2025 09:42:57 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/20/ukrainian-special-forces-hit-russian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/a9430b2ffd.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian special forces hit Russian patrol ship and oil platform in Caspian Sea&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;SSO drones also hit a Russian oil platform located at the Filanovsky oil and gas field in the Caspian Sea. The platform is owned by Russian oil company Lukoil and is used for oil and gas extraction.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-special-forces-hit-russian-hunter-patrol-ship-with-kamikaze-drone/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>General Staff: Russia has lost 1,195,610 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/20/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 20 Dec 2025 09:31:37 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/20/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-1954733914.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;General Staff: Russia has lost 1,195,610 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Russia has lost around 1,195,610 troops in Ukraine since the beginning of its full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022, the General Staff of Ukraine&#39;s &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.facebook.com/GeneralStaff.ua&#34;&gt;Armed Forces&lt;/a&gt; reported on Dec. 20.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The number includes 1,090 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;According to&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/general-staff-russia-has-lost-1-195-610-troops-in-ukraine-since-feb-24-2022/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>US launches large-scale strike in Syria targeting ISIS</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/20/us-launches-largescale-strike-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 20 Dec 2025 00:39:29 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/20/us-launches-largescale-strike-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2221348933.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;US launches large-scale strike in Syria targeting ISIS&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;This is not the beginning of a war — it is a declaration of vengeance,&#34; U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth wrote on X.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/us-launches-large-scale-strike-in-syria-targeting-isis/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian drones are becoming increasingly dangerous for Russia #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/20/ukrainian-drones-are-becoming-increasingly.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 20 Dec 2025 00:00:17 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/20/ukrainian-drones-are-becoming-increasingly.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/c0b55047ea.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian drones are becoming increasingly dangerous for Russia #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/E4lHCfmlA8s&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>This isn’t SCI-FI – it’s SMART WEAPONS hunting Russia’s army</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/20/this-isnt-scifi-its-smart.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 19 Dec 2025 23:00:52 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/20/this-isnt-scifi-its-smart.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/1308e8e3f1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;This isn’t SCI-FI – it’s SMART WEAPONS hunting Russia’s army&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCXv_8DbgHE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russia attacks Odesa Oblast with ballistic missiles, at least 7 killed, 15 injured</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/19/russia-attacks-odesa-oblast-with.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 19 Dec 2025 22:23:16 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/19/russia-attacks-odesa-oblast-with.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2251739609.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia attacks Odesa Oblast with ballistic missiles, at least 7 killed, 15 injured&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russian ballistic missiles &#34;massively attacked&#34; a port facility in the region, Governor Oleh Kiper said. Seven are dead and 15 injured victims have been hospitalized.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-attacks-odesa-oblast-with-ballistic-missiles-at-least-7-killed-15-injured/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>€90 billion for Ukraine: a historic decision by the EU #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/19/billion-for-ukraine-a-historic.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 19 Dec 2025 22:00:36 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/19/billion-for-ukraine-a-historic.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/020e4b56f4.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;€90 billion for Ukraine: a historic decision by the EU #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/RfXSE4mxXrE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>US &#39;not concerned&#39; about Russia as it ramps up aggression against Venezuela, Rubio says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/19/us-not-concerned-about-russia.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 19 Dec 2025 21:53:08 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/19/us-not-concerned-about-russia.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2252058959.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;US &#39;not concerned&#39; about Russia as it ramps up aggression against Venezuela, Rubio says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;We&#39;re not concerned about an escalation with Russia, with regards to Venezuela ... I think they have their hands full in Ukraine,&#34; U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Dec. 19.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/us-not-concerned-about-russia-as-it-ramps-up-aggression-against-venezuela-rubio-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Europe is changing the rules of the game! Russia is being hit where it is weakest</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/19/europe-is-changing-the-rules.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 19 Dec 2025 21:00:47 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/19/europe-is-changing-the-rules.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/e18da6a964.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Europe is changing the rules of the game! Russia is being hit where it is weakest&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ip39OCyL_n0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>The SSU struck a Russian submarine in Novorossiysk #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/19/the-ssu-struck-a-russian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 19 Dec 2025 19:45:22 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/19/the-ssu-struck-a-russian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/a843ea8d6d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;The SSU struck a Russian submarine in Novorossiysk #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/OZfOVCPzzTQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russian submarines under fire: Ukraine deploys underwater drones</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/19/russian-submarines-under-fire-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 19 Dec 2025 19:00:44 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/19/russian-submarines-under-fire-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/6c00cd299f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian submarines under fire: Ukraine deploys underwater drones&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRySFPrU0u8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine&#39;s financial shield: Europe provides €90 billion #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/19/ukraines-financial-shield-europe-provides.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 19 Dec 2025 18:55:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/19/ukraines-financial-shield-europe-provides.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/493db06080.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine&#39;s financial shield: Europe provides €90 billion #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/bPX3J-FneCw&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Fact-check: Debunking Russian propaganda about &#39;persecution of Christians&#39; in Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/19/factcheck-debunking-russian-propaganda-about.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 19 Dec 2025 18:09:38 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/19/factcheck-debunking-russian-propaganda-about.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2230613014.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Fact-check: Debunking Russian propaganda about &#39;persecution of Christians&#39; in Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The supposed &#34;persecution of Christians&#34; in Ukraine ranks among the most popular tropes of Russian disinformation.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Kremlin propaganda has sought to cast the state&#39;s push to limit the influence of the Kremlin-linked Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP) — whose clergymen have aided Russia&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/fact-check-washington-visit-revives-fakes-about-persecution-of-christians-in-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Kyiv Independent held its first live event in New York</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/19/kyiv-independent-held-its-first.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 19 Dec 2025 17:42:56 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/19/kyiv-independent-held-its-first.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/lattanzio-20251209-2333.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Kyiv Independent held its first live event in New York&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Kyiv Independent on Dec. 9 hosted its first live event in New York City, an evening dedicated to storytelling, investigative journalism, and front-line reporting.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/kyiv-independent-held-its-first-live-event-in-new-york/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine&#39;s delegation to meet American officials in US for new round of talks</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/19/ukraines-delegation-to-meet-american.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 19 Dec 2025 17:32:43 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/19/ukraines-delegation-to-meet-american.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2245055936-2.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine&#39;s delegation to meet American officials in US for new round of talks&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Kyiv has already held consultations with European partners and is now preparing for continued discussions with the U.S., according to deligation head, Rustem Umerov. General Andrii Hnatov, chief of Ukraine&#39;s General Staff, will also take part in the talks.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-delegation-to-meet-american-officials-in-us-for-new-round-of-talks/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Kyiv Independent reaches 25,000 paying members thanks to our global community</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/19/kyiv-independent-reaches-paying-members.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 19 Dec 2025 17:27:21 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/19/kyiv-independent-reaches-paying-members.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/image-11-.png&#34; alt=&#34;Kyiv Independent reaches 25,000 paying members thanks to our global community&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;More than 2,400 people have joined the Kyiv Independent community during our anniversary campaign, helping us reach our goal of 25,000 members by the end of 2025.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/kyiv-independent-reaches-25-000-paying-members-thanks-to-our-global-community/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>RECORD aid to UKRAINE! A €90 billion loan and the results of the “Ramstein” meeting | In Focus</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/19/record-aid-to-ukraine-a.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 19 Dec 2025 17:01:36 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/19/record-aid-to-ukraine-a.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/8be9a838e8.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;RECORD aid to UKRAINE! A €90 billion loan and the results of the “Ramstein” meeting | In Focus&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWNrecI8LLQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Investigation: Sick Ukrainian children exploited in fraudulent charity campaigns linked to US, Israel</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/19/investigation-sick-ukrainian-children-exploited.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 19 Dec 2025 16:08:03 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/19/investigation-sick-ukrainian-children-exploited.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/linda-main.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Investigation: Sick Ukrainian children exploited in fraudulent charity campaigns linked to US, Israel&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor&#39;s note: This story is a collaboration between the Kyiv Independent and Factcheck Bulgaria.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h2 data-sanitized-id=&#34;key-findings&#34;&gt;Key findings:&lt;/h2&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;A network of nonprofits runs large-scale fundraising campaigns claiming to support Ukrainian children with cancer, yet less than 1% of funds raised appear to reach the children.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;These organizations are mostly based&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/investigation-charity-network-tied-to-u-s-and-israel-exploits-sick-ukrainian-children-for-profit-2/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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    <item>
      <title>Inside a Ukrainian power plant Russia keeps hitting</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/19/inside-a-ukrainian-power-plant.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 19 Dec 2025 16:05:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/19/inside-a-ukrainian-power-plant.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/dtek-3-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Inside a Ukrainian power plant Russia keeps hitting&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Kyiv Independent’s Dominic Culverwell reports from an undisclosed thermal power plant operated by DTEK, Ukraine’s largest private energy company, to show how energy workers are keeping critical infrastructure running as temperatures drop and attacks continue.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/inside-a-ukrainian-power-plant-russia-keeps-hitting/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>“I won’t go through occupation again” — life in Ukrainian village one mile from Russia</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/19/i-wont-go-through-occupation.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 19 Dec 2025 16:01:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/19/i-wont-go-through-occupation.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width=&#34;7014&#34; height=&#34;4681&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/sig-8348.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Locals at the railway station in Kozacha Lopan&#34; decoding=&#34;async&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;UKRAINE, SLATYNE&lt;/strong&gt; — The car accelerates from Derhachi north of Kharkiv along the highway towards Kozacha Lopan, a village located one mile away from Russia. “Unbuckle your seatbelt,” the driver says, hitting 75 miles/hour. Rules don&#39;t apply here and you have to be ready to jump out of the car at once after spotting a drone. Military vehicles speed past the car towards the city.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Five civilians have been killed in Russian drone strikes here over autumn, say local officials. FPV drones lurk on the roadside and rooftops, hunting vehicles. Anti-drone nets are being installed, but progress is slow under constant surveillance.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Russian forces monitor everyone entering or leaving the border villages. Five hundred residents remain in Kozacha Lopan without electricity, gas, or signal. Unable to reach them, aid workers leave supplies in nearby Slatyne, 13 km (8 miles) from the border&lt;em&gt;, &lt;/em&gt;where residents go to pick up humanitarian aid and pensions.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Gwara Media met Kozacha Lopan locals there and spoke with them to learn why they keep living so close to Russia.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-heading&#34;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Living on the edge&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Slatyne greets visitors with a deserted railway station—weeds now grow between the railways tracks, and all that remains from the station’s building are crumbling walls bearing inscriptions: “Welcome to Hell” in Ukrainian and “&lt;em&gt;Welkome&lt;/em&gt; to Ukraine, &lt;em&gt;bitch&lt;/em&gt;” in English. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Since July 2025, the station in Slatyne is the last stop on the way north from Kharkiv. Trains no longer run to the border villages of Kozacha Lopan and Nova Kozacha (neighboring village, 4.3 miles from the border) due to the constant threat of Russian shelling.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Instead, a dozen residents from the border area come here for humanitarian aid—by cars, motorcycles, or bicycles. They pack the bread into bags for themselves and for people who have stayed in their village. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;There are no shops, pharmacies, or post offices in Kozacha Lopan. Utility services no longer operate there, and even medics, police, and local authorities have relocated farther from the frontline because Russians increased drone activity and expanded the killzone near the border. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“We&#39;ve been abandoned. They tell us, ‘Evacuate, you&#39;re just waiting for the Russians.’ But we&#39;re not waiting around for anyone. We were born here,” says Valentyna. She wears a neat cream-colored hat, holding a black bag she used yesterday to carry medicine to elderly neighbors in Kozacha.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Mostly elderly people remain in the village. Evacuating them requires “two strong men,” Valentyna says, but they won&#39;t go because of the drone threat. Plus, elderly and disabled people cannot care for themselves in the dormitories where authorities typically place evacuees. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“People will simply freeze here. Today, a disabled neighbor wanted to go with us to Slatyne. He was shivering with fever. Where will he go? He&#39;s 58, deaf, and cannot speak. We provide for him. We understand him. No, he won&#39;t go anywhere — and there are others like him who won&#39;t leave.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-heading&#34;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Human hunting&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In early 2022, approximately 5,000 people lived in Kozacha Lopan, but the population has declined tenfold since, according to local authorities.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Valentyna says that around 600 people remain in the village—some male residents avoid registering for humanitarian aid out of fear of military conscription.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Russian reconnaissance drones constantly circle above, watching locals. “They already know where everyone lives,” says Nataliia, slightly younger than Valentyna, wearing a bright pink backpack with a yellow and blue ribbon tied on it. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“Are the Russians also attacking the road to Slatyne (with drones)?” &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“The problem is that military vehicles drive by, sometimes civilian ones too. And both get hit.” the local women reply.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Suddenly, one of the women who had been silent speaks up. Vira’s voice is quiet and breaks often as she talks about her husband, who was killed last summer by a Russian drone strike while they were driving to another village to pick up hot meals.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-quote&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“The drone caught up with our car. He died. We buried him in Nova Kozacha. No one wanted to go to Kozacha Lopan,” Vira says, hand reaching to cover her mouth. Her eyes glisten with tears.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In two years, about a hundred people have died from Russian attacks, locals recall. Some were buried at home, others in nearby villages. The funeral service, too, no longer comes to Kozacha Lopan.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Valentyna says that, despite all of that, they keep delivering meals and humanitarian aid back to Kozacha, refusing to evacuate. Being on the road is scary. Sometimes they drive under the drones, sometimes they turn back home empty-handed. Each of these trips could be their last.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-heading&#34;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Cellar dwellers&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Kozacha Lopan was once bustling with life—it had a border crossing with Russia and a customs office. The Kharkiv-Moscow highway ran through the village, with intense traffic in both directions. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Russia occupied the village on the first day of its full-scale invasion, repainting the Ukrainian flag on a mural with the inscription “There is no end to the Cossack kind” in Russian. The Ukrainian military deoccupied it after about six months during the Kharkiv counteroffensive. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Life in the basement is what life a mile from the Russian border is imagined to be like, but locals say they don’t stay there that much.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-quote&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“We sat in cellars during the occupation because that was our only option. We couldn&#39;t go anywhere,” Valentyna says.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;There was no bread at first. Valentyna had only one package of pasta at home—why stock up when there&#39;s a shop nearby, she had thought, and then the Russians came. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Locals scavenged abandoned farms for harvested wheat that was starting to spoil. They used it to make bread. Then humanitarian aid arrived, from Russia.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“It was very difficult. They turned Kozacha Lopan into something like a concentration camp: no one could leave or enter without a pass,” says Oleksandr, a lively man who used to pass information about locations of Russian troops to Ukraine’s military.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Locals say phones were checked by Russian soldiers, so they buried them. Valentyna sheltered eight people in her cellar—elderly and disabled. “We slept where I used to store sacks of potatoes.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-heading&#34;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Winter is here&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;We ask Oleksandr how he plans to spend the winter. He lives with three elderly women—not relatives, but people he cares for. They received financial aid from the state to buy firewood, so he sounds calm compared to neighbors who complain they cannot get any.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Valentyna and Nataliia insist gas service can be restored—half the village was untouched by shelling, and locals have repaired all damaged infrastructure themselves, however amateurishly.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Kozacha locals gather around when the topic turns painful—they interrupt each other, talking simultaneously until their words blur together. They rush to share every problem in this brief encounter, hoping that it will help to change something.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“They cut off our gas before winter without warning—just abandoned us in September with no explanation,” Natalia says, indignant. “Nothing is damaged. There are no gas leaks.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Without gas since early autumn, the village also hasn&#39;t received firewood deliveries, because suppliers refuse to travel there even for money. So, locals cut down trees themselves and help those who can&#39;t. Going deep into the forest is frightening—God knows what the Russians left there during occupation, they say.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-quote&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“Who’s going to help us? Should we go to Russia, or what?” Valentyna asks. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Liudmyla Vakulenko, the village head of Kozacha Lopan, operating from Slatyne, says the locals are waiting for Russia’s war to end. “They won’t leave. The situation is extremely difficult. Food is being delivered, so people won&#39;t starve.” &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Many animals also remain in Kozacha—there are more dogs than people. Locals can&#39;t abandon them. “People say they can&#39;t leave behind those who won&#39;t abandon them first. Without each other, both will perish,” Vakulenko says.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Liudmyla mentions one disconnected section of the gas system and hopes it can be repaired once there are fewer Russian attacks. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Gwara contacted the gas service about restoration of gas to Kozacha Lopan. They said that specialists haven&#39;t fully inspected pipelines in three years because of the border threat. To protect employees, they suspended gas to Kozacha Lopan and neighboring villages and warned the heads of the communities about that.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-heading&#34;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Why they stay&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Nataliia works as a hospital cleaner in Kharkiv once every three days, earning 5,000 hryvnias ($119). Each shift requires hiring a taxi, and the trip there and back costs 600 hryvnias ($14).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This money won&#39;t cover rent and food in Kharkiv, Nataliia says. In the village, they have gardens where they grow vegetables to feed themselves year-round. Relying on children also isn’t an option. Natalia&#39;s son works as a firefighter in Derhachi with a wife and two kids. The Russians destroyed both his houses—one in Kharkiv, one in Tsupivka, a village near Nova Kozacha. “He needs help himself,” Nataliia says. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Oksana doesn’t want to stay with relatives for long, either. “I can stay a few days, maybe a month. After all, I&#39;m just a stranger.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This year, several people left Kozacha Lopan—mainly those whose houses were destroyed. The rest hold on. Sometimes residents return to find their homes emptied by looters.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“Police don&#39;t come here. All the looters are locals—try confronting them. They&#39;ll file a report against you, and you&#39;ll end up in jail,” Oksana says, aggrieved.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In his free time, Mykola—another elderly man from Kozacha Lopan, US cap on his head—reads newspapers and books, watches pre-downloaded news or movies. He and his wife can&#39;t walk around the village anymore because of Russian drones. Starting over somewhere else, he says, is physically and morally impossible.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-quote&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“If I were young, I&#39;d go somewhere, do something… But at 60, where can I go? Who will hire me? I have rheumatism and radiculitis. Today, I work—tomorrow, my back hurts. I don&#39;t want to let anyone down,” he says.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“It&#39;s scary,” Oleksandr repeats, like everyone else. He wants to leave, but can&#39;t abandon his grandmas. One of them has two apartments in Kharkiv, yet refuses to leave Kozacha. “Some have nowhere to go. Others could leave, but won&#39;t.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-heading&#34;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Transport for dead and living&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Valentyna picks up two packages and heads for the car. Nataliia and her neighbor Liudmyla walk toward a red motorcycle with a sidecar. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A man leans against it, smoking. His name is Serhii, and he assembled the motorcycle himself after de-occupation to leave the village and buy medicine for his mother Liudmyla, who had a stroke.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Before Russia’s full-scale invasion, he worked at the cemetery, but now he transports the dead and living out of Kozacha Lopan—a job no one else would do. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“I&#39;m afraid ‘katsaps’ (a swear word used for Russians) will hit me with ‘little planes’  and drones. They&#39;ve chased me before,” says Serhii.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“Why were they chasing you?” &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“To kill! They&#39;re already targeting civilians. They don&#39;t care,” his mother Liudmyla answers instead of him.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Among the bags they&#39;re loading onto the motorcycle, I notice a yellow and blue bag with the words “Independent and Free Ukraine” printed on it.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“That&#39;s how we ride,” Nataliia laughs. “Let the (Russian) reconnaissance drones watch.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Serhii starts the motorcycle. Liudmyla shouts “Glory to Ukraine,” and their motorcycle pulls onto the road. They wave goodbye, then cross themselves before heading home.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-heading&#34;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Will flowers bloom again?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;blockquote data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-quote&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“When they leave, I pray every time to see them again, because there&#39;s no way to contact them in the village,” says Liudmyla Vakulenko.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Standing beside her is Oleksandr Kulik, young head of communications for the Derhachi community. He&#39;s skeptical of locals who criticize living conditions but refuse to leave.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;His boss, Viacheslav Zadorenko, heads the Derhachi community and is a Kozacha Lopan native. In a recent interview, he &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/zhittya-na-kordoni-z-rosi%D1%94yu-vidnovlennya-ta-zamah-na-vbivstvo-interv%CA%BCyu-z-nachalnikom-dergachivsko%D1%97-mva/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;shared&lt;/a&gt; that when people choose to stay in a community under constant attacks—where someone is killed or wounded almost weekly—and then complain to him about lacking electricity or gas, he tells them it&#39;s their personal decision.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Zadorenko says people refuse to evacuate until their homes are destroyed, then demand rescue, forcing authorities to risk their lives under drone and artillery fire.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Kozacha Lopan’s center is really ruined, Oleksandr—a local who’s still in Slatyne—sighs. “It&#39;s very hard when you remember how everything used to be. There are streets where not a single house remains intact—destroyed, burned down, or critically damaged. Sometimes nostalgia torments me. It&#39;s very hard to see my village like this.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“Are you afraid of another occupation?”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“I won&#39;t go through occupation again—I&#39;m in contact with our guys (Ukrainian soldiers). If it comes to that, I&#39;ll evacuate the locals with them,” the man replies.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Despite everything, Liudmyla believes the village will be rebuilt, people will return, and flowers will bloom again. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-quote&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“We just have to wait for the war to end. We live on the border, so we can&#39;t run. Even those who left the country want to come home. We just need to wait a little longer for victory.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Cover proto: Locals at the railway station in Kozacha Lopan. September 2022 / Photo: Oleksandr Magula, Gwara Media&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-sanitized-class=&#34;has-background&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;This is Polina, the author of this text. We went to Slatyne together with my colleague Anna Veklych. It&#39;s a relatively safe area where border residents come to receive humanitarian aid. Just a few hours after we left, Russian drones with fiber optics attacked the village center. If you found this text valuable, &lt;/em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;please, support our journalism by &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://buymeacoffee.com/gwaramedia/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;buying us a coffee&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt; or &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.patreon.com/c/gwaramedia&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;subscribing to our Patreon&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-heading&#34;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Read more&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;ul data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-list&#34;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;“Whole world must see it.” &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/whole-world-must-see-it-exhibition-in-memory-of-children-russia-killed-opens-in-kharkiv/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;Exhibition in memory of children Russia killed opens in Kharkiv&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Russian troops bomb kindergartens. &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/russia-even-attacks-kindergartens-how-do-ukrainian-children-go-through-it/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;Here’s how mother helps her son restore sense of safety in Kharkiv&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The post &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/i-wont-go-through-occupation-again-life-in-ukrainian-village-one-mile-from-russia/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;“I won’t go through occupation again” — life in Ukrainian village one mile from Russia&lt;/a&gt; appeared first on &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;Gwara Media&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/i-wont-go-through-occupation-again-life-in-ukrainian-village-one-mile-from-russia/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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    <item>
      <title>NEWSFLASH: Putin rejects Trump’s peace process</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/19/newsflash-putin-rejects-trumps-peace.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 19 Dec 2025 15:26:22 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/19/newsflash-putin-rejects-trumps-peace.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fe89eee0f-0.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;NEWSFLASH: Putin rejects Trump’s peace process&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!TZHe!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3aa901ff-48f4-4b19-85fd-5c341935222d_1500x500.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f3aa901ff-4.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;485&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/3aa901ff-48f4-4b19-85fd-5c341935222d_1500x500.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:485,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:true,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; fetchpriority=&#34;high&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Featured Subscriber’s Comment:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;“I support your work for the next great democracy of Ukraine. You document the greatest struggle to becoming free and in charge of your destiny. I am proud to contribute. “&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;By: Kara Kane&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;If you’d like to support our work, just like Kara did, consider subscribing and supporting us.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Get Full Access!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Get Full Access!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Tip Jar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Tip Jar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Russia is only ready to end the war if Ukraine withdraws from Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk and Luhansk regions, Putin announced Friday.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;His troops only partially occupy areas of these four Ukrainian territories.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Using familiar terms about ‘root causes,’ the Russian president staked out a position even more absolute than that of the 28 point plan proposed by the Trump administration earlier this year.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“We are ready to end this conflict on the basis of the principles I outlined at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs [in the summer of 2024] and by eliminating the root causes of the conflict,” Putin said at his annual press conference.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;After the paywall:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;What are Putin’s demands for ending the war?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;Why is Russia unlikely to agree to peace agreement terms?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;What is currently happening with the peace talks?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
      &lt;p&gt;
          &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/newsflash-putin-rejects-trumps-peace&#34;&gt;
              Read more
          &lt;/a&gt;
      &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/newsflash-putin-rejects-trumps-peace&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Zelenskyy WARNED about the threat of “ORESHNIK”! Russia will continue production without sanctions</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/19/zelenskyy-warned-about-the-threat.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 19 Dec 2025 15:01:04 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/19/zelenskyy-warned-about-the-threat.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/b824093d0e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelenskyy WARNED about the threat of “ORESHNIK”! Russia will continue production without sanctions&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/qRFPD5Zgci8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Historic decision by the EU! Russia must PAY for the war it started, says ZELENSKYY #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/19/historic-decision-by-the-eu.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 19 Dec 2025 14:34:57 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/19/historic-decision-by-the-eu.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/d78dab9363.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Historic decision by the EU! Russia must PAY for the war it started, says ZELENSKYY #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/zixEelUcEKc&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest: Tens of thousands left without electricity following attacks; Kyiv strikes Russia&#39;s shadow fleet tanker in Mediterranean Sea</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/19/ukraine-war-latest-tens-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 19 Dec 2025 14:30:17 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/19/ukraine-war-latest-tens-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/photo-2025-12-19-14-59-00.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest: Tens of thousands left without electricity following attacks; Kyiv strikes Russia&#39;s shadow fleet tanker in Mediterranean Sea&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Over 73,000 consumers in Odesa Oblast and over 26,000 in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast remain without power, Ukrenergo wrote on Telegram.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-update-2025-12-19/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian drones hit Russia&#39;s shadow fleet tanker in Mediterranean Sea for the first time, source says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/19/ukrainian-drones-hit-russias-shadow.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 19 Dec 2025 13:30:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/19/ukrainian-drones-hit-russias-shadow.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/screenshot-2025-12-19-at-13-21-18.png&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian drones hit Russia&#39;s shadow fleet tanker in Mediterranean Sea for the first time, source says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;In &#34;a new unprecedented special operation&#34; in neutral waters more than 2,000 kilometers from Ukraine, Russia&#39;s QENDIL tanker sustained &#34;critical damage&#34; and can no longer be used for its intended purpose, the source claimed.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-drone-strike-hits-russias-shadow-fleet-tanker-in-mediterranean-sea-for-the-first-time-source-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine says 1,003 bodies of fallen soldiers return home</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/19/ukraine-says-bodies-of-fallen.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 19 Dec 2025 11:18:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/19/ukraine-says-bodies-of-fallen.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/photo-2025-12-19-11-20-06-1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine says 1,003 bodies of fallen soldiers return home&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukraine will conduct necessary examinations to identify the bodies, which Russia says belong to Ukrainian soldiers, the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War reported.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-says-1-003-bodies-of-fallen-soldiers-return-home/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Putin repeats maximalist demands for peace talks as he starts annual press conference</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/19/putin-repeats-maximalist-demands-for.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 19 Dec 2025 10:52:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/19/putin-repeats-maximalist-demands-for.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2252015647.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Putin repeats maximalist demands for peace talks as he starts annual press conference&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;Nevertheless, we see, feel, and know about certain signals, including from (Ukraine), that they are ready to engage in some kind of dialogue,&#34; Russian President Vladimir Putin said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/putin-opens-annual-presser-with-maximalist-demands/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Zelensky, Poland&#39;s Nawrocki meet in Warsaw for first time</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/19/zelensky-polands-nawrocki-meet-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 19 Dec 2025 10:40:33 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/19/zelensky-polands-nawrocki-meet-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2252009718.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky, Poland&#39;s Nawrocki meet in Warsaw for first time&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;A press secretary for the Polish president said earlier that the talks between the two leaders would broadly focus on &#34;security, economic, and historical matters.&#34;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-polands-nawrocki-meet-in-warsaw-for-first-time/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Trump signs defense spending bill into law, providing $400 million annually in military assistance to Ukraine through 2027</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/19/trump-signs-defense-spending-bill.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 19 Dec 2025 06:56:46 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/19/trump-signs-defense-spending-bill.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/fecdf10aca.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Trump signs defense spending bill into law, providing $400 million annually in military assistance to Ukraine through 2027&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;U.S. President Donald Trump signed into law a $900 billion defense spending bill on Dec. 18, approving a sweeping package that includes $800 million in military assistance for Ukraine.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/trump-signs-defense-spending-bill-into-law-providing-400-million-annually-in-military-assistance-to-ukraine-through-2027/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>EU leaders agree on $105 billion loan to secure Ukraine’s financing through 2027</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/19/eu-leaders-agree-on-billion.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 19 Dec 2025 06:09:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/19/eu-leaders-agree-on-billion.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/5efaac06bf.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;EU leaders agree on $105 billion loan to secure Ukraine’s financing through 2027&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;European leaders approved an interest-free loan for Ukraine, providing a financial lifeline and securing the cash-strapped country’s financing needs for at least the next two years, EU Council President Antonio Costa said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/eu-leaders-agree-on-105-billion-loan-to-secure-ukraines-financing-through-2027/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Trump says he hopes Ukraine &#39;moves quickly&#39; as peace talks continue</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/19/trump-says-he-hopes-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 19 Dec 2025 02:09:48 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/19/trump-says-he-hopes-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2251926316.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Trump says he hopes Ukraine &#39;moves quickly&#39; as peace talks continue&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;U.S. President Donald Trump said Dec. 18 that he hopes Ukraine will move quickly amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to end Russia&#39;s war.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/trump-says-he-hopes-ukraine-moves-quickly-as-peace-talks-continue/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>&#39;Irreparable loss&#39; — Ukrainian Mi-24 helicopter crew killed in combat mission, brigade says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/19/irreparable-loss-ukrainian-mi-helicopter.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 19 Dec 2025 00:49:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/19/irreparable-loss-ukrainian-mi-helicopter.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-1512318077.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;Irreparable loss&#39; — Ukrainian Mi-24 helicopter crew killed in combat mission, brigade says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;A Ukrainian Mi-24 helicopter crew was killed in combat, the 12th Separate Army Aviation Brigade reported Dec. 18. &#34;This is an irreparable loss for our aviation, for our country, and for the families who were waiting for their loved ones at home,&#34; the brigade said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-mi-24-helicopter-crew-killed-in-combat-mission-brigade-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian passport appears in newly released Epstein photos</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/18/ukrainian-passport-appears-in-newly.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2025 22:58:59 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/18/ukrainian-passport-appears-in-newly.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/d-house-oversight-073434-redacted-copy.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian passport appears in newly released Epstein photos&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Democratic members of the U.S. Congress released additional photos from the Jeffrey Epstein estate on Dec. 18, including images of a Ukrainian woman&#39;s passport.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-passports-appear-in-newly-released-epstein-photos/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Washington backs off: the EU prepares to use frozen Russian assets #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/18/washington-backs-off-the-eu.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2025 22:30:17 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/18/washington-backs-off-the-eu.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/c750b8c049.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Washington backs off: the EU prepares to use frozen Russian assets #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/_JeFq99PEm0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia&#39;s €210 billion to Ukraine – will the EU transfer the Kremlin&#39;s frozen assets?| News Pulse</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/18/russias-billion-to-ukraine-will.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2025 21:00:47 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/18/russias-billion-to-ukraine-will.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/638e82f504.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia&#39;s €210 billion to Ukraine – will the EU transfer the Kremlin&#39;s frozen assets?| News Pulse&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1k1uAOsCL0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>How does the Kremlin force people to sign contracts after defeats? #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/18/how-does-the-kremlin-force.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2025 20:30:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/18/how-does-the-kremlin-force.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/25b17aea61.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;How does the Kremlin force people to sign contracts after defeats? #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/RA8noKA17XE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Urgently! Kupiansk is almost liberated: the AFU drove the Russians out of 90% of the city</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/18/urgently-kupiansk-is-almost-liberated.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2025 20:00:20 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/18/urgently-kupiansk-is-almost-liberated.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/2cda6308c1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Urgently! Kupiansk is almost liberated: the AFU drove the Russians out of 90% of the city&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZaAHvRwu8M&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Is real peace in Ukraine possible?#shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/18/is-real-peace-in-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2025 19:30:26 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/18/is-real-peace-in-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/5638a03bad.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Is real peace in Ukraine possible?#shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/BJKfcdlWmB4&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>The Kremlin WILL NOT GO TO PEACE: Why Russia will not agree to any truce | Explainer</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/18/the-kremlin-will-not-go.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2025 19:00:19 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/18/the-kremlin-will-not-go.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/4af2f31d14.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;The Kremlin WILL NOT GO TO PEACE: Why Russia will not agree to any truce | Explainer&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hzroo8WCYYY&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
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      <title>US, Ukraine minerals deal will finally go live in 2026</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/18/us-ukraine-minerals-deal-will.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2025 18:56:49 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/18/us-ukraine-minerals-deal-will.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/f3d89c2b71.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;US, Ukraine minerals deal will finally go live in 2026&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The fund&#39;s board of directors reached final consensus on several administrative steps on Dec. 18, paving the way for the fund to accept investments starting in early 2026.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/us-ukraine-minerals-deal-will-finally-go-live-in-2026/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Russian drone hits civilian car in Odesa Oblast, killing mother and injuring 3 children, governor says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/18/russian-drone-hits-civilian-car.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2025 18:50:45 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/18/russian-drone-hits-civilian-car.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/2bba029ac9.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian drone hits civilian car in Odesa Oblast, killing mother and injuring 3 children, governor says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;A Russian strike drone hit a civilian car traveling across a bridge in Odesa Oblast on Dec. 18, killing a woman and injuring her three children, Odesa Oblast Governor Oleh Kiper said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-drone-hits-civilian-car-in-odesa-oblast-killing-mother-and-injuring-3-children-governor-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
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      <title>Zelensky arrives in Poland for official visit</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/18/zelensky-arrives-in-poland-for.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2025 18:41:51 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/18/zelensky-arrives-in-poland-for.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/12de6a42f8.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky arrives in Poland for official visit&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Zelensky is expected to meet Polish President Karol Nawrocki and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-arrives-in-poland-for-official-visit/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Putin, the people, or both? The unresolved question of responsibility in Russia</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/18/putin-the-people-or-both.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2025 18:13:21 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/18/putin-the-people-or-both.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-1697747099.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Putin, the people, or both? The unresolved question of responsibility in Russia&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;About the author: Archil Jangirashvili is a Georgian lawyer and academic specializing in law, political ethics, and human rights.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;The question of whether Russian society bears responsibility for Vladimir Putin’s actions has been raised repeatedly since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This debate&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/putin-the-people-or-both-the-unresolved-question-of-responsibility-in-russia/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Man who couldn’t evacuate from Kupiansk for a month after stepping on mine gets treatment in Kharkiv</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/18/man-who-couldnt-evacuate-from.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2025 17:51:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/18/man-who-couldnt-evacuate-from.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;UKRAINE, KHARKIV&lt;/strong&gt;, Dec. 18 — A man from Kupiansk who got injured on a mine while running away from Russian drones was transported to Kharkiv and treated there, &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=122181585896544323&amp;id=61566329709073&amp;mibextid=wwXIfr&amp;rdid=udCoLpihErPklKHU#&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;reported&lt;/a&gt; Kharkiv military hospital on Facebook. Before that, he couldn’t evacuate from Kupiansk for a month. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Oleksandra Nemensha, an anesthesiologist who has just returned from the rotation on the Kupiansk axis where she was heading a frontline surgery group, said that about a month ago, this man stepped on a petal-mine, which led to traumatic amputation of his foot. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“He saw that there was no bleeding and started to treat and dress his wound. He waited for evacuation for a month, and then, along with his mother, decided to leave Kupiansk on foot. They reached the city’s outskirts and were picked up by an evacuation vehicle. They asked the drivers to get them some sort of medical help, and the evacuation team got them to us,” Nemensha says. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Medics recall that the man’s wound had looked terrible: it was dirty, suppurating, covered with mold, but there was a clear line of necrosis. The man was lucky, Oleksandra said, because the infection didn’t become systemic, and he was feeling more or less okay. When medics asked him how he managed to walk without crutches, he said, “I drank some vodka, and I went.” &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Russia intensified its offensive on Kupiansk in the summer of 2025, &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/russian-troops-threaten-to-envelop-kupiansk-while-their-sabotage-groups-enter-the-city/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;entering Kupiansk with small assault groups&lt;/a&gt;. Their primary goal is to occupy the city and seize Kupiansk-Vuzlovyi, a village south of Kupinask, which is an important logistics hub on the left bank of the Oskil River. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;On Dec. 12, war monitors and military commanders reported that Ukraine’s army managed to &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/ukrainian-forces-push-russians-out-of-northwestern-kupiansk-war-monitors-say/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;push Russians out of the northwestern part of the city&lt;/a&gt;. The combat is still ongoing in the center of Kupiansk. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/ukraines-president-zelenskyy-visited-kupiansk/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;has recently recorded an address near Kupiansk’s entrance sign&lt;/a&gt;. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-heading&#34;&gt;Read more&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;ul data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-list&#34;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Ukrainian forces &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/ukrainian-forces-control-nearly-90-of-kupiansk-commander-in-chief-says/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;control nearly 90% of Kupiansk&lt;/a&gt;, commander-in-chief says&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Police &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/police-evacuates-family-with-4-children-including-2-month-old-baby-from-velykyi-burluk-northeast-from-kharkiv/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;evacuates family with 4 children&lt;/a&gt;, including 2-month-old baby, from Velykyi Burluk northeast from Kharkiv&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p data-sanitized-class=&#34;has-background&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Hi! Winter has come, and Russian airstrikes on power infrastructure disrupt our daily lives &amp; work a lot here in Kharkiv. Despite it all, we keep working to bring you reports from the city and the Kharkiv region. &lt;/em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Please consider supporting our newsroom with &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://buymeacoffee.com/gwaramedia&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;a one-time tip&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt; or become a &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://buymeacoffee.com/gwaramedia/membership&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;member of our community&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;figure data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-image size-large&#34;&gt;&lt;img fetchpriority=&#34;high&#34; decoding=&#34;async&#34; width=&#34;1262&#34; height=&#34;388&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/frame-10-1262x388.png&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-image-227049 lazy&#34;&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The post &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/man-who-couldnt-evacuate-from-kupiansk-for-a-month-after-stepping-on-mine-gets-treatment-in-kharkiv/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;Man who couldn’t evacuate from Kupiansk for a month after stepping on mine gets treatment in Kharkiv&lt;/a&gt; appeared first on &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;Gwara Media&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/man-who-couldnt-evacuate-from-kupiansk-for-a-month-after-stepping-on-mine-gets-treatment-in-kharkiv/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Russia’s Oreshnik ballistic missile deployed to Belarus, Lukashenko says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/18/russias-oreshnik-ballistic-missile-deployed.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2025 17:27:32 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/18/russias-oreshnik-ballistic-missile-deployed.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/photo-2025-12-18-18-12-28.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia’s Oreshnik ballistic missile deployed to Belarus, Lukashenko says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;A Russian ballistic missile system known as Oreshnik has been deployed to Belarus and is entering active combat duty, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said during a press conference on Dec. 18.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-s-oreshnik-ballistic-missile-deployed-to-belarus-lukashenko-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Mark Rutte goes HARD on Putin! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/18/mark-rutte-goes-hard-on.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2025 16:57:36 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/18/mark-rutte-goes-hard-on.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/74e43feb30.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Mark Rutte goes HARD on Putin! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/a8FeLCrp-GQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Nearly 60% of Ukrainians see Zelensky as responsible for his associate&#39;s role in major corruption scandal, poll shows</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/18/nearly-of-ukrainians-see-zelensky.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2025 16:19:04 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/18/nearly-of-ukrainians-see-zelensky.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2246611788.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Nearly 60% of Ukrainians see Zelensky as responsible for his associate&#39;s role in major corruption scandal, poll shows&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;According to the survey, 77% of Ukrainians are aware of the investigation, and 59% believe President Volodymyr Zelensky bears responsibility for the recent corruption scandal.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/59-of-ukrainians-see-zelensky-as-responsible-for-his-associate-role-in-major-corruption-scandal-poll-shows/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Zelensky supports online voting in future presidential election</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/18/zelensky-supports-online-voting-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2025 16:18:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/18/zelensky-supports-online-voting-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/11acc25b15.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky supports online voting in future presidential election&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Zelensky was commenting on a potential future election as part of a peace or ceasefire deal that Ukraine has been discussing with the U.S.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-supports-online-voting-in-future-presidential-election/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>30,000 Russian losses per month – US “platinum” guarantees and a new phase of the war</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/18/russian-losses-per-month-us.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2025 16:06:27 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/18/russian-losses-per-month-us.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/44625a9ea4.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;30,000 Russian losses per month – US “platinum” guarantees and a new phase of the war&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pUnQpxRLqY&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>❗️Russians are allocating record budgets not for peace, but for war, says Zelenskyy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/18/russians-are-allocating-record-budgets.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2025 15:49:45 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/18/russians-are-allocating-record-budgets.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/149f18626f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️Russians are allocating record budgets not for peace, but for war, says Zelenskyy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/S5_ObNyeEVg&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Product Manager</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/18/product-manager.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2025 15:47:58 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/18/product-manager.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/copy-of-logo-horizontal-black-01-2-3.png&#34; alt=&#34;Product Manager&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Kyiv Independent, Ukraine’s main English-language publication, is looking for a Product Manager.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/product-manager/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>❗️Without the tranche in spring, Ukraine will significantly reduce drone production, says Zelenskyy</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/18/without-the-tranche-in-spring.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2025 15:33:44 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/18/without-the-tranche-in-spring.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/105e65fe38.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️Without the tranche in spring, Ukraine will significantly reduce drone production, says Zelenskyy&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/tBdLnn43JuQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest live: Ukrainian forces say they counterattacked near Lyman — and wiped out a Russian regiment</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/18/ukraine-war-latest-live-ukrainian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2025 15:03:51 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/18/ukraine-war-latest-live-ukrainian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/screenshot-2025-12-18-at-4-02-33-pm.png&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest live: Ukrainian forces say they counterattacked near Lyman — and wiped out a Russian regiment&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Live coverage of Russia’s war against Ukraine with breaking news and frontline updates, updated (6) times today.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-live-2025-12-18/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>I build robots to save lives: Here’s why Europe must invest in Ukraine’s civil security</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/18/i-build-robots-to-save.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2025 14:52:44 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/18/i-build-robots-to-save.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/598986603-18081163337150428-5559152274302652115-n.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;I build robots to save lives: Here’s why Europe must invest in Ukraine’s civil security&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;About the author: Cyril Kabbara is the founder and CEO of Shark Robotics&lt;/em&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This week, my company, Shark Robotics, a French high-tech scale-up and a world leader in civil protection robotics, delivered 40 Colossus robots to Ukraine’s State Emergency Service (SESU).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The purpose is simple and essential: to&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/i-build-robots-to-save-lives-heres-why-europe-must-invest-in-ukraines-civil-security/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>EU imposes new sanctions on Russia&#39;s &#39;shadow fleet&#39;</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/18/eu-imposes-new-sanctions-on.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2025 13:36:59 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/18/eu-imposes-new-sanctions-on.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/73a21f9762.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;EU imposes new sanctions on Russia&#39;s &#39;shadow fleet&#39;&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The new sanctions bring the total of sanctioned &#34;shadow fleet&#34; ships to 600, according to the Council of the EU.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/eu-imposes-new-sanctions-on-russias-shadow-fleet/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian forces counterattack near Lyman, claim Russian regiment destroyed</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/18/ukrainian-forces-counterattack-near-lyman.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2025 13:12:37 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/18/ukrainian-forces-counterattack-near-lyman.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/photo-2025-12-18-11-33-24.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian forces counterattack near Lyman, claim Russian regiment destroyed&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukrainian forces counterattacked near Lyman in Donetsk Oblast, the Third Army Corps said, claiming an entire Russian regiment was destroyed and prisoners were taken.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-forces-carry-out-assault-near-lyman-destroy-russian-regiment-military-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>SBU says drones hit Russian equipment worth hundreds of millions at Belbek airfield in occupied Crimea</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/18/sbu-says-drones-hit-russian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2025 12:49:58 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/18/sbu-says-drones-hit-russian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/photo-2025-12-18-12-56-56.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;SBU says drones hit Russian equipment worth hundreds of millions at Belbek airfield in occupied Crimea&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukraine&#39;s Security Service (SBU) has struck a Russian military airfield in occupied Crimea, reportedly destroying air defense equipment worth hundreds of millions of dollars, the agency said in a Telegram post on Dec. 18.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/sbu-drones-hit-russian-military-equipment-worth-hundreds-of-millions-at-belbek-airfield-in-occupied-crimea-agency-reported/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian delegation to visit US for peace talks on Dec. 19-20, Zelensky says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/18/ukrainian-delegation-to-visit-us.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2025 11:38:25 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/18/ukrainian-delegation-to-visit-us.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2250252003.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian delegation to visit US for peace talks on Dec. 19-20, Zelensky says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The discussions will concern the 20-point peace plan, security guarantees, reconstruction, and all relevant steps and documents, Zelensky told journalists.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-delegation-to-visit-us-for-peace-talks-on-dec-19-20-zelensky-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Zelensky arrives in Brussels to attend crucial EU summit</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/18/zelensky-arrives-in-brussels-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2025 11:24:29 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/18/zelensky-arrives-in-brussels-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-1794433462.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky arrives in Brussels to attend crucial EU summit&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;European leaders are expected to decide on Dec. 18–19 whether to proceed with a &#34;reparations loan,&#34; a plan to lend up to 210 billion euros in frozen Russian assets to Ukraine.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-arrives-in-brussels-to-attend-crucial-eu-summit/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russian border guards briefly crossed into Estonia, Tallinn says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/18/russian-border-guards-briefly-crossed.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2025 11:06:53 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/18/russian-border-guards-briefly-crossed.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/estonia.png&#34; alt=&#34;Russian border guards briefly crossed into Estonia, Tallinn says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Igor Taro, the interior minister of the Baltic nation, said it remains unclear whether the incident was intentional but emphasized that there is no threat to Estonia&#39;s security.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-border-guards-briefly-crossed-into-estonia-tallinn-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukrainian drones reportedly strike oil tanker in Russia&#39;s Rostov-on-Don, local officials claim</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/18/ukrainian-drones-reportedly-strike-oil.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2025 04:13:17 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/18/ukrainian-drones-reportedly-strike-oil.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/9cbc0a439e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian drones reportedly strike oil tanker in Russia&#39;s Rostov-on-Don, local officials claim&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukrainian drones reportedly struck an oil tanker in the Port of Rostov overnight on Dec. 18, local officials in Russia&#39;s Rostov Oblast reported.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-drones-reportedly-strike-oil-tanker-in-russias-rostov-on-don-officials-claim/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Drone production, air defense sustainment — Germany backs Ukraine with $1.4 billion in defense agreements</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/18/drone-production-air-defense-sustainment.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2025 03:28:40 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/18/drone-production-air-defense-sustainment.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/photo-2024-06-11-21-19-43.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Drone production, air defense sustainment — Germany backs Ukraine with $1.4 billion in defense agreements&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Kyiv has signed several new defense agreements with Berlin totaling 1.2 billion euros ($1.4 billion), Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal announced on Dec. 17, a day after the Ramstein-format meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG).&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-secures-1-4-billion-defense-agreements-with-germany/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Fact Check: Image Does NOT Prove Zelenskyy Received Israeli Passport In 2016</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/18/fact-check-image-does-not.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2025 02:33:19 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/18/fact-check-image-does-not.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;Does a viral picture of what looks like an Israeli passport confirm that Volodymyr Zelenskyy became an Israeli citizen before he became president of Ukraine? No, that&#39;s not true: The image got the spelling of his last name wrong. The machine-readable text on the bottom of the first page didn&#39;t fit the internationally standardized form, either.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The claim appeared in &lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/JeffreyxEpstein/status/1999137924625912059&#34;&gt;a post&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://archive.is/tvPga&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) published on X on December 11, 2025. It opened:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;Can someone explain this ?&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The post showed what looked like an Israeli passport with a photo of Zelenskyy on it. This is what that image looked like on X at the time of writing:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://leadstories.com/IsraelZelenskyPassport%20%281%29.jpg&#34;&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;IsraelZelenskyPassport (1).jpg&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/israelzelenskypassport2028129-thumb-900xauto-3175275.jpg&#34; width=&#34;900&#34; height=&#34;764&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: Lead Stories screenshot of post at x.com/JeffreyxEpstein)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The account on X that wondered about the explanation was marked as a parody account, but it was not the only one sharing the image.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;On the same day, &lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/white_lenka/status/1999199340506530174?t=1KK9pkSGocsrOJBK7alqWw&amp;s=03&#34;&gt;another account on X&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://archive.is/rqiLT&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) posted the same image linking it to the purported findings during &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c058lp086zvo&#34;&gt;an earlier search of the apartment of &lt;span&gt;Andriy Yermak,&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt; one of Zelenskyy&#39;s top advisors (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://archive.is/dpc9R&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;NABU, the Ukrainian anti-corruption agency that executed the search, never released the detailed description of the found items. As of this writing, its &lt;a href=&#34;https://t.me/nab_ukraine/3542&#34;&gt;only comment&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://archive.is/zkpJh&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) confirmed the fact there was a search, but nothing more.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The first sign of fakery in the image examined in this fact check was an incorrect spelling of the Ukrainian president&#39;s last name. On the &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.president.gov.ua/en/president/biografiya&#34;&gt;English version of the official website of the Ukrainian president&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20251218012909/http://web.archive.org/screenshot/https://www.president.gov.ua/en/president/biografiya&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;), Volodymyr Zelenskyy&#39;s last name is written with a double &#34;y&#34; at the end, but the &#34;passport&#34; missed one of them.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://leadstories.com/8a92aecb42132b80949b8db3c3816935b1180dd8.png&#34;&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;Screenshot 2025-12-17 at 1.22.40 PM.png&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/8a92aecb42132b80949b8db3c3816935b1180dd8-thumb-900xauto-3175273.png&#34; width=&#34;900&#34; height=&#34;244&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: Lead Stories screenshot of page at president.gov.ua&lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The bottom part of the image shows what is called a machine-readable zone that contains information about the passport and its owner in an &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.icao.int/sites/default/files/publications/DocSeries/9303_p4_cons_en.pdf&#34;&gt;internationally recognized standardized form&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20251217205030/https://www.icao.int/sites/default/files/publications/DocSeries/9303_p4_cons_en.pdf&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;). This format is described on pages 17 through 20 of the&lt;span&gt; International Civil Aviation Organization document that describes those requirements. Both lines show the nationality of the passport owner. This indicates the citizenship of the issuing country, not other citizenships if the passport&#39;s owner has any. The image circulating on social media, however, reads &#34;4UKR&#34; on the second line. An authentic document would have just repeated &#34;ISR&#34;.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Volodymyr Zelenskyy became president in 2019. Ukraine &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/parliament-passes-law-allow-multiple-citizenship-ukrainians-2025-06-18/&#34;&gt;allowed ordinary citizens to have multiple citizenships&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://archive.is/Bd5xK&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) in June 2025. However, &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.osw.waw.pl/en/publikacje/analyses/2025-06-20/ukraine-allows-multiple-citizenships&#34;&gt;neither in 2019 nor in 2025 were judges or public officials&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20251217213121/https://www.osw.waw.pl/en/publikacje/analyses/2025-06-20/ukraine-allows-multiple-citizenships&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) permitted to have any other passport than a Ukrainian one. Had the media or contenders for a political office learned that a candidate had one or more additional citizenships, that could have cost the candidate a race. Lead Stories did not find credible reports of that being an issue during the 2019 presidential campaign.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The claim reviewed in this article fits the pattern of other false statements linked to Russian actors. In 2022, the social media accounts shared a &lt;a href=&#34;https://leadstories.com/hoax-alert/2022/06/fact-check-picture-does-not-show-zelenskyys-russian-passport.html&#34;&gt;claim that Zelenskyy was a Russian citizen&lt;/a&gt;. In 2023, a similar -- fake -- image was being shared as purported proof that his wife, &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.stopfake.org/en/fake-olena-zelenska-received-an-israeli-citizen-passport/&#34;&gt;Olena Zelenska, received an Israeli passport&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20251217221607/https://www.stopfake.org/en/fake-olena-zelenska-received-an-israeli-citizen-passport/&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://hoax-alert.leadstories.com/2025/12/fact-check-image-does-not-prove-zelenskyy-received-israeli-passport.html&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>US, Russia set to hold talks in Miami this weekend, Politico reports</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/18/us-russia-set-to-hold.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 23:41:46 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/18/us-russia-set-to-hold.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2209065649.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;US, Russia set to hold talks in Miami this weekend, Politico reports&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;U.S. and Russian officials are set to meet in Miami this weekend to discuss efforts to end Russia’s war in Ukraine, Politico reported on Dec. 17, citing two unnamed sources.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/us-russia-set-to-hold-talks-in-miami-this-weekend-politico-reports/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>US Senate passes defense spending bill allocating $400 million annually in military aid to Ukraine through 2027</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/17/us-senate-passes-defense-spending.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 22:38:34 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/17/us-senate-passes-defense-spending.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/6202b90861.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;US Senate passes defense spending bill allocating $400 million annually in military aid to Ukraine through 2027&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The U.S. Senate on Dec. 17 approved a $900 billion defense spending bill that includes $800 million in military assistance for Ukraine, following the House of Representatives’ passage of the legislation last week.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/us-senate-approves-defense-spending-bill-allocating-400-million-annually-in-military-aid-to-ukraine-through-2027/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Platinum Security: a new Budapest Memorandum or real protection for Ukraine? #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/17/platinum-security-a-new-budapest.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 22:30:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/17/platinum-security-a-new-budapest.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/23786f0fae.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Platinum Security: a new Budapest Memorandum or real protection for Ukraine? #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/AIbPqNwtJks&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Lukashenko trades prisoners for sanctions relief — and keeps the upper hand</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/17/lukashenko-trades-prisoners-for-sanctions.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 22:14:41 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/17/lukashenko-trades-prisoners-for-sanctions.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2248067622-1-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Lukashenko trades prisoners for sanctions relief — and keeps the upper hand&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As dust settles from a historic deal that saw Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko free 123 political prisoners in exchange for a partial U.S. sanctions relief, the main question remains unanswered — what now?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Trump’s newly appointed special envoy, John Coale, arrived in Minsk on Dec. 12 and&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/lukashenko-trades-prisoners-for-sanctions-relief-and-keeps-the-upper-hand/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Putin hides the truth: 30,000 killed monthly, no gains in Donbas</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/17/putin-hides-the-truth-killed.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 22:01:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/17/putin-hides-the-truth-killed.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/d4a480d1a6.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Putin hides the truth: 30,000 killed monthly, no gains in Donbas&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwnTUHge9zA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>🔥Success in the Pokrovsk direction: Ukrainian defenders are not retreating #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/17/success-in-the-pokrovsk-direction.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 21:30:17 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/17/success-in-the-pokrovsk-direction.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/f37c639492.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🔥Success in the Pokrovsk direction: Ukrainian defenders are not retreating #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ZEwBguFRvSs&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>No Christmas truce?! Putin has chosen war</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/17/no-christmas-truce-putin-has.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 21:00:46 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/17/no-christmas-truce-putin-has.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/fc8387f5c2.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;No Christmas truce?! Putin has chosen war&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pH5yGj9fO2U&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>🚫Fake threats from the North: The Kremlin creates a new conflict #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/17/fake-threats-from-the-north.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:30:11 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/17/fake-threats-from-the-north.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/45c8c5c00a.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🚫Fake threats from the North: The Kremlin creates a new conflict #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/wbaVf8pKi58&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>1,700 losses per day! Russian infantry is being wiped out by drones, especially near Pokrovsk</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/17/losses-per-day-russian-infantry.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:00:46 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/17/losses-per-day-russian-infantry.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/38c87ad29d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;1,700 losses per day! Russian infantry is being wiped out by drones, especially near Pokrovsk&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n42LKoowgvs&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>UK tells Abramovich to give Chelsea money to Ukrainian cause or face legal action</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/17/uk-tells-abramovich-to-give.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 18:42:14 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/17/uk-tells-abramovich-to-give.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-1320981745.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;UK tells Abramovich to give Chelsea money to Ukrainian cause or face legal action&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;The clock is ticking on Roman Abramovich to honor the commitment he made when Chelsea FC was sold and transfer the 2.5 billion pounds to a humanitarian cause for Ukraine,&#34; Starmer said on Dec. 17.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/uk-tells-abramovich-to-give-chelsea-money-to-ukrainian-cause-or-face-legal-action/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>❗️We need real protection from this Russian madness, says Zelenskyy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/17/we-need-real-protection-from.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 18:30:26 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/17/we-need-real-protection-from.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/b2fbb25caf.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️We need real protection from this Russian madness, says Zelenskyy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/5YT5b-zTeYc&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>📍&amp;quot;Donbas is Ukraine&amp;quot;: a clear signal from Berlin #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/17/quotdonbas-is-ukrainequot-a-clear.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 18:30:05 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/17/quotdonbas-is-ukrainequot-a-clear.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/e20ace5d79.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;📍&amp;quot;Donbas is Ukraine&amp;quot;: a clear signal from Berlin #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/HGPl9B3lBw4&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>SBU detains Ukrainian soldier accused of spying for Russia&#39;s FSB, helping coordinate strikes</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/17/sbu-detains-ukrainian-soldier-accused.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 18:23:29 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/17/sbu-detains-ukrainian-soldier-accused.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/photo-2025-12-17-18-54-17.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;SBU detains Ukrainian soldier accused of spying for Russia&#39;s FSB, helping coordinate strikes&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The man is suspected of helping Russia&#39;s Federal Security Service (FSB) coordinate strikes on Ukrainian Armed Forces&#39; warehouses with ammunition and drones.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/sbu-detains-ukrainian-soldier-accused-of-spying-for-russias-fsb-helping-coordinate-strikes/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Slovakia’s intelligence service under Gašpar: a veteran warns of politicization, institutional decline, and ignored Russian threats</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/17/slovakias-intelligence-service-under-gapar.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 18:09:56 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/17/slovakias-intelligence-service-under-gapar.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/14495a2ad1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Slovakia’s intelligence service under Gašpar: a veteran warns of politicization, institutional decline, and ignored Russian threats&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width=&#34;300&#34; height=&#34;157&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/32dd69b26f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Slovakia’s intelligence service under Gašpar: a veteran warns of politicization, institutional decline, and ignored Russian threats&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This article presents an &lt;strong&gt;expert opinion based on an interview with a veteran officer of Slovakia’s SIS civilian intelligence service&lt;/strong&gt;, offering sharp criticism of Prime Minister &lt;strong&gt;Robert Fico&lt;/strong&gt; for consolidating excessive power and exerting political control over the country’s intelligence leadership.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;The &lt;strong&gt;Slovak Information Service (SIS)&lt;/strong&gt; is the country’s primary civilian intelligence and counterintelligence agency. By law, it reports directly to the Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic — currently Robert Fico.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;According to &lt;strong&gt;Juraj Kulik&lt;/strong&gt;, a retired colonel and former director of the &lt;strong&gt;National Security and Analytical Center (NBAC)&lt;/strong&gt; within SIS, the agency has been pulled into domestic political battles under its current leadership. Kulik argues that SIS has become entangled in conflicts between the ruling coalition and the opposition, most visibly during the recent controversy surrounding the alleged “preparation of a coup d’état.”&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;h2&gt;Who is Pavol Gašpar?&lt;/h2&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;The current director of SIS, &lt;strong&gt;Pavol Gašpar&lt;/strong&gt;, is the son of &lt;a href=&#34;https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tibor_Ga%C5%A1par&#34;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Tibor Gašpar&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;, the former president of Slovakia’s Police Presidium. Tibor Gašpar is currently &lt;strong&gt;under criminal investigation&lt;/strong&gt; in connection with allegations of corruption and abuse of power during his tenure in law enforcement.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Investigative journalists have reported that Tibor Gašpar effectively transferred operational control of the police to the &lt;strong&gt;Bödör oligarch network&lt;/strong&gt;, based primarily in the Nitra region and linked to the private security firm &lt;strong&gt;Bonul&lt;/strong&gt;.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Under the previous government (now in opposition), Tibor Gašpar left the police force with the rank of general and later joined the &lt;strong&gt;SMER-SD party&lt;/strong&gt;. He currently serves as &lt;strong&gt;Deputy Speaker of the Slovak Parliament.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Initially, SMER-SD reportedly sought to appoint Tibor Gašpar himself as head of SIS. Legal constraints arising from the ongoing investigation made this impossible. The party then turned to his son, Pavol Gašpar, as an alternative.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/891da4c137.jpg&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/891da4c137.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Pavol Gašpar, Tibor Gašpar&#34; width=&#34;582&#34; height=&#34;434&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Pavol Gašpar is a controversial figure, known publicly for abrasive behavior and displays of personal wealth. He has drawn attention for prominent tattoos — one depicting his father, another featuring the protagonist of The Godfather. Shortly after assuming leadership of SIS, he appeared in media reports following a &lt;a href=&#34;https://spectator.sme.sk/politics-and-society/c/slovakias-spy-chief-crashes-muscle-car&#34;&gt;traffic accident&lt;/a&gt; involving a Dodge Hellcat, which he was driving while wearing casual beachwear and flip-flops.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;h2&gt;“This is a road to hell”: inside SIS under political pressure&lt;/h2&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;In an interview for the Disinforeport podcast produced by infosecurity.sk, Kulik described what he sees as a steady institutional collapse of SIS since the fourth Fico government came to power two years ago.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;“This is a road to hell,” Kulik said. “By its very nature, SIS must remain strictly apolitical. For its director, this is not optional — it is a direct legal obligation.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;A career intelligence officer with over 22 years of service, Kulik detailed what he characterizes as growing politicization, internal pressure, and the marginalization of professionals unwilling to align with ruling-party interests.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;h2&gt;The Russian threat: a strategic blind spot&lt;/h2&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Kulik stressed that the internal crisis at SIS coincides with a &lt;strong&gt;dangerous failure to confront Russia’s hybrid activities in Slovakia.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;A substantial body of publicly available evidence indicates that Russia operates not only through disinformation campaigns, but also via systematic influence over political, social, and economic elites. Academic researchers, whistleblowers, military analysts, and international experts broadly agree on the scale of this challenge.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;“The situation is profoundly serious,” Kulik warned. “As a state, we have effectively abandoned a coherent strategy to counter hybrid threats or build societal resilience — regardless of where those threats originate.”&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;One example is Slovakia’s Security Council Committee on Hybrid Threats, which exists largely on paper and has yet to become operational. Constitutional law experts have repeatedly argued that making this body functional is not merely advisable, but constitutionally necessary.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;hr&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Read also: &lt;a href=&#34;https://informnapalm.org/en/babakovleaks-robert-fico/&#34;&gt;#BabakovLeaks: former Slovak Prime Minister Fico and the Russian gas needle&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;hr&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Kulik emphasized that Russia has, for several years, conducted both military and non-military operations against the collective West, including Slovakia, within the so-called ‘gray zone’ of hybrid warfare — actions designed to maintain plausible deniability.&lt;br&gt; 
While diplomatic channels must remain open, he argued, this cannot excuse the state’s failure to strengthen domestic resilience amid Slovakia’s deep political polarization.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;h2&gt;“Coup” allegations and legal violations&lt;/h2&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Kulik also addressed the high-profile case involving allegations of an attempted coup d’état earlier this year. The controversy erupted after &lt;strong&gt;Prime Minister Fico&lt;/strong&gt; cited a classified SIS report claiming that Slovakia faced an organized coup allegedly planned by foreign activists connected to opposition groups and protest organizers — including, &lt;a href=&#34;https://spectator.sme.sk/politics-and-society/c/gaspars-people-scandal-hit-slovak-spy-boss-kept-in-position-by-powerful-backers&#34;&gt;according to SIS&lt;/a&gt;, figures linked to the Georgian National Legion and its commander Mamuka Mamulashvili.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;In his interview, Kulik stated that SIS may have violated the law by publicly admitting that some of the information was obtained through wiretapping — the use of eavesdropping and surveillance tools that legally require court warrant.&lt;br&gt; 
Slovak law explicitly prohibits SIS from disclosing the use of such methods. Kulik also noted serious legal concerns regarding the handling of personal data derived from such surveillance.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;h2&gt;Intelligence in the service of politics&lt;/h2&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;Kulik has publicly accused the current SIS leadership of systematically politicizing the service and targeting employees who refuse to align with SMER-SD–appointed officials. According to him, SIS is increasingly serving partisan political interests rather than fulfilling its mandate to protect national security.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;The&lt;a href=&#34;https://open.spotify.com/episode/3DG0gVtIFB3Dm1Q1embPtP&#34;&gt; full interview with Juraj Kulik&lt;/a&gt; is available as a podcast.&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;hr&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;The editorial board of the InformNapalm volunteer intelligence community has published this material in its Opinion section. Notably, the initiative to bring these concerns to international attention originated from Slovak intelligence officers themselves. &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Veterans of SIS, Kulik among them, warn of a growing risk of power usurpation by Prime Minister Robert Fico. His openly conciliatory stance toward Moscow, they argue, undermines not only Slovakia’s national interests but also those of its European partners.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; 
&lt;p&gt;The post &lt;a href=&#34;https://informnapalm.org/en/slovakias-intelligence-service-gaspar-russian-threats/&#34;&gt;Slovakia’s intelligence service under Gašpar: a veteran warns of politicization, institutional decline, and ignored Russian threats&lt;/a&gt; appeared first on &lt;a href=&#34;https://informnapalm.org/en&#34;&gt;InformNapalm.org (English)&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://informnapalm.org/en/slovakias-intelligence-service-gaspar-russian-threats/?utm_source=rss&amp;utm_medium=rss&amp;utm_campaign=slovakias-intelligence-service-gaspar-russian-threats&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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    <item>
      <title>Russia is dehumanizing Europe – dangerous narratives of Kremlin propaganda</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/17/russia-is-dehumanizing-europe-dangerous.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 18:01:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/17/russia-is-dehumanizing-europe-dangerous.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/375281488e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia is dehumanizing Europe – dangerous narratives of Kremlin propaganda&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwxxFFsjYW4&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Putin calls European leaders &#39;piglets,&#39; declares war goals will be met &#39;unconditionally&#39;</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/17/putin-calls-european-leaders-piglets.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 17:56:27 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/17/putin-calls-european-leaders-piglets.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/d266ab51e2.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Putin calls European leaders &#39;piglets,&#39; declares war goals will be met &#39;unconditionally&#39;&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;If Russia&#39;s demands were not met through diplomatic efforts, Vladimir Putin warned that Russia would &#34;liberate&#34; what he claimed were its &#34;historical lands&#34; on the battlefield.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/in-further-disregard-for-peace-putin-calls-european-leaders-little-pigs/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine&#39;s Deputy Speaker Korniyenko takes charge of Zelensky&#39;s party</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/17/ukraines-deputy-speaker-korniyenko-takes.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 17:45:53 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/17/ukraines-deputy-speaker-korniyenko-takes.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-1718731157.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine&#39;s Deputy Speaker Korniyenko takes charge of Zelensky&#39;s party&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Oleksandr Korniyenko was appointed deputy speaker of the parliament in 2021. Since then, the party has been led by lawmaker Olena Shuliak.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/deputy-head-of-ukrainian-parliament-becomes-new-leader-of-zelenskys-party/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Peace is closer than ever: The West is preparing tough guarantees for Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/17/peace-is-closer-than-ever.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 17:01:19 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/17/peace-is-closer-than-ever.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/4e15d9fb43.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Peace is closer than ever: The West is preparing tough guarantees for Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=on_iXEKQfCk&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>&#39;Every new strike only unites us&#39; — Odesa endures 5-day blackout after Russian strikes</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/17/every-new-strike-only-unites.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 16:29:17 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/17/every-new-strike-only-unites.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/upd-gettyimages-2251737492.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;Every new strike only unites us&#39; — Odesa endures 5-day blackout after Russian strikes&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;ODESA, Ukraine —&lt;/strong&gt; Rolling into Odesa’s downtown, the constant hum of hundreds of generators drowns the ability to converse.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Just days earlier, the region came under a massive strike involving Shahed-type attack&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/drones/&#34;&gt; drones&lt;/a&gt;, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The city, home to one million residents, was plunged into&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/you-survive-this-war-with-people-like-these-how-odesa-endures-russias-blackouts/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>EU ministers on the bloc&#39;s 2-point peace plan for Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/17/eu-ministers-on-the-blocs.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 16:08:14 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/17/eu-ministers-on-the-blocs.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/maria-jessica-2-3-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;EU ministers on the bloc&#39;s 2-point peace plan for Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Kyiv Independent’s Martin Fornusek sits down with Denmark’s European Union Affairs Minister Marie Bjerre and Sweden’s European Union Affairs Minister Jessica Rosencrantz to discuss Ukraine’s progress toward EU accession, Hungary’s continued block on opening negotiation clusters, and the impact of Ukraine’s latest major corruption scandal.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/eu-ministers-on-the-blocs-2-point-peace-plan-for-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>DEBATE: Is Trump a viable mediator for peace?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/17/debate-is-trump-a-viable.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 15:27:28 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/17/debate-is-trump-a-viable.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f59176d54-5.png&#34; alt=&#34;DEBATE: Is Trump a viable mediator for peace?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!fDk5!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd6d4ef24-c1b9-431a-aa91-adfb73dcf3b2_1500x500.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fd6d4ef24-c.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;485&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/d6d4ef24-c1b9-431a-aa91-adfb73dcf3b2_1500x500.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:485,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:true,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; fetchpriority=&#34;high&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor’s Note:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Want a Ukrainian tiger, crocodile or camel to greet you every day of the year?&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt; We’re announcing our new 2026 Wild Animals of War calendar! If you’re a free subscriber, upgrade to an &lt;strong&gt;annual plan today&lt;/strong&gt; and get one for free. We’re printing a limited run only:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Get Full Access!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Get Full Access!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!JsBl!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F57cf3876-fc64-400e-836a-7b5e27f5693f_1280x854.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f57cf3876-f.jpg&#34; width=&#34;388&#34; height=&#34;258.86875&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/57cf3876-fc64-400e-836a-7b5e27f5693f_1280x854.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:854,&#34;width&#34;:1280,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:388,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:&#34;&#34;,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; title=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Already a paid subscriber but still want a calendar? &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Snag one for a suggested donation of $90. (Our printing/mailing costs are about $25). Get one here!&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://buy.stripe.com/4gMcN50yv0eU9qifjefjG06&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Wild Animals Calendar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://buy.stripe.com/4gMcN50yv0eU9qifjefjG06&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Wild Animals Calendar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Steven Moore and I agree on at least one thing: we want Ukraine to win the war.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Tim is a former U.S. Army medic and longtime journalist who has been in Ukraine since Feb 2022. He’s the founder of The Counteroffensive.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Steven is a former chief of staff for a GOP member of Congress. He went to Ukraine on the fifth day of the invasion, and has been a leading force in getting Republican lawmakers and officials to support Ukraine.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The thing we two friends argue about most is the degree to which Ukraine needs Donald Trump. We’ve had so many interesting, illuminating and passionate discussions privately. And then it struck me: why not share it more widely to sharpen our arguments?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Here’s the issue which we’ll be debating:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Resolved&lt;strong&gt;:&lt;/strong&gt; The Trump White House is a viable mediator for a just peace in the Ukraine-Russia War.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f59176d54-5.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/2275b06a9e.png&#34; width=&#34;488&#34; height=&#34;325.3333333333333&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/59176d54-5f0d-4633-9618-747bf8f3b004_594x396.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:396,&#34;width&#34;:594,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:488,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;U.S. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House on December 15, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;hr&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Tim&lt;/strong&gt;: I will be arguing in opposition to the resolution.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Steven, thanks for doing this. One of the most interesting things about our friendship has been our disagreements over the degree to which Ukraine needs to engage with Trump.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;My position is that we should skip to the inevitable betrayal, dispense with the pretense that the United States is interested in a just peace for Ukraine, and try to do as little damage as possible while recognizing that reality.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I think the recent days have shown this to be true. The White House put out a National Security Strategy that was outright hostile towards Europe and made outrageous demands of the countries that ought to be our allies.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The same strategy made no demands of Russia whatsoever other than that they do us the favor of being welcomed back into the fold of civilized nations with no accountability for the looting, killing, raping and murder they’ve committed.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The U.S. peace process -- which I consider a theater -- is to my mind an ego-driven venture so that Trump can say he established an end to the war, no matter how unjust and no matter how tenuous. It is an unserious process of coercion by unknowledgeable men. They are interested first and foremost in personal financial enrichment and accolades — not justice, and not a lasting peace.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For these reasons, I think that Ukraine should not consider the Trump White House as a viable mediator for peace.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;id&#34;:420654}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;PollToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;poll-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Steven: &lt;/strong&gt;Tim, I really value our friendship and our ability to discuss tough issues on which we disagree in an amicable manner that allows both of us to emerge more enlightened.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I have always thought you are a tremendous advocate for what should be. I view myself as someone trying to create strategies to maximize opportunities for what is.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Only three or four people in the world can get Ukraine the weapons or the security guarantees it needs to keep Russia out of its borders. One is named Trump, the rest live in Europe. We are building support for Ukraine among Trump’s voters. And we have been successful. More of Trump’s voters support aid to Ukraine now than at any time since the fall of 2022.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Trump will be president until January of 2029 - about 37 months from now. Barring statistically improbable occurrences, that will remain true.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!Fupu!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F20694ab9-b02f-40f3-88b4-dbf1e29dc74b_594x396.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f20694ab9-b.png&#34; width=&#34;440&#34; height=&#34;293.3333333333333&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/20694ab9-b02f-40f3-88b4-dbf1e29dc74b_594x396.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:396,&#34;width&#34;:594,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:440,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Belgium’s Prime Minister Bart de Wever inside 10 Downing Street on December 12, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Ben Stansall - WPA Pool/Getty Images)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Who else would lead the peace process? Bart De Wever, Prime Minister of Belgium? Belgium controls some $200b in frozen Russian assets and has done almost nothing with it, except tax it for their own benefit to the tune of about $4 billion. Every day, Belgium purchases enough LNG from Russia to pay for 71 Shahed drones. Every day. In the last six weeks, suspected Russian drones have shut down Brussels airport three times. Belgium is paying Putin to attack Belgium.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Europe seems unable to act in its own interest, let alone Kyiv’s.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Tim: &lt;/strong&gt;I think there are a few more than three or four (Starmer, Macron, Merz, Tusk to name a few), but I take your point.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The problem when I look at Trump is that he is not going to get Ukraine the weapons (indeed, he has stopped the flow of aid), nor is he going to provide reliable security guarantees (his whole strategy is European withdrawal, not new European entrenchment). When I look at his hostility towards the European continent, his interest in getting a deal done at any cost (including Ukraine’s subjugation), and his administration’s coming business deals with Russia, I don’t see him as a reliable or even useful mediator in this conflict.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I don’t defend Europe’s purchasing of Russian energy. The European Union is in the process of phasing out Russian gas imports, although it will take far too long -- &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/europe-reaches-deal-phasing-out-russian-gas-imports-by-2027-2025-12-03/&#34;&gt;until late 2027&lt;/a&gt; -- to do so. Still, if we are considering Ukraine’s point of view, a sudden shut off of Russian energy imports would spike energy prices, alienating ordinary voters to Ukraine’s cause, and deeply affect the ability of European politicians to support the Ukrainian war effort. Of those two outcomes, which would you choose?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Separately, the Trump administration and its allies have already begun working behind the scenes to set up a reintegration of Russian energy companies with the world economy, per the &lt;em&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.wsj.com/world/russia/russia-u-s-peace-business-ties-4db9b290?gaa_at=eafs&amp;gaa_n=AWEtsqdP4KyKYQdDXHbO_9RHh8N41575wnaPbKkjeq02XNv9ekRt3fEv_XaLJphWMOk%3D&amp;gaa_ts=692c4eaa&amp;gaa_sig=tmQx-UqDXzZldOn51ZHFt1gPA4bmFitnPNSRyfTXIIzYYoM88vrNj02k8g8Sc3IYy3Td66mRL-ziPX7VocC8Fg%3D%3D&#34;&gt;Wall Street Journal&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/em&gt;. Your point about European purchases is fair! But we should then trust as a mediator the president who is going to turn around and rejuvenate Russian energy companies all around the world? It doesn’t track for me.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Let me propose an alternate solution: as delicately as possible, Europe and Ukraine withdraw from the ongoing talks with the United States. Let’s skip the pending U.S. betrayal, the Russian side’s inevitable dismissal of hard-fought diplomatic terms, and work among friends. I think it would lead to a fairer, more stable peace -- even if it does not lead to a deal in the most imminent time frame possible.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Steven&lt;/strong&gt;: I don’t disagree that Trump is currently not doing what is good for Ukraine. But giving up is not a great strategy.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Again, Trump is one of the few people in the world who can get Ukraine the weapons it needs. The US defense budget is &lt;a href=&#34;https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1e59Hoq7SWNTJOg69ZQy_5maaE2dpbErqADIuxrHr8_E/edit?usp=sharing&#34;&gt;62%&lt;/a&gt; more than that of every European NATO country combined, coincidentally 60% of NATO. Ukraine is not in a position to give up on 60% of NATO arms.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;How would Ukraine or Europe could make Trump step back from the peace negotiations even if they were inclined to do so? All they would be doing in the attempt is giving up all influence inside the White House.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I don’t see the wisdom in giving up on US weapons and influence in the White House because we don’t want to have our feelings hurt with the “pending U.S. betrayal.” Especially since Trump is going to do whatever he wants anyway.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Winston Churchill was so committed to getting US weapons for Great Britain that he encouraged his 20 year old daughter-in-law Pamela to have affairs with US generals and diplomats while his son was at war to gather intel on how to influence FDR. Pamela’s efforts were integral in bringing the US into the war, but it forever changed Winston’s relationship with his son. Giving up was not in his mindset. It took two years. Ultimately, Pearl Harbor brought US weapons to England. Despite his frustration and hurt feelings, he did not burn any bridges with FDR.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As I detailed in my Substack, &lt;em&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://stevenmoore.substack.com/p/why-isnt-anything-ukraine-doing-working&#34;&gt;Tales from WWIII&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/em&gt;, “There is nothing we can do about Trump and the Republicans” is code for “I don’t know what to do about Trump and the Republicans.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Many of us do. &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.instagram.com/jplindsley/&#34;&gt;Joe Lindsley;&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href=&#34;https://substack.com/@intrep360withsweettoth?utm_source=global-search&#34;&gt;Mark Toth &amp; Jon Sweet;&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.christianitytoday.com/2025/02/ukrainian-christians-plead-donald-trump-aid-support/&#34;&gt;Pavlo Unguryan&lt;/a&gt;; &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.faithundersiege.com/team&#34;&gt;Colby Barrett&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.cpac.org/post/sarah-makin-to-join-christian-persecution-summit&#34;&gt;Sarah Makin&lt;/a&gt; and the team at &lt;em&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.faithundersiege.com/&#34;&gt;A Faith Under Siege&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/em&gt;;&lt;em&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/melindaharing?lang=en&#34;&gt; &lt;/a&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/melindaharing?lang=en&#34;&gt;Melinda Haring&lt;/a&gt; at Razom; &lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/mobbs_mentality&#34;&gt;Meaghan Mobbs&lt;/a&gt;; Jed Sunden at the &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.amukr.org/#/1/&#34;&gt;American Ukraine Committee&lt;/a&gt;; &lt;a href=&#34;https://jademcglynn.com/&#34;&gt;Jade McGlynn&lt;/a&gt;; &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.linkedin.com/in/larry-provost-m-p-s-m-div-08603094/&#34;&gt;Larry Provost&lt;/a&gt; and a host of others in addition to &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.linkedin.com/in/annashvetsova/?originalSubdomain=ua&#34;&gt;Anna Shvetsova&lt;/a&gt; and me.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Official Ukraine, after years of ignoring Republicans, is finally figuring out how to communicate with Republican voters. Zelensky has been on &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrTBsijYILE&#34;&gt;Newsmax&lt;/a&gt; several times this year, as well as Ben Shapiro and TBN. I was on a MAGA radio show recently. The host went on at length about how smart newly minted &lt;a href=&#34;https://usa.mfa.gov.ua/en/governance/ostefanishyna&#34;&gt;Ambassador Olha Stefanishyna&lt;/a&gt; was when she appeared on his show. &lt;a href=&#34;https://youtu.be/puOOGF1HLes?si=ui9D1B4J3F_eNsS-&amp;t=594&#34;&gt;(thirty seconds - watch it here)&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Due to the work being put in, more Republicans support aid to Ukraine than at any time since fall of 2022. &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.wsj.com/opinion/zelensky-is-winning-trump-voters-over-72d5f6c1&#34;&gt;It is paying off.&lt;/a&gt; Now is not the time to give up.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;(For readers interested in learning more about Churchill trying to bring the US into WWII, I recommend “&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.amazon.com/Splendid-Vile-Churchill-Family-Defiance/dp/0385348711&#34;&gt;The Splendid and the Vile:&lt;/a&gt; A Saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance During the Blitz” as well as &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.amazon.com/Kingmaker-Harrimans-Astonishing-Seduction-Intrigue/dp/0593949129&#34;&gt;“Kingmaker: Pamela Harriman’s Astonishing Life of Power, Seduction, and Intrigue,”&lt;/a&gt; about Churchill’s daughter-in-law.)&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Tim&lt;/strong&gt;: I see it differently. “There is nothing we can do about Trump” is a recognition that the president and those around him are firmly hostile towards Ukrainian and European interests.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A clear-eyed response to this would be to engage less with the Trump White House while formulating another plan with other potential mediators.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This is not about “feelings hurt,” this about a sober reckoning of the Trump White House’s antagonism towards Ukraine. Pointing out the size of the U.S.’s large military budget makes no difference if new military aid is not even on the table -- and as far as I can tell, it’s not even within contemplation.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This strategy could involve withdrawing from the U.S.-led peace process, choosing an allied leader to take the lead on negotiations (Alexander Stubb, for example).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ironically, this may have the consequence of dragging Trump back towards a more pro-Ukrainian position. The president is obsessed with the idea of having achieved peace: he lives for attention, and is clearly unhappy whenever the spotlight is not on him personally.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In the meantime, Trump shouldn’t be rewarded for laundering Russia’s demands through American foreign policy.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I have great admiration for what you and other folks are doing to persuade Republicans, and fight the good fight to change the MAGA movement’s mind on Ukraine. I fear that the decisions on Ukraine will not be made at the grassroots level, however. The hundreds of billions of dollars in &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.wsj.com/world/russia/russia-u-s-peace-business-ties-4db9b290?gaa_at=eafs&amp;gaa_n=AWEtsqdP4KyKYQdDXHbO_9RHh8N41575wnaPbKkjeq02XNv9ekRt3fEv_XaLJphWMOk%3D&amp;gaa_ts=692c4eaa&amp;gaa_sig=tmQx-UqDXzZldOn51ZHFt1gPA4bmFitnPNSRyfTXIIzYYoM88vrNj02k8g8Sc3IYy3Td66mRL-ziPX7VocC8Fg%3D%3D&#34;&gt;joint U.S.-Russia business deals&lt;/a&gt; being floated to MAGA elites are far too enticing for that.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Back to you for the final word, Steven. Bring us back to the debate’s resolution -- what do you think of the above, and why do you think the Trump White House is a viable mediator for this war?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Steven: &lt;/strong&gt;The Trump White House IS the mediator by virtue of the fact he has the power and exerted the will to do it. Nobody appointed him to the job. There is nobody we can call and have him removed.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;The Europeans also have that power. Everyone involved - including Trump - would be happier if the Europeans exerted their will to use their power to either make peace or fund Ukraine’s military to drive the Russians back to Kursk.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;How can we get the Europeans to do that?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As you and I agree, we are currently in a global war. Russia is a client state of China. We both hear Iranian-designed Shahed drones overhead at night. North Korea is sending troops to Russia to train for an invasion of South Korea. &lt;a href=&#34;https://tass.com/politics/1747341&#34;&gt;Putin held a summit of 14 Islamic terror organizations&lt;/a&gt; in February of 2024. They weren’t there to exchange hummus recipes.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The world will need Europe’s firepower. However, last Friday, Europe sent $46,596,508 to Russia for fossil fuels. Enough to manufacture almost 1000 Iranian designed drones. A day.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://brusselssignal.eu/2025/07/belgium-imports-more-russian-gas-than-before-ukraine-war/&#34;&gt;Belgium’s Russian LNG imports have increased&lt;/a&gt; since 2022. &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.highnorthnews.com/en/eu-talks-tough-russian-lng-buys-more-ever-2025&#34;&gt;France imported 19% more Russian LNG&lt;/a&gt; in 2025 than it did in 2024.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It might be that your partisan passions shade your judgement of what is best for Ukraine.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Your idea that “Ukraine’s point of view” is being concerned about spiking fuel prices if Europe stops buying Russian fossil fuels is at odds with Ukraine’s destruction of Russia’s refineries, its lobbying for more sanctions on Russian fossil fuels and its attacks on the Russian Ghost fleet of oil tankers. Cutting off Russian revenue is Ukraine’s goal.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You may be thinking of &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.politico.eu/article/energy-infrastructure-target-attack-ukraine-russia-war/&#34;&gt;Jake Sullivan’s foreign policy of telling Ukraine to stop hitting Russian refineries&lt;/a&gt; for fear of driving up gas prices and causing problems for Biden’s re-election campaign.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You have not described the advantage Ukraine would gain by telling Trump to kiss off, especially since, after four years, we don’t yet have the European leader for whom you search.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;After a couple of decades in Republican politics, I am more optimistic about Trump fulfilling Churchill’s portrait of the Americans. “You can always count on the Americans to do the right thing, after they have exhausted all the other possibilities.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;With Republican public opinion pushing him on one side, and Putin’s continued aggression pushing him on the other, Trump is becoming increasingly boxed in by world events. I don’t see this as a time to give up.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;That being said, my opinion on Europe has changed over the week we have been corresponding. Chancellor Merz’s speech impressed me. Macron and others have made similar speeches for years, but Merz backed this up with a &lt;a href=&#34;https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1e59Hoq7SWNTJOg69ZQy_5maaE2dpbErqADIuxrHr8_E/edit?usp=sharing&#34;&gt;46% increase in the defense&lt;/a&gt; budget.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;There may yet be hope for Europe.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor’s Note:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Want a Ukrainian tiger, crocodile or camel to greet you every day of the year?&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt; We’re announcing our new 2026 Wild Animals of War calendar! If you’re a free subscriber, upgrade to an &lt;strong&gt;annual plan today&lt;/strong&gt; and get one for free. 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(Our printing/mailing costs are about $25). Get one here!&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://buy.stripe.com/4gMcN50yv0eU9qifjefjG06&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Wild Animals Calendar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://buy.stripe.com/4gMcN50yv0eU9qifjefjG06&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Wild Animals Calendar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;NEWS OF THE DAY:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;By Myroslava Tanska-Vikulova&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;ORBAN SAYS PUTIN PROMISED TO CONSIDER HUNGARY’S POSITION ON RUSSIAN ASSETS: &lt;/strong&gt;Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.eurointegration.com.ua/eng/news/2025/12/17/7227321/&#34;&gt;said&lt;/a&gt; he asked Russian President Vladimir Putin how Moscow would react if the EU used frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine. According to Orban, Putin assured him Russia would take into account the position of individual EU countries, including Hungary, which opposes the move and calls it a new level of escalation. Hungary has repeatedly acted in Russia’s favour which the EU has criticised.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;INDIA’S RUSSIAN OIL IMPORTS SURGE: &lt;/strong&gt;India’s Russian oil imports &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/indias-russian-oil-imports-show-resilience-despite-sanctions-sources-say-2025-12-17/&#34;&gt;are set&lt;/a&gt; to exceed 1 million barrels per day in December, defying expectations of a sharp decline after new US sanctions. Indian imports of Russian oil increased after Russia offered discounted cargoes from non-sanctioned sellers. Despite Western pressure, energy ties between India and Russia remain strong.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;U.S.-EUROPE DRAFT UKRAINE SUPPORT PLANS: &lt;/strong&gt;U.S. and European negotiators have drafted two documents outlining support for Ukraine in the event of a potential peace deal, the New York Times &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/16/world/europe/ukraine-security-guarantees-talks.html&#34;&gt;reports&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;One document sets general principles similar to NATO’s Article 5, with countries committing to assist Ukraine if it is attacked. The second is an operational plan detailing how US and European forces would cooperate with Ukrainian troops to prevent further Russian aggression.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The drafts also outline steps to maintain Ukraine’s military at 800,000 well-equipped personnel and provide guidance on detecting and countering possible Russian “false-flag” operations. The documents remain confidential, though officials say they include specific measures to reassure Ukraine and deter future invasions.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;UKRAINE’S YOUNG MEN FACE WAR AND HARD CHOICES: &lt;/strong&gt;At the age of 25, Ukrainian men &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.kqed.org/news/12066997/on-the-edge-of-25-ukraines-young-men-confront-war-and-hard-choices&#34;&gt;can be drafted&lt;/a&gt; into the army. As they approach this age, they face a difficult choice: to go to war, take on new responsibilities, balancing patriotism and fear, or to flee. Their choices reflect the incredible pressure they face living in a country being invaded by Russia. American media outlet KQED has reported on young men who stayed in Ukraine and went to war, those who criticize the government for its decision to mobilize, and those who left the country to save their lives.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;CAT OF CONFLICT:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;Today’s Cat of Conflict is Myroslava’s Stuhna. She likes sitting near flowers and feels as though she is surrounded by nature.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!pezr!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F611c95f0-eb75-4570-819c-b338888484f7_768x1024.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f611c95f0-e.jpg&#34; width=&#34;768&#34; height=&#34;1024&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/611c95f0-eb75-4570-819c-b338888484f7_768x1024.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1024,&#34;width&#34;:768,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Stay safe out there.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Best,&lt;br&gt;Tim&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/debate-is-trump-a-viable-mediator&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Two Ukrainian films shortlisted for 98th Academy Awards nominations</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/17/two-ukrainian-films-shortlisted-for.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 15:09:17 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/17/two-ukrainian-films-shortlisted-for.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2232334867.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Two Ukrainian films shortlisted for 98th Academy Awards nominations&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Two films from Ukraine advanced to the shortlist of contenders for the 98th Academy Awards, according to an announcement on Dec. 16 by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&#34;I Died in Irpin,&#34; directed by Anastasiia Falileieva, depicts a young couple fleeing Kyiv during the start&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/two-ukrainian-films-shortlisted-for-98th-academy-awards-nominations/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine promised &#39;Article 5–like&#39; guarantees without NATO membership. What does that even mean?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/17/ukraine-promised-article-like-guarantees.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 15:07:22 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/17/ukraine-promised-article-like-guarantees.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2250089887.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine promised &#39;Article 5–like&#39; guarantees without NATO membership. What does that even mean?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As Ukraine abandons hope of joining NATO anytime soon, it seeks the next best alternative: security guarantees based&lt;em&gt; &lt;/em&gt;on the alliance&#39;s Article 5.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;President &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/volodymyr-zelensky/&#34;&gt;Volodymyr Zelensky&lt;/a&gt; and other officials have been clear: any peace deal not backed up by real force invites future &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/russia/&#34;&gt;Russian&lt;/a&gt; aggression — much like&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/the-problem-with-article-5-like-security-guarantees-for-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest live: Ukrainian forces regain 16 square kilometers (6.2 square miles) near Pokrovsk, Syrskyi says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/17/ukraine-war-latest-live-ukrainian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 14:54:33 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/17/ukraine-war-latest-live-ukrainian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2240659735.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest live: Ukrainian forces regain 16 square kilometers (6.2 square miles) near Pokrovsk, Syrskyi says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukrainian forces have regained control over 16 square kilometers (6.2 square miles) in the northern part of Pokrovsk, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said on Dec. 17 following his participation in the 32nd Ramstein-format Defense Contact Group meeting.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-live-2025-12-17/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>❗️RUSSIA STRUCK ZAPORIZHZHIA WITH KABS! More than 26 people were injured! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/17/russia-struck-zaporizhzhia-with-kabs.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 14:03:41 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/17/russia-struck-zaporizhzhia-with-kabs.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/580eaeccc5.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️RUSSIA STRUCK ZAPORIZHZHIA WITH KABS! More than 26 people were injured! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/A9Dr7HeoV9c&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russian KAB bomb attack hits apartment buildings in Zaporizhzhia, injuring at least 26</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/17/russian-kab-bomb-attack-hits.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 13:19:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/17/russian-kab-bomb-attack-hits.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/photo-2025-12-17-13-23-44.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian KAB bomb attack hits apartment buildings in Zaporizhzhia, injuring at least 26&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russia attacked the southeastern city of Zaporizhzhia with KAB bombs the morning of Dec. 17, injuring at least 26 people, including a child, Governor Ivan Fedorov said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-bombs-hit-residential-building-injure-at-least-26-in-zaporizhzhia-as-russia-rejects-christmas-truce/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine warns of ‘catastrophe for every single European’ if Russian frozen asset plan fails</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/17/ukraine-warns-of-catastrophe-for.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 13:00:46 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/17/ukraine-warns-of-catastrophe-for.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2246236854-1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine warns of ‘catastrophe for every single European’ if Russian frozen asset plan fails&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;The lesson will be that European solidarity ends where fear of action begins, even in self-defense,” Iryna Mudra, Zelensky’s top legal advisor, told the Kyiv Independent.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-warns-of-catastrophe-for-every-single-european-if-russian-frozen-asset-plan-fails/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Bloomberg: US ready to impose additional sanctions against Russia if Putin rejects peace deal</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/17/bloomberg-us-ready-to-impose.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 12:31:36 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/17/bloomberg-us-ready-to-impose.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2252086033.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Bloomberg: US ready to impose additional sanctions against Russia if Putin rejects peace deal&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The U.S. is planning new sanctions on Russia’s energy sector to ramp up pressure on Moscow if President Vladimir Putin rejects a peace deal with Ukraine, Bloomberg reported citing sources familiar with the situation.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/bloomberg-us-ready-to-impose-additional-sanctions-against-russia-if-putin-rejects-peace-deal/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Western peacekeepers in Ukraine could retaliate against Russian attacks post-ceasefire, Merz says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/17/western-peacekeepers-in-ukraine-could.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 11:47:03 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/17/western-peacekeepers-in-ukraine-could.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2251563273.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Western peacekeepers in Ukraine could retaliate against Russian attacks post-ceasefire, Merz says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;We would secure a demilitarized zone between the belligerent parties and, to be specific, we would also move against corresponding Russian violations and attacks,&#34; German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/western-peacekeepers-in-ukraine-could-retaliate-against-russian-ceasefire-violations-merz-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>US senators introduce bipartisan sanctions bill targeting Russian oil profits</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/17/us-senators-introduce-bipartisan-sanctions.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 04:23:50 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/17/us-senators-introduce-bipartisan-sanctions.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/stefan.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;US senators introduce bipartisan sanctions bill targeting Russian oil profits&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The bill would impose targeted sanctions on anyone dealing in Russian oil, effectively barring them from the U.S. financial system.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/us-senators-introduce-bipartisan-sanctions-bill-targeting-russian-oil-profits/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian drones reportedly strike oil refinery in Russia&#39;s Krasnodar Krai</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/17/ukrainian-drones-reportedly-strike-oil.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 00:45:24 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/17/ukrainian-drones-reportedly-strike-oil.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/screenshot-2025-12-16-at-6-10-30-pm.png&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian drones reportedly strike oil refinery in Russia&#39;s Krasnodar Krai&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Explosions rocked an oil refinery in the Russian city of Slavyansk-on-Kuban amid a Ukrainian drone attack overnight on Dec. 17, media reported.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-drones-reportedly-strike-oil-refinery-in-russias-krasnodar-krai-2/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Open letter to President Trump: Protect legal Ukrainian workers in US</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/17/open-letter-to-president-trump.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 00:29:35 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/17/open-letter-to-president-trump.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-1373290622.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Open letter to President Trump: Protect legal Ukrainian workers in US&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor’s note: This is an open letter by Vlad Skots, a Ukrainian American businessman and public activist, which was sent to U.S. President Donald Trump. A &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.change.org/p/protect-legal-u4u-ukrainian-workers?recruiter=816245536&amp;recruited_by_id=37a620c0-b543-11e7-a034-6300c8ecc7d0&amp;utm_source=share_petition&amp;utm_campaign=share_petition&amp;utm_term=share_petition&amp;utm_medium=copylink&amp;utm_content=cl_sharecopy_490909954_en-US%3A9&#34;&gt;petition&lt;/a&gt; linked to the letter is available for signing.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Dear President Trump,&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Right now America is punishing the good people who&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/open-letter-to-president-trump/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>The Russian offensive is slowing down! Fighting continues for Pokrovsk and Huliaipole</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/17/the-russian-offensive-is-slowing.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 Dec 2025 23:00:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/17/the-russian-offensive-is-slowing.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/e3f9f2a92a.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;The Russian offensive is slowing down! Fighting continues for Pokrovsk and Huliaipole&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12MX3bSAD9A&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Explosions reported in Kyiv as Russian drones attack Ukraine&#39;s capital</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/16/explosions-reported-in-kyiv-as.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 Dec 2025 22:28:15 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/16/explosions-reported-in-kyiv-as.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/e43b788235.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Explosions reported in Kyiv as Russian drones attack Ukraine&#39;s capital&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Explosions were reported in Kyiv late on Dec. 16 during a Russian drone attack on Ukraine&#39;s capital.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/explosions-reported-as-russian-drones-attack-kyiv/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Europe ASSURES: Security guarantees for UKRAINE will remain unshakeable! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/16/europe-assures-security-guarantees-for.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 Dec 2025 21:30:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/16/europe-assures-security-guarantees-for.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/8571ede812.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Europe ASSURES: Security guarantees for UKRAINE will remain unshakeable! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/2lQImZQC10Y&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Not an abstract peace, but protection! Are Europe and the US preparing tough guarantees for Ukraine?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/16/not-an-abstract-peace-but.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 Dec 2025 21:00:45 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/16/not-an-abstract-peace-but.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/22c1d5624f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Not an abstract peace, but protection! Are Europe and the US preparing tough guarantees for Ukraine?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lE7zeuEaweQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine is GETTING STRONGER in the sky! Partners transfer MORE aircraft to Kyiv #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/16/ukraine-is-getting-stronger-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 Dec 2025 20:00:56 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/16/ukraine-is-getting-stronger-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/f63107365c.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine is GETTING STRONGER in the sky! Partners transfer MORE aircraft to Kyiv #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/w4oyBxEGf8E&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine&#39;s superstrikes! Ballistic missiles and drones inflict significant damage on Putin</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/16/ukraines-superstrikes-ballistic-missiles-and.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 Dec 2025 19:01:05 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/16/ukraines-superstrikes-ballistic-missiles-and.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/584d243eb9.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine&#39;s superstrikes! Ballistic missiles and drones inflict significant damage on Putin&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sx-WrrCSZb0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Talks on reparations loan for Ukraine continue as key summit approaches</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/16/talks-on-reparations-loan-for.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 Dec 2025 18:33:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/16/talks-on-reparations-loan-for.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2250833586.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Talks on reparations loan for Ukraine continue as key summit approaches&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;European leaders will decide on Dec. 18–19 whether to proceed with a &#34;reparations loan,&#34; a plan to lend up to 210 billion euros in frozen Russian assets to Ukraine.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/talks-on-reparations-loan-for-ukraine-continue-as-key-summit-approaches/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russians’ FAILURS at the front: Putin IS STUCK in the illusion of «victories» #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/16/russians-failurs-at-the-front.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 Dec 2025 18:30:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/16/russians-failurs-at-the-front.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/30781a70c5.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russians’ FAILURS at the front: Putin IS STUCK in the illusion of «victories» #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/0fVxHZ8ot_g&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Turkey shoots down &#39;out of control&#39; drone over Black Sea</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/16/turkey-shoots-down-out-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 Dec 2025 18:28:23 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/16/turkey-shoots-down-out-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2197207022.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Turkey shoots down &#39;out of control&#39; drone over Black Sea&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The incident comes as Ankara rebukes both Kyiv and Moscow over escalating hostilities in the Black Sea amid Russia&#39;s all-out war against Ukraine.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/turkey-downs-out-of-control-drone-over-black-sea/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>What we know about Russia’s offensive in Siversk</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/16/what-we-know-about-russias.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 Dec 2025 18:25:44 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/16/what-we-know-about-russias.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2200017700-1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;What we know about Russia’s offensive in Siversk&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Bakhmutka River emerges as Siversk’s last line of defense as Russia presses assault&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/what-we-know-about-russias-offensive-in-siversk/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia&#39;s strong currency puzzles economists, signals economic woes</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/16/russias-strong-currency-puzzles-economists.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 Dec 2025 18:02:41 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/16/russias-strong-currency-puzzles-economists.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2232885118.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia&#39;s strong currency puzzles economists, signals economic woes&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Since early December, the Russian ruble has continued to strengthen against global currencies: on Dec. 7, it reached a value of only 76 rubles for one U.S. dollar, a figure unseen since May 2023.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It soon dropped to 79 rubles per U.S. dollar, an exchange rate close to&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/not-a-success-russias-strong-ruble-puzzles-economists-exposes-weak-bases-of-economy/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Putin &amp;quot;captured&amp;quot; Kupiansk and Pokrovsk... on paper: how the Kremlin paints &amp;quot;victories&amp;quot;</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/16/putin-quotcapturedquot-kupiansk-and-pokrovsk.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 Dec 2025 18:00:52 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/16/putin-quotcapturedquot-kupiansk-and-pokrovsk.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/a628f09740.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Putin &amp;quot;captured&amp;quot; Kupiansk and Pokrovsk... on paper: how the Kremlin paints &amp;quot;victories&amp;quot;&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6P_TJbbt20&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Customer Support Specialist (Part-Time)</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/16/customer-support-specialist-parttime.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 Dec 2025 17:51:24 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/16/customer-support-specialist-parttime.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/copy-of-logo-horizontal-black-01-2-1.png&#34; alt=&#34;Customer Support Specialist (Part-Time)&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;http://insights.kyivindependent.com/&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;KI Insights&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;em&gt; — an analytical unit backed by the Kyiv Independent — Ukraine’s fastest-growing English-language publication is looking to fill a Customer Support Specialist position.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;The Kyiv Independent is Ukraine’s main English-language news outlet. It was founded in November 2021 by a team of reporters and&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/customer-support-specialist-part-time-2/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Leaders sign treaty establishing body to decide Ukraine war reparations</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/16/leaders-sign-treaty-establishing-body.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 Dec 2025 17:34:58 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/16/leaders-sign-treaty-establishing-body.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2239720109.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Leaders sign treaty establishing body to decide Ukraine war reparations&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;President Volodymyr Zelensky, together with 35 leaders, signed off Tuesday, Dec. 16 on the creation of an international body that would decide on compensation claims tied to Russia&#39;s invasion of Ukraine, but left unanswered the question of how the organization will be funded. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;During a meeting in &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/the-hague/&#34;&gt;The&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/leaders-sign-treaty-establishing-body-to-decide-ukraine-war-reparations/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>The war&#39;s hidden explosions: The mental health toll inside Ukraine&#39;s homes</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/16/the-wars-hidden-explosions-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 Dec 2025 17:23:12 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/16/the-wars-hidden-explosions-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2177014856.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;The war&#39;s hidden explosions: The mental health toll inside Ukraine&#39;s homes&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;About the author: Jacqueline Mahon is the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) representative to Ukraine.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;After the start of the full-scale invasion, Olha (name changed due to safety concerns) and her husband took in his mother to live with them. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;When her husband left for the front line, Olha stayed&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/the-wars-hidden-explosions-the-mental-health-toll-inside-ukraines-homes/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Putin&#39;s nuclear roulette: how Russia, under the guise of wanting &amp;quot;peace,&amp;quot; is blackmailing Europe</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/16/putins-nuclear-roulette-how-russia.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 Dec 2025 17:01:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/16/putins-nuclear-roulette-how-russia.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/92dad16c4d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Putin&#39;s nuclear roulette: how Russia, under the guise of wanting &amp;quot;peace,&amp;quot; is blackmailing Europe&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCq-v8jEgz4&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russian oil prices lowest since full-scale war began, Bloomberg reports</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/16/russian-oil-prices-lowest-since.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 Dec 2025 16:58:50 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/16/russian-oil-prices-lowest-since.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2250742390.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian oil prices lowest since full-scale war began, Bloomberg reports&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The prices dropped to just over $40 per barrel on average for Russian crude shipped from the Baltic Sea, the Black Sea, and the Kozmino port in the Far East, Bloomberg reported.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-oil-prices-lowest-since-full-scale-war-began-bloomberg-reports/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Putin has NEVER counted his losses! And now they mean even less to him, – ZELENSKYY #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/16/putin-has-never-counted-his.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 Dec 2025 16:49:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/16/putin-has-never-counted-his.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/20cb9aa71c.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Putin has NEVER counted his losses! And now they mean even less to him, – ZELENSKYY #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Pq6gCPYi1S4&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>What Ukrainians actually think about ceding Donbas to Russia</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/16/what-ukrainians-actually-think-about.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 Dec 2025 16:06:33 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/16/what-ukrainians-actually-think-about.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/voxpops-1-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;What Ukrainians actually think about ceding Donbas to Russia&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;As the U.S. increases pressure in peace talks, Russia&#39;s demand for a Ukrainian withdrawal from Ukraine-controlled parts of Donbas has sparked debate — including over whether such a decision could be made through a referendum during the war.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/what-ukrainians-actually-think-about-ceding-donbas-to-russia/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>UK pledges over $800 million for Ukraine&#39;s air defenses</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/16/uk-pledges-over-million-for.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 Dec 2025 15:21:37 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/16/uk-pledges-over-million-for.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2250431596.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;UK pledges over $800 million for Ukraine&#39;s air defenses&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The funds will be used to purchase &#34;thousands of air defense systems, missiles, and automated turrets to shoot down drones,&#34; U.K. Defense Minister John Healey said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/uk-pledges-over-800-million-for-ukraines-air-defense/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Chart of the week: Every month, tens of thousands of Ukrainians flee danger</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/16/chart-of-the-week-every.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 Dec 2025 15:09:37 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/16/chart-of-the-week-every.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/idp-registration-take2d-02.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Chart of the week: Every month, tens of thousands of Ukrainians flee danger&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&#34;Warning! Mandatory Evacuation.&#34; Those words were posted just two weeks ago on the website of Mezhivska hromada in Ukraine&#39;s central-eastern Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;By June, the small region of 15,000 found itself around 20 kilometers away from the front line, but in recent months, the fighting&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/chart-of-the-week-every-month-tens-of-thousands-of-ukrainians-flee-danger/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>No place to rest: Ukraine’s burial crisis</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/16/no-place-to-rest-ukraines.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 Dec 2025 15:02:33 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/16/no-place-to-rest-ukraines.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f2945e479-8.png&#34; alt=&#34;No place to rest: Ukraine’s burial crisis&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!ulbN!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F6775711d-45ff-4a4b-a07d-e0d8fee1121c_1500x500.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f6775711d-4.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;485&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/6775711d-45ff-4a4b-a07d-e0d8fee1121c_1500x500.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:485,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:true,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; fetchpriority=&#34;high&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor’s Note:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Want a Ukrainian tiger, crocodile or camel to greet you every day of the year?&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt; We’re announcing our new 2026 Wild Animals of War calendar! If you’re a free subscriber, upgrade to an &lt;strong&gt;annual plan today&lt;/strong&gt; and get one for free. We’re printing a limited run only.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Get Full Access!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Get Full Access!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!tpku!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F928ae605-3242-49ef-8496-2697a57f3f1c_1280x853.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f928ae605-3.jpg&#34; width=&#34;572&#34; height=&#34;381.184375&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/928ae605-3242-49ef-8496-2697a57f3f1c_1280x853.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:853,&#34;width&#34;:1280,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:572,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:&#34;&#34;,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; title=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Already a paid subscriber but still want a calendar? &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Snag one for a suggested donation of $90. (Our printing/mailing costs are about $25). Get one here!&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://buy.stripe.com/4gMcN50yv0eU9qifjefjG06&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Wild Animals Calendar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://buy.stripe.com/4gMcN50yv0eU9qifjefjG06&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Wild Animals Calendar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;“The hardest thing is to imagine that his body was there the whole time, in a refrigerator, alone,” Dmytro said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;He paused. “That’s what I hate the most.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;His brother, Yevhen, was killed in 2022 when Russians shot down the medical helicopter that was evacuating him over occupied Mariupol. It took two years to identify the body. By that time, according to Dmytro, there was nothing left to bury. So Dmytro decided to cremate his remains.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f2945e479-8.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/61d4b6eea4.png&#34; width=&#34;434&#34; height=&#34;329.97115384615387&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/2945e479-8bc7-46e8-93ae-ca9a7dccc085_1600x1216.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1107,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:434,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Yevhen Ryasnii in military uniform, April 23rd 2020 in Mariupol. Photo provided by his brother.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Yevhen’s family belongs to the growing number of Ukrainians choosing cremation in place of traditional burials. In 2020, only&lt;a href=&#34;https://volyn24.com/news/179892-v-ukraini-zakinchuyutsia-cvyntari&#34;&gt; 8 percent&lt;/a&gt; of people in Ukraine were cremated. Today, this number is significantly higher: Oleksandr Babin, who works at Relikvia, a funeral home in Kyiv, estimated that around 80 percent of his clients now opt for cremation over a traditional burial.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As Russia and Ukraine battle over Pokrovsk, one of the last key cities of the Donetsk Region still held by Ukraine, the war threatens a surge of casualties. Before the full-scale invasion, space in Ukraine’s cemeteries was already strained, the war has deeply exacerbated Ukraine’s shortage of burial plots. This crisis is a direct reflection of the vast scale and brutality of this war.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;Poll: Which option is more common in your area: burial or cremation? Share your thoughts in the comments!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;“I was the quieter one, Yevhen wasn’t like that… he was the one always falling off his motorcycle or having some kind of adventure. It was always like that with him,” Dmytro said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Although they were different, Dmytro and Yevhen were best friends who spoke on the phone almost every day.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It was Dmytro that joined the military first in 2015 after Russia occupied his hometown in the Luhansk Region in 2014.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A year later, Yevhen joined the Azov brigade, fighting without official registration until Dmytro took him into his sniper platoon.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“I was tougher on him than the other men because I felt responsible for him… and I wanted him to be the best,” Dmytro said. “Eventually, he understood and thanked me for it.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Yevhen’s service was not easy. He had several serious concussions, the worst of which happened when the building he was in was destroyed by a Russian tank. After losing consciousness and being dug out of the rubble, Yevhen was back on the battlefield within 3 days. Dmytro tried to persuade his brother that he should rest more, but Yevhen insisted that he had to keep fighting with his men.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;After six years of active combat, when Yevhen was ready to hand in his paperwork and end his time in Azov, his plans were interrupted by the full-scale invasion. Yevhen’s second stint in Azov did not last long.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In March 2022, Yevhen called Dmytro — he was seriously injured in Mariupol, and had been scheduled for evacuation to a hospital in Dnipro the next day.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Dmytro never heard his brother’s voice again.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As Dmytro and Yevhen’s girlfriend rushed to the hospital the next morning, they discussed his future. They knew his leg had now been amputated and talked about getting him a really high quality prosthesis. “We wanted to make him feel whole again,” Dmytro recalled.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Dmytro’s eyes searched through the wounded, asking if anybody had seen Ryasik (Yevhen’s call-sign). That’s when he learned that one of the evacuation planes was shot down, and he realised that he would not find Yevhen amongst these men.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Dmytro was not able to say goodbye to his brother until Yevhen’s cremation two years later.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Yevhen helped everybody, which is no small feat since he had a lot of friends,” Dmytro said. Despite his premature death, about 100 people came to Yevhen’s cremation.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“His brothers-in-arms were also there, the ones who remained from his platoon,” Dmytro explained with a heavy voice. Very few were still alive, he said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!nDJj!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd092f186-bfb0-4802-aee8-e7c59b87e1b4_1600x1062.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fd092f186-b.png&#34; width=&#34;444&#34; height=&#34;294.5769230769231&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/d092f186-bfb0-4802-aee8-e7c59b87e1b4_1600x1062.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:966,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:444,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Yevhen’s funeral photo provided by his brother Dmytro&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Just last month, local authorities&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=3503085143166524&amp;set=a.524448997696835&#34;&gt; reported&lt;/a&gt; that Lviv’s famous Lychakiv Military Cemetery only had 20 burial plots left, forcing the cemetery to expand and create new burial plots. In 2023, the same cemetery responded to a shortage of burial plots by exhuming bodies, many of which had come from Ukraine’s previous wars, &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.economist.com/europe/2023/08/10/to-bury-its-dead-ukraine-is-having-to-dig-up-victims-of-past-wars&#34;&gt;according&lt;/a&gt; to The Economist.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The lack of cemetery space is worsening, and the task of expanding is more challenging for lesser known cemeteries.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The search for burial space in Kozyatin, a town in central Ukraine’s Vinnytsiya region,&lt;a href=&#34;https://koziatyn.info/Podii/zhinka-viyshla-do-miskradi-bo-yiyi-zemlyu-zabrali-pid-tsvintar-yak-vir-11978995.html&#34;&gt; had&lt;/a&gt; become so difficult that people were found illegally burying the dead on a local resident’s property since 2021. In other places, like Zaturyne in the Polatava region, there have &lt;a href=&#34;https://kolo.news/category/suspilstvo/42333?&#34;&gt;been&lt;/a&gt; protests&lt;a href=&#34;https://kolo.news/category/suspilstvo/42333?&#34;&gt; against the expansion of the local cemetery, which was already overfilling and contaminating the local water supply.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Expanding cemeteries seemed to be creating new problems, so the decision was made to&lt;a href=&#34;https://mariupolrada.gov.ua/news/u-mariupoli-pobudujut-krematorij.-vzhe-viznacheno-zamovnika-robit&#34;&gt; build&lt;/a&gt; crematoriums to use the land more effectively. Ukrainians would be able to store the ashes of their loved ones in a columbarium, which would take up a fraction of the space needed for a traditional burial.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!47ou!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F24a6d72c-2b1d-4d08-9d59-a9e1bd88c3ef_594x396.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f24a6d72c-2.jpg&#34; width=&#34;482&#34; height=&#34;321.3333333333333&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/24a6d72c-2b1d-4d08-9d59-a9e1bd88c3ef_594x396.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:396,&#34;width&#34;:594,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:482,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Columbarium at Powzki Cemetery in Warsaw, Poland, taken October 25, 2025&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;For some Christians, cremation remains a contentious issue. A traditional earth burial was one of the ways Christianity set itself apart from Paganism and other religions, where historically the remains of the deceased were burned, according to Priest Zaharii Zaliznyi of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine. Some Christians fear that when Christ returns, those who have been cremated won’t be able to be resurrected, but there is no official ruling in the Bible against or for cremation, Zaharii explained.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Yevhen, who died at 28, never had the chance to decide what he wanted for his funeral.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;All Yevhen’s family had was an off-hand comment that Yevhen once made: he didn’t want a priest at his funeral. Like a lot of Azov fighters, he was interested in Scandinavian mythology.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;”He believed in multiple Gods, he had all sorts of tattoos of them,” Dmytro explained.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;One of the reasons people opt for cremation is the cost, according to Zaharii. A traditional burial &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.platfor.ma/topic/ukrayina-maye-drevni-tradytsiyi-pohovannya-voyiniv-yak-tse-bulo-i-yak-vplyvaye-na-vshanuvannya-poleglyh-sogodni/&#34;&gt;can&lt;/a&gt; cost up to $3,500, while a cremation costs around $85.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For some people like Dmytro, the decision to cremate his brother had to do with the decayed state of his remains after being held in a morgue for two years.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“By the time I came to identify it, it wasn’t really his body, it was more… a pile of nothing… a pile of dirt,” he said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The process of identifying the remains of soldiers is often arduous, and requires several teams to return the remains and organise DNA testing.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For now, Ukraine only has three functioning crematoriums in Kyiv, Kharkiv and Odesa — far less than expected for a country of its size. Neighbouring Poland, for example, &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.cremation.org.uk/Poland-2021&#34;&gt;has&lt;/a&gt; 52 crematoriums, and the United Kingdom &lt;a href=&#34;https://finefarewell.co.uk/crematoriums&#34;&gt;has&lt;/a&gt; 300.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Before 2022, new crematoriums were planned to be built in Zaporizhzhia, Mariupol, Dnipro and Lviv. Only the project in Lviv took shape after the full-scale invasion, and it is now nearing its final stages. The project has modern furnaces which &lt;a href=&#34;https://pragmatika.media/en/news/u-lvovi-rozpochaly-budivnytstvo-krematoriiu/&#34;&gt;will&lt;/a&gt; be able to carry out 10 cremations a day.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Without a local crematorium in Lviv, bodies have to be transported 600-900 kilometers to be cremated, said Maksym Putrya, Director of Lviv’s Municipal Ceremonial Service. Despite this, he added, the number of traditional burials in Lviv has actually decreased by ten percent from 2021-2024.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;After Yevhen was cremated in Kyiv, Dmytro decided to keep Yevhen’s ashes in an urn in a Kyiv columbarium. Even though Dmytro’s family has relocated to Dnipro, a city in southeastern Ukraine, they are still haunted by the threat of occupation.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Right now the frontline is moving in [our] direction…if there are no negotiations or they don’t bring peace somehow. It is obvious Russia will at some point get to Dnipro, it will be very difficult then to get his body back,” Dmytro said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The issue of reburying soldiers from frontline areas was more prominent before Pokrovsk itself became part of the front, when reburial was feasible. Many families from frontline areas have sought to relocate the remains of their loved ones, since cemeteries are often &lt;a href=&#34;https://meduza.io/en/feature/2025/04/11/a-pattern-of-desecration&#34;&gt;targeted&lt;/a&gt; after Russian occupation, with troops often erecting their own monuments and desecrating the graves of Ukrainian soldiers.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Many frontline communities like Kramatorsk or Pokrovsk will &lt;a href=&#34;https://v-variant.com.ua/article/perepokhovannia-viyskovykh-2/&#34;&gt;foot&lt;/a&gt; the bill for a soldier’s burial, but not the reburial. The process can be expensive and obtaining the right legal documentation can be a lengthy process.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In November, Zelenskyy &lt;a href=&#34;https://unn.ua/en/news/zelenskyy-signed-a-law-on-the-reburial-of-fallen-soldiers-at-state-expense&#34;&gt;signed&lt;/a&gt; a bill which will provide money for the reburial of about 500 soldiers who defended Ukraine’s independence. These funds will cover the reburial of soldiers buried before they were identified who were later identified.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;According to Dmytro, cremation was particularly widespread among his fallen brothers-in-arms.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!gFIr!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd5de683d-8054-4284-8a06-7472e4935f69_1050x1562.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fd5de683d-8.png&#34; width=&#34;272&#34; height=&#34;404.63238095238097&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/d5de683d-8054-4284-8a06-7472e4935f69_1050x1562.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1562,&#34;width&#34;:1050,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:272,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Yevhen’s body being carried to cremation&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;“I wouldn’t want my brother’s body to be left again on the frontline or in occupied territory,” said Dmytro, his voice growing heavy. “He’s not at home...when you can be buried on your own territory… where your people are, there is no problem.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor’s Note:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Want a Ukrainian tiger, crocodile or camel to greet you every day of the year?&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt; We’re announcing our new 2026 Wild Animals of War calendar! If you’re a free subscriber, upgrade to an &lt;strong&gt;annual plan today&lt;/strong&gt; and get one for free. We’re printing a limited run only.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Get Full Access!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:&#34;button-wrapper&#34;}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Get Full Access!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!tpku!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F928ae605-3242-49ef-8496-2697a57f3f1c_1280x853.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f928ae605-3.jpg&#34; width=&#34;572&#34; height=&#34;381.184375&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/928ae605-3242-49ef-8496-2697a57f3f1c_1280x853.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:853,&#34;width&#34;:1280,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:572,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:&#34;&#34;,&#34;title&#34;:&#34;&#34;,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; title=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Already a paid subscriber but still want a calendar? &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Snag one for a suggested donation of $90. (Our printing/mailing costs are about $25). Get one here!&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://buy.stripe.com/4gMcN50yv0eU9qifjefjG06&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Wild Animals Calendar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://buy.stripe.com/4gMcN50yv0eU9qifjefjG06&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Wild Animals Calendar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Tim Mak and Steven Beschloss&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div data-component-name=&#34;VideoPlaceholder&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;mediaUploadId&#34;:&#34;e53a9f25-7578-4f3f-9fd1-864b285b53b4&#34;,&#34;duration&#34;:null}&#39; data-sanitized-class=&#34;native-video-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;NEWS OF THE DAY:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;By Oksana Stepura&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;EU UNVEILS SECURITY PLANS FOR UKRAINE: &lt;/strong&gt;EU leaders issued a joint statement, committing to long-term military, economic and political support for Ukraine, according to &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-de/aktuelles/statement-by-chancellor-merz-prime-minister-frederiksen-president-stubb-president-macron-prime-minister-meloni-president-naus%C4%97da-prime-minister-schoof-prime-minister-st%C3%B8re-prime-minister-tusk-prime-minister-s%C3%A1nchez-prime-minister-kristersson-prime-minister-starmer-as-well-as-president-costa-and-president-von-der-leyen-2399598&#34;&gt;Berlin&lt;/a&gt;. It includes security guarantees, reconstruction funding and backing for EU ascension. This comes as Europe fears being sidelined by the U.S. in peace negotiations over Ukraine. The U.S. has repeatedly criticised Europe for not sufficiently supporting Ukraine and has previously threatened to withdraw U.S. support, leading Europe to step up its defense production and support for Ukraine.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FINLAND STATES RUSSIA THREATENS NATO BORDERS: &lt;/strong&gt;Finland’s Prime Minister has &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.ft.com/content/78c90101-ec68-42b9-af8b-b6ce5edd13bf&#34;&gt;warned&lt;/a&gt; about the possibility of Russia deploying its forces towards NATO countries if a peace deal is struck. He urges Europe to give more money to the defense of countries bordering Russia. The Prime Minister stated that it’s of utmost importance for Europe to be ready to defend itself, even with the U.S. support decreasing.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;RUSSIA REJECTS CHRISTMAS CEASEFIRE PROPOSAL: &lt;/strong&gt;Kremlin spokesperson &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2025/12/16/8012052/&#34;&gt;rejected &lt;/a&gt;the proposal for a Christmas and New Year ceasefire, stating it would give Ukraine time to regroup in order to continue the war and wouldn’t lead to a peace. Russia has consistently rejected peace deals and obstructed attempts to bring the war to an end.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;CAT OF CONFLICT:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;This is Oksana’s cat. This smug old lady has survived 3 tumors while living in wartime Ukraine. She’s very brave.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!G-V1!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd38a20ee-36f7-4535-8513-f76fe4724009_840x1280.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fd38a20ee-3.png&#34; width=&#34;840&#34; height=&#34;1280&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/d38a20ee-36f7-4535-8513-f76fe4724009_840x1280.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1280,&#34;width&#34;:840,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Stay safe out there.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Best,&lt;br&gt;Alessandra&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/no-place-to-rest-ukraines-burial&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Zelenskyy: I went to KUPIANSK in person to show the world – Putin is lying #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/16/zelenskyy-i-went-to-kupiansk.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 Dec 2025 15:00:11 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/16/zelenskyy-i-went-to-kupiansk.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/e7ec2c0424.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelenskyy: I went to KUPIANSK in person to show the world – Putin is lying #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/6UR3zVIeY0g&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia carries WAR and HATE! This is invariable, – ZELENSKYY #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/16/russia-carries-war-and-hate.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 Dec 2025 14:12:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/16/russia-carries-war-and-hate.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/acbf17f0da.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia carries WAR and HATE! This is invariable, – ZELENSKYY #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/YRsazOQ9nIA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Zelensky says Russia continues to demand all of Donbas, adding that Ukraine will not withdraw</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/16/zelensky-says-russia-continues-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 Dec 2025 14:01:16 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/16/zelensky-says-russia-continues-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2251563303.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky says Russia continues to demand all of Donbas, adding that Ukraine will not withdraw&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the Russian negotiations position &#34;has not changed yet,&#34; and that &#34;they want our Donbas. And we do not want to give away our Donbas.&#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Zelensky&#39;s comments to journalists late on Dec. 15 came following yet another round of discussions&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-says-russia-continues-to-demand-all-of-donbas-adding-that-ukraine-will-not-withdraw/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest live: Russia ramping up pressure on Myrnohrad as fight inside Pokrovsk outskirts continues</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/16/ukraine-war-latest-live-russia.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 Dec 2025 13:59:36 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/16/ukraine-war-latest-live-russia.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/f69a4e5261.png&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest live: Russia ramping up pressure on Myrnohrad as fight inside Pokrovsk outskirts continues&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Ukrainian military said on Dec. 16 that Russian troops are launching their fiercest attacks on the western outskirts of Pokrovsk while also ramping up pressure on Myrnohrad, its sister city nearby.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-update-2025-12-16/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest: Russia ramping up pressure on Myrnohrad as fight inside Pokrovsk outskirts continues</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/16/ukraine-war-latest-russia-ramping.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 Dec 2025 13:59:36 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/16/ukraine-war-latest-russia-ramping.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/screenshot-2025-12-16-at-1-04-45-pm.png&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest: Russia ramping up pressure on Myrnohrad as fight inside Pokrovsk outskirts continues&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Ukrainian military said on Dec. 16 that Russian troops are launching their fiercest attacks on the western outskirts of Pokrovsk while also ramping up pressure on Myrnohrad, its sister city nearby.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-russia-ramping-up-pressure-on-myrnohrad-as-fight-inside-pokrovsk-outskirts-continues/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russia rejects Christmas truce as U.S. ramps up peace push</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/16/russia-rejects-christmas-truce-as.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 Dec 2025 13:43:31 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/16/russia-rejects-christmas-truce-as.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/2cd87e467f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia rejects Christmas truce as U.S. ramps up peace push&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russia rejects Christmas truce over concerns that it could give Ukraine a temporary respite in the war, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Dec. 16.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/kremlin-rejects-christmas-truce-peskov-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Russia&#39;s Central Bank seeks $229 billion in damages from Euroclear</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/16/russias-central-bank-seeks-billion.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 16 Dec 2025 01:54:53 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/16/russias-central-bank-seeks-billion.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/504b98235f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia&#39;s Central Bank seeks $229 billion in damages from Euroclear&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russia&#39;s central bank has filed a lawsuit seeking 18.2 trillion rubles ($229 billion) in damages from Euroclear, escalating Moscow&#39;s dispute with the Belgium-based securities depository as the EU considers how to use frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russias-central-bank-seeks-229-billion-in-damages-from-euroclear/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>European leaders present six-point security, recovery plan for Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/16/european-leaders-present-sixpoint-security.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 15 Dec 2025 23:41:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/16/european-leaders-present-sixpoint-security.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2251498646.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;European leaders present six-point security, recovery plan for Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;In a joint statement issued Dec. 15, European leaders outlined a six-point security and recovery framework for Ukraine, committing to long-term military support, a European-led and U.S.-supported multinational force operating inside Ukraine, and legally binding measures to respond to any future attack.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/european-leaders-present-six-point-security-recovery-plan-for-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>‘No need to hold referendums’ — Amid U.S. pressure, Ukrainians reject territorial concessions</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/15/no-need-to-hold-referendums.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 15 Dec 2025 22:35:42 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/15/no-need-to-hold-referendums.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2247052665-2.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;‘No need to hold referendums’ — Amid U.S. pressure, Ukrainians reject territorial concessions&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As U.S. pressure on Kyiv grows, Ukrainians oppose Russian demands. If concessions are put up for a vote, those who spoke with the Kyiv Independent said they would flat out deny the terms.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Last week, President&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/volodymyr-zelensky/&#34;&gt; Volodymyr Zelensky&lt;/a&gt; said that any territorial concessions to end Russia&#39;s all-out&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/no-need-to-hold-referendums-amid-u-s-pressure-ukrainians-reject-territorial-concessions/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian forces strike Russian gas processing plant, military says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/15/ukrainian-forces-strike-russian-gas.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 15 Dec 2025 21:36:11 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/15/ukrainian-forces-strike-russian-gas.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/76757dbcb3.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian forces strike Russian gas processing plant, military says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukrainian forces hit the Astrakhan gas processing plant on Dec. 15, targeting what Kyiv described as a &#34;key enterprise in Russia&#39;s oil and gas industry,&#34; the General Staff reported.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-forces-strike-russian-gas-processing-plant-military-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>How far is the peace and who pays for the war in Ukraine? #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/15/how-far-is-the-peace.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 15 Dec 2025 21:30:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/15/how-far-is-the-peace.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/4b01b9d4f1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;How far is the peace and who pays for the war in Ukraine? #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/29mgsJ7YzsE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Berlin talks: Zelenskyy makes important statement on peace plan</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/15/berlin-talks-zelenskyy-makes-important.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 15 Dec 2025 21:03:53 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/15/berlin-talks-zelenskyy-makes-important.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/c0cbead5e3.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Berlin talks: Zelenskyy makes important statement on peace plan&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vKLRjCvkgM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Court chief comments on political pressure amid unprecedented challenges for anti-corruption institutions</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/15/court-chief-comments-on-political.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 15 Dec 2025 20:59:49 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/15/court-chief-comments-on-political.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/dsc-1976-2.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Court chief comments on political pressure amid unprecedented challenges for anti-corruption institutions&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Few decision makers are interested in making the High Anti-Corruption Court actually work, Vira Mykhailenko, the court&#39;s head, said in an interview with the Kyiv Independent.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Set up in 2019 as part of a Western-backed reform, the court was designed to rule on cases brought by the &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/nabu/&#34;&gt;National&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/court-chief-comments-on-political-pressure-amid-unprecedented-challenges-for-anti-corruption-institutions/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>A Korean scenario for Ukraine? Here’s why it’s a lie #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/15/a-korean-scenario-for-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 15 Dec 2025 20:30:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/15/a-korean-scenario-for-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/3fb25089e3.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;A Korean scenario for Ukraine? Here’s why it’s a lie #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/8Icxg-9J_Pg&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>&amp;amp;quot;Peace&amp;amp;quot; for Putin! Who gains from the Korean scenario in Ukraine?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/15/ampquotpeaceampquot-for-putin-who-gains.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 15 Dec 2025 20:00:24 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/15/ampquotpeaceampquot-for-putin-who-gains.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/bf31eda869.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&amp;quot;Peace&amp;quot; for Putin! Who gains from the Korean scenario in Ukraine?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIISAy_MhP8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>For the first time, Ukrainian company to co-produce drones in Germany on industrial scale</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/15/for-the-first-time-ukrainian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 15 Dec 2025 19:45:23 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/15/for-the-first-time-ukrainian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2243424033-1-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;For the first time, Ukrainian company to co-produce drones in Germany on industrial scale&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Quantum Systems and Frontline Robotics announced on Dec. 15 a joint Ukrainian-German venture to launch the first &#34;industrial-scale&#34; foreign-based production of drones for Ukraine&#39;s military.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/joint-venture-launching-first-industrial-scale-production-of-drones-for-ukraine-in-europe/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>The Ukrainian delegation is working almost around the clock, says Zelenskyy on peace talks #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/15/the-ukrainian-delegation-is-working.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 15 Dec 2025 19:32:08 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/15/the-ukrainian-delegation-is-working.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/073d3a723c.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;The Ukrainian delegation is working almost around the clock, says Zelenskyy on peace talks #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/o6VRGGA-WXA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Rediscovering Ukraine’s literary heritage: Ukrainian Institute and Kyiv Independent launch &#39;The Hidden Canon&#39;</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/15/rediscovering-ukraines-literary-heritage-ukrainian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 15 Dec 2025 18:42:20 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/15/rediscovering-ukraines-literary-heritage-ukrainian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/1-cover.png&#34; alt=&#34;Rediscovering Ukraine’s literary heritage: Ukrainian Institute and Kyiv Independent launch &#39;The Hidden Canon&#39;&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;At the initiative of the Ukrainian Institute, the Kyiv Independent announces the launch of &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/hidden-canon/&#34;&gt;&#34;The Hidden Canon: Ukraine&#39;s Literary Iconoclasts,&#34;&lt;/a&gt; a new series celebrating Ukrainian classic literature with the goal of bringing it to a wider international audience.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For many readers outside Ukraine, the country&#39;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/rediscovering-ukraines-literary-heritage-ukrainian-institute-and-kyiv-independent-launch-the-hidden-canon/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>ZELENSKYY: We will continue our DIPLOMACY aimed at ENDING the war! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/15/zelenskyy-we-will-continue-our.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 15 Dec 2025 18:10:46 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/15/zelenskyy-we-will-continue-our.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/0cb594f6ab.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;ZELENSKYY: We will continue our DIPLOMACY aimed at ENDING the war! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/F9uUyqnGx84&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukraine claims first Sea Baby underwater-drone strike on Russian submarine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/15/ukraine-claims-first-sea-baby.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 15 Dec 2025 17:47:15 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/15/ukraine-claims-first-sea-baby.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/photo-2025-12-15-18-12-49.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine claims first Sea Baby underwater-drone strike on Russian submarine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;For the first time, Ukrainian underwater drones have successfully attacked a Russian submarine, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) reported on Dec. 15.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-claims-first-underwater-drone-sea-baby-strike-on-russian-submarine-knocking-it-out-of-service/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>The real situation in Pokrovsk and Kupiansk! The Russians are brazenly LYING #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/15/the-real-situation-in-pokrovsk.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 15 Dec 2025 17:40:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/15/the-real-situation-in-pokrovsk.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/15d0a088ee.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;The real situation in Pokrovsk and Kupiansk! The Russians are brazenly LYING #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/-GUDAoIk1fk&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia outlaws protest band Pussy Riot, labels it &#39;extremist&#39;</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/15/russia-outlaws-protest-band-pussy.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 15 Dec 2025 17:25:36 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/15/russia-outlaws-protest-band-pussy.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2160632798.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia outlaws protest band Pussy Riot, labels it &#39;extremist&#39;&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Nadya Tolokonnikova, a co-founder of the group, said the verdict aims &#34;to erase Pussy Riot&#39;s very existence from the Russian consciousness.&#34;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-bans-pussy-riot-as-extremist-organization/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>KUPIANSK LIBERATED! Shadow fleet – ON FIRE! Russian Propaganda IN SHOCK | Front Line Focus</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/15/kupiansk-liberated-shadow-fleet-on.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 15 Dec 2025 17:06:35 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/15/kupiansk-liberated-shadow-fleet-on.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/68f4131e82.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;KUPIANSK LIBERATED! Shadow fleet – ON FIRE! Russian Propaganda IN SHOCK | Front Line Focus&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gh7_J87UltM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>75% of Ukrainians reject peace plan requiring withdrawal from Donbas, poll finds</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/15/of-ukrainians-reject-peace-plan.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 15 Dec 2025 16:30:46 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/15/of-ukrainians-reject-peace-plan.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-1392536588.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;75% of Ukrainians reject peace plan requiring withdrawal from Donbas, poll finds&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;A KIIS poll found 75% of Ukrainians rejected a Donbas pullback plan without security guarantees, while most supported freezing the front line with strong protections.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/75-of-ukrainians-reject-russian-backed-peace-plan-poll-shows/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>&#39;It’s a second front line&#39; — The Ukrainian power plant workers battling to make repairs under Russian attacks</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/15/its-a-second-front-line.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 15 Dec 2025 15:44:39 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/15/its-a-second-front-line.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/o-f08857.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;It’s a second front line&#39; — The Ukrainian power plant workers battling to make repairs under Russian attacks&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&#34;It’s an interesting feeling during an air attack. Danger, danger, and again danger,&#34; says Yurii, a Ukrainian energy worker, from the control center of a war-scarred thermal power plant. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Yurii works for &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/dtek/&#34;&gt;DTEK&lt;/a&gt;, Ukraine’s largest private energy firm, as a shift supervisor of the&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/its-a-second-front-line-the-ukrainian-power-plant-workers-battling-to-make-repairs-under-russian-attacks/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>SBU drones hit Russian Caspian Sea oil platform for third time in a week, source says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/15/sbu-drones-hit-russian-caspian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 15 Dec 2025 15:43:12 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/15/sbu-drones-hit-russian-caspian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-111974601.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;SBU drones hit Russian Caspian Sea oil platform for third time in a week, source says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukraine’s Security Service said its long-range drones struck Russian offshore oil platforms in the Caspian Sea for the third time in a week, halting operations at one site.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/sbu-drones-hit-russian-caspian-sea-oil-platform-for-third-time-in-a-week-source-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russian fakes DESTROYED! Zelenskyy personally went to the FRONT</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/15/russian-fakes-destroyed-zelenskyy-personally.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 15 Dec 2025 14:37:26 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/15/russian-fakes-destroyed-zelenskyy-personally.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/ee8349e4e7.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian fakes DESTROYED! Zelenskyy personally went to the FRONT&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obQhkRiRHjI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukrainians reject wartime elections despite US push, poll shows</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/15/ukrainians-reject-wartime-elections-despite.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 15 Dec 2025 14:31:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/15/ukrainians-reject-wartime-elections-despite.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/bd355c5889.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainians reject wartime elections despite US push, poll shows&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Less than one-tenth of Ukrainians support holding immediate elections, even in the absence of a ceasefire with Russia, according to a recent poll.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/most-ukrainians-reject-wartime-elections/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukraine war latest: 63% of Ukrainians ready to endure war &#39;as long as necessary,&#39; poll shows</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/15/ukraine-war-latest-of-ukrainians.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 15 Dec 2025 12:42:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/15/ukraine-war-latest-of-ukrainians.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/upd-gettyimages-2246070205.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest: 63% of Ukrainians ready to endure war &#39;as long as necessary,&#39; poll shows&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Live coverage of Russia’s war against Ukraine with breaking news and frontline updates, updated 2 times today. A new poll by the Kyiv International Institute for Sociology has shown a Ukrainian population still stubbornly against capitulatory peace terms to end Russia&#39;s war against Ukraine.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-63-of-ukrainians-ready-to-endure-war-as-long-as-necessary-poll-shows/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukraine war latest: Encircled Russian troops in Kupiansk resupplied with flags, not food, official says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/15/ukraine-war-latest-encircled-russian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 15 Dec 2025 12:42:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/15/ukraine-war-latest-encircled-russian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2190761700.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest: Encircled Russian troops in Kupiansk resupplied with flags, not food, official says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Live coverage of Russia’s war against Ukraine with breaking news and frontline updates, updated 6 times today. A new poll by the Kyiv International Institute for Sociology has shown a Ukrainian population still stubbornly against capitulatory peace terms to end Russia&#39;s war against Ukraine.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-live-2025-12-15/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Belgorod power plant hit as overnight drone wave hits multiple Russian regions, officials say</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/15/belgorod-power-plant-hit-as.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 15 Dec 2025 11:56:36 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/15/belgorod-power-plant-hit-as.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/photo-2025-12-15-11-13-45.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Belgorod power plant hit as overnight drone wave hits multiple Russian regions, officials say&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;A thermal power plant in Belgorod, known as &#34;Luch&#34;, was damaged during a wave of drone attacks on Russian territory overnight on Dec. 15, Astra reported, citing local residents.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/belgorod-power-plant-hit-during-massive-overnight-drone-attacks-on-russia-media-reports/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Zelensky, US envoys resume peace plan discussions in Berlin</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/15/zelensky-us-envoys-resume-peace.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 15 Dec 2025 11:54:49 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/15/zelensky-us-envoys-resume-peace.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/photo-2025-12-14-17-22-44.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky, US envoys resume peace plan discussions in Berlin&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;President Volodymyr Zelensky met U.S. envoys in Berlin on Dec. 15 to continue discussions on a plan for ending the Russia-Ukraine war, a source close to the Presidential Office told the Kyiv Independent.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-us-envoys-resume-peace-plan-discussions-in-berlin/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Poland mulls sending additional 6-8 MiG-29 jets to Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/15/poland-mulls-sending-additional-mig.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 15 Dec 2025 10:43:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/15/poland-mulls-sending-additional-mig.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/5ead9038a0.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Poland mulls sending additional 6-8 MiG-29 jets to Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz floated the idea of transferring Warsaw&#39;s remaining Soviet-era MiG-29s to Kyiv in exchange for Ukraine&#39;s drone and anti-drone technology.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/poland-mulls-sending-6-8-mig-29-jets-to-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>FIDE allows Russian, Belarusian youth chess players to compete under national flags</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/15/fide-allows-russian-belarusian-youth.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 15 Dec 2025 09:06:17 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/15/fide-allows-russian-belarusian-youth.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-102760357.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;FIDE allows Russian, Belarusian youth chess players to compete under national flags&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The International Chess Federation&#39;s (FIDE) General Assembly on Dec. 14 allowed teams from Russia and Belarus to participate in international tournaments and permitted youth chess players to compete under national symbols.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/international-chess-federation-restores-rights-for-youth-players-from-russia-belarus/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Wave of Ukrainian drones targets Moscow in reported overnight strike</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/15/wave-of-ukrainian-drones-targets.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 15 Dec 2025 03:35:14 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/15/wave-of-ukrainian-drones-targets.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2250507183.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Wave of Ukrainian drones targets Moscow in reported overnight strike&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russian air defense units have shot down at least 15 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) en route to Moscow, Mayor Sergey Sobyanin said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/wave-of-ukrainian-drones-targets-moscow-in-reported-overnight-strike/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukrainian missile strike targets energy infrastructure in Russia&#39;s Belgorod, governor claims</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/15/ukrainian-missile-strike-targets-energy.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 15 Dec 2025 00:48:32 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/15/ukrainian-missile-strike-targets-energy.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/belgorod1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian missile strike targets energy infrastructure in Russia&#39;s Belgorod, governor claims&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The attack caused &#34;serious damage&#34; to an unspecified facility, Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said. Local Telegram channels reported explosions at a key thermal power plant.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-missile-strike-hits-energy-infrastructure-in-russias-belgorod-governor-claims/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>🇺🇸&amp;amp;quot;I wish Americans would understand that Ukraine mirrors the US in its early days,&amp;amp;quot; Senator Brewer</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/15/ampquoti-wish-americans-would-understand.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 15 Dec 2025 00:00:16 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/15/ampquoti-wish-americans-would-understand.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/3309067d03.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🇺🇸&amp;quot;I wish Americans would understand that Ukraine mirrors the US in its early days,&amp;quot; Senator Brewer&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Fm0oWp0NSgM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>US Veteran TOM BREWER on HALTING AID, NUCLEAR BLACKMAIL, and WHY WE CAN’T SACRIFICE TERRITORIES!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/15/us-veteran-tom-brewer-on.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 14 Dec 2025 23:00:56 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/15/us-veteran-tom-brewer-on.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/14466d9472.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;US Veteran TOM BREWER on HALTING AID, NUCLEAR BLACKMAIL, and WHY WE CAN’T SACRIFICE TERRITORIES!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvZ5phxT6ig&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>US vs Russia: key differences in the Donbas plan #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/14/us-vs-russia-key-differences.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 14 Dec 2025 22:00:34 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/14/us-vs-russia-key-differences.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/a6e247e61d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;US vs Russia: key differences in the Donbas plan #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/SVZa1uMhgNo&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukraine war latest: US, Ukraine peace talks to continue on Dec. 15 in Berlin as Zelensky calls for &#39;Article 5-like&#39; security guarantees</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/14/ukraine-war-latest-us-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 14 Dec 2025 21:47:48 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/14/ukraine-war-latest-us-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/photo-2025-12-14-10-22-45.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest: US, Ukraine peace talks to continue on Dec. 15 in Berlin as Zelensky calls for &#39;Article 5-like&#39; security guarantees&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Key developments on Dec. 13-14:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;US, Ukraine peace talks to continue on Dec. 15 in Berlin as Zelensky calls for &#39;Article 5-like&#39; security guarantees&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Russia’s December oil and gas revenue set to drop to lowest level since 2020, Reuters reports&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;US lifts sanctions on Belarusian potash,&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-127/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>⚡️ ZELENSKYY 1KM FROM RUSSIA: KUPYANSK video! DRONES STRIKE PLATFORM IN CASPIAN FOR FIRST TIME!!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/14/zelenskyy-km-from-russia-kupyansk.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 14 Dec 2025 21:00:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/14/zelenskyy-km-from-russia-kupyansk.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/dbcafeb7b7.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡️ ZELENSKYY 1KM FROM RUSSIA: KUPYANSK video! DRONES STRIKE PLATFORM IN CASPIAN FOR FIRST TIME!!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iH29kinQxs&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>This is the momentum for Europe to act: seize Russian assets</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/14/this-is-the-momentum-for.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 14 Dec 2025 19:56:16 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/14/this-is-the-momentum-for.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2250782615.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;This is the momentum for Europe to act: seize Russian assets&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;About the author: Margus Tsahkna is Estonia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If Europe truly wants to be a real player in the geopolitical arena and to shape its own security and future, it must match strong words with decisive action. Europe has one powerful lever in its hands&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/this-is-the-momentum-for-europe-to-act-seize-russian-assets/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Uniforms, assemblies, and isolation: Russia’s new scheme for luring people into war #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/14/uniforms-assemblies-and-isolation-russias.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 14 Dec 2025 19:30:27 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/14/uniforms-assemblies-and-isolation-russias.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/02538a41bb.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Uniforms, assemblies, and isolation: Russia’s new scheme for luring people into war #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/BUdOpLtKnCA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>KEY BERLIN MEETING: ZELENSKYY, MERZ, WITKOFF &amp;amp;amp; KUSHNER discuss SECURITY GUARANTEES!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/14/key-berlin-meeting-zelenskyy-merz.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 14 Dec 2025 19:01:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/14/key-berlin-meeting-zelenskyy-merz.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/fff061527c.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;KEY BERLIN MEETING: ZELENSKYY, MERZ, WITKOFF &amp;amp; KUSHNER discuss SECURITY GUARANTEES!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGARXSYIGVo&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>⚡️ TO DEATH! Refusal = EXECUTION! Who&#39;s being driven to Special Military Operation in 2025?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/14/to-death-refusal-execution-whos.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 14 Dec 2025 18:00:41 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/14/to-death-refusal-execution-whos.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/88e50794a2.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡️ TO DEATH! Refusal = EXECUTION! Who&#39;s being driven to Special Military Operation in 2025?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsBOZkg2k7o&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Night of terror in Zaporizhzhia – Russian strikes continue #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/14/night-of-terror-in-zaporizhzhia.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 14 Dec 2025 17:30:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/14/night-of-terror-in-zaporizhzhia.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/87693563ee.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Night of terror in Zaporizhzhia – Russian strikes continue #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/VY9OzeZE8_w&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Zelensky says &#39;terror must never prevail&#39; after mass shooting in Australia kills at least 12</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/14/zelensky-says-terror-must-never.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 14 Dec 2025 15:21:23 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/14/zelensky-says-terror-must-never.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2251228100.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky says &#39;terror must never prevail&#39; after mass shooting in Australia kills at least 12&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed solidarity with Australia following a terrorist attack in eastern Sydney on Dec. 14, which targeted the Jewish community, killing at least 12 people and injuring 29 others.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-says-terror-must-never-prevail-after-mass-shooting-in-australia-killed-at-least-12/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>⚡️ 1500 UAVs &amp;amp;amp; 46 MISSILES in a WEEK! Hundreds of thousands of families without power!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/14/uavs-ampamp-missiles-in-a.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 14 Dec 2025 15:00:27 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/14/uavs-ampamp-missiles-in-a.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/d39a0b848e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡️ 1500 UAVs &amp;amp; 46 MISSILES in a WEEK! Hundreds of thousands of families without power!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYlHK2w3FPk&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Zelensky says he may visit Poland to meet Nawrocki on Dec. 19</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/14/zelensky-says-he-may-visit.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 14 Dec 2025 14:10:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/14/zelensky-says-he-may-visit.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-1250812196.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky says he may visit Poland to meet Nawrocki on Dec. 19&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;I don&#39;t think we&#39;ll be delaying anything. It is very important for us to maintain the relationship between us and Poland,&#34; President Volodymyr Zelensky said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-says-he-may-visit-poland-on-dec-19/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Zelensky faces election pressure as war drags on | Ukraine This Week</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/14/zelensky-faces-election-pressure-as.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 14 Dec 2025 14:04:35 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/14/zelensky-faces-election-pressure-as.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/utw-14-12-2-0-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky faces election pressure as war drags on | Ukraine This Week&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;In the latest episode of Ukraine This Week, The Kyiv Independent’s Anna Belokur reports on renewed calls for Ukraine to hold wartime elections after U.S. President Donald Trump suggested Kyiv used Russia’s war to avoid a vote, echoing a Kremlin narrative.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-faces-election-pressure-as-war-drags-on-ukraine-this-week/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Belarus contacted Ukrainian intelligence to offer release of political prisoners via Ukraine, Zelensky says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/14/belarus-contacted-ukrainian-intelligence-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 14 Dec 2025 13:56:39 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/14/belarus-contacted-ukrainian-intelligence-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/photo-2025-12-13-16-34-37.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Belarus contacted Ukrainian intelligence to offer release of political prisoners via Ukraine, Zelensky says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Zelensky said Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR) chief Kyrylo Budanov informed him Belarus preferred this option over releasing the prisoners via &#34;this or that EU country.&#34;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/belarus-offered-kyiv-to-release-political-prisoners-via-ukrainian-territory-rather-than-eu-zelensky-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>❗️ZELENSKY arrived in GERMANY! Negotiations with the Americans will start TODAY  #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/14/zelensky-arrived-in-germany-negotiations.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 14 Dec 2025 13:41:31 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/14/zelensky-arrived-in-germany-negotiations.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/9f9be0937d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️ZELENSKY arrived in GERMANY! Negotiations with the Americans will start TODAY  #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/AcYKgtQYdaA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukraine says it destroyed pipeline Russia used to infiltrate Kupiansk, releases video</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/14/ukraine-says-it-destroyed-pipeline.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 14 Dec 2025 12:46:33 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/14/ukraine-says-it-destroyed-pipeline.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/-2025-12-14-132710.png&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine says it destroyed pipeline Russia used to infiltrate Kupiansk, releases video&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukraine&#39;s &#34;Achilles&#34; drone regiment described the pipeline as a &#34;critically important logistical channel&#34; for Russian forces. The route was discovered during reconnaissance and destroyed in a joint operation with other Ukrainian units.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-drone-regiment-releases-video-of-pipeline-destruction-russia-used-to-infiltrate-kupiansk/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Zelensky visits Germany for talks with US, European officials amid peace push</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/14/zelensky-visits-germany-for-talks.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 14 Dec 2025 12:17:56 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/14/zelensky-visits-germany-for-talks.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2250077428.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky visits Germany for talks with US, European officials amid peace push&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Zelensky said he will hold talks with European leaders and Trump&#39;s envoys in Berlin to discuss &#34;the foundation of peace — a political agreement to end the war.&#34;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-arrives-in-germany-for-talks-with-us-representatives-european-leaders-amid-peace-push/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Russia hits supermarket in Zaporizhzhia in Ukraine, injures at least 6, including child</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/14/russia-hits-supermarket-in-zaporizhzhia.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 14 Dec 2025 10:06:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/14/russia-hits-supermarket-in-zaporizhzhia.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/photo-2025-12-14-10-43-11.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia hits supermarket in Zaporizhzhia in Ukraine, injures at least 6, including child&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russian forces attacked a supermarket in the southern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia on Dec. 14, injuring at least six people, including a child, Governor Ivan Fedorov reported.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-hits-supermarket-in-zaporizhzhia-injures-at-least-4/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Russian attacks kill 2, injure 11 in Ukraine, hit Turkish cargo ship over past day</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/14/russian-attacks-kill-injure-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 14 Dec 2025 09:22:46 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/14/russian-attacks-kill-injure-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/photo-2025-12-14-09-31-59.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian attacks kill 2, injure 11 in Ukraine, hit Turkish cargo ship over past day&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukrainian forces downed 110 out of the 138 drones, including Shahed-type attack drones, launched by Russia overnight, the Air Force reported. Russia also launched an Iskander-M ballistic missile.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-attacks-kill-injure-in-ukraine-over-past-day-2/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>General Staff: Russia has lost 1,188,490 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/14/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 14 Dec 2025 08:11:54 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/14/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2247703639.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;General Staff: Russia has lost 1,188,490 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The number includes 710 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/general-staff-russia-has-lost-1-188-490-troops-in-ukraine-since-feb-24-2022/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russia’s December oil and gas revenue set to drop to lowest level since 2020, Reuters reports</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/14/russias-december-oil-and-gas.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 14 Dec 2025 06:53:35 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/14/russias-december-oil-and-gas.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/af94a711a0.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia’s December oil and gas revenue set to drop to lowest level since 2020, Reuters reports&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russia’s oil and gas revenue in December is expected to be nearly half compared to the previous year, down to about 410 billion rubles ($5.17 billion), Reuters reported on Dec. 12.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russias-december-oil-and-gas-revenue-set-to-drop-to-lowest-level-since-2020-reuters-reports/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukraine sanctions nearly 700 vessels tied to Russia’s &#39;shadow fleet&#39;</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/14/ukraine-sanctions-nearly-vessels-tied.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 14 Dec 2025 05:01:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/14/ukraine-sanctions-nearly-vessels-tied.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/3b802ce021.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine sanctions nearly 700 vessels tied to Russia’s &#39;shadow fleet&#39;&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Dec. 13 that Ukraine’s sanctions against nearly 700 vessels linked to Russia’s shadow fleet had entered into force.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-sanctions-nearly-700-vessels-tied-to-russias-shadow-fleet/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Explosions reported at oil depot in occupied Crimea, several Russian energy sites amid Ukrainian drone attack</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/14/explosions-reported-at-oil-depot.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 13 Dec 2025 23:21:33 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/14/explosions-reported-at-oil-depot.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/screenshot-2025-12-13-at-5-06-28-pm.png&#34; alt=&#34;Explosions reported at oil depot in occupied Crimea, several Russian energy sites amid Ukrainian drone attack&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Explosions were reported at an oil depot near Simferopol in occupied Crimea, a chemical plant in the Russian city of Veliky Novgorod, and several energy sites, media reported late on Dec. 13.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/explosions-reported-at-oil-depot-in-occupied-crimea-several-russian-energy-sites-amid-drone-attack/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Without China, Putin would not be able to wage war – secrets of the Alliance #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/13/without-china-putin-would-not.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 13 Dec 2025 22:00:38 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/13/without-china-putin-would-not.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/84e3c39e18.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Without China, Putin would not be able to wage war – secrets of the Alliance #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/YpULfmTMuSE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>⚡️RUTTE sounds alarm in Berlin! Putin &amp;quot;RECKLESS,&amp;quot; alliance rearmament INSUFFICIENT!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/13/rutte-sounds-alarm-in-berlin.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 13 Dec 2025 21:00:19 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/13/rutte-sounds-alarm-in-berlin.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/544f883755.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡️RUTTE sounds alarm in Berlin! Putin &amp;quot;RECKLESS,&amp;quot; alliance rearmament INSUFFICIENT!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMR70jsuCVg&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>❗️We are preparing for a meeting with the American side and Europeans, — Zelenskyy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/13/we-are-preparing-for-a.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 13 Dec 2025 20:31:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/13/we-are-preparing-for-a.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/a2997941dc.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️We are preparing for a meeting with the American side and Europeans, — Zelenskyy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/leM6CLdMIkI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>⚡️ 1.8 MILLION SHELLS: G7&#43; creates &amp;quot;ENERGY SHIELD&amp;quot; against Russian strikes!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/13/million-shells-g-creates-quotenergy.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 13 Dec 2025 19:00:52 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/13/million-shells-g-creates-quotenergy.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/02202c60ce.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡️ 1.8 MILLION SHELLS: G7+ creates &amp;quot;ENERGY SHIELD&amp;quot; against Russian strikes!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oi5TlPlDHBE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine sends a message to Kadyrov: high-rise building in central Grozny damaged  #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/13/ukraine-sends-a-message-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 13 Dec 2025 18:30:17 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/13/ukraine-sends-a-message-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/cd7470d497.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine sends a message to Kadyrov: high-rise building in central Grozny damaged  #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/rPNr1qYFWco&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>❗️Large-scale energy crisis after shelling #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/13/largescale-energy-crisis-after-shelling.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 13 Dec 2025 17:30:17 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/13/largescale-energy-crisis-after-shelling.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/50366d54d1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️Large-scale energy crisis after shelling #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/bpkOmNiOsZU&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>India’s short-sighted embrace of Russia will endanger its own national security</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/13/indias-shortsighted-embrace-of-russia.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 13 Dec 2025 17:13:28 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/13/indias-shortsighted-embrace-of-russia.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2249289916.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;India’s short-sighted embrace of Russia will endanger its own national security&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;About the author: Michael Rubin is a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and director of policy analysis at the Middle East Forum.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It was all pomp and circumstance when Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in India. Putin made his first state visit to India 25 years ago, shortly&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/indias-short-sighted-embrace-of-russia-will-endanger-its-own-national-security/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>⚡️ URGENT! POKROVSK HOLDS THE STRIKE: UKRAINIAN FORCES FOILED RUSSIAN PLAN!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/13/urgent-pokrovsk-holds-the-strike.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 13 Dec 2025 17:01:11 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/13/urgent-pokrovsk-holds-the-strike.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/138a7ade3b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡️ URGENT! POKROVSK HOLDS THE STRIKE: UKRAINIAN FORCES FOILED RUSSIAN PLAN!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdRyVBDjrVI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>US lifts sanctions on Belarusian potash, as Minsk releases over 100 political prisoners</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/13/us-lifts-sanctions-on-belarusian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 13 Dec 2025 15:11:43 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/13/us-lifts-sanctions-on-belarusian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-1797716111.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;US lifts sanctions on Belarusian potash, as Minsk releases over 100 political prisoners&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The U.S. is lifting sanctions on Belarusian potash, U.S. presidential envoy to Minsk John Cole said on Dec. 13 following a meeting with Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, in exchange for the release of political prisoners in Belarus.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/us-lifting-sanctions-on-belarusian-potash-fertilizers-us-presidential-envoy-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>⚡️ THOUSANDS OF FAMILIES WITHOUT POWER! 450 DRONES &amp;amp; 30 MISSILES on Ukraine!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/13/thousands-of-families-without-power.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 13 Dec 2025 15:00:49 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/13/thousands-of-families-without-power.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/30de8ad953.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡️ THOUSANDS OF FAMILIES WITHOUT POWER! 450 DRONES &amp;amp; 30 MISSILES on Ukraine!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrPKp_MHjZw&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Will Ukraine face the hardest vote in decades?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/13/will-ukraine-face-the-hardest.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 13 Dec 2025 15:00:05 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/13/will-ukraine-face-the-hardest.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f82430569-1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Will Ukraine face the hardest vote in decades?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!V349!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F94e1a407-58ab-4250-badb-5d9f9e79624c_1500x500.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f94e1a407-5.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;485&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/94e1a407-58ab-4250-badb-5d9f9e79624c_1500x500.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:485,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:true,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; fetchpriority=&#34;high&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor’s Note:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Want a Ukrainian tiger, crocodile or camel to greet you every day of the year?&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt; We’re announcing our new 2026 Wild Animals of War calendar! If you’re a free subscriber, upgrade to an &lt;strong&gt;annual plan today&lt;/strong&gt; and get one for free. We’re printing a limited run only:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Get Full Access!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Get Full Access!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!55Dt!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F73856042-0be9-457a-b723-acedba6c9326_1280x853.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f73856042-0.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1280&#34; height=&#34;853&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/73856042-0be9-457a-b723-acedba6c9326_1280x853.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:853,&#34;width&#34;:1280,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:&#34;&#34;,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; title=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Already a paid subscriber but still want a calendar? &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Snag one for a suggested donation of $90. (Our printing/mailing costs are about $25). Get one here!&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://buy.stripe.com/4gMcN50yv0eU9qifjefjG06&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Wild Animals Calendar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://buy.stripe.com/4gMcN50yv0eU9qifjefjG06&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Wild Animals Calendar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!Dx1S!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F06da2d05-f5bd-4591-82ec-486c27a4360e_1600x1066.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f06da2d05-f.png&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;970&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/06da2d05-f5bd-4591-82ec-486c27a4360e_1600x1066.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:970,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Oleksii Kovzhun, Ukrainian political consultant. Photo provided by Kovzhun to The Counteroffensive.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;“I try not to say the word [elections] at all. It’s evil,” said political consultant Oleksii Kovzhun. “Still, no one is waiting for them more than me.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;When people ask him these days what he does for a living, he says he’s “unemployed.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For him, elections held during the war have become a taboo subject. Yet, for the past 20 years, he was deeply involved in Ukrainian presidential elections behind the scenes.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The topic of Ukrainian presidential elections has taken center stage again after Donald Trump &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.politico.com/news/2025/12/09/donald-trump-full-interview-transcript-00681693&#34;&gt;declared&lt;/a&gt; that “it’s time” for Kyiv to select a new president, even though Ukraine’s constitution prohibits legislative elections in times of war.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the first time &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/bef0ff58-f33f-4224-b484-6394776f6d6d?postPreview=paid&amp;updated=2025-12-09T19%3A47%3A30.692Z&amp;audience=only_paid&amp;free_preview=false&amp;freemail=&#34;&gt;stated&lt;/a&gt; that he is prepared to hold presidential elections under martial law and instructed members of parliament to draft proposals to that end. He also appealed to the U.S. and other partners to provide security guarantees for the elections. Once these two conditions are met, he said, elections could be held within the next two or three months.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;However, if elections are indeed held under martial law, the vote would demonstrate Washington’s desire to replace the president and pressure Kyiv rather than encouraging Ukrainians to exercise democratic choice. Such pressure on Zelenskyy risks further fueling a crisis.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It’s weighty issues like these that Oleksii is used to.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;When you imagine a political consultant, the first image that probably comes to mind is a serious-looking man in a suit.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Forget about that. None of that describes Oleksii, who even at 60 rides a scooter, wears gothic rings and earrings, and constantly reminisces about his wild youth.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!mC3-!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2ee3f970-1199-482f-bbd3-fbf03f432c1d_1122x1495.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f2ee3f970-1.jpg&#34; width=&#34;452&#34; height=&#34;602.2638146167558&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/2ee3f970-1199-482f-bbd3-fbf03f432c1d_1122x1495.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1495,&#34;width&#34;:1122,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:452,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Oleksii Kovzhun. Photos from his social meda (below) and from &lt;a href=&#34;https://vybory.pravda.com/articles/2018/09/21/7149752/&#34;&gt;Ukrainsk Pravda&lt;/a&gt; (above).&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;id&#34;:418941}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;PollToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;poll-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Since his early years, Oleksii had been an anti-USSR rebel. He organized rock festivals and concerts, became a hippie, and smoked marijuana. Due to his long hair and ripped jeans, he spent many days at the police station in the 1980s, as Soviet authorities often would pick him up just because of how he looked.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!t-FU!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F13968375-69f7-4ba9-81a2-4263d1ac6993_450x603.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f13968375-6.png&#34; width=&#34;394&#34; height=&#34;527.96&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/13968375-69f7-4ba9-81a2-4263d1ac6993_450x603.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:603,&#34;width&#34;:450,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:394,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Oleksii Kovzhun in his youth in 1987. Photo from &lt;a href=&#34;https://amnesia.in.ua/oleksiy-kovzhun&#34;&gt;Amnesia&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;“I believed all this crap [the USSR] wouldn’t last forever. It was impossible to live in such a system. I was preparing myself that I might die in prison [for my beliefs],” Oleksii said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;But his wild streak ultimately outlived the Soviet Union. Then, starting in the 2000s, he slowly shifted from working in a concert organization and ad agency to political consulting.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;He didn’t care if he was crafting ads for beer, airlines, mobile operators, or politicians.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Eventually, he became a consultant to one of Ukraine’s most divisive and controversial political figures, former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, whose career has been marked by recurring corruption scandals. Oleksii is among those credited with shaping her iconic image, including the crown braid that people around the world have come to recognize.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!kcd3!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fcd356e68-eec6-48be-8a60-ef5efad41454_594x396.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fcd356e68-e.jpg&#34; width=&#34;594&#34; height=&#34;396&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/cd356e68-eec6-48be-8a60-ef5efad41454_594x396.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:396,&#34;width&#34;:594,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Ukrainian politician Yulia Tymoshenko attends the National Prayer Breakfast on August 25, 2025 in Kyiv, Ukraine. (Photo by Yan Dobronosov/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images).&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Russians have tried to influence Ukraine’s politics since its first days of independence. Oleksii realized this as soon as he started working on elections. The Kremlin always sent its top political strategists to ensure Ukrainians would elect presidents loyal to Moscow. Oleksii recalled that he would even joke with a friend about the “need to practice the Moscow accent” to get paid more because Russians got enormous sums to boost pro-Russian candidates.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;During the first clashes between the pro-Ukraine coalition and Kremlin puppet Viktor Yanukovych in the 2004 presidential election, candidate Viktor Yushchenko was poisoned. Russians had no red lines when it came to eliminating opponents.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“It was both fun and terrifying,” Oleksii recalled.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Fun because he came up with all sorts of ways to mock the Kremlin candidate, like a satirical political series. But terrifying, because he understood that the Russians could come for him at any moment, so he made sure that no one knew he was the original idea creator.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;videoId&#34;:&#34;3TNp0RMIDjc&#34;,&#34;startTime&#34;:null,&#34;endTime&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;Youtube2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-id=&#34;youtube2-3TNp0RMIDjc&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;youtube-wrap&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;youtube-inner&#34;&gt;&lt;iframe src=&#34;https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/3TNp0RMIDjc?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0&#34; frameborder=&#34;0&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; gesture=&#34;media&#34; allow=&#34;accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share&#34; allowautoplay=&#34;true&#34; allowfullscreen=&#34;true&#34; width=&#34;728&#34; height=&#34;409&#34; sandbox=&#34;allow-scripts allow-same-origin&#34;&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;One of the mocking episodes of the ‘Veseli Yaycia’ (‘Funny eggs’) series, 2004.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Yushchenko survived his assassination attempt and wound up winning the election after months of protests against electoral fraud and corruption. The year of 2004 was thus the first time that Moscow’s candidate, Yanukovych, did not win.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ukraine is under much more strain from Russia now. It’s not mere political influence that’s dropping in Kyiv, it’s bombs and drones – and Ukraine is now preparing to hold elections under these extreme circumstances. Recent examples from elections in the United States and European countries — where Russian bots flooded the information space and influenced outcomes — show that Ukraine could be next.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Everyone waits for the elections, as many people want to leave the parliament. But everyone is fully aware that they cannot happen without the most important thing. That’s what the president meant: security first,” Roman Hryshchuk, an MP from Zelenskyy’s Servant of the People party, told&lt;em&gt; The Counteroffensive.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ukraine was supposed to hold parliamentary elections in 2023 and presidential elections last year, when Zelenskyy’s five-year term ended. But neither took place due to martial law. Ukrainian law &lt;a href=&#34;https://suspilne.media/477739-pislavoenni-parlamentski-vibori-ak-do-nih-gotuutsa-vlada-i-gromadskist/&#34;&gt;prohibits&lt;/a&gt; any elections while martial law is in effect. Similarly, according to the constitution, parliamentarians must continue their mandates until a new Verkhovna Rada is elected once martial law ends.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;While parliamentary elections are constitutionally impossible under the current circumstances, there is still a chance at least to lay the legislative groundwork for a presidential transition.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!gp0_!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F69bd82f9-cf1c-4a95-89cf-fa651a171607_620x434.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f69bd82f9-c.png&#34; width=&#34;620&#34; height=&#34;434&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/69bd82f9-cf1c-4a95-89cf-fa651a171607_620x434.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:434,&#34;width&#34;:620,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Lines on the Ukrainian-Polish border in 2022. Photo by eadtnews.pl.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Working groups have already been set up in parliament to draft changes to the law. However, according to MP Yaroslav Yurchyshyn, Zelenskyy has not set any deadlines for presenting proposals, so they are unlikely to be ready before the first quarter of 2026.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“MPs are in no hurry to actively push for updates to election legislation… society does not accept such initiatives during the hot phase of the war,” said Roman Lozynskyi, an MP from the Holos faction.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;All of &lt;em&gt;The Counteroffensive’s&lt;/em&gt; sources in parliament have questioned how security would even be possible if elections were to be held now.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Almost six million Ukrainians &lt;a href=&#34;https://unn.ua/en/news/ukrainians-are-massively-leaving-the-country-the-nbu-named-two-reasons&#34;&gt;have left&lt;/a&gt; the country due to shelling or the occupation of their homes since the start of the full-scale war. Those citizens would be unable to take part in physical voting, because Ukraine simply doesn’t have the resources to open enough polling stations and consular offices abroad.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Similarly, nearly four million Ukrainians are &lt;a href=&#34;https://unn.ua/en/news/ukraine-has-37-million-registered-internally-displaced-persons&#34;&gt;registered&lt;/a&gt; as internally displaced and would need to change their voting addresses to cast a vote. The same number applies to those currently living under Russian occupation, disenfranchising them.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Almost one million Ukrainians are also currently &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.unian.ua/war/zelenskiy-rozkriv-skilki-zaraz-viyskovih-u-zsu-12526479.html&#34;&gt;serving&lt;/a&gt; in the Armed Forces, making it physically impossible for them to campaign, run for office, or cast their vote.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This strikes Oleksii as especially infuriating, because he has friends on the front lines defending the country who arguably have the strongest moral claim to shaping its political future. At least a few of them had wanted to run in the elections, he said, but they won’t be able to, since no one in the military can be released during active combat.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Ukraine is now forced to play a game, not to say ‘no’ to America… They tell us about elections. We say: ‘Okay, but for that we need…’ And then we set conditions that they cannot meet,” Oleksii said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f82430569-1.jpg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/3e45ac8be9.jpg&#34; width=&#34;594&#34; height=&#34;396&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/82430569-1c5a-48e5-8518-71f3caa4d625_594x396.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:396,&#34;width&#34;:594,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Pro-Russian demonstrators gather for a rally outside the regional administration building, headquarters of the Donetsk separatist movement, on May 24, 2014 in Donetsk, Ukraine. (Photo by Brendan Hoffman/Getty Images).&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ukraine held elections during the early months of the war with Russia in 2014, when Russian forces had already seized Crimea and were advancing in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Oleksii had helped organize elections in Donetsk at the time, serving as a communications advisor to the local governor. Back then, Russian security forces were already attempting to disrupt elections throughout the whole region. Twenty two polling stations were initially planned for Donetsk, but only eight &lt;a href=&#34;https://oporaua.org/en/vybory/36596-6507-1446981393-vybory-prezydenta-ukrajiny-pidsumky-sposterezhennja-opory-10989?&#34;&gt;received&lt;/a&gt; votes from Ukrainians. The rest never opened due to a shortage of ballots, interference from security forces, and the abduction of election commission members by Russians. In Donetsk itself, a city of nearly one million people in 2014, it was ultimately impossible to &lt;a href=&#34;https://index.minfin.com.ua/ua/reference/people/town/doneck/&#34;&gt;hold&lt;/a&gt; elections. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!M_cJ!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F82219d9e-20a0-4a4a-9451-78ce0bc61926_935x615.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f82219d9e-2.png&#34; width=&#34;935&#34; height=&#34;615&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/82219d9e-20a0-4a4a-9451-78ce0bc61926_935x615.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:615,&#34;width&#34;:935,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;A billboard in Donetsk in May 2014. At that time, while Ukraine was preparing for presidential elections, Russia was campaigning for Ukrainians to support the creation of a Kremlin puppet state in an illegitimate referendum on May 11, 2014. Photo from &lt;a href=&#34;https://commons.com.ua/ru/pochatok-rosijskogo-vtorgnennya-vesnoyu-2014-roku/&#34;&gt;Spilne&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;“There was a phone on the table, with someone from the election commission nearby, and I heard: ‘Seryoga, some bastards [Russians] have arrived with guns, cancel polling station 39.’ Bad words [followed],” Oleksii recalled.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!GPB8!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F8efb0ef4-0c1c-4fa1-b11d-b279c86bc274_533x400.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f8efb0ef4-0.jpg&#34; width=&#34;533&#34; height=&#34;400&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/8efb0ef4-0c1c-4fa1-b11d-b279c86bc274_533x400.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:400,&#34;width&#34;:533,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Serhii and Svitlana Tkachenko. Photo provided by them.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Serhii and Svitlana Tkachenko are two others who were at the center of those chaotic events.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Together with their colleagues from the Donetsk Committee of Voters of Ukraine, they served as independent election observers.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Many members of the committee tried to go to the [Donetsk] airport to collect the ballots that had been delivered by plane, but some got captured right in the airport. Some suffered a concussion, some had their abdomen cut,” Serhii Tkachenko said about the day of the election in 2014 and efforts to hold elections in Donetsk.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Around 10 p.m., a colleague went outside of the hotel they were staying at for a smoke and inadvertently saved the rest of the team, he recalled. He used a code word they had all jokingly invented the day before in case of danger they hadn’t fully realized yet.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Let’s buy roses!” is what Tkachenko’s colleague shouted over the phone. He’d seen armed officers getting out of black vehicles that had pulled up at the hotel, searching for ‘where people vote for Ukraine.’&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!1WAO!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc3a5822a-0806-4d13-9001-ed3b5eef970f_1080x725.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fc3a5822a-0.png&#34; width=&#34;1080&#34; height=&#34;725&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/c3a5822a-0806-4d13-9001-ed3b5eef970f_1080x725.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:725,&#34;width&#34;:1080,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;The armed officers that were searching for independent observers in the hotel that night. Photo from the Facebook page of the Donetsk Committee of Voters of Ukraine.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;The situation is even more dire now, as the entire country, not just three regions, is at risk of Russian attacks.  The reality for Ukrainians is that a ballistic missile can reach a crowded area within minutes, in any area of the country.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Among Ukrainians, including members of parliament, no one can really fathom how elections could be organized in the middle of a war. No democratic country in the past decades has faced the conditions in which such a wide array of weapons is being used so intensively. And even if elections do take place, how legitimate can they be if millions of people are unable to cast their votes?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The ball appears to be in Trump’s court. Many Ukrainians believe he is the one who now needs to find a way to ensure security.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Meanwhile, Oleksii remains “unemployed,” turning away any politicians who come to him for consultations. Even if peace is reached and elections are held, Russian forces will probably still seek political revenge in Ukraine.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“A new world will come. What kind? Who knows,” Oleksii said. “It’s like a supernova explosion. And what happens after that, we don’t know. It’s beyond the sequence of events.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor’s Note:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Want a Ukrainian tiger, crocodile or camel to greet you every day of the year?&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt; We’re announcing our new 2026 Wild Animals of War calendar! If you’re a free subscriber, upgrade to an &lt;strong&gt;annual plan today&lt;/strong&gt; and get one for free. We’re printing a limited run only:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Get Full Access!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Get Full Access!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!55Dt!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F73856042-0be9-457a-b723-acedba6c9326_1280x853.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f73856042-0.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1280&#34; height=&#34;853&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/73856042-0be9-457a-b723-acedba6c9326_1280x853.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:853,&#34;width&#34;:1280,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:&#34;&#34;,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; title=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Already a paid subscriber but still want a calendar? &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Snag one for a suggested donation of $90. (Our printing/mailing costs are about $25). Get one here!&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://buy.stripe.com/4gMcN50yv0eU9qifjefjG06&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Wild Animals Calendar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://buy.stripe.com/4gMcN50yv0eU9qifjefjG06&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Wild Animals Calendar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;NEWS OF THE DAY:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;By Tania Novakivska&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;THE CZECH REPUBLIC SUPPLIED UKRAINE WITH 1.8 MILLION PIECES OF LARGE-CALIBER AMMUNITION:&lt;/strong&gt; The Czech Republic has &lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/P_Fiala/status/1999529815284592942?fbclid=IwY2xjawOp6JtleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFadlhhZXRYWEpic1BZTzg3c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHv6b64hhAp7pcHp0kifp5OB_VxwZp-LMWnx-O80c6Rj-0e2rEmGF98C-LA9R_aem_LG7wfC3wgyM7qycD930Hxg&#34;&gt;achieved&lt;/a&gt; its goal of transferring Ukraine 1.8 million rounds of high-caliber ammunition, former PM Petr Fiala posted on X. The Czech Republic, along with the US and the UK, has become one of the leading suppliers of ammunition to Ukraine.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;RUSSIA DEPLOYES ORESHNIK COMPLEXES IN BELARUS, TARGETING EU&lt;/strong&gt;: The construction of military facilities in Belarus for launching an Orshenik missile is underway, Oleg Ivashchenko, head of Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service,&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.ukrinform.ua/rubric-world/4069228-rosia-rozgortae-u-bilorusi-oresnik-z-pricilom-na-evropu-golova-szru.html&#34;&gt; said&lt;/a&gt;. The Oreshnik missile is a Russian medium-range ballistic missile that is difficult to intercept, equipped with six warheads, and capable of speeds exceeding 12,300 km/h.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;RUSSIAN OIL EXPORTS DECLINE:&lt;/strong&gt; Although Russia continues to increase its crude oil shipments, sanctions and market restrictions are contributing to a downward trend in its maritime exports, according to the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine. This comes as prices for Russian oil are falling, which reduces their overall profitability. A large amount of Russia’s cargo goes unloaded, and the US sanctions against Rosneft and Lukoil have caused the demand from the Global South to decrease. This all comes as inspections at Chinese and Russian refineries are increasing.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;DOG OF WAR:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;Tania met this cute pup last year around Christmas in the de-occupied village in Ukraine’s south. Despite his size and the scars on his face, he was one of the sweetest dogs she had ever known.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!ySGR!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa2f33778-c4ca-462e-8772-173405b3edb2_1200x1600.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fa2f33778-c.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1200&#34; height=&#34;1600&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/a2f33778-c4ca-462e-8772-173405b3edb2_1200x1600.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1600,&#34;width&#34;:1200,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Stay safe out there.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Best,&lt;br&gt;Mariana and Nastia&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/will-ukraine-face-the-hardest-vote&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>From target to teacher, Ukraine’s energy sector is preparing Europe for drones</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/13/from-target-to-teacher-ukraines.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 13 Dec 2025 14:31:34 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/13/from-target-to-teacher-ukraines.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/cat-6061.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;From target to teacher, Ukraine’s energy sector is preparing Europe for drones&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As Russian drones test Europe&#39;s skies, European governments are turning to the one nation that knows this battle best.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ukraine’s state power company, &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/ukrenergo/&#34;&gt;Ukrenergo&lt;/a&gt; — which as the chief transporter of the country&#39;s electricity has borne the brunt of &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/russias-attacks-on-energy/&#34;&gt;Russia’s drone and&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/from-target-to-teacher-ukraines-energy-sector-is-preparing-europe-for-drones/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>LIVE! Strikes on Russia, NATO prepares defense, Ukraine destroys enemy logistics</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/13/live-strikes-on-russia-nato.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 13 Dec 2025 14:08:05 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/13/live-strikes-on-russia-nato.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/048422524e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;LIVE! Strikes on Russia, NATO prepares defense, Ukraine destroys enemy logistics&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAbpHLo7ens&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>One night with a Kyiv family amid Russia&#39;s mass attack</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/13/one-night-with-a-kyiv.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 13 Dec 2025 14:00:47 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/13/one-night-with-a-kyiv.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/img-2467.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;One night with a Kyiv family amid Russia&#39;s mass attack&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;On Nov. 28, a Russian attack lasting more than 10 hours struck Ukrainian cities, with Kyiv as the main target. The Kyiv Independent’s Nick Allard and Tania Myronyshena spent the night with a Kyiv family sheltering in a parking garage with their three children.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/one-night-with-a-kyiv-family-amid-russias-mass-attack/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russian forces deploy additional reserves near Pokrovsk, Myrnohrad in Donetsk Oblast, Syrskyi says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/13/russian-forces-deploy-additional-reserves.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 13 Dec 2025 12:35:35 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/13/russian-forces-deploy-additional-reserves.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2235696315.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian forces deploy additional reserves near Pokrovsk, Myrnohrad in Donetsk Oblast, Syrskyi says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukrainian troops continue to employ &#34;active defense tactics,&#34; seeking to improve positions and dislodge Russian forces in some areas, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-forces-deploy-additional-reserves-near-pokrovsk-myrnohrad-in-donetsk-oblast-syrskyi-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>HORRIFIC shelling of Odesa: CONSEQUENCES of the Russian attack #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/13/horrific-shelling-of-odesa-consequences.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 13 Dec 2025 12:05:21 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/13/horrific-shelling-of-odesa-consequences.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/de6a4f48cf.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;HORRIFIC shelling of Odesa: CONSEQUENCES of the Russian attack #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/3hIuhoSwPkc&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>At least 3 killed, 35 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine over past day</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/13/at-least-killed-injured-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 13 Dec 2025 10:39:38 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/13/at-least-killed-injured-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/photo-2025-12-13-10-09-11.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;At least 3 killed, 35 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine over past day&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russian missile and drone strikes on energy infrastructure in Dnipropetrovsk, Chernihiv, Odesa, and Mykolaiv oblasts have disrupted electricity supplies, Ukraine&#39;s Energy Ministry said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/at-least-3-killed-35-injured-in-russian-attacks-on-ukraine-over-past-day/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>General Staff: Russia has lost 1,187,780 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/13/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 13 Dec 2025 08:19:54 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/13/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/9f59decef6.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;General Staff: Russia has lost 1,187,780 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The number includes 1,300 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/general-staff-russia-has-lost-1-187-780-troops-in-ukraine-since-feb-24-2022/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Witkoff to meet Zelensky, European leaders over the weekend to discuss US peace plan, WSJ reports</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/13/witkoff-to-meet-zelensky-european.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 13 Dec 2025 03:51:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/13/witkoff-to-meet-zelensky-european.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/301b8bfb4c.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Witkoff to meet Zelensky, European leaders over the weekend to discuss US peace plan, WSJ reports&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The reported meeting involving Zelensky follows news that Kyiv and its European partners handed Washington their revisions to the U.S.-proposed peace framework, with territorial concessions dominating tensions between the parties.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/witkoff-to-meet-zelensky-european-leaders-over-the-weekend-wsj-reports/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Explosions reported at Russian oil refinery amid possible drone attack</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/13/explosions-reported-at-russian-oil.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 13 Dec 2025 00:36:16 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/13/explosions-reported-at-russian-oil.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/screenshot-2025-12-12-at-6-24-40-pm.png&#34; alt=&#34;Explosions reported at Russian oil refinery amid possible drone attack&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Explosions were reported in Russia&#39;s Saratov Oblast overnight on Dec. 13 as officials warned of a possible drone attack, with unverified local reports indicating the Saratov oil refinery was targeted.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/explosions-reported-at-russian-oil-refinery-amid-possible-drone-attack/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>How Ukraine saved its fleet from Russia by sinking a ship #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/13/how-ukraine-saved-its-fleet.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 13 Dec 2025 00:00:49 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/13/how-ukraine-saved-its-fleet.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/5c8b8200bc.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;How Ukraine saved its fleet from Russia by sinking a ship #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/XVoXvJIRzvM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Historic Kremlin failure at sea! How Ukraine destroyed the myth of Russia&#39;s Black Sea Fleet</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/13/historic-kremlin-failure-at-sea.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2025 23:00:45 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/13/historic-kremlin-failure-at-sea.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/8a1a915640.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Historic Kremlin failure at sea! How Ukraine destroyed the myth of Russia&#39;s Black Sea Fleet&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_W--Z6EOE9A&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>❗️Ukraine is ready for a demilitarized zone in Donbas – but only on condition of parity! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/12/ukraine-is-ready-for-a.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2025 21:30:25 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/12/ukraine-is-ready-for-a.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/aac95f3bfd.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️Ukraine is ready for a demilitarized zone in Donbas – but only on condition of parity! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/vRkFXqjOn9s&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine strikes Russian oil facilities in Caspian Sea again, SBU source says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/12/ukraine-strikes-russian-oil-facilities.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2025 21:04:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/12/ukraine-strikes-russian-oil-facilities.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/1000018991.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine strikes Russian oil facilities in Caspian Sea again, SBU source says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukraine&#39;s Security Service (SBU) carried out a second drone strike this week on Russia&#39;s Vladimir Filanovsky oil production platform in the Caspian Sea, also hitting the nearby Korchagin platform, an SBU source said Dec. 12.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-strikes-russian-oil-facilities-in-caspian-sea-sbu-source-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>🔥RUSSIA LOSES REAR: Ukraine strikes reach &amp;amp;quot;safe&amp;amp;quot; zones</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/12/russia-loses-rear-ukraine-strikes.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2025 21:00:14 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/12/russia-loses-rear-ukraine-strikes.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/e298dac654.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🔥RUSSIA LOSES REAR: Ukraine strikes reach &amp;quot;safe&amp;quot; zones&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fkha4XGXBQ8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Explainer: Why Russia’s nuclear industry has escaped major sanctions</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/12/explainer-why-russias-nuclear-industry.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2025 19:49:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/12/explainer-why-russias-nuclear-industry.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-1825439826.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Explainer: Why Russia’s nuclear industry has escaped major sanctions&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Since the start of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia has repeatedly threatened the use of atomic weapons, yet its much-prized nuclear industry has faced little in the way of meaningful sanctions.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Russia&#39;s state atomic corporation, &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/rosatom/&#34;&gt;Rosatom&lt;/a&gt;, is a key part of the country&#39;s military-industrial complex&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/explainer-why-russias-nuclear-industry-has-escaped-major-sanctions/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russia lied about biological laboratories in Ukraine: the truth is shocking! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/12/russia-lied-about-biological-laboratories.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2025 19:30:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/12/russia-lied-about-biological-laboratories.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/f88c45eee7.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia lied about biological laboratories in Ukraine: the truth is shocking! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/9uQsPBFWppU&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>EU indefinitely freezes Russian assets, moving closer to financial lifeline for Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/12/eu-indefinitely-freezes-russian-assets.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2025 19:17:27 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/12/eu-indefinitely-freezes-russian-assets.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/11d4f9d3ea.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;EU indefinitely freezes Russian assets, moving closer to financial lifeline for Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The European Union has agreed to indefinitely freeze Russian central bank reserves, moving the bloc a step closer to securing a financial lifeline to Kyiv as the war heads into its fourth year.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&#34;I welcome the decision of the council on our proposal to continue the immobilization of Russian&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/eu-indefinitely-freezes-russian-assets-moving-closer-to-financial-lifeline-for-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>&#39;I will come after each of you&#39; — Ukraine&#39;s prosecutor general threatens critics after resignation rumors</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/12/i-will-come-after-each.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2025 19:12:58 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/12/i-will-come-after-each.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/09ac2ed4aa.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;I will come after each of you&#39; — Ukraine&#39;s prosecutor general threatens critics after resignation rumors&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;You don&#39;t need to hide; I will come after each of you personally,&#34; said Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko, responding to a wave of anonymous posts alleging he had submitted a letter of resignation.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-prosecutor-general-threatens-critics-after-resignation-rumors/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Moscow files lawsuit against Euroclear as Russian assets debate continues</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/12/moscow-files-lawsuit-against-euroclear.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2025 19:07:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/12/moscow-files-lawsuit-against-euroclear.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-1238830383.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Moscow files lawsuit against Euroclear as Russian assets debate continues&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Russian Central Bank said in a press release that it had sued Euroclear, the Belgian financial institution holding the vast majority of Europe&#39;s frozen assets, in a Moscow court on Dec. 12.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/moscow-files-lawsuit-against-euroclear-as-russian-assets-debate-continues/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>FRYING Russian propaganda dumb fakes! Mutant LOCUSTS hit Kremlin! | Weapons with  @StarskyUA  ​</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/12/frying-russian-propaganda-dumb-fakes.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2025 19:00:15 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/12/frying-russian-propaganda-dumb-fakes.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/5a5904379e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;FRYING Russian propaganda dumb fakes! Mutant LOCUSTS hit Kremlin! | Weapons with  @StarskyUA  ​&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4BAc3v12zc&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine world’s deadliest conflict in 2025 despite US-brokered peace talks, analysis finds</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/12/ukraine-worlds-deadliest-conflict-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2025 17:45:41 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/12/ukraine-worlds-deadliest-conflict-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2241034055-1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine world’s deadliest conflict in 2025 despite US-brokered peace talks, analysis finds&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Russia’s war in Ukraine was the world’s deadliest conflict in 2025, according to a new report that tracks conflicts globally, despite U.S.-led diplomatic efforts to bring an end to the nearly four-year invasion.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Armed Conflict Location &amp; Event Data Project (ACLED) new &lt;a href=&#34;https://acleddata.com/series/acled-conflict-index&#34;&gt;Conflict&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-worlds-deadliest-conflict-in-2025-as-intensified-fighting-becomes-new-normal-analysis-finds/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Night drone attack in Dnipropetrovsk region: one man killed, one woman in intensive care #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/12/night-drone-attack-in-dnipropetrovsk.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2025 17:30:15 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/12/night-drone-attack-in-dnipropetrovsk.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/d683920e47.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Night drone attack in Dnipropetrovsk region: one man killed, one woman in intensive care #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/UFebFIT7tJI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Lithuania: NO SECURITY WITHOUT UKRAINE IN EU! Biggest victory since the WALL fell!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/12/lithuania-no-security-without-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2025 17:13:55 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/12/lithuania-no-security-without-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/db9c9b8a4c.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Lithuania: NO SECURITY WITHOUT UKRAINE IN EU! Biggest victory since the WALL fell!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMM0NyuyRpA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>🇺🇦Zelenskyy met with soldiers and congratulated them on Land Forces Day #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/12/zelenskyy-met-with-soldiers-and.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2025 16:52:08 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/12/zelenskyy-met-with-soldiers-and.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/db73db4214.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🇺🇦Zelenskyy met with soldiers and congratulated them on Land Forces Day #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/WF4wY764-vE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>SBU says it detained 3 suspected Russian agents over deadly Kyiv bombing that killed National Guard serviceman</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/12/sbu-says-it-detained-suspected.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2025 16:36:22 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/12/sbu-says-it-detained-suspected.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/photo-2025-12-12-12-00-03.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;SBU says it detained 3 suspected Russian agents over deadly Kyiv bombing that killed National Guard serviceman&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukraine’s Security Service said Friday that it detained three men suspected of planting two homemade bombs that killed a National Guard serviceman and wounded four other people in Kyiv a day earlier.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/sbu-says-it-detained-3-suspected-russian-agents-over-deadly-kyiv-bombing/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>😢A child from Vinnytsia TOUCHED the entire European Parliament #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/12/a-child-from-vinnytsia-touched.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2025 16:00:22 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/12/a-child-from-vinnytsia-touched.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/60c252b516.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;😢A child from Vinnytsia TOUCHED the entire European Parliament #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/zZre7JtaA7Y&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>⚡ The US MAY GIVE Ukraine SECURITY GUARANTEES! 90,000 people without power in Odesa!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/12/the-us-may-give-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2025 15:00:34 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/12/the-us-may-give-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/d558786ed1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡ The US MAY GIVE Ukraine SECURITY GUARANTEES! 90,000 people without power in Odesa!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNnn65mW0N8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>FALSE: A satellite image of Ukraine during blackouts in 2025</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/12/false-a-satellite-image-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2025 14:57:21 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/12/false-a-satellite-image-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;single-post-lead&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Verification within Meta’s Third-Party Fact-Checking Program&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Russian Telegram channels are &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://t.me/NSDVKharkove/44875&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;spreading&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; what they claim to be a satellite image of Ukraine during a blackout in 2025, showing the country completely in darkness. The photo was allegedly published by journalists in response to a statement by MP Oleksii Kucherenko: “&lt;/span&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt;There are no blackouts in Ukraine. Claims that the country is in blackouts are speculation&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;span&gt;.”&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;However, this is not true. This photo was taken in 2022, not in 2025. Oleksii Kucherenko did not deny the difficult state of the energy system, but merely explained the difference between blackouts and stabilization outages.&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/znimok-ukrayiny-1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; width=&#34;501&#34; height=&#34;768&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;aligncenter wp-image-191465&#34;&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;single-post-footnote&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Screenshot of the &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://t.me/NSDVKharkove/44875&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;post&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;On his Facebook page, MP Oleksii Kucherenko indeed &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.facebook.com/kucherenko2021/posts/pfbid0BGkxksBqDoPpbpa4Dmq92Vg4yCajRdz1CgWLjgKwKmYh4rBBwqiTwv6fj2MmK684l&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;commented&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; on manipulations surrounding Ukraine’s energy system. In his post, he noted that the November 2025 electricity outages were not blackouts but planned or emergency restrictions caused by damage to energy facilities and a shortage of generation capacity. Instead, he gave the following definition of a blackout: “&lt;/span&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt;an emergency, spontaneous, and uncontrolled collapse of the energy system into ‘islands.’&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;span&gt;” The MP emphasized that so far, a blackout has occurred only once — on November 23, 2022.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/znimok-ukrayiny-2.png&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; width=&#34;501&#34; height=&#34;236&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;aligncenter wp-image-191466&#34;&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;single-post-footnote&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Screenshot of the &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.facebook.com/kucherenko2021/posts/pfbid0BGkxksBqDoPpbpa4Dmq92Vg4yCajRdz1CgWLjgKwKmYh4rBBwqiTwv6fj2MmK684l&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;post&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Using reverse image search on Google, we found that no Ukrainian media outlet published this satellite image in response to Kucherenko’s statement.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;This &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.stern.de/panorama/video-ukraine-ist-dunkel-32949680.html&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;image&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; was taken using the &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://worldview.earthdata.nasa.gov/?v=9.347625662641917,40.92355244321177,47.054740642219215,57.98504001535124&amp;l=Reference_Labels_15m(hidden),Reference_Features_15m(hidden),Coastlines_15m,VIIRS_SNPP_DayNightBand_At_Sensor_Radiance,VIIRS_SNPP_DayNightBand_AtSensor_M15(hidden),VIIRS_SNPP_CorrectedReflectance_TrueColor(hidden)&amp;lg=true&amp;t=2022-11-23-T00%3A00%3A00Z&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;NASA Worldview&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; service on the night of November 23–24, 2022, during a blackout caused by a nighttime massive &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://suspilne.media/323256-masovi-vidklucenna-svitla-vidsutnist-vodi-naslidki-cergovogo-raketnogo-udaru-rosii-po-ukraini/&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;shelling&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; by the Russian Federation. At that time, CHP plants, TPPs, and electrical substations in Kyiv, Kyiv Oblast, Vinnytsia Oblast, Lviv Oblast, and Zaporizhzhia Oblast were damaged.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/znimok-ukrayiny-3.webp&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; width=&#34;699&#34; height=&#34;466&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;aligncenter wp-image-191467&#34;&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;single-post-footnote&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Satellite &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://worldview.earthdata.nasa.gov/?v=9.347625662641917,40.92355244321177,47.054740642219215,57.98504001535124&amp;l=Reference_Labels_15m(hidden),Reference_Features_15m(hidden),Coastlines_15m,VIIRS_SNPP_DayNightBand_At_Sensor_Radiance,VIIRS_SNPP_DayNightBand_AtSensor_M15(hidden),VIIRS_SNPP_CorrectedReflectance_TrueColor(hidden)&amp;lg=true&amp;t=2022-11-23-T00%3A00%3A00Z&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;image&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; of the blackout in Ukraine on the night of November 23–24, 2022. Source: NASA Worldview&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;reference&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://worldview.earthdata.nasa.gov/?v=0.631844708743273,35.34084396738185,58.128578413084014,61.35661865782249&amp;l=Reference_Labels_15m(hidden),Reference_Features_15m(hidden),Coastlines_15m,VIIRS_SNPP_DayNightBand_At_Sensor_Radiance,VIIRS_SNPP_DayNightBand_AtSensor_M15(hidden),VIIRS_SNPP_CorrectedReflectance_TrueColor(hidden)&amp;lg=true&amp;tr=black_marble_night_lights&amp;t=2025-11-15-T19%3A52%3A07Z&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;NASA Worldview&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; is an online system that allows users to quickly view satellite images of Earth. It allows users to enable various layers — daytime, nighttime, infrared, cloud cover, fires — to track weather, nighttime lighting, and blackout areas in real time and using archival data.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;We compared satellite images from the night of&lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://archive.ph/Jc5Mg&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt; November 23–24, 2022&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt;, and &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://archive.ph/2025.12.09-081631/https://worldview.earthdata.nasa.gov/?v=12.062287745879487,34.66719683113729,50.13096906674315,63.21870782178503&amp;l=Reference_Labels_15m(hidden),Reference_Features_15m(hidden),Coastlines_15m,VIIRS_SNPP_DayNightBand_At_Sensor_Radiance,VIIRS_SNPP_DayNightBand_AtSensor_M15(hidden),VIIRS_SNPP_CorrectedReflectance_TrueColor(hidden)&amp;lg=true&amp;t=2025-11-15-T00:00:00Z&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;November 14–15, 2025&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt;. It is noticeable that on the night of November 15, 2025, when hourly outage schedules were in effect, there were more illuminated areas across Ukraine than during the 2022 blackout.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/znimok-ukrayiny-4.png&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; width=&#34;700&#34; height=&#34;342&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;aligncenter wp-image-191468&#34;&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/znimok-ukrayiny-5.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; width=&#34;700&#34; height=&#34;446&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;aligncenter wp-image-191469&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;single-post-footnote&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Top — a NASA Worldview &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://archive.ph/Jc5Mg&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;image&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; from the night of November 23–24, 2022; bottom — a NASA Worldview &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://archive.ph/2025.12.09-081631/https://worldview.earthdata.nasa.gov/?v=12.062287745879487,34.66719683113729,50.13096906674315,63.21870782178503&amp;l=Reference_Labels_15m(hidden),Reference_Features_15m(hidden),Coastlines_15m,VIIRS_SNPP_DayNightBand_At_Sensor_Radiance,VIIRS_SNPP_DayNightBand_AtSensor_M15(hidden),VIIRS_SNPP_CorrectedReflectance_TrueColor(hidden)&amp;lg=true&amp;t=2025-11-15-T00:00:00Z&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;image&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; from the night of November 14–15, 2025&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;In addition, these images may not reflect the actual situation with electricity — they may have been taken during curfew hours, when street lighting is significantly &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.kmu.gov.ua/npas/pitannya-zaprovadzhennya-ta-zdijsnennya-deyakih-zahodiv-pravovogo-rezhimu-voyennogo-stanu-573-080720&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;restricted&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt;, even without outage schedules. During martial law, light masking is applied to conceal populated areas and infrastructure from observation in the dark hours of the day.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://voxukraine.org/en/false-a-satellite-image-of-ukraine-during-blackouts-in-2025&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest live: Ukrainian forces encircle Russian troops in Kupiansk, recapture key areas, DeepState reported</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/12/ukraine-war-latest-live-ukrainian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2025 14:51:41 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/12/ukraine-war-latest-live-ukrainian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2233267485.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest live: Ukrainian forces encircle Russian troops in Kupiansk, recapture key areas, DeepState reported&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukrainian Defense Forces have encircled Russian troops in Kupiansk, Kharkiv Oblast, and cleared its northwestern outskirts, the open-source intelligence group DeepState reported on Dec. 12.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-update-2025-12-12/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>‘Reality speaks for itself’ — From war-torn Kupiansk, Zelensky praises troops after reports of successful Ukrainian counterattack</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/12/reality-speaks-for-itself-from.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2025 14:46:44 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/12/reality-speaks-for-itself-from.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/screenshot-2025-12-12-at-3-08-23-pm.png&#34; alt=&#34;‘Reality speaks for itself’ — From war-torn Kupiansk, Zelensky praises troops after reports of successful Ukrainian counterattack&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised troops in the Kupiansk direction and said battlefield gains strengthen Ukraine’s diplomatic position, as the National Guard’s 2nd Khartiia Corps reported a counterattack north of the city.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelenskyy-visits-kupiansk-says-recent-battlefield-gains-strengthen-ukraines-diplomatic-position/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>“Whole world must see it.” Exhibition in memory of children Russia killed opens in Kharkiv</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/12/whole-world-must-see-it.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2025 14:32:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/12/whole-world-must-see-it.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width=&#34;2360&#34; height=&#34;1437&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/dsc08368-2-1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; decoding=&#34;async&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;UKRAINE, KHARKIV&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;em&gt;— &lt;/em&gt;“When I got mad at him, he was upset at first, but then he came up to me and said, ‘Do you love me?’ I told him, ‘I love and adore you.’ And he asked me, ‘Which is stronger — loving or adoring?’” &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Tetiana Matiash-Myrna is talking about her son. They had never been upset at each other for too long – always made up quickly after arguments. “We had a special connection,” Tatiana said and started crying.  11-year-old Mark died after the Russian attack on Kharkiv on Oct. 30, 2024.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;On that day, the Russians &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/rescue-operation-after-russian-bombardment-of-kharkiv-is-over-attack-killed-3-including-2-children-injured-36-photos/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;hit&lt;/a&gt; an apartment building in the Saltivskyi district with a glide bomb. Tetiana’s family lived on the fourth floor. It has completely collapsed. The woman was seriously injured and went through over 10 surgeries. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Mark died in an ambulance on the way to the hospital.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A year passed. Tetiana was recovering from her injuries in Latvia. She &lt;a href=&#34;https://replay.lsm.lv/lv/skaties/ieraksts/ltv/367269/engelu-iesaukums-ltv-dokumentala-filma?utm_source=new&amp;utm_medium=front&amp;utm_campaign=replay&amp;brid=up0L2FnkNbdfXmLH7x4LuA&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;shared&lt;/a&gt; her pain with Latvian journalists and decided that the whole world should know about the tragedies of Ukrainian parents. She initiated the project “Angels of Kharkiv region.”  With the support of the local Prosecutor’s Office and Human Rights Protection Group, the exhibition that shows photos of children who died in Russian attacks on Kharkiv and Kharkiv oblast opened on Dec. 3, 2025. Gwara Media’s journalists attended it. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“Russia kills children. The whole world must see it. It is not politics. Not a statistic. These are children who went to school, dreamed, drew, enjoyed their lives, but their lives were taken away,” said Tatiana during her opening speech.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The event started with a moment of silence. There were a lot of people. Relatives of killed children, representatives of the Prosecutor’s Office, the Kharkiv police, Ukraine’s ombudsman, and activists. Some visitors brought flowers and toys.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;One of the organizers read a letter from Tatiana Tarasenko, the mother of Anton, the first child Russia killed in the Kharkiv oblast. He &lt;a href=&#34;https://chuguiv-gromada.gov.ua/anton-tarasenko-mrii-obirvani-viynoiu/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;died&lt;/a&gt; on Feb. 24, day one of the full-scale invasion, during a Russian missile attack on Chuhuiv, a city southeast of Kharkiv.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“Today, I speak not only on my own name, but on behalf of all parents who have lost their children in this terrible war. This is the place where we honor their memory. And they continue to watch over us, but now only from photos,” Tetiana wrote in her letter.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;According to the local prosecutor’s office, Russia has killed 105 more children in the Kharkiv region since the day Anton died. The youngest was two months old.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Amil Omarov, head prosecutor in Kharkiv oblast, showed a photo of one of the oldest children. Russia &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/russia-attacks-5-settlements-in-kharkiv-oblast-killing-child-injuring-11/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;killed&lt;/a&gt; 17-year-old Karyna Bakhur, a master of sports and Ukrainian champion in kickboxing and Cossack fighting, on Nov. 18 during an attack on Berestyn.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A total of 36 photographs covered the walls — submitted by 36 parents who agreed to participate in the exhibition and show “what Russia is doing to the Ukrainian people,” said Yevhen Zakharov, director of the Kharkiv Human Rights Protection Group.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A woman came up to the stand, ran her hand over it, and started crying. The photo showed seven-year-old Oleksii, almost four-year-old Mykhailo, and 10-month-old Pavlo — three brothers who &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/russian-drone-attack-caused-massive-fire-in-kharkiv-killing-seven/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;died&lt;/a&gt; along with their parents during Russia’s night attack on Kharkiv on Feb. 9, 2024. “The family was killed in their own home, engulfed in flames,” was written on the stand.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The woman’s name is Tetiana Putiatina. That night, she lost her son, daughter-in-law, and three grandchildren.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“Here’s the photo. I took it. They were in my room,” Tetiana’s voice trembled as she was pointing at the picture of three boys. She paused; wiped away her tears. She lived with her children and grandchildren in that house that burned down. Her son and his wife had planned to build a separate house for their eldest son.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“Oleksii would always come up to me and say, ‘Grandma, I’m not going anywhere without you.’ But he left,” Tatiana started to cry again, “They all left.” &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Near the exit, there was a small “memorial table” where everyone could write down names that should not be forgotten. All the blank sheets lying there were filled with inscriptions by the end of the event. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Tetiana Matiash-Myrna also wrote the name of her son, Mark, “I want the whole world to see our tragedy.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In February, on the anniversary of the Russian full-scale invasion, the organizers plan to take the exhibition to Europe. In Kharkiv, the exhibition will be open till Dec. 25.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-heading&#34;&gt;Read more&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;ul data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-list&#34;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Russian troops bomb kindergartens. Here’s &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/russia-even-attacks-kindergartens-how-do-ukrainian-children-go-through-it/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;how mother helps&lt;/a&gt; her son restore sense of safety in Kharkiv&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p data-sanitized-class=&#34;has-background&#34;&gt;Hello! This is Elsa, the author of this article. Tetiana Matiash-Myrna, the mother of the killed Mark, told me that her future had been taken away and now the meaning of her life is to shout about her pain to the whole world.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The post &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/whole-world-must-see-it-exhibition-in-memory-of-children-russia-killed-opens-in-kharkiv/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;“Whole world must see it.” Exhibition in memory of children Russia killed opens in Kharkiv&lt;/a&gt; appeared first on &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;Gwara Media&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/whole-world-must-see-it-exhibition-in-memory-of-children-russia-killed-opens-in-kharkiv/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>❗️Zelenskyy congratulated the Ground Forces on the Kupiansk frontline! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/12/zelenskyy-congratulated-the-ground-forces.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2025 14:21:43 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/12/zelenskyy-congratulated-the-ground-forces.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/2d582eaa5f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️Zelenskyy congratulated the Ground Forces on the Kupiansk frontline! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/3a3HrczLJbM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>Peace plan drama — Ukraine and Europe hand US revisions as Trump grows &#39;sick of meetings&#39;</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/12/peace-plan-drama-ukraine-and.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2025 13:57:53 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/12/peace-plan-drama-ukraine-and.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/6958fd3201.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Peace plan drama — Ukraine and Europe hand US revisions as Trump grows &#39;sick of meetings&#39;&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ukraine and its European partners have handed Washington their revisions to the U.S.-proposed peace framework aimed at ending Russia&#39;s war, the Kyiv Independent has learned.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The move comes amid growing U.S. pressure to advance negotiations and fresh accusations from U.S. President &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/donald-trump/&#34;&gt;Donald Trump&lt;/a&gt; that&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-and-europe-hand-us-revisions-as-trump-grows-sick-of-meetings/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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    <item>
      <title>Russia’s air defenses have a Flamingo-sized weak spot, report suggests</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/12/russias-air-defenses-have-a.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2025 13:35:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/12/russias-air-defenses-have-a.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/9cf15960eb.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia’s air defenses have a Flamingo-sized weak spot, report suggests&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ukraine&#39;s domestically produced cruise missiles could help deal a devastating blow to Russia&#39;s air defense production, enabling increasingly effective long-range drone strikes against other targets inside Russia, a new report published on Dec. 12 says.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The report from the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) and titled&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/how-ukraines-flamingo-missiles-could-help-cripple-russias-air-defense-production/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>15 Ukrainians are suing US tech factories over chips in Russia&#39;s deadly weapons</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/12/ukrainians-are-suing-us-tech.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2025 11:41:25 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/12/ukrainians-are-suing-us-tech.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/dsc01919-3.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;15 Ukrainians are suing US tech factories over chips in Russia&#39;s deadly weapons&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It was a regular workday when the air raid alarm sounded at Okhmatdyt Children’s Hospital at 11 a.m. on a Monday in Kyiv. Dr. Olga Babicheva and her colleagues moved their young patients to a room with no windows to better protect them. Six children were still&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/15-ukrainians-are-suing-us-tech-factories-over-chips-in-russias-deadly-weapons/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>Europe must prepare for war with Russia, NATO chief warns</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/12/europe-must-prepare-for-war.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2025 11:15:37 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/12/europe-must-prepare-for-war.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2250589463.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Europe must prepare for war with Russia, NATO chief warns&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;We must be prepared for the scale of war our grandparents and great-grandparents endured,&#34; NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/europe-must-prepare-for-war-with-russia-nato-chief-warns/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>Drone attack reportedly hits one of Russia’s largest oil refineries in Yaroslavl, setting it on fire</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/12/drone-attack-reportedly-hits-one.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2025 08:43:44 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/12/drone-attack-reportedly-hits-one.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/screenshot-2025-12-12-at-9-36-35-am.png&#34; alt=&#34;Drone attack reportedly hits one of Russia’s largest oil refineries in Yaroslavl, setting it on fire&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor&#39;s note: This is a developing story and is being updated.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Russia’s Slavneft-YANOS oil refinery in Yaroslavl, one of the country’s five largest, is reportedly on fire after being struck in an overnight drone attack on Dec. 12, officials and local Telegram channels said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/yaroslavl-oil-refinery-in-russia-damaged-in-overnight-drone-attack-reportedly-on-fire/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Russian attack on Odesa damages critical infrastructure, leaves parts of the city without power and water</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/12/russian-attack-on-odesa-damages.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2025 07:14:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/12/russian-attack-on-odesa-damages.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/odesa-dec-12.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian attack on Odesa damages critical infrastructure, leaves parts of the city without power and water&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;A Russian airstrike on Odesa on Dec. 12 damaged infrastructure and left parts of the city without electricity and water, the head of the Odesa Military Administration, Serhiy Lysak, reported.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-attack-on-odesa-damages-critical-infrastructure-leaves-parts-of-the-city-without-power-and-water/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Drone reportedly hits apartment building in Russia&#39;s Tver, officials say 7 injured</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/12/drone-reportedly-hits-apartment-building.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2025 04:37:41 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/12/drone-reportedly-hits-apartment-building.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/tver.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Drone reportedly hits apartment building in Russia&#39;s Tver, officials say 7 injured&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;A drone explosion damaged the lower floors of a residential building in the Russian city of Tver on Dec. 12, injuring at least seven people, according to regional officials and local Telegram channels.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/drone-reportedly-hits-apartment-building-in-russias-tver-officials-say-7-injured/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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    <item>
      <title>Trump &#39;extremely frustrated&#39; with Russia, Ukraine amid slow peace progress, White House says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/12/trump-extremely-frustrated-with-russia.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2025 00:13:16 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/12/trump-extremely-frustrated-with-russia.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2250706324.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Trump &#39;extremely frustrated&#39; with Russia, Ukraine amid slow peace progress, White House says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;U.S. President Donald Trump is &#34;extremely frustrated&#34; with both Russia and Ukraine amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the war, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said during a Dec. 11 press briefing, as the United States weighs whether to join Ukraine and European partners for talks this weekend.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/trump-extremely-frustrated-with-russia-ukraine-amid-slow-peace-progress/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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    <item>
      <title>Russia lies about the surrounding of Pokrovsk – the truth from the defenders #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/12/russia-lies-about-the-surrounding.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2025 23:30:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/12/russia-lies-about-the-surrounding.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/b8c2414518.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia lies about the surrounding of Pokrovsk – the truth from the defenders #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Kr5vePL2xU4&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Briton Shaun Pinner on the SIEGE OF MARIUPOL and SURVIVAL in Russian captivity!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/12/briton-shaun-pinner-on-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2025 23:00:27 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/12/briton-shaun-pinner-on-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/cc4b835df8.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Briton Shaun Pinner on the SIEGE OF MARIUPOL and SURVIVAL in Russian captivity!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eu913s6gNqk&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>WSJ: Trump may &amp;quot;overplay his hand&amp;quot; and disrupt peace by pressuring Zelenskyy and Europe #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/11/wsj-trump-may-quotoverplay-his.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2025 22:30:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/11/wsj-trump-may-quotoverplay-his.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/2a3b1a7cd4.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;WSJ: Trump may &amp;quot;overplay his hand&amp;quot; and disrupt peace by pressuring Zelenskyy and Europe #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/bNfY_ji8EoA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>Poland detains Russian archaeologist accused of damaging cultural sites in occupied Crimea</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/11/poland-detains-russian-archaeologist-accused.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2025 22:11:04 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/11/poland-detains-russian-archaeologist-accused.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-477426881.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Poland detains Russian archaeologist accused of damaging cultural sites in occupied Crimea&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Polish authorities have detained Alexander Butyagin, a Russian archaeologist accused of causing extensive damage to historical sites in occupied Crimea, at the request of Ukraine&#39;s prosecutor general, Polish media reported Dec. 11.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/poland-detains-russian-archaeologist-accused-of-damaging-crimean-cultural-sites/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>🔥 1,460 Russian losses in a day! Ukrainian army destroys sabotage group in Donetsk forests!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/11/russian-losses-in-a-day.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2025 22:00:19 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/11/russian-losses-in-a-day.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/44a23754c1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🔥 1,460 Russian losses in a day! Ukrainian army destroys sabotage group in Donetsk forests!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEpUxLT3A8Q&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>💥 Pressure Front: why Kyiv REJECTS Trump’s &amp;quot;peace&amp;quot;! Ukrainian drones halt Caspian oil production!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/11/pressure-front-why-kyiv-rejects.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2025 21:00:14 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/11/pressure-front-why-kyiv-rejects.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/eb0d3a2376.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;💥 Pressure Front: why Kyiv REJECTS Trump’s &amp;quot;peace&amp;quot;! Ukrainian drones halt Caspian oil production!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_pVs1S1BIk&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>- Ukraine and Europe&#39;s future: what&#39;s in the new 20-point peace plan #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/11/ukraine-and-europes-future-whats.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2025 20:30:04 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/11/ukraine-and-europes-future-whats.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/ab21da292e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;- Ukraine and Europe&#39;s future: what&#39;s in the new 20-point peace plan #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/KrbmcqtxZN0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Mirage of energy sanctions against Russia</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/11/mirage-of-energy-sanctions-against.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2025 20:16:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/11/mirage-of-energy-sanctions-against.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/7a6a57887b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Mirage of energy sanctions against Russia&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;About the author: Edward C. Chow is a non-resident senior associate at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Economic sanctions, by themselves, have never stopped wars once they started.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Otherwise, the &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/united-states/&#34;&gt;United States&lt;/a&gt; did not have to use military force in 1991 to evict Saddam&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/mirage-of-energy-sanctions-against-russia/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>⚡ THE LARGEST SHELLING of the ENTIRE WAR ! EU: &amp;quot;WE WILL NOT SIGN A NEW MUNICH!&amp;quot;</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/11/the-largest-shelling-of-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2025 20:00:09 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/11/the-largest-shelling-of-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/36fe8b3e73.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡ THE LARGEST SHELLING of the ENTIRE WAR ! EU: &amp;quot;WE WILL NOT SIGN A NEW MUNICH!&amp;quot;&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JqJDHRXXy8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Europe&#39;s dilemma: Supporting Trump&#39;s Ukraine peace plan while hoping he walks away</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/11/europes-dilemma-supporting-trumps-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2025 19:48:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/11/europes-dilemma-supporting-trumps-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/3515b18aef.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Europe&#39;s dilemma: Supporting Trump&#39;s Ukraine peace plan while hoping he walks away&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;U.S. policy choices are forcing Europe into a strategic moment it long tried to avoid.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As Washington sidelines allies,&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/trumps-new-security-doctrine-gives-putin-exactly-what-he-wants/&#34;&gt; rewrites&lt;/a&gt; its National Security Strategy, and negotiates peace proposals for&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/ukraine/&#34;&gt; Ukraine&lt;/a&gt;, the foundations of the continent&#39;s security are shaking.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For many in European capitals, the realization is sinking&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/europes-dilemma-supporting-trumps-ukraine-peace-plan-while-hoping-he-walks-away/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>4 killed, including National Guard soldier, in Kyiv explosions classified as terrorist attack</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/11/killed-including-national-guard-soldier.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2025 19:21:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/11/killed-including-national-guard-soldier.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/598384014-1285540806946239-1144246838601710692-n.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;4 killed, including National Guard soldier, in Kyiv explosions classified as terrorist attack&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Kyiv City Prosecutor&#39;s Office has classified two explosions that killed four people on Dec. 11 as a terrorist attack, the office said in a statement.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/4-killed-in-kyiv-explosions-including-national-guard-soldier-as-authorities-call-incident-terrorist-attack/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>National Guard soldier killed, 4 injured in Kyiv explosions classified as terrorist attack</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/11/national-guard-soldier-killed-injured.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2025 19:21:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/11/national-guard-soldier-killed-injured.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/c2889763f0.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;National Guard soldier killed, 4 injured in Kyiv explosions classified as terrorist attack&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Kyiv City Prosecutor&#39;s Office said it has classified two explosions that killed one person and injured four others in Kyiv on Dec. 11 as a terrorist attack, the office said in a statement.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/national-guard-soldier-killed-4-injured-in-kyiv-explosions-classified-as-terrorist-attack/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>❗️20 key points could be the foundation, and I am waiting for feedback from America, – Zelenskyy</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/11/key-points-could-be-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2025 19:21:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/11/key-points-could-be-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/0464c84af5.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️20 key points could be the foundation, and I am waiting for feedback from America, – Zelenskyy&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/FbiysYRkk1Q&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Europe&#39;s drive to bolster Ukraine faces two obstacles — Trump and Orban</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/11/europes-drive-to-bolster-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2025 19:05:20 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/11/europes-drive-to-bolster-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2245049731.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Europe&#39;s drive to bolster Ukraine faces two obstacles — Trump and Orban&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As the U.S. ramps up pressure on Ukraine to accept a swift and potentially painful peace deal with Moscow, European allies seek to reassure Kyiv it is not alone.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For the EU, &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/ukraine/&#34;&gt;Ukraine&lt;/a&gt; is not merely a strategic partner standing between the bloc and &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/russia/&#34;&gt;Russian&lt;/a&gt; armies — it is&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/eu-ukraine-us-hungary/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>⚡ CRITICAL MOMENT: 40 minutes of talks between EU leaders and TRUMP!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/11/critical-moment-minutes-of-talks.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2025 19:01:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/11/critical-moment-minutes-of-talks.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/b1471c8142.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡ CRITICAL MOMENT: 40 minutes of talks between EU leaders and TRUMP!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hb3bfobjjfI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>&amp;quot;Aggressor, not peacemaker&amp;quot; – harsh reaction from the EU in the UN Security Council  #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/11/quotaggressor-not-peacemakerquot-harsh-reaction.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2025 18:01:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/11/quotaggressor-not-peacemakerquot-harsh-reaction.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/a3292aeb5b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&amp;quot;Aggressor, not peacemaker&amp;quot; – harsh reaction from the EU in the UN Security Council  #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/fmSI_JXgCBE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>&#39;Elections or referendum&#39; — Zelensky affirms Ukrainians will decide territorial concessions</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/11/elections-or-referendum-zelensky-affirms.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2025 17:48:03 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/11/elections-or-referendum-zelensky-affirms.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2214281088.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;Elections or referendum&#39; — Zelensky affirms Ukrainians will decide territorial concessions&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;The Russians want the whole of Donbas — we don&#39;t accept that,&#34; President Volodymyr Zelensky said. &#34;I believe that the Ukrainian people will answer this question,&#34; he added.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/elections-or-referendum-zelensky-affirms-ukrainians-will-decide-territorial-concessions/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Analysis: New Data Suggests Russia Is Sustaining Mi-8 Output Despite Wartime Losses</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/11/analysis-new-data-suggests-russia.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2025 17:06:23 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/11/analysis-new-data-suggests-russia.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fe2fd762a-a.png&#34; alt=&#34;Analysis: New Data Suggests Russia Is Sustaining Mi-8 Output Despite Wartime Losses&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fe2fd762a-a.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/8f0243efe9.png&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;857&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/e2fd762a-a857-45d5-89db-769771d3397f_1914x1127.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:857,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:1228568,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:&#34;image/png&#34;,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:true,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:&#34;[frontelligence.substack.com/i/1807630...](https://frontelligence.substack.com/i/180763077?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe2fd762a-a857-45d5-89db-769771d3397f_1914x1127.png)&#34;,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; fetchpriority=&#34;high&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ongoing debates about Russia’s economic outlook, defense spending, production capacity and security posture often lean on speculation because reliable data is limited. Last month, our team released new information on Russia’s tank &lt;a href=&#34;https://frontelligence.substack.com/p/exclusive-inside-russias-20262036&#34;&gt;production&lt;/a&gt; plans. It helped clarify part of the picture, but only one part. Today we add another, with fresh data on Mi-8 helicopter production for military use, giving a clearer view of Russia’s industrial output and its broader effort to rebuild its forces.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Since the Mi-8 program began in the Soviet era, over 12,000 Mi-8 helicopters of various modifications, including export variants, have been &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.kr-media.ru/news/vertoletostroenie/kazanskiy-vertoletnyy-zavod-vypustil-7500-y-vertolet-semeystva-mi-8-17/&#34;&gt;produced&lt;/a&gt;. The Mi-8 is built at two Russian facilities: the Kazan Helicopter Plant and the Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant, both part of the state-owned defense conglomerate Rostec. The number of operational Mi-8s in service with the Russian Air Force is estimated at roughly 300. However, the overall total is higher, as other militarized agencies, including the FSB, the FSB Border Service, the National Guard and several federal ministries, also operate Mi-8 variants.&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h4&gt;Table of Contents&lt;/h4&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Introduction&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I. Role of the Mi-8&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;II. Production Figures&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;III. State of the Mi-8 Fleet&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;IV. Conclusions&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Sources&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;I. Role of the Mi-8&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Mi-8 is a family of multirole helicopter used across both military and civilian sectors. In military service, its roles range from transport and medical evacuation to reconnaissance, attack missions, airborne workshop or hospital, electronic warfare and counter-drone missions.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!4Ixm!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1cf57217-d9c3-4f84-a741-1832f4f74a73_1200x917.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f1cf57217-d.png&#34; width=&#34;1200&#34; height=&#34;917&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/1cf57217-d9c3-4f84-a741-1832f4f74a73_1200x917.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:917,&#34;width&#34;:1200,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:294996,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:&#34;image/png&#34;,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:&#34;[frontelligence.substack.com/i/1807630...](https://frontelligence.substack.com/i/180763077?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1cf57217-d9c3-4f84-a741-1832f4f74a73_1200x917.png)&#34;,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;The specific Mi-8MTV-5-1 at the center of this investigation is a military transport variant of the Mi-8/17 family. It can be configured for cargo missions, troop transport for up to 36 personnel, and direct attack roles. The helicopter is capable of carrying and deploying unguided rockets, providing fire support missions and aerial bombs with 100, 250 or 500 kilogram payloads.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!2Bya!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F190a3c7d-9521-49ac-a14e-cfb06449e2ff_646x652.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f190a3c7d-9.png&#34; width=&#34;646&#34; height=&#34;652&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/190a3c7d-9521-49ac-a14e-cfb06449e2ff_646x652.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:652,&#34;width&#34;:646,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:105419,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:&#34;image/png&#34;,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:&#34;[frontelligence.substack.com/i/1807630...](https://frontelligence.substack.com/i/180763077?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F190a3c7d-9521-49ac-a14e-cfb06449e2ff_646x652.png)&#34;,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;Mi-8 firing unguided rockets using indirect fire. Screenshot from the video&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;When it comes to the use of Mi-8 helicopters in Ukraine, their roles have shifted throughout the war. In the opening phase, they delivered troops in air assault operations, including the battles for Kyiv and Hostomel. After heavy losses in the first weeks, this frontline role was largely dropped, and their use for medical evacuation also decreased. Mi-8s have continued to appear in search and rescue missions, often deployed to retrieve crews after Russian aircraft were downed.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Eventually, Mi-8s, like other helicopters such as the Ka-52, Mi-24 and Mi-28, began operating in an indirect-fire role. In this mode, the helicopter fires at an upward angle so the rockets follow a parabolic trajectory, similar to MLRS fire, allowing the aircraft to strike from a safer distance.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Starting in 2024, and even more actively in 2025, Russia has been using Mi-8 helicopters to counter aerial drones and unmanned surface vessels.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;II. Production Figures&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;Mi-8 helicopters are built at two main factories, one in Kazan and one in Ulan-Ude. Procurement files obtained by our team show that the Russian company &lt;strong&gt;Aviafarm&lt;/strong&gt; submitted at least two requests for parts it needed to complete contracts from helicopter plants. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!bQ1C!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc6198f3c-5943-4e35-b9ee-fdd0d9cfe287_737x1074.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fc6198f3c-5.png&#34; width=&#34;737&#34; height=&#34;1074&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/c6198f3c-5943-4e35-b9ee-fdd0d9cfe287_737x1074.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1074,&#34;width&#34;:737,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:581920,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:&#34;image/png&#34;,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:&#34;[frontelligence.substack.com/i/1807630...](https://frontelligence.substack.com/i/180763077?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc6198f3c-5943-4e35-b9ee-fdd0d9cfe287_737x1074.png)&#34;,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;A leaked document shows Aviafarm asking another company, ZOMZ (Zagorsk Optical-Mechanical Plant), to supply  a part under a codename BSH2.820.159TU (БШ2.820.159ТУ). The request states that 20 units are needed to fulfill orders from the Kazan Helicopter Plant and another 20 for the Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant, for a total of 40 parts.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!wVJF!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc63df9a9-bfe5-47d8-bc5b-2a706d4db2cd_1912x1026.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fc63df9a9-b.png&#34; width=&#34;1912&#34; height=&#34;1026&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/c63df9a9-bfe5-47d8-bc5b-2a706d4db2cd_1912x1026.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1026,&#34;width&#34;:1912,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:2205506,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:&#34;image/png&#34;,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:&#34;[frontelligence.substack.com/i/1807630...](https://frontelligence.substack.com/i/180763077?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa03d28e2-b744-43e5-83b6-f71709471986_1912x1026.png)&#34;,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;Left to right: Procurement request, IS-264A-2 product description, IS-264 role in the Mi-8 according to the manual.&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;BSH2.820.159TU&lt;/strong&gt;, according to the contract, is the internal code for the IS-264A resistance thermometer. Based on technical manuals for Mi-8 variants, 2 of these thermometers are installed per helicopter. This suggests that 2 units likely corresponds to one Mi-8 airframe in production.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Since the request was made in April 2025 with 40 parts due for delivery by the second quarter to meet that year’s order, Russia’s approximate annual Mi-8 output can be estimated at about 20 units, equally split between the Ulan-Ude and Kazan plants.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Notably, these figures refer only to Mi-8 helicopters built for the Defense Ministry, not those supplied to emergency services or other federal agencies. This suggests overall production capacity is likely higher, unless all available output is allocated exclusively to military orders.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;While we do not have data on MoD contracts for 2024, we do know that according to Rostec, in 2024, State Transport Leasing Company (GTLK) was&lt;a href=&#34;https://rostec.ru/en/media/news/rostec-has-supplied-14-new-helicopters-to-russian-airlines/&#34;&gt; supplied&lt;/a&gt; with 40 Mi-8MTV-1 utility helicopters. If GTLK received 40 helicopters in 2024 alone, we can conclude that Russian helicopter plants are capable of producing AT Least 40 helicopters annually, with the total number actually likely be higher. &lt;br&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;III. The State of the Mi-8 Fleet&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;Since the beginning of war, Russia has lost as destroyed or damaged 48 Mi-8 helicopters and 6 Mi-8MTPR-1 electronic warfare helicopters, totaling about 54 Mi-8 helicopters in a course of 45 months. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!d62Y!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fef9fa925-8808-4ec3-ad46-f0c16517f837_1861x1026.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fef9fa925-8.png&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;803&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/ef9fa925-8808-4ec3-ad46-f0c16517f837_1861x1026.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:803,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:795495,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:&#34;image/png&#34;,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:&#34;[frontelligence.substack.com/i/1807630...](https://frontelligence.substack.com/i/180763077?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fef9fa925-8808-4ec3-ad46-f0c16517f837_1861x1026.png)&#34;,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;Screenshot from a video showing a Ukrainian drone strike on Russian Mi-8 helicopters in Crimea, September 2025. Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, “Prymary” unit.&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;This is not the full picture. Airframe fatigue, undocumented incidents inside Russia and helicopters nearing the end of their service life, which require retirement or major overhauls, also contribute to the overall attrition.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Even after accounting for those factors, the numbers still suggest that losses have been fully replaced, with a possible net increase. Taking the confirmed 54 losses and, for illustration, adding 20 percent to cover unknown incidents and wear from overuse produces roughly 65 total losses. Over two years, 2024 and 2025, even a conservative output of 20 helicopters a year would cover over half of losses sustained during the war&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This estimate is not definitive, since production figures for 2022 and 2023 are unclear. Still, even if Russia produced Mi-8s for the Defense Ministry only in 2025, that single year would cover for roughly 37% percent of all wartime losses.&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h4&gt;IV. Conclusions:&lt;/h4&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;While this investigation focuses on Mi-8 production, our team is trying to piece together a broader picture, namely what Russia’s military could look like over the next two to five years. Based on earlier findings, including tank output and the latest Mi-8 data, an early pattern is emerging: Russia’s defense industry is unlikely to ease its pace even if a peace agreement is reached. The main takeaways are:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;Russia’s Defense Ministry appears to be targeting high output levels, potentially enough to replace a full year’s wartime helicopter losses in a single production cycle.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;The armed forces continue to modernize. Older tanks and early Mi-8 variants are being replaced by newer models, and with Soviet-era reserves dwindling, Russia is refilling its inventory with fresh equipment.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;Mi-8 helicopters have limited battlefield impact due to dense air defenses, yet Moscow still dedicates substantial resources to their production.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;Overall, current evidence indicates Russia is unlikely to slow defense manufacturing in 2026, even if diplomatic negotiations advance.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The original files are available at the link provided at the end of this article for our paid subscribers&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h4&gt;Sources&lt;/h4&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;1. Frontelligence Insight. (2025, October 11). Exclusive: Inside Russia’s 2026–2036 tank fleet modernization and buildup plans. Frontelligence.&lt;br&gt;2. https://www.kr-media.ru/news/vertoletostroenie/kazanskiy-vertoletnyy-zavod-vypustil-7500-y-vertolet-semeystva-mi-8-17/&lt;br&gt;3. Книга 1 Летная эксплуатация. Вертолет Ми-8МТВ-5-1&lt;br&gt;4. Приложение к свидетельству № 46106. (2012). ГЦИ СИ ФБУ ГМЦ Минобороны России.&lt;br&gt;5. Rostec. (2025, January 20). &lt;em&gt;Rostec has supplied 14 new helicopters to Russian airlines&lt;/em&gt;. Rostec. &lt;a href=&#34;https://rostec.ru/en/media/news/rostec-has-supplied-14-new-helicopters-to-russian-airlines/?utm_source=chatgpt.com&#34;&gt;https://rostec.ru/en/media/news/rostec-has-supplied-14-new-helicopters-to-russian-airlines/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;6. Janovsky, J., Naalsio, A., Aloha, D., Dan, Kemal &amp; Black, A. (2022, February 24). &lt;em&gt;Attack on Europe: Documenting Russian equipment losses during the Russian invasion of Ukraine&lt;/em&gt;. Oryx. &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2022/02/attack-on-europe-documenting-equipment.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com&#34;&gt;https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2022/02/attack-on-europe-documenting-equipment.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
      &lt;p&gt;
          &lt;a href=&#34;https://frontelligence.substack.com/p/analysis-new-data-suggests-russia&#34;&gt;
              Read more
          &lt;/a&gt;
      &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://frontelligence.substack.com/p/analysis-new-data-suggests-russia&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>NATO finally gathered courage to SEND FIGHTER JETS IN POLAND as Putin plays game called &amp;quot;peace&amp;quot;</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/11/nato-finally-gathered-courage-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2025 17:00:29 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/11/nato-finally-gathered-courage-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/473985f7c1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;NATO finally gathered courage to SEND FIGHTER JETS IN POLAND as Putin plays game called &amp;quot;peace&amp;quot;&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hlqcia_Egok&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Evacuation in Donetsk region: why are fewer people willing to leave? #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/11/evacuation-in-donetsk-region-why.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2025 16:16:19 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/11/evacuation-in-donetsk-region-why.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/3d8da07fa6.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Evacuation in Donetsk region: why are fewer people willing to leave? #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/tWGvV-z3V-8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>FALSE: Portugal is deporting 60,000 Ukrainian refugees</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/11/false-portugal-is-deporting-ukrainian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2025 15:23:04 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/11/false-portugal-is-deporting-ukrainian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;single-post-lead&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Verification within Meta’s Third-Party Fact-Checking Program&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Users, referring to an article by the Polish outlet Wiadomosci, are &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://t.me/dillfrash/48748&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;spreading&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; information claiming that Portugal is deporting 60,000 Ukrainians after the repeal of special laws for refugees.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;However, this is not true. Portugal will not deport all refugees who arrived in the country after February 24, 2022, but will check whether they have grounds to remain under temporary protection.&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/portugaliya-deportuye.png&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; width=&#34;501&#34; height=&#34;751&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;aligncenter wp-image-191384&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;single-post-footnote&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Screenshot of the &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://t.me/dillfrash/48748&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;post&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;On November 11, Wiadomosci &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://wiadomosci.wp.pl/ukraincy-traca-czasowa-ochrone-w-portugalii-otrzymuja-wezwania-7220605578509248a&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;published&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; a piece titled “&lt;/span&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt;Ukrainians are losing ‘temporary protection’ in Portugal. They are receiving summonses&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;span&gt;.” However, it did not state that Portugal was going to deport 60,000 Ukrainian refugees. The outlet reported that Ukrainians and refugees of other nationalities who left Ukraine after the start of the full-scale invasion would need to provide additional information and clarify their residence status in Portugal; otherwise, they could indeed be &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://pt.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/11/06/aima-quer-visto-em-vez-de-protecao-temporaria-para-alunos-estrangeiros-deslocados-da-ucran&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;deported&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt;.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;At the Portuguese Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA), officials &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://pt.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/11/06/aima-quer-visto-em-vez-de-protecao-temporaria-para-alunos-estrangeiros-deslocados-da-ucran&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;explained&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; that they are reviewing temporary protection permits granted to everyone who arrived in Portugal from Ukraine after February 2022. This concerns 65,000 people: 60,000 Ukrainians and 5,000 refugees of other nationalities. At the beginning of the full-scale invasion, those seeking shelter were granted temporary protection in Portugal without proper document checks. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;b&gt;Now, the country’s authorities want to verify whether the documents provided by refugees meet the requirements for obtaining protection.&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;At the same time, students who wish to continue studying in Portugal will be able to &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.jn.pt/nacional/artigo/governo-admite-atribuir-autorizacao-de-residencia-aos-estudante-estrangeiros-que-fugiram-da-ucrania/18016608&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;remain&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; in the country, but under a different status — with a “student visa,” provided they meet the legal requirements. Minister for the Presidency António Leitão Amaro &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.jn.pt/nacional/artigo/governo-admite-atribuir-autorizacao-de-residencia-aos-estudante-estrangeiros-que-fugiram-da-ucrania/18016608&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;stated&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; that each such case would be considered individually.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;The minister also &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.theportugalnews.com/es/noticias/2025-11-10/aima-crea-un-canal-especial-para-casos-de-proteccion-en-ucrania/915195&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;reported&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; that the review has already begun, and that for individuals who were able to provide the necessary documents, temporary protection permits have remained valid. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;b&gt;That is, Portugal will not deport all refugees who arrived in the country after the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, but will check whether they have the necessary grounds to remain under temporary protection.&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://voxukraine.org/en/false-portugal-is-deporting-60000-ukrainian-refugees&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Blackout roulette in Ukraine’s elevators</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/11/blackout-roulette-in-ukraines-elevators.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2025 15:02:47 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/11/blackout-roulette-in-ukraines-elevators.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f8563bf98-7.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Blackout roulette in Ukraine’s elevators&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!Lt1M!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff3ea6c33-04f1-453c-b6b1-7244c469e682_1500x500.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2ff3ea6c33-0.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;485&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/f3ea6c33-04f1-453c-b6b1-7244c469e682_1500x500.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:485,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:true,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; fetchpriority=&#34;high&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Featured Subscriber’s Comment:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;“It is absolutely vital to know what the Ukrainian people are experiencing day in and day out. Tim is a treasure.”&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt; By: Aaron Hallquist&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;If you find our work valuable, subscribe and consider supporting us. Independent reporting on Ukraine depends on readers like you.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Get Full Access!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Get Full Access!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Tip Jar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Tip Jar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Sashko… Sashko… Are you okay?” Tim yelled into a closed elevator door in a completely dark hall of our office building. “We haven’t forgotten about you.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;When we step out for lunch, each second matters.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Being off by even a minute can mean spending the next few hours locked in a metal box somewhere between floors, as blackouts wait for no one.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This past month, our colleague Sashko miscalculated — and as he waited in the elevator for the operator to come and free him, he fell asleep.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Tim went to find out which floor Sashko got stuck on.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-component-name=&#34;VideoPlaceholder&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;mediaUploadId&#34;:&#34;cc1046fe-99c0-42a2-bae9-225141b18ff6&#34;,&#34;duration&#34;:null}&#39; data-sanitized-class=&#34;native-video-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Power outages have become a usual part of life for Ukrainians due to Russian shelling of energy facilities. We adjust our daily routines to the blackout schedules, planning showers, cooking, and leaving the house around the timetable that energy companies publish the night before or that morning.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!fCer!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc51b594b-b073-49c3-91c4-75a3c9258d15_1108x1600.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fc51b594b-b.jpg&#34; width=&#34;274&#34; height=&#34;395.6678700361011&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/c51b594b-b073-49c3-91c4-75a3c9258d15_1108x1600.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1600,&#34;width&#34;:1108,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:274,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Schedule of power outages at my home: I had power for only 8 hours that day. White hours are those when you have power, and dark are those when you don’t.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;As of December 5, six regions &lt;a href=&#34;https://epravda.com.ua/energetika/u-yakih-oblastyah-spozhivachi-zalishayutsya-bez-svitla-cherez-obstrili-rf-5-grudnya-815053/&#34;&gt;have experienced &lt;/a&gt;emergency power outages, and four remain without electricity, indicating that Ukraine’s energy system has once again become unstable from the latest attacks. In large cities, where buildings rarely have alternative power sources and high-rises stretch up to 20 floors, the most vulnerable groups are hit hardest.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Blackouts, as is the case with many other wartime symptoms, are a test of how prepared Ukrainian society is to care for those who rely on electricity the most.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Oleksandr Karan has been repairing elevators for more than 20 years. He got this job thanks to his mother, who worked as an elevator dispatcher — she took calls reporting breakdowns and sent mechanics to the addresses. Inspired by her, Oleksandr studied to become a mechanic and began to work in the early 2000s.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It was never an easy job, as it requires patience, physical strength, and knowledge of the intricacies of elevator mechanisms. Even still, he remembers his early years at work with a touch of nostalgia.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“It used to be interesting to find something broken and fix it,” he recalled.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Our issue today is sponsored by &lt;a href=&#34;http://www.groundnews.com/mak&#34;&gt;Ground.News&lt;/a&gt;, a media literacy tool that pulls together news to help you discern fact from disinformation. We used it to build our News of the Day section down below! Go down to that section for more about our news partner. &lt;br&gt;-Tim&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;After the power outages began in 2022, his work exploded. People getting stuck in elevators was rare before. Now, Oleksandr runs marathons through Kyiv’s stairwells, releasing those who are trapped between the floors.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;According to the health app on Oleksandr’s phone, he often climbs 150–300 floors per day as part of his job.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;With many of his colleagues being mobilized to the military, the workload is increasing even more. For example, in Pryluky, a city of about 50,000 people, all 50 elevators &lt;a href=&#34;https://pryluky.org/2025/11/04/u-prylukah-zupynylysia-lifty-mobilizuvaly-iedynogo-v-misti-elektromontera/&#34;&gt;were&lt;/a&gt; shut down for a week because the only elevator technician was mobilized into the Armed Forces of Ukraine. As of now, elevator service in Pryluky has resumed after a new technician was hired.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f8563bf98-7.jpg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/387c329c9a.jpg&#34; width=&#34;316&#34; height=&#34;421.3333333333333&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/8563bf98-7a2d-49a2-a43d-69ce795cc228_960x1280.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1280,&#34;width&#34;:960,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:316,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Photo of Oleksandr Karan fishing on the weekend, provided by him.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;His work gets more complicated after dusk. Elevator operators like Oleksandr are not allowed to move around the city during the curfew, just like any other ordinary citizen, because they are not considered critical infrastructure workers. So, if someone gets stuck in the elevator right before curfew starts, they could remain there all night or until the power is back.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“People don’t care [about power outrages]. They go out to walk their dogs and call us. One boy was lucky because he was 14. In that case, the emergency rescue service [which has a curfew pass] came to pick me up and escorted me so we could free the boy,” he said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;id&#34;:418085}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;PollToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;poll-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Blackouts have become a sheer nightmare for more than just elevator specialists. Some people rely heavily on lifts whether that is someone with a health condition or a pregnant woman.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;20 years ago my mother experienced these difficulties herself. In the building where she lived, the elevator was out of service for 6 months due to major repairs just when her child had learned to walk.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Every day we woke up early, had breakfast, and went down ten floors on foot. And my little child, who was one year and four to five months old, slowly toddled down by herself. She learned to count quickly. We counted every step,” my mother said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Many mothers in the building carried their children in their arms, but my mother couldn’t do that because she was already pregnant with her second child. She told me:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Sweetheart, you’re already very grown-up and independent, and I have another little baby living inside me, and carrying two is very hard. Grown-up children walk by themselves.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Senior people often need to deal with health problems and joint issues, and also rely on the elevators.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Sometimes, there’s a 70-year-old woman, and she can’t climb out through the gap [when the elevator stops between floors] that we open,” Oleksandr explained.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;In such cases, he has to go up to the machine room on the top floor, slightly lift the elevator car, go back down, open the elevator, and help the person out.  Many younger people can jump out of elevator when the cabin door is just half open.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Oleksandr often gets irritated because some people get stuck in elevators for fun, creating unnecessary work.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“They film TikToks: ‘Let’s see if I go up or not, if I make it or not,’” Oleksandr said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The job of an elevator operator is unpopular due to low pay and irregular hours. Few people want to study to become mechanics, so most specialists are middle-aged or close to retirement. It’s a challenging job, where people show little gratitude, and elevator mechanics are not exempt from being recruited to serve.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Oleksandr himself is exhausted from the constant stress throughout the workday. Relatives or friends of the person stuck may be rude, yell, and even threaten him.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In the fall of 2022, when the first power outages began and people started getting stuck in elevators, there were still no clear blackout schedules. It happens this year too, especially during or after strikes, when energy infrastructure is damaged and power plants are operating at less than full capacity to prevent more damage or when the temperature changes abruptly and the needs of an already weakened power system are growing.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In such cases, emergency blackouts are introduced, and Oleksandr’s work depends on the time and day of the week. If it’s rush hour, when people are going to work or, on the contrary, coming back home, his phone is going crazy with calls.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;On the busiest days, Oleksandr can rescue up to 20-25 people. Sometimes, there are so many calls about people stuck in elevators that mechanics are forced to cut short their weekends and go to work.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Usually, they do not wait until the end of the air alarm. They do their job despite danger.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“My wife can stand in the doorway and say, ‘I won’t let you go out there,’” Oleksandr said. It doesn’t stop him.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In some high-rise buildings, residents come up with solutions to avoid dependence on outages. They install generators, inverters, or solar panels so that the elevator can operate even during blackouts.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For example, the university elevator, where 19-year-old Victoria studies, is powered by a generator during the power cuts. Due to cerebral palsy, she has been using a wheelchair since childhood.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“I am annoyed by people who use elevators powered by generators when they can easily walk,” she said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Because of them, the elevators stop working at some point during long cut-offs, and then Victoria has to ask for help from her friends or professors just to get to her classes.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!iC2Q!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F097cd998-7a57-4c8e-a32d-455b3a8d95da_1099x1600.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f097cd998-7.jpg&#34; width=&#34;304&#34; height=&#34;442.58416742493176&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/097cd998-7a57-4c8e-a32d-455b3a8d95da_1099x1600.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1600,&#34;width&#34;:1099,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:304,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;A tweet from fall 2022 shows a chair in an elevator, with snacks and bottled water left inside.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;In other buildings, residents started leaving chairs, water, and snacks inside elevators.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;That way, everybody can stay safe and satiated while they wait for Oleksandr.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Featured Subscriber’s Comment:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;“It is absolutely vital to know what the Ukrainian people are experiencing day in and day out. Tim is a treasure.”&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt; By: Aaron Hallquist&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;If you find our work valuable, follow and consider supporting us. Independent reporting on Ukraine depends on readers like you.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Get Full Access!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Get Full Access!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Tip Jar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Tip Jar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;NEWS OF THE DAY:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;By Tim Mak&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;We built today’s News of the Day section using &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;http://www.groundnews.com/mak&#34;&gt;Ground.News&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;, a media literacy tool that helps cut through disinformation.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The website and app filters through thousands of news stories every day, merging them by topic to help show which topics are being covered by left and right.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;That’s why we’re partnering with Ground.News for this issue. It features bias detection, provides funding transparency about news outlets, and compares headlines so you can see how different outlets are framing the topic.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I don’t pay heed to Kremlin comments typically, but spotted this story showing Putin’s spokesperson praising Trump for being aligned with the Russian view. 27 outlets covered it, with broad coverage from the political center.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!2t07!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5d235376-8844-4924-8d7f-a82406cfbe24_1600x450.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f5d235376-8.png&#34; width=&#34;588&#34; height=&#34;165.17307692307693&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/5d235376-8844-4924-8d7f-a82406cfbe24_1600x450.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:409,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:588,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Interested in improving your news diet like I have? Subscribe to Ground News and get 40% off their Vantage plan!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://ground.news/landingV8/timmak-substack?utm_source=timmak-substack&amp;utm_medium=substack&amp;utm_campaign=timmak-substack&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Subscribe to Ground News!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://ground.news/landingV8/timmak-substack?utm_source=timmak-substack&amp;utm_medium=substack&amp;utm_campaign=timmak-substack&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Subscribe to Ground News!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;‘ZOOM’ DIPLOMACY: ZELENSKYY, 30 COUNTRIES TALK PEACE PROCESS&lt;/strong&gt;: The Ukrainian president will hold new talks as the Trump administration pressed him to accept onerous terms that would see Ukraine ceding land. Meanwhile Russia claimed to shoot down hundreds of drones across the country, as Ukraine launched a wave of strikes overnight that halted flights at Moscow’s airports. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;See the bias distribution, ownership and sources behind the news at &lt;a href=&#34;https://ground.news/article/zelenskyy-will-hold-urgent-talks-with-30-countries-as-trump-pushes-for-swift-peace-deal-with-russia&#34;&gt;Ground.News&lt;/a&gt;.’&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!nEM_!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0d352eb2-bd8a-425f-aa30-dab3d48bf5ae_842x1048.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f0d352eb2-b.png&#34; width=&#34;294&#34; height=&#34;365.9287410926366&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/0d352eb2-bd8a-425f-aa30-dab3d48bf5ae_842x1048.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1048,&#34;width&#34;:842,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:294,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;POKROVSK FALL IMMINENT&lt;/strong&gt;: The eastern Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk looks like it will fall soon to Russian occupation, a development that puts Ukraine under pressure as it negotiates an end to the war. The city had 60K residents before the invasion. Russia controls approximately 19.2 percent of Ukraine, just over 1 percentage point more now than in December 2022, &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/pokrovsks-fall-will-not-cause-frontline-collapse-weakens-ukraine-trumps-eyes-2025-12-11/&#34;&gt;Reuters reports&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;TRUMP’S PLAN TO REINTEGRATE RUSSIA TO WORLD&lt;/strong&gt;: European officials are reacting with alarm to secret appendices to peace proposals now circulating, &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.wsj.com/world/europe/u-s-blueprint-to-rewire-economies-of-russia-ukraine-sets-off-clash-with-europe-72484515?st=iwqVfJ&amp;reflink=article_copyURL_share&#34;&gt;the Wall Street Journal reports&lt;/a&gt;. The proposals include a plan to use frozen Russian assets to create a massive new data center powered by the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant now occupied by Russian troops. It would also see America playing a role in the resumption of Russian energy sales to Western Europe. European officials largely do not want to resume energy transactions with a country it sees as a security threat.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;DOG OF WAR:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;Nastia saw this stylish pup in a cafe while working. He was so friendly and approached every customer. He asked Nastia for pets several times.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!OYlh!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F8568f4b2-b53e-4cf1-81cc-81131da94982_960x1280.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f8568f4b2-b.png&#34; width=&#34;960&#34; height=&#34;1280&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/8568f4b2-b53e-4cf1-81cc-81131da94982_960x1280.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1280,&#34;width&#34;:960,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Stay safe out there.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Best,&lt;br&gt;Tania&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/blackout-roulette-in-ukraines-elevators&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>⚡ RUSSIA’S LABOR MARKET CRISIS until 2032! Ukrainian DRONES halt OIL PLATFORM in Caspian!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/11/russias-labor-market-crisis-until.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2025 15:01:16 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/11/russias-labor-market-crisis-until.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/e7d0c7493a.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡ RUSSIA’S LABOR MARKET CRISIS until 2032! Ukrainian DRONES halt OIL PLATFORM in Caspian!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKwaCMxu2o8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest live: US presses Ukraine, not Russia, to pull back troops for proposed Donbas buffer zone, FT reports</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/11/ukraine-war-latest-live-us.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2025 14:33:03 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/11/ukraine-war-latest-live-us.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/c418a27bcd.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest live: US presses Ukraine, not Russia, to pull back troops for proposed Donbas buffer zone, FT reports&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Live coverage of Russia’s war against Ukraine with breaking news and frontline updates, updated 5 times today. The U.S. is pressing Ukraine, but not Russia, to pull back troops from Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts to create a demilitarized zone, the Financial Times (FT) reported on Dec. 11, citing a Ukrainian official familiar with the latest version of the U.S. peace plan.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-live-2025-12-11/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russian sttacks, Ukrainian drone strikes &amp;amp; Western decisions: what&#39;s game-changing now</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/11/russian-sttacks-ukrainian-drone-strikes.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2025 14:32:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/11/russian-sttacks-ukrainian-drone-strikes.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/fb020e52c4.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian sttacks, Ukrainian drone strikes &amp;amp; Western decisions: what&#39;s game-changing now&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoyf7LESQiI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Europe’s plan to fund Ukraine is being blocked by one company — Euroclear</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/11/europes-plan-to-fund-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2025 14:00:58 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/11/europes-plan-to-fund-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2147052657.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Europe’s plan to fund Ukraine is being blocked by one company — Euroclear&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;About the author: Olena Havrylchyk is a Professor of Economics at the University Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br&gt; &lt;br&gt;The proposal to use immobilized Russian assets to finance a “reparation loan” for Ukraine will again be discussed at the next European Council meeting on Dec. 18 and 19. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/europes-plan-to-fund-ukraine-is-being-blocked-by-one-company-euroclear/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>US sides with Russia on UN resolution on Chornobyl disaster</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/11/us-sides-with-russia-on.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2025 13:31:40 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/11/us-sides-with-russia-on.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/a82cdcdfca.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;US sides with Russia on UN resolution on Chornobyl disaster&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Washington&#39;s representative said the U.S. voted against the resolution not because it opposed nuclear safety measures, but because it objected to references to the UN&#39;s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/us-sides-with-russia-in-un-resolution-on-chornobyl-disaster/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine, EU agree to advance technical side of accession talks as Hungary blocks formal launch</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/11/ukraine-eu-agree-to-advance.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2025 13:30:53 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/11/ukraine-eu-agree-to-advance.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/838993c98d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine, EU agree to advance technical side of accession talks as Hungary blocks formal launch&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The European Commission and Kyiv have agreed on a 10-point action plan to tackle corruption and strengthen democratic institutions in Ukraine as part of its path to membership, EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos announced.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/eu-ukraine-10-step-plan/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine&#39;s central bank holds rate steady despite falling inflation</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/11/ukraines-central-bank-holds-rate.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2025 13:05:49 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/11/ukraines-central-bank-holds-rate.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/93d19b4cb9.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine&#39;s central bank holds rate steady despite falling inflation&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The National Bank of Ukraine voted to keep its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 15.5%, amid steep uncertainty over the country&#39;s financing next year.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-central-bank-holds-rate-steady-despite-falling-inflation/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russian oil rig in Caspian Sea halts production after Ukrainian drone strike, SBU source says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/11/russian-oil-rig-in-caspian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2025 11:22:05 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/11/russian-oil-rig-in-caspian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/screenshot-2025-12-11-at-12-12-31.png&#34; alt=&#34;Russian oil rig in Caspian Sea halts production after Ukrainian drone strike, SBU source says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;At least four hits were recorded on the offshore platform, according to the SBU source.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-sbu-says-drones-hit-russian-oil-production-infrastructure-in-caspian-sea-for-the-first-time/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Explosions near Veliky Novgorod chemical plant as Russia reports mass drone attack</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/11/explosions-near-veliky-novgorod-chemical.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2025 07:18:29 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/11/explosions-near-veliky-novgorod-chemical.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2217739700.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Explosions near Veliky Novgorod chemical plant as Russia reports mass drone attack&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Novgorod Governor Alexander Dronov reported that 19 drones were shot down over the region, which lies between Moscow and St. Petersburg.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/locals-report-explosions-fires-near-chemical-plant-in-russias-veliky-novgorod/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia pounds Ukraine&#39;s Kremenchuk with missiles, drones in energy infrastructure attack</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/11/russia-pounds-ukraines-kremenchuk-with.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2025 05:35:38 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/11/russia-pounds-ukraines-kremenchuk-with.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/photo-2024-03-04-22-31-00.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia pounds Ukraine&#39;s Kremenchuk with missiles, drones in energy infrastructure attack&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The attack comes less than a week after Russia launched a massive combined strike against Kremenchuk on Dec. 7 that damaged several energy facilities.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-pounds-ukraines-kremenchuk-with-missiles-drones-in-energy-infrastructure-attack/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>US House approves defense bill granting Ukraine $400 million a year in military aid through 2027</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/11/us-house-approves-defense-bill.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2025 01:51:08 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/11/us-house-approves-defense-bill.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/main-27.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;US House approves defense bill granting Ukraine $400 million a year in military aid through 2027&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The $900 billion spending package upholds many of U.S. President Donald Trump&#39;s national security policies but places limits on his ability to reduce American troops in Europe and withhold support to Ukraine.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/us-house-approves-defense-bill-granting-ukraine-400-million-a-year-in-military-aid-through-2027/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukrainian drones target Moscow in overnight attack, mayor claims</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/11/ukrainian-drones-target-moscow-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2025 00:15:36 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/11/ukrainian-drones-target-moscow-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/upd-gettyimages-1252579150.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian drones target Moscow in overnight attack, mayor claims&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;At least 21 drones have been shot down over the Russian capital, according to Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin. Flights restrictions have been imposed at the region&#39;s major airports.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-drones-target-moscow-in-overnight-attack-mayor-claims/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Trump praised the bravery of Ukrainian soldiers, but called Russia a &amp;amp;quot;greater power.&amp;amp;quot; #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/11/trump-praised-the-bravery-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2025 00:00:32 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/11/trump-praised-the-bravery-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/3967c16bdd.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Trump praised the bravery of Ukrainian soldiers, but called Russia a &amp;quot;greater power.&amp;quot; #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/EitzivoFCGc&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>US needs &#39;answers&#39; before next meeting with Zelensky, Trump says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/11/us-needs-answers-before-next.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 10 Dec 2025 23:17:36 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/11/us-needs-answers-before-next.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2250509568.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;US needs &#39;answers&#39; before next meeting with Zelensky, Trump says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Trump did not discuss specific conditions of the peace deal but said Zelensky needs to be &#34;realistic&#34; and asked when Ukraine would hold presidential elections.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/us-needs-answers-before-next-meeting-with-zelensky-trump-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>⚡US PRESSURE: White House demands surrender of UNOCCUPIED lands! Putin’s bluff and Afghan lessons</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/11/us-pressure-white-house-demands.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 10 Dec 2025 23:00:36 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/11/us-pressure-white-house-demands.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/ae8c3994e0.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡US PRESSURE: White House demands surrender of UNOCCUPIED lands! Putin’s bluff and Afghan lessons&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqzbfyWl-uA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Is the US preparing Europe to split? Important details of the new strategy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/10/is-the-us-preparing-europe.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 10 Dec 2025 22:30:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/10/is-the-us-preparing-europe.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/9826fa3443.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Is the US preparing Europe to split? Important details of the new strategy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/P5hWu_WGcHE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>❗️Half of the city is under control of Ukrainian army! Front in Pokrovsk stabilized #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/10/half-of-the-city-is.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 10 Dec 2025 21:30:03 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/10/half-of-the-city-is.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/1c124f6781.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️Half of the city is under control of Ukrainian army! Front in Pokrovsk stabilized #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/EOM3a1LdtP0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>A gift to Putin! Controversial bill in the US congress could leave NATO without American support</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/10/a-gift-to-putin-controversial.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 10 Dec 2025 21:14:09 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/10/a-gift-to-putin-controversial.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/341190b971.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;A gift to Putin! Controversial bill in the US congress could leave NATO without American support&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuptpW4h9sE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>❗There must be real security at the core. When there is security, everything else follows, Zelenskyy</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/10/there-must-be-real-security.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 10 Dec 2025 20:10:32 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/10/there-must-be-real-security.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/2ecade72bc.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗There must be real security at the core. When there is security, everything else follows, Zelenskyy&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/tGJbqyOASP8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>AFU DESTROYS RUSSIAN POL DEPOT! 20 fuel tanks eliminated — Kremlin hides LOSSES!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/10/afu-destroys-russian-pol-depot.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 10 Dec 2025 20:00:32 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/10/afu-destroys-russian-pol-depot.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/49644ab569.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;AFU DESTROYS RUSSIAN POL DEPOT! 20 fuel tanks eliminated — Kremlin hides LOSSES!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NapxG2WdMms&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine, US hold first reconstruction talks as economic recovery tied to peace deal</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/10/ukraine-us-hold-first-reconstruction.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 10 Dec 2025 19:58:33 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/10/ukraine-us-hold-first-reconstruction.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/g703ggcxwaepgmj.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine, US hold first reconstruction talks as economic recovery tied to peace deal&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;We discussed key elements for recovery, various mechanisms, and visions for reconstruction,&#34; President Volodymyr Zelensky said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-us-hold-first-reconstruction-talks-as-recovery-tied-to-peace-deal/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian naval drone strike reportedly cripples Russian ‘shadow fleet’ tanker in Black Sea, SBU source says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/10/ukrainian-naval-drone-strike-reportedly.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 10 Dec 2025 19:16:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/10/ukrainian-naval-drone-strike-reportedly.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/screenshot-2025-12-10-at-7-58-40-pm.png&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian naval drone strike reportedly cripples Russian ‘shadow fleet’ tanker in Black Sea, SBU source says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukraine’s Security Service used Sea Baby naval drones to hit the sanctioned tanker Dashan in the Black Sea, the latest strike in a campaign targeting Russia’s “shadow fleet,” a source told the Kyiv Independent.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-sbu-conducts-new-sea-baby-drone-strike-on-russian-shadow-fleet-tanker-in-black-sea-source-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>One front-line position, two soldiers, 165 days</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/10/one-frontline-position-two-soldiers.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 10 Dec 2025 19:04:37 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/10/one-frontline-position-two-soldiers.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/ce0668f594.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;One front-line position, two soldiers, 165 days&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;As Ukraine negotiates a peace agreement with the U.S., soldiers on the ground face a different reality: holding the line with shrinking infantry numbers and almost no rotation. For nearly six months, two Ukrainian soldiers, Oleksandr Tishaiev and Oleksandr Aliksieienko, were trapped in the same battered position on the Zaporizhzhia front, unable to rotate as Russian drones monitored every path in and out.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/one-front-line-position-two-soldiers-165-days/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>How Russian propaganda humiliates European leaders! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/10/how-russian-propaganda-humiliates-european.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 10 Dec 2025 19:01:14 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/10/how-russian-propaganda-humiliates-european.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/7541e693e8.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;How Russian propaganda humiliates European leaders! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/sPt8bKc3_Kk&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>How 2 soldiers survived 165 days trapped on Ukraine’s front line</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/10/how-soldiers-survived-days-trapped.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 10 Dec 2025 18:30:55 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/10/how-soldiers-survived-days-trapped.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/screenshot-2025-12-10-at-19-20-29.png&#34; alt=&#34;How 2 soldiers survived 165 days trapped on Ukraine’s front line&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Just last year, the battlefield in Ukraine was most dangerous when the shooting started. Now it is often the moments before and after, when soldiers change positions under the eyes of prowling drones. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For two Ukrainian soldiers — Oleksandr Tishaiev and Oleksandr Aliksieienko — this modern battlefield reality turned what&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/how-2-soldiers-survived-165-days-trapped-on-ukraines-front-line/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine&#39;s secret backchannels to Russia — from oligarchs to spies</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/10/ukraines-secret-backchannels-to-russia.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 10 Dec 2025 18:27:28 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/10/ukraines-secret-backchannels-to-russia.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-1238316459.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine&#39;s secret backchannels to Russia — from oligarchs to spies&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;When Russia launched its full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022, Ukraine cut diplomatic relations with Moscow, formally severing the main line of communication. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Yet, as the war enters its fourth year, discreet communication between &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/ukraine/&#34;&gt;Ukraine&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/russia/&#34;&gt;Russia&lt;/a&gt; has continued — through humanitarian contacts, backchannels involving officials and… oligarchs.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;While&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-secret-backchannels-to-russia/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>&amp;amp;quot;YOU WILL ALL ROT&amp;amp;quot;: Kremlin propaganda OFF THE LEASH! USA and Europe in crosshairs</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/10/ampquotyou-will-all-rotampquot-kremlin.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 10 Dec 2025 18:00:19 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/10/ampquotyou-will-all-rotampquot-kremlin.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/80f0031b15.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&amp;quot;YOU WILL ALL ROT&amp;quot;: Kremlin propaganda OFF THE LEASH! USA and Europe in crosshairs&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66c0K2HnhxA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Germany sends fighter jets to Poland: strengthening NATO&#39;s eastern flank  #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/10/germany-sends-fighter-jets-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 10 Dec 2025 17:28:49 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/10/germany-sends-fighter-jets-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/48ff0b70f0.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Germany sends fighter jets to Poland: strengthening NATO&#39;s eastern flank  #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/JgZesWHj7zY&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Putin plays FAKE PEACE and bombs Ukraine! Fighters in Poland – COUNTERSTRIKE on Russia!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/10/putin-plays-fake-peace-and.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 10 Dec 2025 17:00:48 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/10/putin-plays-fake-peace-and.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/55abb50429.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Putin plays FAKE PEACE and bombs Ukraine! Fighters in Poland – COUNTERSTRIKE on Russia!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHwCW4bzf2I&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Police expose criminal network that trafficked orphans abroad, exploited draft exemptions</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/10/police-expose-criminal-network-that.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 10 Dec 2025 16:37:14 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/10/police-expose-criminal-network-that.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/69381bbe5de0a783720741.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Police expose criminal network that trafficked orphans abroad, exploited draft exemptions&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Thirteen children were illegally sent abroad and placed with foreign families for adoption, while law enforcemented intercepted the transfer of another 12.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/police-expose-criminal-network-that-trafficked-orphans-abroad-exploited-draft-exemptions/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Chart of the week: Can Ukraine&#39;s nuclear sector move past its Russian heritage?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/10/chart-of-the-week-can.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 10 Dec 2025 16:35:17 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/10/chart-of-the-week-can.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/ua-energy-mix-take-1-02-2-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Chart of the week: Can Ukraine&#39;s nuclear sector move past its Russian heritage?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Nuclear power has always been the bedrock of Ukraine&#39;s energy system, consistently providing roughly half of the country&#39;s power both before and after the start of Russia&#39;s full-scale invasion. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;But beneath this veneer of stability is a sector in flux. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The biggest &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-biggest-wartime-corruption-scandal-explained/&#34;&gt;corruption scandal&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/chart-of-the-week-can-ukraines-nuclear-sector-move-past-its-russian-heritage/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russian shadow fleet vessel detained in Odessa  #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/10/russian-shadow-fleet-vessel-detained.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 10 Dec 2025 16:10:09 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/10/russian-shadow-fleet-vessel-detained.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/7d5afc07c2.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian shadow fleet vessel detained in Odessa  #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/M1iN3vGM8Pk&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>⚡ TERRITORY IS NOT FOR SALE! SHIP OF RUSSIA’S &amp;quot;SHADOW FLEET&amp;quot; SEIZED IN ODESA!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/10/territory-is-not-for-sale.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 10 Dec 2025 15:00:36 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/10/territory-is-not-for-sale.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/adc5ef5038.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡ TERRITORY IS NOT FOR SALE! SHIP OF RUSSIA’S &amp;quot;SHADOW FLEET&amp;quot; SEIZED IN ODESA!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiyGN8i3aCY&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>VIDEOFAKE: Colombians from the 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade boast stacks of dollars</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/10/videofake-colombians-from-the-th.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 10 Dec 2025 14:41:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/10/videofake-colombians-from-the-th.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;single-post-lead&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Verification within Meta’s Third-Party Fact-Checking Program&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;On social media, a video is being &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://t.me/dillfrash/49041&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;circulated&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; in which alleged foreign volunteers from the 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade demonstratively wave large stacks of money in dollars and rejoice at the profits from serving in Ukraine. The post claims that these are supposedly Colombian mercenaries and that they have a “special status” in the brigade.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;In reality, this is a videofake. AI was used to replace or fabricate faces in the video.&lt;/b&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/kolumbijtsi-z-47-ombr-hyzuyutsya-1.png&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; width=&#34;502&#34; height=&#34;788&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;aligncenter wp-image-191298&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;single-post-footnote&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Screenshot of the &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://t.me/dillfrash/49041&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;post&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;A check using the &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://sensity.ai/&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Sensity.AI&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; tool, which detects AI-generated content, showed with a 93% probability that face manipulation was used in the video — the men’s faces were replaced or fabricated using artificial intelligence. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/kolumbijtsi-z-47-ombr-hyzuyutsya-2.png&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; width=&#34;698&#34; height=&#34;380&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;aligncenter wp-image-191299&#34;&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;single-post-footnote&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Results of the check in the Sensity.AI tool&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;In addition, in the video, the men are holding banknotes with denominations of 500 and 1,000 hryvnias (UAH), not dollars, as claimed by propagandists.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;The original source of the video is the TikTok &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.tiktok.com/@jhonedinsonruiz21&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;account&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; @jhonedinsonruiz21, which indeed appears to be the profile of a foreign volunteer.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/kolumbijtsi-z-47-ombr-hyzuyutsya-3.png&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; width=&#34;700&#34; height=&#34;336&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;aligncenter wp-image-191300&#34;&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;single-post-footnote&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Screenshot of the TikTok &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.tiktok.com/@jhonedinsonruiz21&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;account&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; @jhonedinsonruiz21&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;However, other videos on this page are also generated using artificial intelligence.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/kolumbijtsi-z-47-ombr-hyzuyutsya-4.png&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; width=&#34;700&#34; height=&#34;404&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;aligncenter wp-image-191301&#34;&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;single-post-footnote&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Screenshot of the check of another &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.tiktok.com/@jhonedinsonruiz21/video/7578484167168625927&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;video&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; from the @jhonedinsonruiz21 account in the Sensity.AI tool&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;We did not find other pages of this man on social media. A check using the &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://pimeyes.com/en&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;PimEyes&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; service, which searches for facial matches in open sources, also did not find his photos outside this TikTok account. This indicates that the author’s “identity” may be entirely fabricated, and that the profile was created specifically to spread disinformation.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/kolumbijtsi-z-47-ombr-hyzuyutsya-5.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; width=&#34;700&#34; height=&#34;242&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;aligncenter wp-image-191302&#34;&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;single-post-footnote&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Screenshot of the check of the TikTok profile photo @jhonedinsonruiz21 in the PimEyes tool&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Indeed, volunteers from Colombia are fighting in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Currently, at least 2,000 fighters are &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://youtu.be/HOOAl1RUT5A?feature=shared&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;serving&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt;, and according to some &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.kyivpost.com/post/58369&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;accounts&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt;, up to 7,000 in total have passed through the Defense Forces — the contract terms &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.kyivpost.com/post/46483&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;allow&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; them to leave service and return home. This makes Colombians one of the largest foreign contingents in the ranks of the Ukrainian army. Many of them already &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.bbc.com/ukrainian/articles/cwy4edkl958o&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;have&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; combat experience, and the war in Ukraine allows them to apply their skills after completing service in Colombia. Many fight out of support for a country that has suffered aggression, but, among other things, also for financial &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cepa.org/article/libertad-o-muerte-liberty-or-death-for-ukraines-colombian-volunteers/&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;compensation&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; (pay in the combat zone is several times higher than military pensions in Colombia). According to estimates by the CEPA analytical center, their monthly salary may amount to about $3,000–4,000 (approximately 127,000–170,000 UAH).&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Although citizens of other states indeed fight in Ukraine, they are not mercenaries. Such fighters join the International Legion or other units of the Defense Forces of Ukraine on a &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/248/2016#Text&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;contractual&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; basis. Therefore, under international law, they are &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.bbc.com/ukrainian/features-62191991&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;considered&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; servicemembers who legally serve in the state’s armed forces. Mercenaries, by contrast, are &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/995_103#o12&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;not servicemembers&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; of official armed forces.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Previously, we &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://voxukraine.org/fotofejk-u-47-ombr-sered-kolumbijskyh-dobrovoltsiv-rozkvitla-didivshhyna&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;debunked&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; the fake claim that “hazing” had allegedly flourished among Colombian volunteers in the 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://voxukraine.org/en/videofake-colombians-from-the-47th-separate-mechanized-brigade-boast-stacks-of-dollars&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>“Take locals’ minds off things” — Drag queen festival in Kharkiv, Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/10/take-locals-minds-off-things.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 10 Dec 2025 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/10/take-locals-minds-off-things.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width=&#34;930&#34; height=&#34;620&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/kassima.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Cassima&#34; decoding=&#34;async&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;UKRAINE, KHARKIV&lt;/strong&gt; — “I KISSED A GIRL, AND I LIKED IT,” the public is screaming Katy Perry’s song during the drag queen’s performance. Delighted festival guests are reflected in shiny sequins on her dress, are applauding, jumping, and kissing. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Drag is a performance of exaggerated femininity or masculinity or other forms of gender expressions for entertainment. Drag artists usually use cross-dressing and makeup to create the proper image of the gender expression they wish to embody. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In 2015, Zhanna Simeiz and Kira Vazovsky, two of Kharkiv’s drag queens, launched a drag festival called Dahlia&#39;s Miracle. The festival was usually held in the gay club Jam, with 10 participants reaching the final competition. Jam was closed in 2018. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;On Nov. 15, 2025, the festival took place for the first time since the quarantine and the Russian full-scale invasion. It was organized in PrideHub, a center for LGBTQ+ people, women, and all who support ideas of equality and human rights. Only six artists participated: Kassima, Monica, Katy Loboda, Ice Towne, Diana Dark, and Nikoletta Vinilova. All of them have prepared bright dresses, and songs, and performances to bring the fun to Kharkiv and compete for the prize crown. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Drag queens take every detail into account: before performances, they put their lipstick on, try on different heels, and drink some “compot” — usually a drink from boiled fruit or berries, here an euphemism for alcohol. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Gwara journalist Katia Deviatko visited the drag festival and talked to artists behind the scenes to show the life of drag queens in Kharkiv. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-heading&#34;&gt;Kharkiv tradition is revived&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Kira Vazovsky is dipping a brush in the dark blue eyeshadows. She looks at the small mirror on the table, making a few strokes on the left eyelid. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Katy Perry’s “Roar” is heard through the closed doors that lead from the dressing room to the dance floor. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Kira is the head of the Vazovsky community that organizes themed parties. She started doing drag in 2010, while she was at the birthday party of her friend. During the party game, she quickly created a persona that looked like Irina Alegrova, a Russian singer. Her dazed friends suggested she should think about creating her own stage persona. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Since that day, Kira has been performing and singing at different kinds of parties, weddings, and сorporate events. She participated in the Lilac Pull drag spring contest, where she met Zhanna Simeiz, its organizer. Artists became friends and then decided to create an autumn festival connected to the flower theme, and so the Dahila Miracle was born. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;After the Russian full-scale invasion, she translated her songs to Ukrainian, adding to her biggest hit “Kira, davai” (Kira, let’s go) a line “Putin – huilo” (Putin is a fucker).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“I have always been an executive director. I communicated with participants, and we had a lot of them before the full-scale invasion. Many people came from Khreson, Dnipro, and a lot from Kyiv. Even from the west of Ukraine, many people came,” says Kira, gentle and cheerful. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The only difficulty in preparing for this year’s festival was Zhanna’s business trip. While she worked, Kira had to manage many processes on her own. Now, though, she is inspired and happy. Many of her contacts have volunteered to help, and the drag festival is finally revived after a long hiatus. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Kira takes a small box out of her makeup bag. It softly clicks under the pressure of her finger. With the light move of her hand she takes the brush and tickles the box’s contents. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“Zhanna always said, ‘Girls, every one of you is a miracle — our dahlia’s miracle,’” says Kira, and gets quiet for a moment. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;She purses her painted lips and strokes her cheeks with a brush. Katy Perry is singing, “and you’re gonna hear me ro-o-o-ar.” Kira meets her reflection’s eyes in the mirror.  &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;She says with a wide smile, “I want to bring joy to the people in Kharkiv, so they’d take their mind off things and watch this fucking circus!” &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“Is fucking circus a compliment?”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“Yes indeed! The biggest one!” Kira laughs. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“This is the most prestigious award!” someone shouts in the dressing room. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-heading&#34;&gt;Cohort of beautiful women &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;An hour and a half until the performance. Everyone is focused on their preparation, but the room is filled with jokes and laughter. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The artists sit at the large round table, chaotically laying out their makeup products on it — neon eyeshadow palettes, lipsticks that look edible, jars with sparkling glitter, sets of sharp acrylics, and long, fluffy eyelashes. They help each other to do makeup. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A diploma of the future winner and the festival programme lie in the center of the table. Next to them is a mic decorated with silver collared rhinestones. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;On the chair, someone left a pizza box from Bufet, Kharkiv’s famous fast-food cafe. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Drug queens who already did their makeup help each other to wear false breasts. They carefully pull silicone molds over each other’s heads, cover them with bras, and clasp the back clips. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“What is the most important thing in the drag queen image?” I ask, looking at the black Victoria’s Secret-style wings on the floor. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Kira thinks about it. She puts away her pocket mirror and a napkin she used to fix her makeup. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“(The most important thing is) don’t talk bullshit.” &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“Meaning?” &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“Like, you know, when you sang in the bathroom, took a photo with the carpet in the background, and now you call yourself a drag queen. Kira and I call such artists ‘domestic girls.’”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Kira is angry that, on many dating websites, people who work as escorts and sex workers write that they are drag queens in their profiles. This, she believes, damages the image of the drag community, as society has a distorted view of the artists&#39; activities already. They do perform burlesque shows, but do not accompany clients to elite events or provide sexual services for money, Kira clarifies.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“We break stereotypes like, ‘ugh, a gay club, God, guys are cross-dressing,’” Kira grimaces. “I want to show with this festival that drag queens are cool! Being a drag queen is an art! It’s such hard inner work; work on your stage persona, work to become better. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“Did artists face recruiting officers (In Ukraine, during the martial law, all citizens aged 25-60 who have “male” in the “sex” paragraph of their passports could be enlisted —ed.)?” I cough because the powder cloud made by another drag queen approached us. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“Even if they come, recruiting officers will see only the cohort of beautiful women!” Kira exclaims, lifting her eyebrows. “But we’re women with a surprise, with a penis. So they’d run far and fast from here.” &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Artists in the dressing room giggle at that. In the melody outside, Ariana Grande asks, “Yes, and?”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-heading&#34;&gt;&#34;Kompotik&#34;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A plastic cup is overturned in the middle of the table and its transparent contents with a pungent smell are spilling onto the nameless diploma.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“Fuck!” Kira jumps from her chair. “I told you not to put anything here!”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The artists nearby quickly wipe the vodka with napkins. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“There is a prejudice that the drag and LGBTQ+ communities are closely associated with drugs and alcohol,” I ask, once the diploma has been saved. “How much of a role does this play in your community?”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“We don&#39;t do drugs. But when we&#39;re getting ready, of course, we like to drink ‘kompotik’,” Kira winks. “Because when you go on stage, work the club, the audience is already tipsy. And to feel that vibe, you have to drink a little, too. Would you like some ‘kompotik’?”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;I would. In a moment, a glass of &#34;kompotik&#34; appears next to me — a mixture of Ukrainian Borisfen cognac and classic Coca-Cola. The proportions are about 2 to 3. We make a toast “to this evening!” and clink our glasses. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-heading&#34;&gt;Dream of performing at a city festival&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Compote starts working, and we’re joking about Mike Wazowski, one of the main characters of the Monsters, Inc. cartoon. We come to the conclusion that, with his charisma, he could also become a drag queen. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Kira says that her pseudonym has nothing to do with the character, as it comes from the word “vase.” In the past, she even held a karaoke contest where the winners received a crystal vase. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“This year you wrote the &lt;a href=&#34;https://drive.google.com/file/d/1twjlvhKOYjm--OBBWfKOVvpVm6RxJTW-/view?usp=sharing&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;anthem&lt;/a&gt; for Dahlia’s Miracle,” I say to Kira, who carefully lays her eyelashes on the table and starts putting glue on them from a miniature tube. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“Yes, yes, Cassima wrote it. Cassima!” Kira calls out to her friend with shiny red eyebrows. She waves with her fingertips at us from the other end of the dressing room.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“There&#39;s a line that says, ‘Kharkiv is an artistic capital.’ Last time we saw each other at the &lt;a href=&#34;https://t.me/gwaramedia/46151&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;photo exhibition&lt;/a&gt; ‘Drag Queen of Kharkiv,’ you said it would be cool if this anthem played in the city&#39;s main square someday,” I continue.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“That&#39;s our dream! You know, in the spirit of all these city holidays. Not everyone knows this anthem yet; it needs to be used more often. It should be heard everywhere, so that people’d recognize it,” laughs the artist, adding that she will think about a big performance in the square after Russia’s war is over. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Kira is very fond of Sofia Rotaru&#39;s songs “Chervona Ruta” and “Odna Kalyna.” In the past, she even impersonated her at corporate parties.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“It&#39;s half past five! Fuck’s sake! I have to put on my tits!” Kira exclaims,  tells me to enjoy today&#39;s show, and disappears. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-heading&#34;&gt;What does your stage name mean?&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;At the other end of the dressing room, Cassima is fixing her makeup in front of a makeshift mirror. She squints and smiles, twirls around her friends, and poses for the camera. She says she really likes it when people call her by her nickname, Casia.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“Casia one, Casia two,” the artist touches the left and right cups of her bra.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Casia says she greatly appreciates the support of the community and takes inspiration for her performances from her friends and her own inner world. She is passionate about makeup and eagerly helps other artists. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Katy Loboda is getting her makeup done nearby. The tattoo on her arm is the text of the song “Dyke Pole” (“wild field” in English) by the artist Yarmak against a yellow and blue background. Ketty serves in the National Guard as a cook. She took a day off to perform today, even though it wasn&#39;t easy.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“I adore two singers — Katy Perry and Svitlana Loboda. I consider them to be ideal in terms of both music and character, regardless of political views (Svitlana Loboda remained in Russia after the start of the full-scale invasion and continues to make music in Russian — ed.) and continents. These are people who know how to make music, and few would disagree with that,” Ketty says as she paints her lips. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;She smacks her lips, admires herself in the mirror, and rolls up her pant leg to show off a tattoo on her leg with the calligraphic inscription “Loboda.” According to Ketty, the singer is her friend who periodically sends her humanitarian aid.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Ice Town chose this pseudonym because it’s a wordplay, and it was easy to add to the website domain. He writes songs and will be performing in a dress for the first time today because he wants to try something new. Ice’s boyfriend is coming to support him today — he doesn&#39;t know about his loved one&#39;s new look yet.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“I think it&#39;s like acting, where you can choose any role,” Ice says about the meaning of drag. “The main thing is to bring people joy. Besides the fact that it&#39;s a festival and we&#39;re getting some awards, people should get positive vibes. And if we make someone laugh, that would be truly great.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-heading&#34;&gt;“If one wins, everyone wins”&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Kira enters the hall wearing a long red satin dress. The audience greets her with thunderous applause — there are so many people that the performers barely have enough room on the improvised stage.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“We already know who we&#39;re going to beat up for the scores,” she says after introducing the jury members, and the audience bursts into laughter. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The contestants come out one by one and line up on stage. They stand proudly with their chins raised, each with a number pinned to her shiny costume. The audience admires them and claps.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;With a wave of her shiny microphone, Kira sends them to the dressing room to prepare for their performances and invites the duo “Gracia” to the stage. They won the festival in 2015 and are now part of the jury. The artists have hearing impairments, but this does not prevent them from feeling the rhythm of the song and captivating the audience. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Then the contestants appear on stage one by one, and the next hour turns into pure excitement: chandeliers falling from the ceiling, songs being sung, playful dances, air kisses, colorful fans, fluffy boas, rainbow sequins, and, most importantly, the magnetism of the spirit of freedom.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;When Dancing Queen starts playing, the queens come on stage in evening dresses. Each one receives a participant&#39;s diploma, but the main question remains.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“Who will be our winner — the miracle of 2025?” Kira asks mysteriously. In response, the audience shouts out the nicknames of their favorite artists. “The crown goes to... Monica!”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The hall erupts in applause, the artists hug each other and applaud their friend. Monica’s costume with lanterns and her trick with changing wigs, though unplanned, impressed everyone. Monica rejoices, but does not want to take all the credit for her victory.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“We all worked hard, we all performed amazingly!” says Monica as we walk away from the loudspeakers. She’s almost glowing with happiness. &#34;If one person wins, everyone wins. The whole project won because we succeeded, we did everything, everything went as planned. We are very happy that so many people came to this event today.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“What are your plans for the future?” I shout over Madonna&#39;s iconic Like a Prayer.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“I&#39;ll definitely drink a glass of compote, call all my friends and tell them that they didn&#39;t hold a candle for my victory in vain!”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Translation: Nazar Hlamazda&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-sanitized-class=&#34;has-background&#34;&gt;Hi, thank you for reading till the end! This article&#39;s Ukrainian original was written by Katia Deviatko, our journalist who went to the drag queen festival to share the joys and experiences of it with our readers. If you want to see more articles like this, support Gwara by &lt;a href=&#34;https://buymeacoffee.com/gwaramedia&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;buying us a coffee&lt;/a&gt; or subscribing to our &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.patreon.com/posts/thank-you-for-121906636&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;Patreon!&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-heading&#34;&gt;Read more&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;ul data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-list&#34;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Russian troops bomb kindergartens. &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/russia-even-attacks-kindergartens-how-do-ukrainian-children-go-through-it/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;Here’s&lt;/a&gt; how mother helps her son restore sense of safety in Kharkiv&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The post &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/hes-circus-it-is-compliment-drag-festival-in-kharkiv/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;“Take locals’ minds off things” — Drag queen festival in Kharkiv, Ukraine&lt;/a&gt; appeared first on &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;Gwara Media&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/hes-circus-it-is-compliment-drag-festival-in-kharkiv/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Starmer names British soldier killed during weapons test in Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/10/starmer-names-british-soldier-killed.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 10 Dec 2025 13:55:53 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/10/starmer-names-british-soldier-killed.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/5d5be3c512.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Starmer names British soldier killed during weapons test in Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Hooley died after a &#34;tragic accident&#34; away from the frontline.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/starmer-names-uk-soldier-killed-during-weapons-test-in-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>July arrests of two detectives launched a crackdown on anti-corruption institutions. Both are now released</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/10/july-arrests-of-two-detectives.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 10 Dec 2025 13:39:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/10/july-arrests-of-two-detectives.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/3cf80e1dfc.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;July arrests of two detectives launched a crackdown on anti-corruption institutions. Both are now released&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A Kyiv court placed Anti-Corruption Bureau&#39;s detective Viktor Husarov on house arrest on Dec. 9, freeing him from custody five months after his arrest.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The detective is charged with treason for allegedly passing state secrets to an associate who is said to be working with Russia.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Husarov, and&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/july-arrests-of-two-detectives-launched-a-crackdown-on-anti-corruption-institutions-both-are-now-released/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine detains Russia ‘shadow fleet’ cargo ship in Odesa, SBU says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/10/ukraine-detains-russia-shadow-fleet.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 10 Dec 2025 12:57:26 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/10/ukraine-detains-russia-shadow-fleet.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/photo-2025-12-10-12-26-58.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine detains Russia ‘shadow fleet’ cargo ship in Odesa, SBU says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has detained Russia&#39;s &#34;shadow fleet&#34; ship, which illegally transported agricultural products from the Russian-occupied Crimea, SBU said on Dec. 10.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-arrested-ship-belonging-to-russian-shadow-fleet-in-odesa-port-sbu-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest live: Troops in Myrnohrad rely on perilous &#39;gray zone&#39; corridor for rotation, supplies</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/10/ukraine-war-latest-live-troops.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 10 Dec 2025 12:46:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/10/ukraine-war-latest-live-troops.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/c446873c81.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest live: Troops in Myrnohrad rely on perilous &#39;gray zone&#39; corridor for rotation, supplies&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukrainian troops in Myrnohrad are using a narrow “gray zone” corridor for rotations and supplies as frontline accounts of near-encirclement clash with official assurances.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-live-2025-12-10/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine regains part of Pokrovsk as &#39;defense continues,&#39; Syrskyi says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/10/ukraine-regains-part-of-pokrovsk.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 09 Dec 2025 23:08:24 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/10/ukraine-regains-part-of-pokrovsk.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/597849794-1208817231413760-5510057964955712860-n.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine regains part of Pokrovsk as &#39;defense continues,&#39; Syrskyi says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukraine has recaptured 13 square kilometers (5 square miles) of territory in Pokrovsk after previously having no troops left in the city, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said during a Dec. 9 press briefing.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-regains-part-of-pokrovsk-syrskyi-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia can&#39;t capture Donbas! Pokrovsk becomes a mass grave for occupiers</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/10/russia-cant-capture-donbas-pokrovsk.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 09 Dec 2025 23:00:42 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/10/russia-cant-capture-donbas-pokrovsk.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/c5cc73a9fb.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia can&#39;t capture Donbas! Pokrovsk becomes a mass grave for occupiers&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_adCO9cWYkc&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Peace agreement with Russia: what is Washington really offering Ukraine? #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/09/peace-agreement-with-russia-what.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 09 Dec 2025 22:00:15 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/09/peace-agreement-with-russia-what.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/9b4a09a64d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Peace agreement with Russia: what is Washington really offering Ukraine? #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/9CtLkqHeMnI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Trump&#39;s new security doctrine gives Putin exactly what he wants</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/09/trumps-new-security-doctrine-gives.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 09 Dec 2025 21:40:16 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/09/trumps-new-security-doctrine-gives.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2250146565.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Trump&#39;s new security doctrine gives Putin exactly what he wants&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The new U.S. National Security Strategy stunned Washington&#39;s allies, casting doubt on the entire post-Cold War security order in Europe.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2025-National-Security-Strategy.pdf&#34;&gt; document&lt;/a&gt; takes a direct shot at the&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/european-union/&#34;&gt; EU&lt;/a&gt; and questions some of the main principles of NATO, two pillars of Europe&#39;s political and security&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/trumps-new-security-doctrine-gives-putin-exactly-what-he-wants/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia&#39;s Syzran oil refinery halts operations after Ukrainian drone strike</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/09/russias-syzran-oil-refinery-halts.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 09 Dec 2025 21:27:23 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/09/russias-syzran-oil-refinery-halts.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/0a958c11b3.png&#34; alt=&#34;Russia&#39;s Syzran oil refinery halts operations after Ukrainian drone strike&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russia&#39;s Syzran oil refinery halted operations on Dec. 5 after sustaining damage in a Ukrainian drone attack, Reuters reported on Dec. 9, citing industry sources.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russias-syzran-oil-refinery-halts-operations-after-ukrainian-drone-strike/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>NEWSFLASH: Zelenskyy readies for elections in 60-90 days</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/09/newsflash-zelenskyy-readies-for-elections.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 09 Dec 2025 21:07:55 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/09/newsflash-zelenskyy-readies-for-elections.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f270666dc-e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;NEWSFLASH: Zelenskyy readies for elections in 60-90 days&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f270666dc-e.jpg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/0fbdbbfc3c.jpg&#34; width=&#34;594&#34; height=&#34;396&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/270666dc-e060-4fe6-be4d-e91f9ac2343e_594x396.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:396,&#34;width&#34;:594,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:107683,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:&#34;image/jpeg&#34;,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:true,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:&#34;[www.counteroffensive.news/i/1811722...](https://www.counteroffensive.news/i/181172206?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F270666dc-e060-4fe6-be4d-e91f9ac2343e_594x396.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; fetchpriority=&#34;high&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky prepares to meet Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on December 9, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Antonio Masiello/Getty Images)&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Elections are currently forbidden from being held under martial law, but Volodymyr Zelenskyy is asking the Ukrainian legislature for proposals to change this.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;id&#34;:417261}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;PollToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;poll-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;It’s a direct response to an accusation by Donald Trump.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In the middle of a rant about Ukraine, published in &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.politico.com/news/2025/12/09/donald-trump-full-interview-transcript-00681693&#34;&gt;Politico&lt;/a&gt; this morning, Trump began repeating Kremlin talking points. He questioned Zelenskyy’s legitimacy, even accusing him of drawing out the war for personal political gain.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Here’s what Trump said:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;“They’re using war not to hold an election… I would think the Ukrainian people... should have that choice. And maybe Zelenskyy would win. I don’t know who would win. But they haven’t had an election in a long time. You know, they talk about a democracy, but it gets to a point where it’s not a democracy anymore.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;Zelenskyy’s responded this evening, Kyiv time, in a press conference with journalists. We transcribed and translated a recording of his statement from Ukrainian news outlet &lt;a href=&#34;https://t.me/novynylive/178064&#34;&gt;Novyny Live.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;His response about coming elections directly cited Trump’s allegation, calling it “completely unreasonable” and stating he’s ready to go to the polls immediately: &lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;“This is a question for the people of Ukraine, not the people of other states, with all due respect to our partners. I’ll be honest: I am ready for elections… I’ve heard such hints that we are clinging to power, or that I personally am clinging to the office of President, and that’s why I’m holding onto it, and that’s why the war isn’t ending. To be honest, that is a completely unreasonable narrative.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!hJbE!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F12304b09-4caf-4745-b1c4-e1ccea9d8224_1174x1008.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f12304b09-4.png&#34; width=&#34;420&#34; height=&#34;360.61328790459964&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/12304b09-4caf-4745-b1c4-e1ccea9d8224_1174x1008.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1008,&#34;width&#34;:1174,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:420,&#34;bytes&#34;:862107,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:&#34;image/png&#34;,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:&#34;[www.counteroffensive.news/i/1811722...](https://www.counteroffensive.news/i/181172206?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F12304b09-4caf-4745-b1c4-e1ccea9d8224_1174x1008.png)&#34;,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;A breaking news tweet from United24 Media, a government-run media platform. &lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;After the paywall: &lt;br&gt;-Zelenskyy’s two conditions for holding elections.&lt;br&gt;-What needs to happen for Ukraine to safely hold balloting.&lt;br&gt;-Would a fast election benefit Zelenskyy’s reelection chances?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
      &lt;p&gt;
          &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/newsflash-zelenskyy-readies-for-elections&#34;&gt;
              Read more
          &lt;/a&gt;
      &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/newsflash-zelenskyy-readies-for-elections&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine wants whistleblowers. How is it strengthening their protection?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/09/ukraine-wants-whistleblowers-how-is.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 09 Dec 2025 21:00:53 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/09/ukraine-wants-whistleblowers-how-is.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2227246924.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine wants whistleblowers. How is it strengthening their protection?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;About the author: Hanna Novosolova is Chief Specialist at the Department for Coordination of State Information Policy on Corruption Prevention at the National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP).&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;On International Anti-Corruption Day, attention turns to those who expose wrongdoing from within organizations: whistleblowers.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;They are often the first to detect&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-wants-whistleblowers-how-is-it-strengthening-their-protection/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>ZELENSKYY: &amp;quot;We won&#39;t give up Donbas&amp;quot;! Russian DRONES HALT EU AIRPORTS!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/09/zelenskyy-quotwe-wont-give-up.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 09 Dec 2025 21:00:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/09/zelenskyy-quotwe-wont-give-up.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/ee5be8fdda.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;ZELENSKYY: &amp;quot;We won&#39;t give up Donbas&amp;quot;! Russian DRONES HALT EU AIRPORTS!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2o2zOLLU9Sw&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Peace deal, security guarantees, reconstruction — Zelensky unveils 3-track plan as talks intensify</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/09/peace-deal-security-guarantees-reconstruction.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 09 Dec 2025 20:34:34 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/09/peace-deal-security-guarantees-reconstruction.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/1aa0672474.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Peace deal, security guarantees, reconstruction — Zelensky unveils 3-track plan as talks intensify&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The three texts cover a framework peace agreement, security guarantees, and Ukraine&#39;s reconstruction, President Volodymyr Zelensky said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-unveils-3-track-plan-as-talks-intensify/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine&#39;s Naftogaz secures $118 million lifeline from Privatbank for gas purchases</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/09/ukraines-naftogaz-secures-million-lifeline.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 09 Dec 2025 20:24:30 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/09/ukraines-naftogaz-secures-million-lifeline.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/nafogaz.webp&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine&#39;s Naftogaz secures $118 million lifeline from Privatbank for gas purchases&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukraine&#39;s largest bank, the state-owned Privatbank, extended a Hr 5 billion loan ($118.6 million) to Naftogaz, Ukraine’s state-run oil and gas giant, for emergency natural gas purchases, Naftogaz wrote in a press release on Dec. 9.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-naftogaz-secures-118-million-lifeline-from-privatbank-for-gas-purchases/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Zelensky &#39;ready&#39; to hold elections during war, if partners ensure security</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/09/zelensky-ready-to-hold-elections.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 09 Dec 2025 20:16:59 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/09/zelensky-ready-to-hold-elections.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2246437815.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky &#39;ready&#39; to hold elections during war, if partners ensure security&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;I am asking now, and stating this openly, for the U.S. to help me. Together with our European partners, we can ensure the security needed to hold elections. If that happens, Ukraine will be ready to conduct elections in the next 60 to 90 days,&#34; President Volodymyr Zelensky said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-ready-to-hold-elections-during-war-if-partners-ensure-security/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>All the TRUTH about the FRONT! UKRAINIAN ARMY stabilizes the situation in Donbas #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/09/all-the-truth-about-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 09 Dec 2025 19:56:43 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/09/all-the-truth-about-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/117136b85a.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;All the TRUTH about the FRONT! UKRAINIAN ARMY stabilizes the situation in Donbas #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/usZbFkhq3pI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Boom! Ukrainian drones in batches destroy Russian oil depots and military sites</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/09/boom-ukrainian-drones-in-batches.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 09 Dec 2025 19:01:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/09/boom-ukrainian-drones-in-batches.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/330510c32d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Boom! Ukrainian drones in batches destroy Russian oil depots and military sites&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skbmqgsGC8E&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Fate of frozen Russian assets: what will Brussels do? #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/09/fate-of-frozen-russian-assets.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 09 Dec 2025 18:30:03 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/09/fate-of-frozen-russian-assets.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/1f1dc6b782.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Fate of frozen Russian assets: what will Brussels do? #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/F4rkH67RiIQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Around 20% of Ukrainians would vote for Zelensky in first round of future elections, poll shows</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/09/around-of-ukrainians-would-vote.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 09 Dec 2025 18:10:04 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/09/around-of-ukrainians-would-vote.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2237698075.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Around 20% of Ukrainians would vote for Zelensky in first round of future elections, poll shows&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Former Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi, now Ukraine’s ambassador to the U.K., ranks second with 19.1%, a 3% increase from the previous poll.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelenskys-presidential-rating-drops-to-20-poll-shows/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Europe prepares economic &amp;quot;knockout&amp;quot; for Putin! Will the Kremlin be left without assets?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/09/europe-prepares-economic-quotknockoutquot-for.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 09 Dec 2025 18:00:21 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/09/europe-prepares-economic-quotknockoutquot-for.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/68f644ad71.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Europe prepares economic &amp;quot;knockout&amp;quot; for Putin! Will the Kremlin be left without assets?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7SWPVW68PY&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine, EU partners finalize revised peace proposal, ready to present plan to US</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/09/ukraine-eu-partners-finalize-revised.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 09 Dec 2025 17:36:52 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/09/ukraine-eu-partners-finalize-revised.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/bf3a5f9500.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine, EU partners finalize revised peace proposal, ready to present plan to US&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;The Ukrainian and European components are now more developed,&#34; President Volodymyr Zelensky said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-eu-partners-finalize-revised-peace-proposal-ready-to-present-plan-to-us/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>&#39;We will become homeless&#39; — Russians protest in Kursk Oblast over loss of compensation payments for property lost during Ukraine&#39;s incursion</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/09/we-will-become-homeless-russians.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 09 Dec 2025 17:30:16 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/09/we-will-become-homeless-russians.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2179446562.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;We will become homeless&#39; — Russians protest in Kursk Oblast over loss of compensation payments for property lost during Ukraine&#39;s incursion&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Protesters recorded a video appeal to Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying the removal of support would leave them unable to survive financially.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russians-protest-loss-of-compensation-payments-to-residents-who-lost-property-during-ukraines-incursion-in-kursk-meduza-reports/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>🔥 RUSSIAN MISSILE FACTORIES DYING! Orban heads to Moscow to SAVE Putin!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/09/russian-missile-factories-dying-orban.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 09 Dec 2025 17:00:22 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/09/russian-missile-factories-dying-orban.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/4c391a9915.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🔥 RUSSIAN MISSILE FACTORIES DYING! Orban heads to Moscow to SAVE Putin!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOkskg-_dLE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Zelenskyy&#39;s foreign visits: Ukraine is working on a diplomatic track #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/09/zelenskyys-foreign-visits-ukraine-is.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 09 Dec 2025 15:30:33 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/09/zelenskyys-foreign-visits-ukraine-is.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/ba40c2db37.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelenskyy&#39;s foreign visits: Ukraine is working on a diplomatic track #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/TFeDAmQWQiA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>How we gave Ukrainian orphans a visit from Santa.</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/09/how-we-gave-ukrainian-orphans.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 09 Dec 2025 15:03:26 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/09/how-we-gave-ukrainian-orphans.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f112ccb13-7.png&#34; alt=&#34;How we gave Ukrainian orphans a visit from Santa.&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!l5dV!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F72cfee50-0bc3-4c6c-9ea1-7081e6639baa_1500x500.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f72cfee50-0.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;485&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/72cfee50-0bc3-4c6c-9ea1-7081e6639baa_1500x500.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:485,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:true,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; fetchpriority=&#34;high&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Featured Subscriber’s Comment:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;“I hate war, but hate even more what Putin has done and continues to do to Ukraine. Thank you for your reporting, as paying attention makes a difference.”&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;By: DeeDee&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Get Full Access!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Get Full Access!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Support our initiatives, including our effort to give the orphanage emergency supplies:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Tip Jar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Tip Jar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!TKWM!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe2585255-d1a3-46ee-a079-982381e8b199_1280x964.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fe2585255-d.png&#34; width=&#34;532&#34; height=&#34;400.6625&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/e2585255-d1a3-46ee-a079-982381e8b199_1280x964.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:964,&#34;width&#34;:1280,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:532,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Tania (dressed as St. Nicholas) and I spent time with the kids from the center.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;For most children, attention from adults is a usual part of life.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;But not for the ones we visited.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Many orphans – or those without available parents – don’t get it very often: only from their caregivers or on holidays, like St. Nicholas Day, when volunteers bring gifts and spend some time with them.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;So we decided to give these children a bit of love and care, even for a moment: we became St. Nicholas for them.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;St. Nicholas Day, celebrated on December 6, is a highly-anticipated day for Ukrainian children. Many of them are forced to grow up early amid the cruelty of war: explosions, air-raid sirens, and rare phone calls with their parents who went to the frontline. As of the end of 2025, about 61,000 children were &lt;a href=&#34;https://zahid.espreso.tv/novyny-lviv-u-lvovi-na-forumi-napratsyuvali-rezolyutsiyu-reformuvannya-internativ-yak-derzhava-pidtrimuvatime-simeyne-vikhovannya-ditey&#34;&gt;left orphaned&lt;/a&gt; due to the Russian war. A lot of kids lose their parents in action at the frontline, under shelling, or in Russian captivity.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;So finding presents brought by St. Nicholas preserves at least a small bit of real childhood magic and the celebration they so deeply deserve. It is evidence that the most important light is something Russia will never be able to take away: the light of support, love, and helping one another.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;id&#34;:417051}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;PollToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;poll-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;Note: Usually we paywall our personal stories but this time we decided to remove it to bring you a glimpse of the upcoming Christmas spirit in Ukraine!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you’d like to get access to future stories like this, upgrade here&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Upgrade!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Upgrade!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Of the tens of thousands of children orphaned by the war, relatives take care of the child whose parents were killed. But not everyone is lucky. About 4,000 children are &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.ukrinform.ua/rubric-society/3999456-ponad-90-ditejsirit-abo-pozbavlenih-batkivskogo-pikluvanna-u-simejnih-formah-vihovanna.html&#34;&gt;left&lt;/a&gt; in institutional arrangements, where they are known as ‘children deprived of parental care.’&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Life in institutions like boarding schools, orphanages, and children’s shelters often isolates kids from society. They eat whatever they are given, and don’t have pocket money for non-essentials.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;But the war has brought a good tradition into the life of many Ukrainians — donating whatever money they have left to the army or to helping those who are suffering.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This has become so deeply rooted among Ukrainians that it was nearly impossible to find an orphanage that would accept us as volunteers for the holiday. Most were already overwhelmed with people wanting to bring presents and visit the kids on St. Nicholas Day.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The center we visited was also flooded with gifts and sweets, but one need still hadn’t been met: fuel.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f112ccb13-7.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/202e885090.png&#34; width=&#34;522&#34; height=&#34;393.13125&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/112ccb13-7310-480d-8c26-789c7ecd18e7_1280x964.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:964,&#34;width&#34;:1280,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:522,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Tania (dressed as St. Nicholas) and I talked with children about TikTok. Photo by Yurii.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;At first glance, diesel is a very strange present, especially for kids. But it is incredibly necessary given this winter and the Russian attacks. To ensure electricity during critical moments, the center relies on generators that require large fuel supplies. That’s how our team brought light to the children — both literally and figuratively.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The center often hosts evacuated children from the frontline territories — parents fled without their children, were killed in shelling, or went missing. That’s why now they are really careful about sharing their name or location publicly, so as to not become another target in a Russian attack. As of 2023, 22 facilities for children without parental care were &lt;a href=&#34;https://ombudsman.gov.ua/childrenofwar-2023/en/gross-violations-of-childrens-rights-as-a-result-of-armed-aggression-against-ukraine-general-overview&#34;&gt;targeted&lt;/a&gt;. That number has likely grown, but new numbers remain unrecorded.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I vividly remember a small lecture in elementary school about the holiday of St. Nicholas, a kind wizard who put his life on the line to help children in need, especially orphans. According to legend, St. Nicholas grew up helping others. Since childhood, he quietly shared goods and clothes from his house, sneaking out at night and leaving them at the doors of people in need.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!oiLN!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc19eec12-dcc1-4b6c-b5b9-6845a5adcad0_1280x960.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fc19eec12-d.png&#34; width=&#34;492&#34; height=&#34;369&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/c19eec12-dcc1-4b6c-b5b9-6845a5adcad0_1280x960.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:960,&#34;width&#34;:1280,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:492,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Sweet packages that the orphans received for St. Nicholas Day, a mandatory gift in schools, kindergartens and other institutions for kids. I still can’t get used to not receiving them each year.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;After his death, he was offered the chance to make one wish for all his deeds.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;St. Nicholas chose to have one night a year when he can return and give children presents. This night is December 6, a night when children all over Ukraine (and in many other European countries) peek under their pillows to find presents (or a birch rod if they behaved badly during the year).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!t_8E!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F8bbcdb91-c347-4cd1-a30f-c01d1d948053_620x398.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f8bbcdb91-c.png&#34; width=&#34;442&#34; height=&#34;283.73548387096776&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/8bbcdb91-c347-4cd1-a30f-c01d1d948053_620x398.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:398,&#34;width&#34;:620,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:442,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;An illustration of St. Nicholas. Picture from &lt;a href=&#34;https://styknews.info/novyny/persona/2017/12/19/legendy-pro-sviatogo-mykolaia&#34;&gt;Styk&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;I kept believing in St. Nicholas throughout my entire childhood. The legend moved me and I desperately wanted to meet him.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;When I was about 8 years old, I even fell asleep in a closet while on watch for him. Who was this person, I wondered? Unfortunately I could not stay awake while waiting to peek at this wizard through the door gap. Despite not seeing him, he always brought me the presents I asked for in my letters…&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Now we wanted to bring winter magic to other kids. To make our gift, diesel, less strange, we also prepared a fun TikTok lesson for the children – both to spend time together and to remind them about safety.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Tania turned into St. Nicholas to assist.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!Zhan!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2c0535bf-056e-4e09-a16e-19deab324521_960x1280.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f2c0535bf-0.png&#34; width=&#34;406&#34; height=&#34;541.3333333333334&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/2c0535bf-056e-4e09-a16e-19deab324521_960x1280.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1280,&#34;width&#34;:960,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:406,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Tania was wearing the St. Nicholas costume even before we arrived at the center.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;I was anxious before we started the lesson: what if the children were bored or didn’t want to talk to us? However, I didn’t have time to panic as six children, aged 6 to 15, entered the room, each looking curious and excited.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Children figured out that St. Nicholas was fake the second they walked in. Smoking cigarettes beforehand to make Tania’s voice deeper and raspier did not help either. Kids used every excuse to make Tania come clean.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Wait a second,” said Tania before we entered the building with the kids, “I need a chewing gum so that kids don’t smell cigarettes from me.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“I’m Tania,” my colleague finally said, mistakenly, when introducing herself.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;From that moment on, the children called her Tania-Nicholas.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I haven’t felt the magic of the winter holidays for a long time. I think it’s because I’m not a child anymore. The war made me a bit numb to any joy. Christmas turned into just another occasion to spend time with my family. But remembering what it meant for me as a child makes me sad that lots of Ukrainian children lost this magic far sooner.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;One of my first jobs was tutoring groups of children. To my question about what they wished for before St. Nicholas, most children answered:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;“I want my dad to return home from war,”&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;“I want to see Ukraine again,”&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;“I want to see my friends who had to flee abroad,”&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;“I want this war to stop.”&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;p&gt;Children at the care center dream of more basic things, which hold deeper meaning for them and help them feel like their peers who have families — they want trendy items, phones, and sneakers.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!ZcOh!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb6192b9f-4d1b-47e5-8203-45eab15943b8_1068x758.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fb6192b9f-4.png&#34; width=&#34;384&#34; height=&#34;272.53932584269666&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/b6192b9f-4d1b-47e5-8203-45eab15943b8_1068x758.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:758,&#34;width&#34;:1068,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:384,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;A painting of a child about war. Picture from &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.village.com.ua/village/culture/culture-news/329225-mamo-ya-ne-hochu-viyni-divitsya-povniy-katalog-dityachiy-malyunkiv-pro-viynu-v-ukrayini&#34;&gt;The Village.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ukraine is currently undergoing a deinstitutionalization &lt;a href=&#34;https://uacrisis.org/uk/z-internativ-u-gromadu-chomu-reforma-deinstytualizatsiyi-vazhlyva-dlya-ukrayiny&#34;&gt;reform&lt;/a&gt; from 2017  — a transition from residential institutions to family-based care for children without parental care.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Children at the center we attended have the opportunity to grow up in conditions close to those of a real family: they visit a regular school and socialize there, have kitchen and cleaning duty schedules, help caregivers with grocery shopping, and have free time and their own hobbies, which prepare them for independent living.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!868u!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F53013875-ec6b-48b3-8133-90a838fc89b3_1600x900.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f53013875-e.png&#34; width=&#34;496&#34; height=&#34;279&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/53013875-ec6b-48b3-8133-90a838fc89b3_1600x900.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:819,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:496,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;PUBG, a popular video game. Screenshot from &lt;/em&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.reddit.com/r/PUBATTLEGROUNDS/comments/7wivd4/pubg_mobile_iphone7_plus_screenshot/&#34;&gt;Reddit&lt;/a&gt;&lt;em&gt;.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;The boys at the center really enjoy playing the video game PUBG. They told me that if they were bloggers, their TikTok accounts would be full of streams and videos about this game. One girl said she would like to learn more about doing makeup.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The lesson went much better than I feared it might go. It was heart-warming to return to lessons at last, as I get nostalgic about my tutoring job. The children were great — fooling around, making jokes, actively opening up and sharing their thoughts.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The time spent together made me want to hug each and every one of them.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;When the lesson was over, children took Tania’s costume and ran around with the accessories — one in a wig, another in a beard, and the third one in the cape. Their eyes lit up and they had smiles from ear to ear.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!YehW!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F9041b810-6e34-4c91-a91e-579369191c42_964x1280.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f9041b810-6.png&#34; width=&#34;342&#34; height=&#34;454.10788381742736&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/9041b810-6e34-4c91-a91e-579369191c42_964x1280.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1280,&#34;width&#34;:964,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:342,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Children in the center went up to Tania after our conversation to try on her costume. Photo by Yurii.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Now only six children remain in the center: others were either adopted, fostered or taken back by their relatives.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Those left now have one more wish for the holiday season: being the next to gain a family.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Support our initiatives, including our effort to give the orphanage emergency supplies, by upgrading to a paid subscription. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Or if you are already an upgraded subscriber, you can use our tip jar below:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Get Full Access, Upgrade!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Get Full Access, Upgrade!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Tip Jar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Tip Jar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;NEWS OF THE DAY:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;By Mariana Lastovyria&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;U.S. PRESSURED UKRAINE TO GIVE UP DONETSK: &lt;/strong&gt;The U.S. representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner pushed Zelenskyy via phone call to agree to ceding the Donetsk region to Russia, &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.axios.com/2025/12/08/zelensky-trump-ukraine-peace-plan-donbas&#34;&gt;according to&lt;/a&gt; Axios. After Kushner and Witkoff met with Putin, the terms of the peace plan delivered to Kyiv significantly worsened. However, Zelenskyy &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.axios.com/2025/12/08/zelensky-trump-ukraine-peace-plan-donbas&#34;&gt;refused&lt;/a&gt; to surrender territory, despite Trump’s pressure.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Donetsk region holds a strategic role due to the defense lines and fortifications that Ukraine has built up since 2014, ceding these to Russia would make occupying Ukrainian territory much easier.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;TRUMP’S PEACE DEAL IS CLOSE TO COLLAPSE:&lt;/strong&gt; Zelenskyy has said that Kyiv has no obligation to give up its territory, putting Trump’s peace deal on the verge of breaking apart, &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/12/08/ukraine-russia-war-latest-starmer-zelensky-trump-putin/&#34;&gt;according to&lt;/a&gt; The Telegraph. Today, Ukraine plans to send Washington its own peace deal proposal, which the EU has backed.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Territorial swap disputes and security guarantees are still the main reasons Zelenskyy and Trump cannot reach an agreement. The White House continues to pressure Ukraine’s president into accepting the Trump administration’s 20-point peace plan. The latest terms of the potential agreement are not yet known, as Washington has threatened to end support for Kyiv if they are leaked.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;JAPAN REFUSED TO TRANSFER RUSSIAN ASSETS TO KYIV: &lt;/strong&gt;Japan, which had $30 billion in frozen Russian assets, has &lt;a href=&#34;https://newsukraine.rbc.ua/news/japan-rejects-eu-proposal-to-confiscate-russian-1765252981.html&#34;&gt;declined&lt;/a&gt; to join the EU’s initiative to use Russian frozen assets to financially support Ukraine, citing legal constraints. The push to encourage countries from outside the EU to join the EU’s initiative is an attempt to mitigate the damage that using frozen Russian assets could do to the Euro and to share risk if Russia tries to retaliate. However, Politico has &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.politico.eu/article/european-central-bank-g7-united-states-japan-russian-assets-ukraine-euro/&#34;&gt;claimed&lt;/a&gt; that Japan is reluctant to move from Washington’s position.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Sourcing financial backing for Ukraine is crucial, as Ukraine may &lt;a href=&#34;https://24tv.ua/economy/zamorozheni-rosiyski-aktivi-zelenskiy-rozpoviv-ye-shans-ukrayini_n2967384&#34;&gt;exhaust&lt;/a&gt; its financial resources as early as the beginning of 2026.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;DOG OF WAR:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;This amusing pup with fluffy ears was begging for Mariana’s steak when she went with her parents to the cafe. She fed him a huge part of the meat but he asked for more with his pitiful eyes:(&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!Mw7v!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2ed57b10-176f-4ee0-8a81-3fbb6b83970a_1200x1600.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f2ed57b10-1.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1200&#34; height=&#34;1600&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/2ed57b10-176f-4ee0-8a81-3fbb6b83970a_1200x1600.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1600,&#34;width&#34;:1200,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Stay safe out there!&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Best,&lt;br&gt;Nastia&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/how-we-gave-ukrainian-orphans-a-visit&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>⚡ ZELENSKYY IN ROME: Meeting with Pope LEO XIV and Meloni!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/09/zelenskyy-in-rome-meeting-with.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 09 Dec 2025 15:01:11 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/09/zelenskyy-in-rome-meeting-with.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/3bb8b21810.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡ ZELENSKYY IN ROME: Meeting with Pope LEO XIV and Meloni!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bb-8BsXsUqM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest live: 2 Ukrainian soldiers capture 6 Russian troops in Oleksandrivka sector, video released</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/09/ukraine-war-latest-live-ukrainian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 09 Dec 2025 11:59:22 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/09/ukraine-war-latest-live-ukrainian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/screenshot-2025-12-09-at-12-52-55.png&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest live: 2 Ukrainian soldiers capture 6 Russian troops in Oleksandrivka sector, video released&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Live coverage of Russia’s war against Ukraine with breaking news and frontline updates, updated 4 times today. Two soldiers from Ukraine’s 67th Separate Mechanized Brigade captured six Russian servicemen during a combat search operation in the Oleksandrivka sector.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-update-2025-12-9/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Zelensky meets Pope Leo XIV as he continues seeking support amid peace talks</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/09/zelensky-meets-pope-leo-xiv.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 09 Dec 2025 10:59:45 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/09/zelensky-meets-pope-leo-xiv.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2250217689.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky meets Pope Leo XIV as he continues seeking support amid peace talks&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;President Volodymyr Zelensky is also set to meet Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni later in the day as he continues a tour of European capitals.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-meets-pope-leo-xiv-as-he-continues-seeking-support-amid-peace-talks/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>&#39;It burns for 3 days&#39; — Ukrainian drone strike sparked huge fire at Russia&#39;s Temryuk Seaport, SBU source says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/09/it-burns-for-days-ukrainian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 09 Dec 2025 10:59:31 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/09/it-burns-for-days-ukrainian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/photo-2025-12-09-10-20-27.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;It burns for 3 days&#39; — Ukrainian drone strike sparked huge fire at Russia&#39;s Temryuk Seaport, SBU source says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The strike has reportedly destroyed around 70% of the facility’s total fuel tanks.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/sbu-drones-struck-liquefied-natural-gas-terminal-in-russias-temryuk-port-source-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Lithuania declares state of emergency over smuggler balloons from Belarus</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/09/lithuania-declares-state-of-emergency.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 09 Dec 2025 10:05:03 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/09/lithuania-declares-state-of-emergency.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/fgunhlsxiamoi6b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Lithuania declares state of emergency over smuggler balloons from Belarus&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;This move will allow state institutions to coordinate their response more effectively and involve the military.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/lithuania-declares-state-of-emergency-over-smuggler-balloons-from-belarus/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>FAKE: The United States recruits Filipinos and transports them via the EU to fight in Ukraine — Zakharova</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/09/fake-the-united-states-recruits.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 09 Dec 2025 09:03:40 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/09/fake-the-united-states-recruits.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;single-post-lead&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Verification within Meta’s Third-Party Fact-Checking Program&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;On social media, a &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://t.me/SolovievLive/346455&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;statement&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; by Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is being circulated, claiming that Americans are recruiting local residents in the Philippines to take part in the war on Ukraine’s side. They are allegedly transported to Germany and then — through other EU countries — to Ukraine.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;However, this is not true. The governments of the Philippines and Germany have denied this claim. There is no documentary evidence of such a scheme — contracts, visa data, or testimonies of those allegedly recruited — in existence.&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/ssha-verbuyut-filippintsiv.png&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; width=&#34;501&#34; height=&#34;362&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;aligncenter  wp-image-191036&#34;&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;single-post-footnote&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Screenshot of the &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://t.me/SolovievLive/346455&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;post&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt; &lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs and the press service of the country’s president &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1264245?fbclid=IwY2xjawOfoypleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFlWGh0Z1Yxa0E4QjFORUdwc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHpl9KySjE-ToI18DhT6iSU36CfsKIb7rML7QXCLYDjr7cuMcYkSZpScHd4Yj_aem_jDB4_5n8MTj8teICLxFc-A&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;called&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; the claim about the alleged recruitment of Filipinos “fake news.”&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Zakharova &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://mid.ru/ru/foreign_policy/news/2061595/&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;claimed&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; that Filipino citizens who allegedly signed contracts are issued “work Schengen visas” by the German embassy’s consular section in Manila. However, she confused Schengen visas with work visas. The German embassy in Manila, refuting her statement, &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://asianjournal.com/philippines/metro-manila/palace-dfa-and-ukraine-embassy-dismiss-russian-claim-of-us-recruiting-filipinos-for-ukraine-war-as-fake-news/&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;emphasized&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; that Schengen visas are &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen/visa-policy_en&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;intended&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; only for short-term travel and do not grant the right to any employment. The embassy added that candidates for work visas undergo thorough screening.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;The spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs provided no evidence for her claims — signed contracts, visa records, public testimonies from the allegedly recruited, etc. In open sources, including Philippine media, there is also no confirmation of the described “scheme.”&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Moreover, there is no evidence online (interviews with fighters, reports in Ukrainian media, etc.) that citizens of the Philippines are fighting at all in the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Russians systematically attempt to discredit the Armed Forces of Ukraine by claiming that Ukrainians allegedly deceive foreign mercenaries into joining them. Although citizens of other countries do indeed fight in Ukraine, they are not mercenaries. Such fighters voluntarily join the International Legion or other units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on a &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/248/2016#Text&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;contractual&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; basis. Therefore, under international law, they are &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.bbc.com/ukrainian/features-62191991&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;considered&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; servicemembers who legally serve in a state’s armed forces. Mercenaries, by contrast, are &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/995_103#o12&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;not servicemembers&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; of official armed forces.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;br&gt;
&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Russia regularly accuses Ukraine of crimes that it itself commits. Russians have repeatedly used deception to recruit foreigners to fight against Ukraine. For example, there are &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/live/FIDuJR0scTY?si=TxI2Sxu9AAxgc8mI&amp;t=1342&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;testimonies&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; from labor migrants and students from Nepal, Cuba, Somalia, and Sri Lanka who were convinced they were being hired for jobs in logistics and field hospitals, but were later forcibly sent to the front. Western media have also &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2025-10-05/mercenaries-arab-world-ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;reported&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; numerous cases of recruiting foreigners from the Middle East — they too were promised “peaceful work,” but in reality were sent to the front lines. And in November 2025, police in the Republic of South Africa &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://apnews.com/article/south-africa-russia-ukraine-mercenary-soldiers-ccd056e16af26e6417f838aa3042b20a&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;arrested&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; South African public broadcaster radio host Nonkululeko Patricia Mantula. She and four other people will be tried for recruiting citizens of the country to participate in the war on Russia’s side, which is prohibited by local laws.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Previously, we &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://voxukraine.org/fejk-v-ukrayini-likviduvaly-ponad-500-kolumbijskyh-bojovykiv-zahidnyj-zhurnalist&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;debunked&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; the fake claim that more than 500 Colombian fighters were eliminated in Ukraine.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://voxukraine.org/en/fake-the-united-states-recruits-filipinos-and-transports-them-via-the-eu-to-fight-in-ukraine-zakharova&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russian mass drone attack leaves Sumy without power</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/08/russian-mass-drone-attack-leaves.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2025 21:51:32 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/08/russian-mass-drone-attack-leaves.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2150825475.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian mass drone attack leaves Sumy without power&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Sumy has been left without power following Russian attacks on the northeastern city late on Dec. 8.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-mass-drone-attack-leaves-sumy-without-power/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Peace in Ukraine and Moscow’s wish list – which is closer? #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/08/peace-in-ukraine-and-moscows.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2025 21:30:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/08/peace-in-ukraine-and-moscows.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/516555a551.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Peace in Ukraine and Moscow’s wish list – which is closer? #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/kqHrQJMES2Q&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>🔥 U.S. WARNS EUROPE: &amp;amp;quot;Pauses Only Accelerate War with Russia!&amp;amp;quot;</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/08/us-warns-europe-ampquotpauses-only.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2025 21:00:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/08/us-warns-europe-ampquotpauses-only.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/ff40fef0c5.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🔥 U.S. WARNS EUROPE: &amp;quot;Pauses Only Accelerate War with Russia!&amp;quot;&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fQtP3FE18M&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Progress on the peace plan: will there be a quick ceasefire? #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/08/progress-on-the-peace-plan.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2025 20:30:19 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/08/progress-on-the-peace-plan.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/7993a56d64.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Progress on the peace plan: will there be a quick ceasefire? #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/vvI0awn5Oi0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Zelensky reveals candidates for new head of Ukraine&#39;s Presidential Office</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/08/zelensky-reveals-candidates-for-new.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2025 20:06:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/08/zelensky-reveals-candidates-for-new.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2240381679.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky reveals candidates for new head of Ukraine&#39;s Presidential Office&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The list includes Denys Shmyhal, Ukraine&#39;s defense minister and previously the longest-serving prime minister, Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov, Deputy Presidential Office head and ex-commander Pavlo Palisa, and Sergiy Kyslytsya, the first deputy foreign minister and one of Ukraine&#39;s key negotiators.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-reveals-candidates-for-new-head-of-ukraines-presidents-office/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Fake negotiations in the Kremlin: no deals, but blackmail and threats increase</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/08/fake-negotiations-in-the-kremlin.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2025 20:00:26 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/08/fake-negotiations-in-the-kremlin.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/cec88f6eed.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Fake negotiations in the Kremlin: no deals, but blackmail and threats increase&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JC3TvNw298M&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>In the middle of war, Ukraine&#39;s top university reimagines Russian Studies</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/08/in-the-middle-of-war.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2025 19:36:58 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/08/in-the-middle-of-war.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2248336837.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;In the middle of war, Ukraine&#39;s top university reimagines Russian Studies&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Eleven years into Russia’s war, a Ukrainian university is forging ahead with an unexpected academic pursuit: launching a Russian Studies program to study the country that had imposed itself on Ukraine.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Our goal is to study Russia from different angles — its economy, its society, its elites,&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/in-the-middle-of-war-ukraines-university-reimagines-russian-studies/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian drones OPERATING in Russia! Kyiv INCREASING strikes #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/08/ukrainian-drones-operating-in-russia.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2025 19:30:20 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/08/ukrainian-drones-operating-in-russia.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/c2a9fae3ed.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian drones OPERATING in Russia! Kyiv INCREASING strikes #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/LE5cNORPX6g&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Trump knows how to &#39;put leverage&#39; on Russia, Ukraine to reach peace deal, US envoy says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/08/trump-knows-how-to-put.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2025 19:14:20 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/08/trump-knows-how-to-put.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/b7a5ff511a.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Trump knows how to &#39;put leverage&#39; on Russia, Ukraine to reach peace deal, US envoy says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;While hailing &#34;significant progress&#34; in peace efforts, U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matt Whitaker acknowledged that Trump could decide to &#34;step away&#34; if he sees there is &#34;no deal to be had.&#34;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/trump-knows-how-to-put-leverage-on-both-russia-ukraine-to-reach-peace-deal-us-envoy-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>WEEK OF BIG EXPLOSIONS! Ukrainian drones unleash HELL on RUSSIA!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/08/week-of-big-explosions-ukrainian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2025 19:00:32 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/08/week-of-big-explosions-ukrainian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/d9af05abae.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;WEEK OF BIG EXPLOSIONS! Ukrainian drones unleash HELL on RUSSIA!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INGLmDFwIcE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>We must make IMPORTANT decisions, – Zelenskyy on sensitive negotiation issues #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/08/we-must-make-important-decisions.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2025 18:48:14 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/08/we-must-make-important-decisions.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/463210077e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;We must make IMPORTANT decisions, – Zelenskyy on sensitive negotiation issues #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/RAozWHdFllI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>EU approves new defense program, opens path for Ukraine&#39;s industry integration</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/08/eu-approves-new-defense-program.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2025 17:45:53 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/08/eu-approves-new-defense-program.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/bf1e777e7e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;EU approves new defense program, opens path for Ukraine&#39;s industry integration&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Within this program, 300 million euros ($350 million) will fund a dedicated Ukraine Support Instrument that focuses on modernizing Ukraine&#39;s defense industry and integrating it into the EU&#39;s broader defense-manufacturing network.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/eu-approves-new-defense-program-opens-path-for-ukraines-industry-integration/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>LIVE: Strikes on Russia’s oil fleet, Kremlin lies, and war escalation</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/08/live-strikes-on-russias-oil.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2025 17:33:46 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/08/live-strikes-on-russias-oil.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/efe0dd9a99.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;LIVE: Strikes on Russia’s oil fleet, Kremlin lies, and war escalation&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-fNMnbFYpA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian Su-27 pilot dies during combat mission</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/08/ukrainian-su-pilot-dies-during.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2025 17:26:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/08/ukrainian-su-pilot-dies-during.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2175668533.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian Su-27 pilot dies during combat mission&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Air Force did not specify what mission the pilot was carrying out when the death occurred. The circumstances of the pilot&#39;s death are being investigated.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-su-27-pilot-dies-on-combat-mission-in-eastern-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>A decent peace for Ukraine: Zelenskyy with a visit to London #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/08/a-decent-peace-for-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2025 15:30:25 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/08/a-decent-peace-for-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/d5cae8ed37.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;A decent peace for Ukraine: Zelenskyy with a visit to London #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/UI7ULbwPWAc&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian drones destroy 70% of fuel tanks at Russia&#39;s Temryuk Seaport, General Staff says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/08/ukrainian-drones-destroy-of-fuel.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2025 15:11:24 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/08/ukrainian-drones-destroy-of-fuel.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/photo-2025-12-08-15-59-57.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian drones destroy 70% of fuel tanks at Russia&#39;s Temryuk Seaport, General Staff says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Dec. 5 attack sparked a large fire at the Temryuk Seaport, a facility that handles various types of cargo, including liquefied natural gas used to supply the Russian military.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-drones-destroy-70-of-fuel-tanks-at-russias-temryuk-seaport-general-staff-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>⚡ZELENSKYY IN LONDON. President will receive all the details of TRUMP’S PEACE PLAN!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/08/zelenskyy-in-london-president-will.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2025 15:00:41 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/08/zelenskyy-in-london-president-will.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/4efb6c4b17.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡ZELENSKYY IN LONDON. President will receive all the details of TRUMP’S PEACE PLAN!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnzvzgqSki4&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Seven EU leaders voice support for loan to Ukraine backed by Russian assets</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/08/seven-eu-leaders-voice-support.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2025 14:41:56 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/08/seven-eu-leaders-voice-support.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2249096552.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Seven EU leaders voice support for loan to Ukraine backed by Russian assets&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The leaders of Estonia, Finland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Sweden said that they &#34;strongly support&#34; the so-called reparations loan.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/seven-eu-leaders-voice-support-for-loan-to-ukraine-backed-by-russian-assets/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Netherlands allocates additional 700 million euros for Ukraine in 2026</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/08/netherlands-allocates-additional-million-euros.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2025 14:34:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/08/netherlands-allocates-additional-million-euros.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/f87510ab2d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Netherlands allocates additional 700 million euros for Ukraine in 2026&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The move follows an appeal from the parliament to release an additional 2 billion euros ($2.3 billion) in support for Kyiv for next year. The first sum of 700 million euros (almost $820 million) was described as the &#34;first step.&#34;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/netherlands-allocates-additional-700-million-euros-for-ukraine-in-2026/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest live: Kyiv shifts focus to soldier training and safety amid continued Russian offensive, Syrskyi says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/08/ukraine-war-latest-live-kyiv.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2025 13:52:52 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/08/ukraine-war-latest-live-kyiv.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2194767679.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest live: Kyiv shifts focus to soldier training and safety amid continued Russian offensive, Syrskyi says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukraine will focus on strengthening its army through better mobilization, recruitment, and high-quality training as it continues to resist Russia’s full-scale invasion, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said on Dec. 8, following a recent meeting with military personnel.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-update-2025-12-8/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>No agreement on Donbas yet, Zelensky says as he visits London to discuss US-led peace efforts with European leaders</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/08/no-agreement-on-donbas-yet.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2025 12:58:08 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/08/no-agreement-on-donbas-yet.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/71401ff109.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;No agreement on Donbas yet, Zelensky says as he visits London to discuss US-led peace efforts with European leaders&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;There are visions of the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine — and we don&#39;t have a unified view on Donbas,&#34; Zelensky told Bloomberg regarding the latest discussions on the peace plan for Ukraine.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-arrives-in-london-to-discuss-ukraine-peace-efforts-with-european-leaders/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russian soldiers jailed over torture, murder of American pro-Kremlin fighter last year</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/08/russian-soldiers-jailed-over-torture.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2025 12:35:53 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/08/russian-soldiers-jailed-over-torture.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gkfqq2nwkaaykwh.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian soldiers jailed over torture, murder of American pro-Kremlin fighter last year&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Four Russian soldiers were given sentences in the range of 1.5 to 12 years for their involvement in the murder of Russell &#34;Texas&#34; Bentley and an attempt to conceal the crime.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-jails-soldiers-over-americans-death/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine&#39;s Unmanned Systems Forces commander hits back at Russia&#39;s international arrest warrant</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/08/ukraines-unmanned-systems-forces-commander.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2025 11:23:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/08/ukraines-unmanned-systems-forces-commander.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/35195d17f9.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine&#39;s Unmanned Systems Forces commander hits back at Russia&#39;s international arrest warrant&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russia has accused Robert &#34;Madyar&#34; Brovdi in absentia of organizing an alleged terrorist attack in Russia&#39;s Kursk Oblast.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-issues-international-arrest-warrant-for-ukraines-unmanned-systems-forces-commander/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>US defense bill proposes $400 million a year in military aid for Ukraine through 2027</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/08/us-defense-bill-proposes-million.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2025 09:08:03 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/08/us-defense-bill-proposes-million.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/b4e93a07dc.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;US defense bill proposes $400 million a year in military aid for Ukraine through 2027&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Congress is also calling for more frequent reporting of aid provided to Kyiv by its European allies, reflecting Washington&#39;s push for Europe to take on a greater share of responsibility for supporting Ukraine.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/us-congress-unveils-defense-bill/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Trump &#39;disappointed&#39; Zelensky hasn&#39;t read US peace plan</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/08/trump-disappointed-zelensky-hasnt-read.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2025 06:41:47 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/08/trump-disappointed-zelensky-hasnt-read.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2250609381.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Trump &#39;disappointed&#39; Zelensky hasn&#39;t read US peace plan&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;U.S. President Donald Trump said Dec. 7 he was &#34;disappointed&#34; that President Volodymyr Zelensky allegedly had not yet reviewed a U.S. peace proposal to end the war in Ukraine.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/trump-disappointed-zelensky-hasnt-read-us-peace-plan/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia&#39;s Oil Fleet SUNK! Ukraine&#39;s Drones Strike Terror | Jason Jay Smart, PhD, Political adviser</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/08/russias-oil-fleet-sunk-ukraines.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 07 Dec 2025 23:00:55 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/08/russias-oil-fleet-sunk-ukraines.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/6b87b8c5c4.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia&#39;s Oil Fleet SUNK! Ukraine&#39;s Drones Strike Terror | Jason Jay Smart, PhD, Political adviser&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQpvOLdPba0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Defence of Myrnohrad: Ukrainian army fighting to break out of encirclement, says analyst #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/07/defence-of-myrnohrad-ukrainian-army.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 07 Dec 2025 22:00:27 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/07/defence-of-myrnohrad-ukrainian-army.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/2fdcb2b76f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Defence of Myrnohrad: Ukrainian army fighting to break out of encirclement, says analyst #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/UW-PEckicMU&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Son of president who shut down US corruption watchdogs slams Ukraine for corruption</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/07/son-of-president-who-shut.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 07 Dec 2025 21:25:25 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/07/son-of-president-who-shut.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2243452650.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Son of president who shut down US corruption watchdogs slams Ukraine for corruption&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Donald Trump Jr. warned on Dec. 7 that his father may walk away from Ukraine, parroting Kremlin propaganda about corruption in Kyiv driving Russia&#39;s full-scale war against Ukraine.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/son-of-president-who-shut-down-us-corruption-watchdogs-slams-ukraine-for-corruption/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>War of attrition: Russian troops advance, but with heavy losses | Wrap-Up Analytics</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/07/war-of-attrition-russian-troops.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 07 Dec 2025 21:02:16 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/07/war-of-attrition-russian-troops.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/e4ecfbd700.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;War of attrition: Russian troops advance, but with heavy losses | Wrap-Up Analytics&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7N9p0c5uAiM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia is trying to destroy the dam of the Pechenihy Reservoir #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/07/russia-is-trying-to-destroy.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 07 Dec 2025 20:30:08 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/07/russia-is-trying-to-destroy.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/fa65b58ebe.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia is trying to destroy the dam of the Pechenihy Reservoir #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/PcvNBRrSAMQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia&#39;s Africa Corps committing war crimes in Mali, AP reports</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/07/russias-africa-corps-committing-war.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 07 Dec 2025 20:07:23 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/07/russias-africa-corps-committing-war.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2245403661.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia&#39;s Africa Corps committing war crimes in Mali, AP reports&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The AP spoke to 34 refugees who reported kidnappings, sexual assault, and civilian killings at the hands of the Africa Corps, a paramilitary group controlled by the Russian Defense Ministry.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russias-africa-corps-committing-war-crimes-in-mali-ap-reports/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Negotiations between Ukraine and the United States: Is peace possible?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/07/negotiations-between-ukraine-and-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 07 Dec 2025 19:33:14 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/07/negotiations-between-ukraine-and-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/eea6e53dfc.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Negotiations between Ukraine and the United States: Is peace possible?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZuJgTOiP8M&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest: Ukrainian drones score &#39;successful hit&#39; on Russia&#39;s Ryazan Oil Refinery, General Staff says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/07/ukraine-war-latest-ukrainian-drones.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 07 Dec 2025 18:46:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/07/ukraine-war-latest-ukrainian-drones.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/adb0558402.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest: Ukrainian drones score &#39;successful hit&#39; on Russia&#39;s Ryazan Oil Refinery, General Staff says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Key developments on Dec. 6-7:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Ukrainian drones score &#39;successful hit&#39; on Russia&#39;s Ryazan Oil Refinery, General Staff says&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Chornobyl protective shield &#39;lost its primary safety functions&#39; after Russian drone strike, UN nuclear agency warns&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Ukraine reports frontline gain in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast as Russia advances&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-ukrainian-drones-score-successful-hit-on-russias-ryazan-oil-refinery-general-staff-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>140 billion euros for Ukraine: Russia&#39;s frozen assets #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/07/billion-euros-for-ukraine-russias.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 07 Dec 2025 18:30:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/07/billion-euros-for-ukraine-russias.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/4c5c67a752.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;140 billion euros for Ukraine: Russia&#39;s frozen assets #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/rLxYbxWae2M&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine braces for &#39;critical damage&#39; after Russian strike on Kharkiv Oblast dam threatens water supply</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/07/ukraine-braces-for-critical-damage.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 07 Dec 2025 18:10:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/07/ukraine-braces-for-critical-damage.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-1673899833.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine braces for &#39;critical damage&#39; after Russian strike on Kharkiv Oblast dam threatens water supply&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russia attacked the Pechenihy dam on Dec. 7, threatening the reservoir that supplies water to Kharkiv, Ukraine&#39;s second-largest city.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-braces-for-critical-damage-after-russian-strike-on-kharkiv-oblast-dam-threatens-water-supply/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>300 billion dollars to Ukraine – Russian money working against the Kremlin! | Special report</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/07/billion-dollars-to-ukraine-russian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 07 Dec 2025 18:01:04 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/07/billion-dollars-to-ukraine-russian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/8a32966542.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;300 billion dollars to Ukraine – Russian money working against the Kremlin! | Special report&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyjxOmiYQZA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Looking for the 10 best Ukraine-related books of 2025? We’ve got you</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/07/looking-for-the-best-ukrainerelated.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 07 Dec 2025 17:21:22 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/07/looking-for-the-best-ukrainerelated.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/books-2025.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Looking for the 10 best Ukraine-related books of 2025? We’ve got you&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The year 2025 brought us more books about and from Ukraine that carry an inescapable heaviness, with war present on almost every page. Lives once shaped entirely by words continue to be cut short on the battlefield or under bombardment. Yet, thanks to the devotion of translators, publishers, and a&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/looking-for-the-10-best-ukraine-related-books-of-2025-weve-got-you/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia, China hold joint anti-missile drills on Russian territory</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/07/russia-china-hold-joint-antimissile.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 07 Dec 2025 17:18:54 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/07/russia-china-hold-joint-antimissile.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-53462764.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia, China hold joint anti-missile drills on Russian territory&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;China says recent joint anti-missile drills with Russia on Russian territory were routine and not aimed at any third party.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-china-conduct-joint-anti-missile-drills-in-russia/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Czech president says Europe may need to shoot down Russian aircraft, drones violating NATO airspace</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/07/czech-president-says-europe-may.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 07 Dec 2025 16:17:33 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/07/czech-president-says-europe-may.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2160995526.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Czech president says Europe may need to shoot down Russian aircraft, drones violating NATO airspace&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;European countries may have to start shooting down Russian aircraft and drones that violate NATO airspace if Moscow keeps testing the alliance&#39;s resolve, Czech President Petr Pavel said in an interview with the Sunday Times of London published Dec. 7.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&#34;I believe there will be a moment,&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/czech-president-pavel-says-europe-may-need-to-shoot-down-russian-aircraft-drones-violating-nato-airspace/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine reports frontline gain in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast as Russia advances in Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia oblasts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/07/ukraine-reports-frontline-gain-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 07 Dec 2025 15:56:42 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/07/ukraine-reports-frontline-gain-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/screen-shot-2025-12-07-at-16-06-33.png&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine reports frontline gain in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast as Russia advances in Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia oblasts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Amid an ongoing Russian offensive, Ukraine has liberated a village in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, the Ukrainian open-source mapping project DeepState and Ukraine&#39;s military reported.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-forces-liberate-1-village-lose-2-to-russian-advances-deepstate-and-military-reported/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Attack on Ukraine: energy sector under attack, casualties reported   #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/07/attack-on-ukraine-energy-sector.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 07 Dec 2025 15:39:21 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/07/attack-on-ukraine-energy-sector.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/9b240f8d91.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Attack on Ukraine: energy sector under attack, casualties reported   #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/faFhYla4OTU&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>STRIKES AGAINST UKRAINIAN ENERGY: Cities without water and heat supply!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/07/strikes-against-ukrainian-energy-cities.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 07 Dec 2025 15:15:51 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/07/strikes-against-ukrainian-energy-cities.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/940c874d04.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;STRIKES AGAINST UKRAINIAN ENERGY: Cities without water and heat supply!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVWXquggSL0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>At least 2 killed, 19 injured in Russian attacks across Ukraine over past day</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/07/at-least-killed-injured-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 07 Dec 2025 14:14:21 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/07/at-least-killed-injured-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/595547669-1398083841969532-1108381778965431414-n.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;At least 2 killed, 19 injured in Russian attacks across Ukraine over past day&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russia launched five ballistic missiles and 241 drones at Ukraine overnight, the Air Force reported.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-attacks-kill-at-least-injure-across-ukraine-over-past-day/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Trump&#39;s strategy for diminished America</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/07/trumps-strategy-for-diminished-america.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 07 Dec 2025 14:03:09 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/07/trumps-strategy-for-diminished-america.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/961c3aa1-429f-4db9-b46b-3314574ac83c-594x396.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Trump&#39;s strategy for diminished America&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!WTCu!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F00a4abcc-1f7e-43c8-b920-858d2e39b52e_1500x500.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f00a4abcc-1.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;485&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/00a4abcc-1f7e-43c8-b920-858d2e39b52e_1500x500.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:485,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:true,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; fetchpriority=&#34;high&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!EHKf!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F71de0a76-4288-427b-8fbd-8e007c5a2852_594x396.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f71de0a76-4.jpg&#34; width=&#34;594&#34; height=&#34;396&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/71de0a76-4288-427b-8fbd-8e007c5a2852_594x396.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:396,&#34;width&#34;:594,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:87288,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:&#34;image/jpeg&#34;,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:&#34;[www.counteroffensive.news/i/1809475...](https://www.counteroffensive.news/i/180947550?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F71de0a76-4288-427b-8fbd-8e007c5a2852_594x396.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;US President Donald Trump attends a Cabinet Meeting on December 2, 2025. (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP via Getty Images)&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;This sure isn’t Trump 1.0.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A few days ago the White House put out a new &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2025-National-Security-Strategy.pdf&#34;&gt;National Security Strategy&lt;/a&gt; that lays out how it views America’s place in the world. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It’s a vivid example of how Trump’s second term is much more beholden to the isolationist, morally ambivalent wing of MAGA.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;After the paywall:&lt;br&gt;-What does Trump’s National Security Strategy say about Ukraine?&lt;br&gt;-How will America be intervening politically in European affairs?&lt;br&gt;-How does the Trump White House view authoritarianism and human rights?&lt;br&gt;–Tim’s stark assessment of the strategy.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
      &lt;p&gt;
          &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/trumps-strategy-for-diminished-america&#34;&gt;
              Read more
          &lt;/a&gt;
      &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/trumps-strategy-for-diminished-america&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Trump’s peace plan hits a wall | Ukraine This Week</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/07/trumps-peace-plan-hits-a.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 07 Dec 2025 14:02:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/07/trumps-peace-plan-hits-a.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/utw-7-12-2-8-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Trump’s peace plan hits a wall | Ukraine This Week&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;In the latest episode of Ukraine This Week, the Kyiv Independent’s Anna Belokur reports on another failed round of U.S.-Russia diplomacy over a controversial peace plan, as Moscow presses ahead on the battlefield and advances in and near Pokrovsk.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/trumps-peace-plan-hits-a-wall-ukraine-this-week/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Kellogg claims Ukraine peace deal close, with Donetsk, ZNPP among key sticking points</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/07/kellogg-claims-ukraine-peace-deal.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 07 Dec 2025 13:12:48 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/07/kellogg-claims-ukraine-peace-deal.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/bc76098935.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Kellogg claims Ukraine peace deal close, with Donetsk, ZNPP among key sticking points&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Trump envoy Keith Kellogg says a Ukraine peace deal is in its “final stretch” as talks focus on territorial concessions and security guarantees.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/kellogg-claims-ukraine-peace-deal-close-with-donetsk-zaporizhzhia-among-key-sticking-points/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Locals report explosions near Engels airfield, oil depot in Russia&#39;s Saratov Oblast amid overnight drone attacks</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/07/locals-report-explosions-near-engels.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 07 Dec 2025 12:01:35 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/07/locals-report-explosions-near-engels.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/screen-shot-2025-12-07-at-12-38-22.png&#34; alt=&#34;Locals report explosions near Engels airfield, oil depot in Russia&#39;s Saratov Oblast amid overnight drone attacks&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Locals reported explosions near the Engels airfield and an oil depot amid overnight drone attacks in Russia’s Saratov and Rostov oblasts.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/explosions-and-power-line-tower-damage-reported-in-drone-strikes-on-russias-rostov-saratov-oblasts/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>General Staff: Russia has lost 1,180,870 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/07/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 07 Dec 2025 09:48:29 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/07/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2226851026.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;General Staff: Russia has lost 1,180,870 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The number includes 1,080 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/general-staff-russia-has-lost-1-179-790-troops-in-ukraine-since-feb-24-2022-2/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Vilnius airport halts flights for 3rd time this week after balloon sightings</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/07/vilnius-airport-halts-flights-for.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 07 Dec 2025 05:04:16 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/07/vilnius-airport-halts-flights-for.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/7912a94e87.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Vilnius airport halts flights for 3rd time this week after balloon sightings&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Operations at Vilnius International Airport were briefly suspended on Dec. 6 after unidentified objects — believed to be Belarusian balloons — were detected in the surrounding airspace, the airport said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The incident marks such disruption in Lithuania this week, with Vilnius facing repeated flight interruptions over the past months.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;European&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/vilnius-airport-halts-flights-for-third-time-this-week-after-balloon-sightings/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Explosions reported in Kremenchuk as Russia launches barrage of missiles, drones towards central Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/07/explosions-reported-in-kremenchuk-as.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 07 Dec 2025 01:02:27 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/07/explosions-reported-in-kremenchuk-as.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/4dcd356846.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Explosions reported in Kremenchuk as Russia launches barrage of missiles, drones towards central Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russian forces launched a large-scale attack on the central Ukrainian city of Kremenchuk overnight on Dec. 6, officials reported.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/explosions-reported-in-kremenchuk-as-russia-launches-barrage-of-missiles-drones-towards-central-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Putin does not want peace; he likes it when people ask him for it  #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/07/putin-does-not-want-peace.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 06 Dec 2025 23:00:11 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/07/putin-does-not-want-peace.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/24cde0d155.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Putin does not want peace; he likes it when people ask him for it  #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Ct_zw14ftsg&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine’s lights still burn, even if not all the time</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/06/ukraines-lights-still-burn-even.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 06 Dec 2025 22:00:20 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/06/ukraines-lights-still-burn-even.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2247861886.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine’s lights still burn, even if not all the time&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;About the author: Chris Hennemeyer is a longtime humanitarian worker who spent nearly 40 years in crisis zones across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, the Balkans, Haiti, and briefly Ukraine. Since retiring in 2022, he has spent half of each year volunteering in Ukraine.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I wake in the early morning&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-lights-still-burn-just-not-all-the-time/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>The Kremlin&#39;s cynicism: Putin is &amp;amp;quot;ready for peace&amp;amp;quot; without stopping the war | Explainer</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/06/the-kremlins-cynicism-putin-is.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 06 Dec 2025 21:48:47 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/06/the-kremlins-cynicism-putin-is.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/d9192d7bc4.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;The Kremlin&#39;s cynicism: Putin is &amp;quot;ready for peace&amp;quot; without stopping the war | Explainer&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6K9PjN0lCyo&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine will not accept any peace deal requiring territorial concessions, Syrskyi tells UK broadcaster</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/06/ukraine-will-not-accept-any.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 06 Dec 2025 21:37:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/06/ukraine-will-not-accept-any.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2208710766.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine will not accept any peace deal requiring territorial concessions, Syrskyi tells UK broadcaster&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;“There are no pauses, no delays in (Russia&#39;s) operations. They keep pushing their troops forward to seize as much of our territory as possible under the cover of negotiations,&#34; Syrskyi said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-will-not-accept-any-peace-deal-requiring-territorial-concessions-syrskyi-tells-uk-broadcaster/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Sarmat has failed! Russia&#39;s &amp;amp;quot;unique&amp;amp;quot; missile does not work #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/06/sarmat-has-failed-russias-ampquotuniqueampquot.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 06 Dec 2025 21:30:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/06/sarmat-has-failed-russias-ampquotuniqueampquot.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/a98c1b41ab.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Sarmat has failed! Russia&#39;s &amp;quot;unique&amp;quot; missile does not work #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/gKLctMTQv98&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>RUSSIA&#39;S HUMILIATION! Kremlin missiles are breaking down and exploding over the federation!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/06/russias-humiliation-kremlin-missiles-are.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 06 Dec 2025 20:17:24 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/06/russias-humiliation-kremlin-missiles-are.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/77a2e29f52.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;RUSSIA&#39;S HUMILIATION! Kremlin missiles are breaking down and exploding over the federation!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wruYyPJfqIM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>How Ukraine became one of the 20 strongest armies in the world #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/06/how-ukraine-became-one-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 06 Dec 2025 19:27:59 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/06/how-ukraine-became-one-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/d17ce1b1c5.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;How Ukraine became one of the 20 strongest armies in the world #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/_YJ6WuBu4KU&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Defenders of Ukraine Day! Kyiv urges pressure on Russia and eliminates 1,000&#43; occupiers daily</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/06/defenders-of-ukraine-day-kyiv.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 06 Dec 2025 19:00:22 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/06/defenders-of-ukraine-day-kyiv.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/dedae7c1b7.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Defenders of Ukraine Day! Kyiv urges pressure on Russia and eliminates 1,000+ occupiers daily&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfZHk5Oub1c&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Culture against missiles: how music became a weapon of war in Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/06/culture-against-missiles-how-music.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 06 Dec 2025 18:01:26 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/06/culture-against-missiles-how-music.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/6e59d2f2a7.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Culture against missiles: how music became a weapon of war in Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rk5K-rhegsY&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Zelensky reports &#39;long and substantive call&#39; with Witkoff, Kushner</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/06/zelensky-reports-long-and-substantive.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 06 Dec 2025 17:52:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/06/zelensky-reports-long-and-substantive.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/08eb6931a8.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky reports &#39;long and substantive call&#39; with Witkoff, Kushner&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;Ukraine is determined to keep working in good faith with the American side to genuinely achieve peace. We agreed on the next steps and formats for talks with the United States,&#34; Zelensky wrote on Dec. 6.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-reports-long-and-substantive-call-with-witkoff-kushner/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Chornobyl protective shield &#39;lost its primary safety functions&#39; after Russian drone strike, UN nuclear agency warns</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/06/chornobyl-protective-shield-lost-its.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 06 Dec 2025 16:59:22 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/06/chornobyl-protective-shield-lost-its.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/e394f868ac.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Chornobyl protective shield &#39;lost its primary safety functions&#39; after Russian drone strike, UN nuclear agency warns&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russia’s drone strike caused a fire that burned the outer cladding of the shelter.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/chornobyl-shield-has-lost-its-primary-safety-functions-un-nuclear-agency-warns/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>“They embody all of us – all of Ukraine.” – Zelensky&#39;s address on Armed Forces Day</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/06/they-embody-all-of-us.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 06 Dec 2025 16:51:03 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/06/they-embody-all-of-us.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/3cc0765a5c.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;“They embody all of us – all of Ukraine.” – Zelensky&#39;s address on Armed Forces Day&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jEiRCXqAn4&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Why Ukraine rejects Russia&#39;s 600,000 army cap demand</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/06/why-ukraine-rejects-russias-army.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 06 Dec 2025 16:09:58 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/06/why-ukraine-rejects-russias-army.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/img-1384.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Why Ukraine rejects Russia&#39;s 600,000 army cap demand&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russia failed to break Ukraine’s army on the battlefield, and now it’s trying to do it through a peace plan that would cap Ukraine’s forces at 600,000. Some argue that Ukraine would shrink its army — currently estimated at about 800,000 — after the war anyway.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/why-ukraine-rejects-russias-600-000-army-cap-demand/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Poland scrambled its air force in response to Russia&#39;s attacks on Ukraine #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/06/poland-scrambled-its-air-force.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 06 Dec 2025 15:58:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/06/poland-scrambled-its-air-force.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/ea71c6e7ce.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Poland scrambled its air force in response to Russia&#39;s attacks on Ukraine #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/PHBJiEZWLxc&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Zelensky to visit London amid push for peace</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/06/zelensky-to-visit-london-amid.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 06 Dec 2025 15:28:38 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/06/zelensky-to-visit-london-amid.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/4c4d9b8d99.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky to visit London amid push for peace&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Zelensky will also meet with the leaders of France and Germany in the British capital on Monday.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-to-visit-london-amid-push-for-peace/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>HORROR! Russia TERRORISES Ukrainian cities on holiday – people injured, houses damaged!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/06/horror-russia-terrorises-ukrainian-cities.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 06 Dec 2025 15:15:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/06/horror-russia-terrorises-ukrainian-cities.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/ebcd4eb23c.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;HORROR! Russia TERRORISES Ukrainian cities on holiday – people injured, houses damaged!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSDRo_hPPI0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>How China would cut Taiwan off</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/06/how-china-would-cut-taiwan.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 06 Dec 2025 15:02:53 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/06/how-china-would-cut-taiwan.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f8fb101d1-6.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;How China would cut Taiwan off&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!yBiR!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fda6c5624-eb77-4521-b4df-6fca6f9b8191_1500x500.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fda6c5624-e.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;485&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/da6c5624-eb77-4521-b4df-6fca6f9b8191_1500x500.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:485,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:&#34;&#34;,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:true,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; title=&#34;&#34; fetchpriority=&#34;high&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor’s Note: This is our monthly supplemental issue on Taiwan!&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;We believe that empathy and authoritarianism can’t mix – that when we tell deeply-reported human stories of people threatened by dictators, it compels people to act against injustice.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Agree with us? Upgrade now to support our work.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Get Full Access!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Get Full Access!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Subscribe for Free&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Subscribe for Free&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;The sound of the ocean reminds most people of peace and silence.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;However, as one of the most hostile waters in the world, the Taiwan Strait has been neither peaceful nor silent for a while.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In September 2022, the Taiwanese Coast Guard sent a warning to the Chinese Coast Guard for getting too close to Taiwanese waters.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Chinese yelled back, explicitly: “Motherf*cker. You are an idiot”.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-component-name=&#34;AudioPlaceholder&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;label&#34;:null,&#34;mediaUploadId&#34;:&#34;3416c6c2-c17d-4a9a-8393-ee2bb8edc79f&#34;,&#34;duration&#34;:27.977142,&#34;downloadable&#34;:false,&#34;isEditorNode&#34;:true}&#39; data-sanitized-class=&#34;native-audio-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;An exclusive recording of radio communications between the Taiwanese and Chinese Coast Guards, obtained by The Counteroffensive. It captures the exchange described above.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;These kinds of tensions between the two coast guards have become routine since 2022, when the former Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, visited Taiwan, which China claims to be part of its territory. Right after Pelosi departed, the Chinese army upped its aggression, including starting a military exercise.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The provocative actions continued, not only to intimidate the Taiwanese but also to set up a possible future operation: a blockade of Taiwan.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;According to the Ministry of Taiwan’s monitoring &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.mnd.gov.tw/PublishTable.aspx?Types=%E5%8D%B3%E6%99%82%E8%BB%8D%E4%BA%8B%E5%8B%95%E6%85%8B&amp;title=%E5%9C%8B%E9%98%B2%E6%B6%88%E6%81%AF&amp;Page=1&#34;&gt;system&lt;/a&gt;, Chinese aircrafts are detected crossing the middle line of the Taiwan Strait every day. Most of the time, they are accompanied by Chinese naval battleships. These moves are silent to the Taiwanese public, but U.S. wargaming shows how quickly they could escalate. A CSIS study that ran 26 blockade wargames &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.csis.org/analysis/lights-out-wargaming-chinese-blockade-taiwan&#34;&gt;found&lt;/a&gt; that “almost all scenarios entailed casualties.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If China took control of the Taiwan Strait, it could pose a significant national security threat to Taiwan, accelerating the pace of taking over the island. A blockade in the Taiwan Strait wouldn’t just disrupt chip trade, with Taiwan as the world’s leading supplier.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It could push the world into its deepest political divide since the Cold War.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f8fb101d1-6.jpg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/7193ec81bc.jpg&#34; width=&#34;530&#34; height=&#34;353.4546703296703&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/8fb101d1-6caf-4017-9420-b8feac7943b4_1600x1067.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:971,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:530,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Taiwanese troops practicing countering a potential Chinese amphibious landing. Source: Taiwan Ministry of National Defense.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;id&#34;:415615}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;PollToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;poll-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Jack Yu, now 37 and living in Taipei, used to dream of becoming a chef. But he failed to reach the required score on his college entry test. His uncle, who had been a sailor for decades, suggested another option — joining a ship’s crew. It could promise Jack Yu a more vivid life and, of course, a higher paycheck.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;So, Jack started as a sailor — maintaining security equipment and keeping a lookout became his daily routine. If he were to trace the route of his travels on a map, parts of the world would be nothing but a web of lines: the furthest he’s been is past South India, to the Gulf of Aden, and over to Europe via the Suez Canal.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;There is one thing that Jack has always hated: being cut off from the world and his family. The days blurred into eternity for him. The same sea, the same waves, the same faces surrounding him on the ship. Each day, his heart grew heavier, longing to go home.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;During his service, Jack also sailed on the Taiwan Strait numerous times.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!s4zW!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F8619f5bc-3c7a-41eb-9798-be55f57aaa8e_690x604.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f8619f5bc-3.png&#34; width=&#34;484&#34; height=&#34;423.6753623188406&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/8619f5bc-3c7a-41eb-9798-be55f57aaa8e_690x604.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:604,&#34;width&#34;:690,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:484,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;The Taiwan Strait, a public water that China claims to have authority over. As the Chinese are planning to blockade Taiwan, tension at the Taiwan Strait has intensified. Photo from Google Maps.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;“The weather on the Taiwan Strait is quite challenging, especially in the winter,” Jack said. “We encountered a few big waves, I had the worst motion sickness.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Jack and the other sailors in the crew know that they are in charge of a billion-dollar economic value of shipping cargoes, which include electronic devices, metal materials, food, and medicines. Delivering the cargo intact is their responsibility.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Taiwan is an island. Our country relies on trade to run functionally,” Jack said. “If Taiwan faced a blockade and lost the critical resources, Taiwan wouldn’t survive for too long, but surrender.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The CSIS report reached a similar conclusion: Taiwan can withstand non-military pressure from China, but once the PLA introduces submarines or mines, Taiwan cannot hold alone. In simulations where Taiwan fought without direct U.S. intervention, 40 percent of inbound ships were destroyed, even when Taiwan received Western support.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Taiwan Agriculture Minister Chen Junne-jih said that in addition to public grain reserves, private sector stocks bring the total supply to about one year.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In recent years, Beijing has intensified its ‘Grey Zone Warfare’ to &lt;a href=&#34;https://indsr.org.tw/respublicationcon?uid=12&amp;resid=3027&amp;pid=5631&#34;&gt;threaten&lt;/a&gt; regional security in the Taiwan Strait even more, constantly moving the line between peace and direct aggression.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For example, its dual-use and unmarked vessels have been pretending to be those of fishermen while conducting surveillance on Taiwan. Taiwanese Coast Guard &lt;a href=&#34;https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/society/paper/1707340&#34;&gt;data&lt;/a&gt; shows they have expelled almost 3,700 Chinese civilian vessels from 2022 to 2025, which the Taiwanese  describe as the ‘ocean militia.’&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Jack knows how to sail in dangerous waters. He already encountered them in the Red Sea when the Somali pirates were rampant. Back in 2013, when he sailed through, the threat prevented civilian vessels from peacefully sailing those waters, as pirates often attacked them.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“One time, our ship was surrounded by many small boats when we were passing the Gulf of Aden [Strait near Somalia],” Jack recalled. “The pirates dominated the area, and shots were being fired at the time.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The captain reacted fast and immediately sped up to escape. A few hours later, they got away from the pirates. It was the most dangerous experience Jack has ever had. He was so nervous, thinking only about how to survive. Luckily, they did not fall into the hands of pirates.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;But unlike the Gulf of Aden, the Taiwan Strait is not just a piracy risk. The CSIS study found that a blockade in the Strait would quickly become high-casualty and high-risk for everyone involved. On average, simulations involving U.S. intervention resulted in the loss of hundreds of American aircraft and dozens of warships.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!2x_1!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd858d993-6aaa-448d-b3db-9ec3ad490690_720x1040.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fd858d993-6.jpg&#34; width=&#34;332&#34; height=&#34;479.55555555555554&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/d858d993-6aaa-448d-b3db-9ec3ad490690_720x1040.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1040,&#34;width&#34;:720,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:332,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;The Taiwanese Defense Ministry monitors the Chinese military actions around the middle line of the Taiwan Strait every day. Source: Taiwan Ministry of National Defense.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Taiwan Strait could become a hot spot, but Jack believes the Chinese aren’t planning to make it like the Gulf of Aden, a dangerous zone for commercial vessels. As one of the biggest exporting countries in the world, China has its commercial ships passing the Taiwan Strait to Europe and America every day. The Chinese wouldn’t want to jeopardize their commercial interests.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“China only wants to damage Taiwan’s economy,” Jack explained. “They wouldn’t block commercial shipping passing the Taiwan Strait. All they need to do is stop the ships coming into Taiwan.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If a blockade happened, Taiwan would lose the essential imported resources, including military support that can assist in the fight against the Chinese invasion.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!YaaL!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F30d9a10a-a3d0-4af4-9f26-e7f1df821859_1083x500.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f30d9a10a-a.png&#34; width=&#34;596&#34; height=&#34;275.16158818097875&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/30d9a10a-a3d0-4af4-9f26-e7f1df821859_1083x500.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:500,&#34;width&#34;:1083,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:596,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;A Chinese Coast Guard boat violated the Kinmen waters in August 2025. Source: The Taiwanese Coast Guard.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-component-name=&#34;AudioPlaceholder&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;label&#34;:null,&#34;mediaUploadId&#34;:&#34;13d81987-1a88-4f47-8cbf-1c922523f624&#34;,&#34;duration&#34;:31.399183,&#34;downloadable&#34;:false,&#34;isEditorNode&#34;:true}&#39; data-sanitized-class=&#34;native-audio-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;The Chinese Coast Guard claimed that Taiwan doesn’t have legal authority over the Taiwan Strait and is part of China due to the UN resolution 2758, passed in 1971. An exclusive clip of a radio communication between the Taiwanese and the Chinese Coast Guard obtained by The Counteroffensive.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Mr. Lin, a current Taiwanese Coast Guard crew member, asked to remain anonymous due to rules about talking to the press. He told &lt;em&gt;The Counteroffensive&lt;/em&gt; that conflicts like this have become routine for the Taiwanese Coast Guard.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!6vpB!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff62706e9-6bc6-43f7-bfb2-41eeb1803739_1600x1021.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2ff62706e9-6.png&#34; width=&#34;544&#34; height=&#34;347.0989010989011&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/f62706e9-6bc6-43f7-bfb2-41eeb1803739_1600x1021.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:929,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:544,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;The Chinese Coast Guard ship 3102 turned off the identification system and violated Taiwan’s restricted waters in the southwest area in October 2025. Source: the Taiwanese Coast Guard.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;The battle on the ocean exposes the disadvantages Taiwan faces in terms of the scale and size of the facilities. The Chiayi-class patrol vessel is the heaviest in the Taiwanese Coast Guard. Its water displacement is 5,044 tons, only half of the Chinese Coast Guard vessels that normally patrol.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!UH-S!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fdcda78ac-7696-4d95-b919-8a778b856a0e_1600x1040.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fdcda78ac-7.jpg&#34; width=&#34;490&#34; height=&#34;318.36538461538464&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/dcda78ac-7696-4d95-b919-8a778b856a0e_1600x1040.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:946,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:490,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;The Taiwanese Coast Guard’s heaviest Chiayi-class patrol vessel is only half the size of the Chinese Coast Guard vessels. Source: Taiwanese Coast Guard.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Taiwan Strait can be seen in many ways as an advantage in defending against China, yet, in the case of a blockade, it could be a weak spot for Taiwan.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Jack plans to stockpile some food if a war happens, likening it to preparing for a typhoon. But he also plans to live in the moment and play it by ear.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Jack believes that contributing to the country’s defense could be the best option for him. “I have [marine] experience; they could send me to the troops at the coast. I’ve assisted in managing the naval mines when I served in the military,” said Jack, believing that worrying about the war doesn’t help.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;But one thing is very difficult to store: energy. Taiwan’s energy grid is its most fragile pressure point. CSIS found that in every scenario, Taiwan’s natural gas reserves lasted only 10 days. Coal was able to hold out for about seven weeks and oil for twenty weeks, assuming distribution is thoughtfully managed. \. Almost all energy supply &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.moeaea.gov.tw/ECW/populace/content/Content.aspx?menu_id=14435#:~:text=113%E5%B9%B4%E8%83%BD%E6%BA%90%E4%BE%9B%E7%B5%A6%E6%A6%82%E6%B3%81,%E3%80%81%E5%8D%A0%E6%AF%94%E7%82%BA4.2%25%E3%80%82&#34;&gt;comes&lt;/a&gt; from imported sources, including 21.5 percent of liquified natural gas used for power generation. After that, Taiwan may be plunged into darkness, panicking the public and creating chaos.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;After 10 days without liquified natural gas, CSIS concluded, Taiwan would begin experiencing blackouts and public panic.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Former U.S. Naval Intelligence Commander &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.ocac.gov.tw/OCAC/Eng/Pages/Detail.aspx?nodeid=329&amp;pid=78241780&#34;&gt;Mike Studeman&lt;/a&gt; once suggested that, for the sake of energy security, Taiwan needs at least one nuclear power plant to prepare for a Chinese invasion.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!IzIT!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F9bd8be98-4ead-4ede-8331-e7a86a35c602_1024x768.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f9bd8be98-4.jpg&#34; width=&#34;470&#34; height=&#34;352.5&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/9bd8be98-4ead-4ede-8331-e7a86a35c602_1024x768.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:768,&#34;width&#34;:1024,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:470,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;The LNG transporting ship docks at the LNG receiving station in Taoyuan. Source: CPC Corporation, Taiwan.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;The ruling party in Taiwan, the Democratic Progressive Party, has toned down its long-standing anti-nuclear stance. The party leader and President William Lai stated that the government wouldn’t exclude advanced nuclear technology.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Jack believes that even if the Chinese blockade of Taiwan is successful, it will still impact other countries, especially because the high-end chips produced by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.cna.com.tw/news/afe/202503100251.aspx&#34;&gt;make up&lt;/a&gt; more than 67 percent of the global market, making it the top company in the world. With the global development of AI, TSMC chips are a critical part of the supply chain.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Do other countries want these chips to fall into China’s hands?” Jack asked himself. “Countries all over the world would be impacted.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The people securing Taiwan’s waters are faced with a challenge.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“One of the reasons I quit the sailor job was because the loneliness was unbearable on the ship,” Jack said. “The longest time I was away from home was more than seven months.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The waters of the strait can be serene – but also a terribly isolating place.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Days feel like years,” said Jack. “Loneliness is a bigger enemy.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor’s Note: This is our monthly supplemental issue on Taiwan!&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;We believe that empathy and authoritarianism can’t mix – that when we tell deeply-reported human stories of people threatened by dictators, it compels people to act against injustice.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Agree with us? Upgrade now to support our work.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Tip Jar&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Tip Jar&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;WAR POETRY:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;Anna Bowles is a writer, editor, and activist who has spent a year in Ukraine over the course of six trips since the start of the full-scale invasion. She blogs her travels at &lt;a href=&#34;http://annabowles.substack.com/&#34;&gt;Anna Talks Ukraine&lt;/a&gt; and has shared with &lt;em&gt;The Counteroffensive&lt;/em&gt; her poem “We Are Not in This Field” from her debut collection &lt;em&gt;Landscape with Mines,&lt;/em&gt; published December 2nd. Our readers now have a first look at this powerful new work, published by Mica Press.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-component-name=&#34;PreformattedTextBlockToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;preformatted-block&#34;&gt;&lt;label contenteditable=&#34;false&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;hide-text&#34;&gt;Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when published&lt;/label&gt;&lt;pre data-sanitized-class=&#34;text&#34;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;We Are Not In This Field&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/pre&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-component-name=&#34;PreformattedTextBlockToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;preformatted-block&#34;&gt;&lt;label contenteditable=&#34;false&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;hide-text&#34;&gt;Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when published&lt;/label&gt;&lt;pre data-sanitized-class=&#34;text&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;East Ukraine, Winter, 2024&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/pre&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-component-name=&#34;PreformattedTextBlockToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;preformatted-block&#34;&gt;&lt;label contenteditable=&#34;false&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;hide-text&#34;&gt;Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when published&lt;/label&gt;&lt;pre data-sanitized-class=&#34;text&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;We are not in this field. We are humanitarians,&lt;/pre&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-component-name=&#34;PreformattedTextBlockToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;preformatted-block&#34;&gt;&lt;label contenteditable=&#34;false&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;hide-text&#34;&gt;Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when published&lt;/label&gt;&lt;pre data-sanitized-class=&#34;text&#34;&gt;headed to the village with thermal underwear&lt;/pre&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-component-name=&#34;PreformattedTextBlockToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;preformatted-block&#34;&gt;&lt;label contenteditable=&#34;false&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;hide-text&#34;&gt;Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when published&lt;/label&gt;&lt;pre data-sanitized-class=&#34;text&#34;&gt;in boxes stamped &lt;em&gt;Civilian Use Only.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/pre&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-component-name=&#34;PreformattedTextBlockToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;preformatted-block&#34;&gt;&lt;label contenteditable=&#34;false&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;hide-text&#34;&gt;Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when published&lt;/label&gt;&lt;pre data-sanitized-class=&#34;text&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The daylight is fading. Freezing rain.&lt;/pre&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-component-name=&#34;PreformattedTextBlockToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;preformatted-block&#34;&gt;&lt;label contenteditable=&#34;false&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;hide-text&#34;&gt;Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when published&lt;/label&gt;&lt;pre data-sanitized-class=&#34;text&#34;&gt;The soldier says there were ninety in his battalion,&lt;/pre&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-component-name=&#34;PreformattedTextBlockToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;preformatted-block&#34;&gt;&lt;label contenteditable=&#34;false&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;hide-text&#34;&gt;Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when published&lt;/label&gt;&lt;pre data-sanitized-class=&#34;text&#34;&gt;forty are left… But we are not in this field.&lt;/pre&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-component-name=&#34;PreformattedTextBlockToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;preformatted-block&#34;&gt;&lt;label contenteditable=&#34;false&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;hide-text&#34;&gt;Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when published&lt;/label&gt;&lt;pre data-sanitized-class=&#34;text&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;My fists are jammed hard into my pockets.&lt;/pre&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-component-name=&#34;PreformattedTextBlockToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;preformatted-block&#34;&gt;&lt;label contenteditable=&#34;false&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;hide-text&#34;&gt;Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when published&lt;/label&gt;&lt;pre data-sanitized-class=&#34;text&#34;&gt;The livestock are gone. The villagers said,&lt;/pre&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-component-name=&#34;PreformattedTextBlockToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;preformatted-block&#34;&gt;&lt;label contenteditable=&#34;false&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;hide-text&#34;&gt;Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when published&lt;/label&gt;&lt;pre data-sanitized-class=&#34;text&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Don’t waste stuff on us, the army need it.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/pre&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-component-name=&#34;PreformattedTextBlockToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;preformatted-block&#34;&gt;&lt;label contenteditable=&#34;false&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;hide-text&#34;&gt;Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when published&lt;/label&gt;&lt;pre data-sanitized-class=&#34;text&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The soldier backs his van up to ours. We might&lt;/pre&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-component-name=&#34;PreformattedTextBlockToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;preformatted-block&#34;&gt;&lt;label contenteditable=&#34;false&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;hide-text&#34;&gt;Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when published&lt;/label&gt;&lt;pre data-sanitized-class=&#34;text&#34;&gt;mislay a box or two, or forget some paperwork.&lt;/pre&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-component-name=&#34;PreformattedTextBlockToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;preformatted-block&#34;&gt;&lt;label contenteditable=&#34;false&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;hide-text&#34;&gt;Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when published&lt;/label&gt;&lt;pre data-sanitized-class=&#34;text&#34;&gt;As humanitarians, we were not in this field.&lt;/pre&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-component-name=&#34;PreformattedTextBlockToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;preformatted-block&#34;&gt;&lt;label contenteditable=&#34;false&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;hide-text&#34;&gt;Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when published&lt;/label&gt;&lt;pre data-sanitized-class=&#34;text&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In a month, the village will be rubble. The Russians&lt;/pre&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-component-name=&#34;PreformattedTextBlockToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;preformatted-block&#34;&gt;&lt;label contenteditable=&#34;false&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;hide-text&#34;&gt;Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when published&lt;/label&gt;&lt;pre data-sanitized-class=&#34;text&#34;&gt;will rape the women in this field. The soldier’s eyes gleam.&lt;/pre&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-component-name=&#34;PreformattedTextBlockToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;preformatted-block&#34;&gt;&lt;label contenteditable=&#34;false&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;hide-text&#34;&gt;Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when published&lt;/label&gt;&lt;pre data-sanitized-class=&#34;text&#34;&gt;As he tells us about his kids, he is not in this field.&lt;/pre&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-component-name=&#34;PreformattedTextBlockToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;preformatted-block&#34;&gt;&lt;label contenteditable=&#34;false&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;hide-text&#34;&gt;Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when published&lt;/label&gt;&lt;pre data-sanitized-class=&#34;text&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Anna Bowles&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/pre&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-component-name=&#34;PreformattedTextBlockToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;preformatted-block&#34;&gt;&lt;label contenteditable=&#34;false&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;hide-text&#34;&gt;Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when published&lt;/label&gt;&lt;pre data-sanitized-class=&#34;text&#34;&gt;&lt;/pre&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;First published in &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.collateraljournal.com/&#34;&gt;Collateral Journal 10.1&lt;/a&gt; and in &lt;em&gt;Landscape with Mines&lt;/em&gt; (Mica Press, 2025)&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;hr&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Here’s the Ukrainian translation of the poem, by Khrystyna Radchenko:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-component-name=&#34;PreformattedTextBlockToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;preformatted-block&#34;&gt;&lt;label contenteditable=&#34;false&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;hide-text&#34;&gt;Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when published&lt;/label&gt;&lt;pre data-sanitized-class=&#34;text&#34;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Це не наше поле бою&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/pre&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-component-name=&#34;PreformattedTextBlockToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;preformatted-block&#34;&gt;&lt;label contenteditable=&#34;false&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;hide-text&#34;&gt;Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when published&lt;/label&gt;&lt;pre data-sanitized-class=&#34;text&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Це не наше поле бою. Ми лише волонтери&lt;/pre&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-component-name=&#34;PreformattedTextBlockToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;preformatted-block&#34;&gt;&lt;label contenteditable=&#34;false&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;hide-text&#34;&gt;Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when published&lt;/label&gt;&lt;pre data-sanitized-class=&#34;text&#34;&gt;З гумдопомогою. Веземо термобілизну в села&lt;/pre&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-component-name=&#34;PreformattedTextBlockToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;preformatted-block&#34;&gt;&lt;label contenteditable=&#34;false&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;hide-text&#34;&gt;Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when published&lt;/label&gt;&lt;pre data-sanitized-class=&#34;text&#34;&gt;В коробках, позначених «Тільки для цивільних».&lt;/pre&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-component-name=&#34;PreformattedTextBlockToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;preformatted-block&#34;&gt;&lt;label contenteditable=&#34;false&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;hide-text&#34;&gt;Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when published&lt;/label&gt;&lt;pre data-sanitized-class=&#34;text&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Смеркається. Дощ. Холод собачий.&lt;/pre&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-component-name=&#34;PreformattedTextBlockToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;preformatted-block&#34;&gt;&lt;label contenteditable=&#34;false&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;hide-text&#34;&gt;Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when published&lt;/label&gt;&lt;pre data-sanitized-class=&#34;text&#34;&gt;Із дев’яноста в батальйоні, каже солдат розпачливо,&lt;/pre&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-component-name=&#34;PreformattedTextBlockToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;preformatted-block&#34;&gt;&lt;label contenteditable=&#34;false&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;hide-text&#34;&gt;Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when published&lt;/label&gt;&lt;pre data-sanitized-class=&#34;text&#34;&gt;Лишилося сорок&amp;hellip; Та це не наше поле бою&lt;/pre&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-component-name=&#34;PreformattedTextBlockToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;preformatted-block&#34;&gt;&lt;label contenteditable=&#34;false&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;hide-text&#34;&gt;Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when published&lt;/label&gt;&lt;pre data-sanitized-class=&#34;text&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Руки в кишенях стиснуті в кулаки.&lt;/pre&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-component-name=&#34;PreformattedTextBlockToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;preformatted-block&#34;&gt;&lt;label contenteditable=&#34;false&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;hide-text&#34;&gt;Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when published&lt;/label&gt;&lt;pre data-sanitized-class=&#34;text&#34;&gt;Худоби вже нема. Дід бере слово:&lt;/pre&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-component-name=&#34;PreformattedTextBlockToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;preformatted-block&#34;&gt;&lt;label contenteditable=&#34;false&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;hide-text&#34;&gt;Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when published&lt;/label&gt;&lt;pre data-sanitized-class=&#34;text&#34;&gt;Не марнуйте на нас, віддайте військовим&lt;/pre&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-component-name=&#34;PreformattedTextBlockToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;preformatted-block&#34;&gt;&lt;label contenteditable=&#34;false&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;hide-text&#34;&gt;Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when published&lt;/label&gt;&lt;pre data-sanitized-class=&#34;text&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Солдат здає назад, відчиняє бусик. Буває&lt;/pre&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-component-name=&#34;PreformattedTextBlockToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;preformatted-block&#34;&gt;&lt;label contenteditable=&#34;false&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;hide-text&#34;&gt;Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when published&lt;/label&gt;&lt;pre data-sanitized-class=&#34;text&#34;&gt;Загубиться коробка чи забудемо якісь папери.&lt;/pre&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-component-name=&#34;PreformattedTextBlockToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;preformatted-block&#34;&gt;&lt;label contenteditable=&#34;false&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;hide-text&#34;&gt;Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when published&lt;/label&gt;&lt;pre data-sanitized-class=&#34;text&#34;&gt;Це не наше поле бою. Ми лише волонтери.&lt;/pre&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-component-name=&#34;PreformattedTextBlockToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;preformatted-block&#34;&gt;&lt;label contenteditable=&#34;false&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;hide-text&#34;&gt;Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when published&lt;/label&gt;&lt;pre data-sanitized-class=&#34;text&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;За місяць село лежатиме в руїнах. На згарищі&lt;/pre&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-component-name=&#34;PreformattedTextBlockToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;preformatted-block&#34;&gt;&lt;label contenteditable=&#34;false&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;hide-text&#34;&gt;Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when published&lt;/label&gt;&lt;pre data-sanitized-class=&#34;text&#34;&gt;росіяни ґвалтуватимуть жінок. Солдат опускає зброю.&lt;/pre&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-component-name=&#34;PreformattedTextBlockToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;preformatted-block&#34;&gt;&lt;label contenteditable=&#34;false&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;hide-text&#34;&gt;Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when published&lt;/label&gt;&lt;pre data-sanitized-class=&#34;text&#34;&gt;Коли говорить про своїх дітей, це вже не його поле бою.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Анна Бовлес&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/pre&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;In the UK and US the book is available in physical copy and ebook from &lt;a href=&#34;https://micapress.uk/product/landscape-with-mines-anna-bowles/&#34;&gt;Mica Press&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.amazon.co.uk/Landscape-Mines-Anna-Bowles/dp/1869848462/ref=sr_1_1?crid=OX0LX1WLVZ50&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.NthG8Yb7h5NXJZgOmS64Cw.zEhSyufNnXidUF-y_FP2FaMZv-6z3SQyBjTOYRRKKKk&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=landscape+with+mines+anna+bowles&amp;qid=1762801703&amp;sprefix=landscape+with+mines+anna+bowles%2Caps%2C104&amp;sr=8-1&#34;&gt;Amazon UK&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.waterstones.com/book/landscape-with-mines/anna-bowles/9781869848460&#34;&gt;Waterstones&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.amazon.com/Landscape-Mines-Anna-Bowles-ebook/dp/B0FZWMYR8N/ref=sr_1_1?crid=SA0PI1ZXN0JP&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LSD3skvebitB19eTwlDTPQ.ruSIGILigZcNQJqwHfnz92fMeijWINbBvsfenQE205Y&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=landscape+with+mines+anna+bowles&amp;qid=1763505459&amp;sprefix=landscape+with+mines+anna+bowles%2Caps%2C129&amp;sr=8-1&#34;&gt;Amazon US&lt;/a&gt; and others.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In other countries, if the book isn’t available from online retailers, Mica Press can supply it direct from their &lt;a href=&#34;https://micapress.uk/product/landscape-with-mines-anna-bowles/&#34;&gt;website&lt;/a&gt;. Shipping to Ukraine and other European countries is £3.50 for one copy, £1 more for each extra copy. To other countries including the USA it is £6 for one copy, £2 more for each extra copy. Trade customers, such as bookshops, can order at a discount by emailing &lt;a href=&#34;mailto:contact@micapress.uk&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;mailto:contact@micapress.uk&#34;&gt;contact@micapress.uk&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/a&gt; .&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;hr&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;NEWS OF THE DAY:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;By: Aidan Stretch&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;ZELENSKY GOVERNMENT SABOTAGED INTERNATIONAL OVERSIGHT&lt;/strong&gt;: A New York Times investigation &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/05/world/europe/ukraine-corruption-zelensky.html&#34;&gt;found&lt;/a&gt; that Ukraine’s government systematically the independence of international oversight boards meant to oversee the country’s state-owned energy company Energoatom, the state-owned electricity company Ukrenergo, as well as at Ukraine’s Defense Procurement Agency. According to the NYT’s investigation, these actions played a part in enabling the ongoing corruption case in which members of Zelenskyy’s inner circle have been accused of skimming $100 million from the state-owned nuclear power company, Energoatom.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;U.S. SECURITY STRATEGY SEEKS RAPPROCHEMENT WITH RUSSIA&lt;/strong&gt;: In a new U.S. National Security Strategy, the Trump administration warned that Europe could grow too weak to be “reliable allies” and did not describe Russia as a threat to U.S. interests. According to the Wall Street Journal’s &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.wsj.com/world/europe/u-s-flips-history-by-casting-europenot-russiaas-villain-in-new-security-policy-cbb138fa?mod=world_lead_story&#34;&gt;analysis&lt;/a&gt; of the document, the strategy positions the U.S. as an arbiter between Europe and Russia, rather than as an ally to Europe and adversary to Russia. European leaders should “assume that the traditional trans-Atlantic relationship is dead,” said Katja Bego, a senior researcher at Chatham House, told The Wall Street Journal.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;MOSCOW BUILDS TECH ALLIANCE WITH INDIA: &lt;/strong&gt;A Washington Post investigation &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/12/05/russia-india-tech-cooperation-bezrukov/&#34;&gt;found&lt;/a&gt; that Russia is attempting to develop India’s tech sector to build a non-Western technology bloc, a campaign led by former deep-cover spy Andrei Bezrukov. Internal documents show Moscow pushing joint projects in cybersecurity, quantum tech and hardware production to expand its influence and gain leverage over Indian systems. Though framed as support for India’s “technological sovereignty,” Western officials warn the initiatives could introduce security risks and enable Russian access to critical infrastructure.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;DOG OF PEACE:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;I saw this chill puppy lying on the ground sunbathing when I was on vacation. It was located in Maokong, the mountain famous for its tea fields.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;We hope we get to see him lying here next time!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!ery1!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fcd923d2a-f446-4dc3-aa8a-419641d38c62_1200x1600.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fcd923d2a-f.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1200&#34; height=&#34;1600&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/cd923d2a-f446-4dc3-aa8a-419641d38c62_1200x1600.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1600,&#34;width&#34;:1200,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Best,&lt;br&gt;Elaine&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/how-china-would-cut-taiwan-off&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russian generals rebel, Crimea’s air defence collapses, and Trump eases sanctions on Lukoil</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/06/russian-generals-rebel-crimeas-air.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 06 Dec 2025 14:44:30 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/06/russian-generals-rebel-crimeas-air.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/f1590645b4.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian generals rebel, Crimea’s air defence collapses, and Trump eases sanctions on Lukoil&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIK4JqRtxtM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>&#39;Happy Ukrainian Armed Forces Day&#39; — hackers deface website of Russian company delivering military goods, HUR source claims</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/06/happy-ukrainian-armed-forces-day.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 06 Dec 2025 14:41:09 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/06/happy-ukrainian-armed-forces-day.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/1000043987.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;Happy Ukrainian Armed Forces Day&#39; — hackers deface website of Russian company delivering military goods, HUR source claims&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The cyberattack took down over 700 computers and servers and deleted accounts of more than 1,000 Eltrans+ users, HUR claimed.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/happy-ukrainian-armed-forces-day-hackers-deface-website-of-russian-company-delivering-military-goods/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>&amp;amp;quot;Russia has long violated absolutely everything. We will defend our rights,&amp;amp;quot; Zelenskyy said #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/06/ampquotrussia-has-long-violated-absolutely.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 06 Dec 2025 14:33:44 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/06/ampquotrussia-has-long-violated-absolutely.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/a04726b149.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&amp;quot;Russia has long violated absolutely everything. We will defend our rights,&amp;quot; Zelenskyy said #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/POr1zCnrYTc&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Kyiv Independent event in New York to hold live stream, photo exhibition</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/06/kyiv-independent-event-in-new.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 06 Dec 2025 12:56:03 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/06/kyiv-independent-event-in-new.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/screenshot-2025-12-06-at-13-47-17-1.png&#34; alt=&#34;Kyiv Independent event in New York to hold live stream, photo exhibition&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Kyiv Independent&#39;s  first live event in New York City will be available to stream live. The Kyiv Independent will also present a curated photo exhibition&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/kyiv-independent-event-in-new-york-to-hold-live-stream-photo-exhibition/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>&#39;Grand gesture, but won&#39;t kill exports&#39; — G7, EU mull ban on Russian oil maritime services</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/06/grand-gesture-but-wont-kill.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 06 Dec 2025 10:54:26 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/06/grand-gesture-but-wont-kill.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-1240637908.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;Grand gesture, but won&#39;t kill exports&#39; — G7, EU mull ban on Russian oil maritime services&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;If the ban goes through, Russia would likely have to expand its shadow fleet to transport crude oil instead.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/grand-gesture-but-wont-kill-exports-g7-eu-mull-ban-on-maritime-services-for-russian-oil/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>End to war &#39;depends on Russia&#39;s commitment to peace,&#39; Ukraine, US agree</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/06/end-to-war-depends-on.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 06 Dec 2025 10:42:43 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/06/end-to-war-depends-on.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2249422507.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;End to war &#39;depends on Russia&#39;s commitment to peace,&#39; Ukraine, US agree&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Over the course of 2025, Ukraine has repeatedly agreed to ceasefire proposals put forward by the White House. Russia has refused to agree to a single one.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/end-to-war-depends-on-russias-commitment-to-peace-ukraine-us-agree/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Zelenskyy: The Armed Forces are more than an army. They are Ukraine! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/06/zelenskyy-the-armed-forces-are.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 06 Dec 2025 09:30:12 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/06/zelenskyy-the-armed-forces-are.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/efeef6edc0.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelenskyy: The Armed Forces are more than an army. They are Ukraine! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/yQzLCoZ6y9E&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>General Staff: Russia has lost 1,179,790 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/06/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 06 Dec 2025 08:16:59 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/06/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-1251806922.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;General Staff: Russia has lost 1,179,790 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The number includes 1,180 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/general-staff-russia-has-lost-1-179-790-troops-in-ukraine-since-feb-24-2022/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian drones reportedly strike Russia&#39;s Ryazan Oil Refinery</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/06/ukrainian-drones-reportedly-strike-russias.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 06 Dec 2025 05:40:25 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/06/ukrainian-drones-reportedly-strike-russias.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/09d9a2409d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian drones reportedly strike Russia&#39;s Ryazan Oil Refinery&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukraine&#39;s military reportedly struck the Ryazan Oil Refinery overnight on Dec. 5-6, marking the nineth such strike on the refinery this year, Russian Telegram media channel ASTRA reported.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-drones-reportedly-strikes-russias-ryazan-oil-refinery/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine&#39;s military denies reports that Pokrovsk, Myrnohrad encircled by Russian forces</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/06/ukraines-military-denies-reports-that.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 06 Dec 2025 04:27:15 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/06/ukraines-military-denies-reports-that.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2217651595.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine&#39;s military denies reports that Pokrovsk, Myrnohrad encircled by Russian forces&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukraine’s Air Assault Forces said on Dec. 5 that neither Pokrovsk nor its sister city Myrnohrad is encircled, stressing that defense units are expanding logistics routes and maintaining control over key positions in the area.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/pokrovsk-and-myrnohrad-not-encircled-ukrainian-air-assault-forces-report/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>At least 3 injured in Russian missile, drone strikes on Kyiv Oblast</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/06/at-least-injured-in-russian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 06 Dec 2025 03:29:39 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/06/at-least-injured-in-russian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/c29b31471d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;At least 3 injured in Russian missile, drone strikes on Kyiv Oblast&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Three people have been injured in a Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv Oblast overnight on Dec. 6, local officials reported.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/at-least-3-injured-in-russian-missile-drone-strikes-on-kyiv-oblast/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>A blow to the heart: energy, oil, Russian air bases on fire #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/06/a-blow-to-the-heart.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 06 Dec 2025 00:00:41 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/06/a-blow-to-the-heart.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/5d0f5b564f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;A blow to the heart: energy, oil, Russian air bases on fire #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/TJHOBdTIgGI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>November: more than 81,000 Russian targets DESTROYED by Ukrainian strikes</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/06/november-more-than-russian-targets.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 05 Dec 2025 23:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/06/november-more-than-russian-targets.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/5af91ec741.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;November: more than 81,000 Russian targets DESTROYED by Ukrainian strikes&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-UjJfkverM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>US Treasury extends waiver allowing Lukoil gas stations outside of Russia to operate, despite sanctions</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/05/us-treasury-extends-waiver-allowing.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 05 Dec 2025 22:48:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/05/us-treasury-extends-waiver-allowing.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/d47e6c889b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;US Treasury extends waiver allowing Lukoil gas stations outside of Russia to operate, despite sanctions&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Trump administration on Dec. 4 extended a waiver that lets Lukoil-branded gas stations abroad stay in business, softening elements of the sanctions imposed on the firm in October.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/us-treasury-extends-waiver-allowing-lukoil-gas-stations-outside-of-russia-to-operate-despite-sanctions/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian strikes on Russian military as well as oil and gas facilities #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/05/ukrainian-strikes-on-russian-military.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 05 Dec 2025 22:01:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/05/ukrainian-strikes-on-russian-military.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/d84ca72fd3.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian strikes on Russian military as well as oil and gas facilities #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/tOf-gpXR4tQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Cold, drones, shelling and darkness: how Ukrainian servicemen can survive where it seems impossible</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/05/cold-drones-shelling-and-darkness.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 05 Dec 2025 22:00:43 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/05/cold-drones-shelling-and-darkness.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/96be54bf0b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Cold, drones, shelling and darkness: how Ukrainian servicemen can survive where it seems impossible&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6AcHQ9-Qrw&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>OPERATIONS in the rear of the ENEMY! Ukrainian drones hit CRIMEA and RUSSIAN refineries</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/05/operations-in-the-rear-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 05 Dec 2025 21:00:40 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/05/operations-in-the-rear-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/e8151c565b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;OPERATIONS in the rear of the ENEMY! Ukrainian drones hit CRIMEA and RUSSIAN refineries&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bo_vYvKVDqc&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russian forces reportedly execute yet another Ukrainian POW</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/05/russian-forces-reportedly-execute-yet.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 05 Dec 2025 19:01:29 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/05/russian-forces-reportedly-execute-yet.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/photo-2025-12-05-19-45-17.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian forces reportedly execute yet another Ukrainian POW&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Prosecutor General&#39;s Office said that the wounded soldier tried to take cover, but the Russian soldier &#34;finished him off with a shot from an assault rifle.&#34;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-forces-reportedly-execute-yet-another-ukrainian-pow/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>War Notes: From the battlefield</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/05/war-notes-from-the-battlefield.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 05 Dec 2025 18:52:48 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/05/war-notes-from-the-battlefield.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/dscf0832-720.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;War Notes: From the battlefield&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor’s note: To mark the fourth birthday of the Kyiv Independent, the War Notes newsletter team decided to pass one edition of the newsletter to a special guest writer, who could capture the time and place we are at in Russia&#39;s war against Ukraine from a&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/war-notes-from-the-battlefield/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia poses a long-term threat to Europe, say French and Finnish ministers #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/05/russia-poses-a-longterm-threat.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 05 Dec 2025 17:56:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/05/russia-poses-a-longterm-threat.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/95a753bbde.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia poses a long-term threat to Europe, say French and Finnish ministers #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/7htz7CbSMNY&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia threatens to attack Europe! The West takes action and gets ready to freeze assets</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/05/russia-threatens-to-attack-europe.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 05 Dec 2025 17:03:08 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/05/russia-threatens-to-attack-europe.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/f3b5842fe1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia threatens to attack Europe! The West takes action and gets ready to freeze assets&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3yZw-embe4&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine is cautiously optimistic as Trump&#39;s son-in-law enters peace talks — here&#39;s why</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/05/ukraine-is-cautiously-optimistic-as.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 05 Dec 2025 16:26:50 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/05/ukraine-is-cautiously-optimistic-as.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-1197377343.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine is cautiously optimistic as Trump&#39;s son-in-law enters peace talks — here&#39;s why&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As U.S. President Donald Trump&#39;s son-in-law Jared Kushner takes on a more active role in the latest peace push, Ukrainian officials say they are cautiously optimistic about his involvement.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Kushner joined U.S.-Ukraine &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-us-begin-peace-deal-talks-in-florida-ahead-of-witkoffs-moscow-trip/&#34;&gt;negotiations&lt;/a&gt; in Geneva on Nov. 23 and in Florida on Nov. 30, and&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-is-cautiously-optimistic-as-trumps-son-in-law-enters-peace-talks/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Negotiations between Ukraine and the US in Miami ended after five hours of silence #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/05/negotiations-between-ukraine-and-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 05 Dec 2025 16:19:58 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/05/negotiations-between-ukraine-and-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/9353232eea.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Negotiations between Ukraine and the US in Miami ended after five hours of silence #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/DDX6A9EVsT8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian NGO returns 18 children from Russian-occupied Kherson</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/05/ukrainian-ngo-returns-children-from.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 05 Dec 2025 15:25:44 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/05/ukrainian-ngo-returns-children-from.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2169510248.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian NGO returns 18 children from Russian-occupied Kherson&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;A group of Ukrainian children ages 2 to 17 returned to Ukraine from Russian-occupied territories in southern Kherson Oblast, regional governor Oleksandr Prokudin said on Dec. 5.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-hails-return-of-18-children-from-russian-occupied-territories/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>HORROR in the Dnipropetrovsk region! Russian drone takes the life of a 12-year-old boy</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/05/horror-in-the-dnipropetrovsk-region.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 05 Dec 2025 15:07:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/05/horror-in-the-dnipropetrovsk-region.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/626db785e3.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;HORROR in the Dnipropetrovsk region! Russian drone takes the life of a 12-year-old boy&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHFP7el5vOo&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Call transcript shows EU leaders tell Zelensky that they, not US, will decide on frozen Russian assets</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/05/call-transcript-shows-eu-leaders.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 05 Dec 2025 14:59:52 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/05/call-transcript-shows-eu-leaders.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/2bb0abea62.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Call transcript shows EU leaders tell Zelensky that they, not US, will decide on frozen Russian assets&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;European leaders privately insisted they alone should control decisions over immobilized Russian assets, even as the US reportedly lobbied European countries to block plans to lend the cash to Ukraine.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/exclusive-eu-leaders-say-that-they-not-us-will-decide-on-frozen-russian-assets/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest live: HUR says it destroyed Russian Su-24 tactical bomber, other targets in occupied Crimea</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/05/ukraine-war-latest-live-hur.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 05 Dec 2025 14:20:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/05/ukraine-war-latest-live-hur.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/screen-shot-2025-12-05-at-14-47-25.png&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest live: HUR says it destroyed Russian Su-24 tactical bomber, other targets in occupied Crimea&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukraine&#39;s military intelligence agency, HUR, said its drones hit a Russian Su-24 tactical bomber as past of a series of eight &#34;accurate strikes&#34; on military targets inside Russian-occupied Crimea on Dec. 5.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-update-2025-12-5/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Poll: Majority of Americans think Ukraine territorial concessions, troop cap would hand victory to Russia</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/05/poll-majority-of-americans-think.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 05 Dec 2025 13:07:56 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/05/poll-majority-of-americans-think.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2249422277.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Poll: Majority of Americans think Ukraine territorial concessions, troop cap would hand victory to Russia&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The More in Common survey shows strong international objections to key parts of the latest peace proposals being put forward by the White House.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/majority-of-americans-think-ukraine-territorial-concessions-troop-cap-would-hand-victory-to-russia/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Putin wraps up first India visit in 4 years, touts &#39;privileged partnership&#39; on oil, defense</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/05/putin-wraps-up-first-india.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 05 Dec 2025 13:07:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/05/putin-wraps-up-first-india.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2249405895.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Putin wraps up first India visit in 4 years, touts &#39;privileged partnership&#39; on oil, defense&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;President Vladimir Putin said Russia would continue supplying fuel to India&#39;s &#34;rapidly growing economy,&#34; calling Moscow a reliable energy partner.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/putin-wraps-up-first-india-visit-in-4-years-touts-privileged-partnership-on-oil-defense/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Migration Scare Stories: Is Ukraine Really at Risk of an Influx of Labor Migrants?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/05/migration-scare-stories-is-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 05 Dec 2025 11:30:09 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/05/migration-scare-stories-is-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;single-post-lead&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;“&lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://tsn.ua/ukrayina/na-rynok-pratsi-ukrayiny-khlyne-milyon-mihrantiv-khto-pryyide-i-de-pratsiuvatyme-2939369.html&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Up to a million migrants will arrive in Ukraine, and for them even $10–15 counts as big money&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt;” – this is one of the most common scare stories about foreigners supposedly taking jobs from Ukrainian citizens. Vox Ukraine examines how grounded these fears really are and what Ukrainians should actually expect.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;An estimated 28-34 million – this was Ukraine’s population at the start of 2023, &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://ednannia.ua/images/Demography_problems_-_2023.04.06_n.pdf&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;according to&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; the Institute of Demography. Over the past two years, the situation has certainly not improved: the zone of active hostilities has expanded, the enemy has unfortunately occupied additional Ukrainian territory, and the government has allowed men up to age 22 to leave the country. Employment has &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://bank.gov.ua/admin_uploads/article/IR_2025-Q3.pdf?v=14&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;fallen&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; from 56% in 2021 to 50% in 2024, while the share of economically inactive people has risen from 37% to 44%, and the remainder are still seeking work. It is also hardly realistic to expect that children, pensioners, or service members can be brought into the labor market on a large scale.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Labor power is the foundation of the economy – people produce goods, provide services, and keep businesses moving forward. When workers are in short supply, firms reduce output, their costs rise, and they are forced either to raise prices or operate with lower profits, resulting in lower investment in development and lower tax payments.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;As in advanced European countries, mortality in Ukraine exceeds births, and the population is steadily aging. The war has intensified these long-term trends. In 2024, for example, the mortality rate was three times higher than the number of births. This is partly because women of reproductive age are postponing childbirth amid uncertainty and danger, and partly because many potential mothers have left for safer countries abroad.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;caption&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Figure 1. Trends in births and deaths in Ukraine&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div data-src=&#34;visualisation/26605485&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;flourish-embed flourish-chart&#34;&gt;&lt;img decoding=&#34;async&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/0ec646c15d.jpg&#34; width=&#34;100%&#34; alt=&#34;chart visualization&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;One way to address demographic crises when a country lacks sufficient domestic workers is to bring in labor migrants. They fill open positions, which in turn boosts production, increases tax revenues, and strengthens financial stability. As of 2022, globally, there were 167.7 million labor migrants, accounting for 4.7% of the total workforce. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.migrationdataportal.org/themes/labour-migration-statistics#:~:text=In%202022%20over%20two-thirds%20of%20all%20migrant%20workers%20(&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Nearly one-third&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; of them are concentrated in high-income countries across three subregions: 23.3% in Northern, Southern, and Western Europe, 22.6% in North America and 13.5% in the Arab states.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;caption&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Figure 2. Regional distribution of labor migrants worldwide as of 2022&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img fetchpriority=&#34;high&#34; decoding=&#34;async&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/regional-distribution-of-labor-migrants.png&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; width=&#34;6460&#34; height=&#34;3403&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;aligncenter size-full wp-image-190908&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Worldwide, in 2022, there were 167.7 million labor migrants, comprising 38.7% women and 61.3% men. The main employer of labor migrants in 2022 was the services sector, which accounted for 68.4% of all migrant workers. Another 24.3% were employed in industry and 7.4% in agriculture. The services sector is especially attractive to women, with nearly 81% of female migrants working in this sector, whereas men are more often employed in industry or agriculture.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;caption&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Figure 3. Composition of labor migrants (data as of 2022)&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div data-src=&#34;visualisation/26605257&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;flourish-embed flourish-chart&#34;&gt;&lt;img decoding=&#34;async&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/5085060b04.jpg&#34; width=&#34;100%&#34; alt=&#34;chart visualization&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;According to estimates by the Ministry of Economy, over the next decade, Ukraine will need to bring at least &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://me.gov.ua/News/Detail?lang=uk-UA&amp;id=3741cc27-dbe5-433e-a139-1d480735bc51&amp;title=VidnovlenniaRinkuPratsiTseShliakhDoNashoiPeremogi-TetianaBerezhna&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;4.5 million workers&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; into its labor market. Clearly, attracting migrants could be one way to address Ukraine’s labor shortages. And this is not a new idea – before the full-scale war, Ukraine was already &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://dmsu.gov.ua/diyalnist/monitoring-migraczijnix-proczesiv/zvit-z-monitoringu-migraczijnix-proczesiv.html&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;receiving labor migrants&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; who came to work, study, or reunite with family. Even now, some Ukrainian companies are trying to recruit workers from &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.ukr.net/news/details/economics/113722444.html&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;India&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt;, &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1136353047892742&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Pakistan&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt;, &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://enovosty.com/uk/news-ukr/news_society-ukr/full/trudovi-migranti-z-bangladesh-vzhe-priizhdzhayut-do-ukraini-shho-vidomo#:~:text=%D0%BD%D0%B0%20%D0%97%D0%B0%D0%BA%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%BF%D0%B0%D1%82%D1%82%D1%96%20%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%B0%D1%86%D1%8E%D1%94%20%D0%B4%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%B5%D0%B2%D0%BE%D0%BE%D0%B1%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B1%D0%BD%D0%B5%20%D0%BF%D1%96%D0%B4%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%B8%D1%94%D0%BC%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B2%D0%BE%2C%20%D0%B4%D0%B5%20150%20%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%B0%D1%86%D1%96%D0%B2%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%BA%D1%96%D0%B2%20%D1%96%D0%B7%20%D0%91%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B3%D0%BB%D0%B0%D0%B4%D0%B5%D1%88%D1%83&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Bangladesh&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt;, and Central Asian countries; however, their share remains low (Figure 5).&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;As before the war, most foreigners came for personal reasons (Figure 4), for example, to reunite with their families (91% in &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://visitukraine.today/uk/blog/3435/how-many-foreigners-lived-in-ukraine-before-the-war-and-what-is-the-current-migration-situation#skilki-inozemciv-prozivalo-v-ukraini-do-viini:~:text=83%25%20%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%BC%20%D0%BD%D0%B0%202020%20%D1%80%D1%96%D0%BA)&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;2020&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; and 98% in the first half of 2025). Others come for service or &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://dmsu.gov.ua/assets/files/migprocess/zvit_vypusk_2019_03.pdf&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;study&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt;, and the smallest share comes for work.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;caption&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Figure 4. Reasons for foreigners’ entry into Ukraine&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;iframe title=&#34;&#34; src=&#34;https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/TpFRr/1/&#34; height=&#34;423&#34; frameborder=&#34;0&#34; scrolling=&#34;no&#34; aria-label=&#34;Split Bars&#34; data-external=&#34;1&#34; data-sanitized-id=&#34;datawrapper-chart-TpFRr&#34; allow=&#34;accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share&#34; sandbox=&#34;allow-scripts allow-same-origin&#34;&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;After the full-scale invasion, there was a noticeable redistribution of foreigners’ migration flows (Figure 5). Before 2022, most entries came from countries to the east of Ukraine, but the geography changed significantly once the war began. In 2020, the highest numbers of border crossings into Ukraine were recorded among citizens of Moldova, Belarus, and Russia. In 2025, Moldova remains the leader in terms of the number of entries, with Romania and Poland completing the top three.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;caption&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Figure 5. Number of foreigners’ entries into Ukraine in 2020 by country of origin&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div data-src=&#34;story/3483931&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;flourish-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;img decoding=&#34;async&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/23d09919a0.jpg&#34; width=&#34;100%&#34; alt=&#34;visualization&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;reference&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Foreigners may stay in Ukraine on different legal grounds. Broadly, they can be divided into three main categories:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li aria-level=&#34;1&#34;&gt;&lt;b&gt;Short-term stay&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span&gt; – a stay for the period allowed by a visa, or &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/150-2012-%D0%BF#Text:~:text=%D0%BD%D0%B5%20%D0%B1%D1%96%D0%BB%D1%8C%D1%88%20%D1%8F%D0%BA%2090%20%D0%B4%D0%BD%D1%96%D0%B2%20%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%BE%D1%82%D1%8F%D0%B3%D0%BE%D0%BC%20180%20%D0%B4%D0%BD%D1%96%D0%B2%20%D1%83%20%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B7%D1%96%20%D0%B2%E2%80%99%D1%97%D0%B7%D0%B4%D1%83%20%D1%96%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B7%D0%B5%D0%BC%D1%86%D1%96%D0%B2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;up to 90 days within a 180-day period&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; under visa-free rules. The purpose of travel may be tourism, business, or private visits, and such individuals are not permitted to work during their stay.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li aria-level=&#34;1&#34;&gt;&lt;b&gt;Temporary residence&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span&gt; – the most common pathway for labor and study migration. A foreigner receives a temporary residence permit if they have &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/3773-17#Text:~:text=%D0%A1%D1%82%D0%B0%D1%82%D1%82%D1%8F%205.%20%D0%9F%D0%BE%D1%81%D0%B2%D1%96%D0%B4%D0%BA%D0%B0%20%D0%BD%D0%B0%20%D0%BF%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%82%D1%96%D0%B9%D0%BD%D0%B5%20%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B6%D0%B8%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%BD%D1%8F%20%D1%82%D0%B0%20%D0%BF%D0%BE%D1%81%D0%B2%D1%96%D0%B4%D0%BA%D0%B0%20%D0%BD%D0%B0%20%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%BC%D1%87%D0%B0%D1%81%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B5%20%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B6%D0%B8%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%BD%D1%8F&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;one of the following grounds&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt;: official employment, study, participation in international or civil society projects, volunteering, or service in representative offices of foreign companies or organizations. Such a permit is &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/3773-17#Text:~:text=%D0%A1%D1%82%D0%B0%D1%82%D1%82%D1%8F%205-1.%20%D0%A1%D1%82%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%BA%20%D0%B4%D1%96%D1%97%20%D0%BF%D0%BE%D1%81%D0%B2%D1%96%D0%B4%D0%BA%D0%B8%20%D0%BD%D0%B0%20%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%BC%D1%87%D0%B0%D1%81%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B5%20%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B6%D0%B8%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%BD%D1%8F&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;usually issued&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; for one year (sometimes for two to four years) but can be renewed as long as the underlying grounds remain in force. The permit allows for official employment (if issued on employment grounds), residence, movement within Ukraine, and access to certain administrative services. However, it does not grant voting rights, does not equate the foreigner with a citizen, and depends entirely on the continued validity of the underlying grounds.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Permanent residence&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span&gt; – granted to those who &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/3773-17#Text:~:text=2.%20%D0%9F%D1%96%D0%B4%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%B2%D0%BE%D1%8E%20%D0%B4%D0%BB%D1%8F%20%D0%BE%D1%84%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%BC%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%BD%D1%8F%20%D0%BF%D0%BE%D1%81%D0%B2%D1%96%D0%B4%D0%BA%D0%B8%20%D0%BD%D0%B0%20%D0%BF%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%82%D1%96%D0%B9%D0%BD%D0%B5%20%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B6%D0%B8%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%BD%D1%8F%20%D1%96%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B7%D0%B5%D0%BC%D1%86%D1%8F%D0%BC%20%D1%82%D0%B0%20%D0%BE%D1%81%D0%BE%D0%B1%D0%B0%D0%BC%20%D0%B1%D0%B5%D0%B7%20%D0%B3%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%BC%D0%B0%D0%B4%D1%8F%D0%BD%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B2%D0%B0%20%D1%94%20%D0%B4%D0%BE%D0%B7%D0%B2%D1%96%D0%BB%20%D0%BD%D0%B0%20%D1%96%D0%BC%D0%BC%D1%96%D0%B3%D1%80%D0%B0%D1%86%D1%96%D1%8E%20%D0%B2%20%D0%A3%D0%BA%D1%80%D0%B0%D1%97%D0%BD%D1%83.&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;obtain an immigration permit&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt;, primarily individuals with &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://dmsu.gov.ua/poslugi/dokumentuvannya-inozemcziv/dozvil-na-immigracziu.html#:~:text=%D0%9F%D1%96%D0%B4%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%B2%D0%B8%20%D0%B4%D0%BB%D1%8F%20%D0%BD%D0%B0%D0%B4%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%BD%D1%8F%20%D0%B4%D0%BE%D0%B7%D0%B2%D0%BE%D0%BB%D1%83%20%D0%BD%D0%B0%20%D1%96%D0%BC%D0%BC%D1%96%D0%B3%D1%80%D0%B0%D1%86%D1%96%D1%8E%20%D0%B7%D0%B0%20%D0%BA%D0%B2%D0%BE%D1%82%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%BE%D1%8E%20%D0%BA%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%B5%D0%B3%D0%BE%D1%80%D1%96%D1%94%D1%8E%3A&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;long-term or family ties to Ukraine&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt;: spouses of Ukrainian citizens after two years of marriage, parents of joint children, persons of Ukrainian descent, or those who have invested more than $100,000 in Ukraine’s economy. Unlike a temporary status, a permanent residence permit is valid indefinitely and provides significantly broader socioeconomic rights (such as the ability to work and access free healthcare), though it still does not allow voting or being elected.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Although hundreds of thousands of foreigners enter Ukraine every year, interest in permanent or long-term residence remains modest. According to the State Migration Service, in the first nine months of 2025, 2,384 &lt;/span&gt;&lt;b&gt;immigration permit applications&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span&gt; were reviewed, and in 2,129 cases, applicants received a positive decision. For comparison, in just two months of 2019, &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://dmsu.gov.ua/assets/files/migprocess/zvit_vypusk_2019_03.pdf&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;2,027 cases were reviewed&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; (almost the same volume as in nine months of 2025). In other words, despite public fears, there is no mass “influx” of foreign workers. Most applicants seek immigration permits on family or humanitarian grounds: marriage to a Ukrainian citizen (71% of all permits granted), joint children (8%), territorial origin (7%), Ukrainian descent (6%), or long-term residence in the country (3%).&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Among the 306,000 people who hold &lt;/span&gt;&lt;b&gt;permanent residence permits&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span&gt;, the majority are originally from Russia, Moldova, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, and Belarus (mostly former residents or people with family ties in Ukraine (Figure 6)). However, there is no noticeable influx of new applicants wishing to settle in Ukraine. In the first nine months of 2025, only 2,289 people obtained a permanent residence permit for the first time, indicating that demand for permanent residence in Ukraine among foreigners remains low. This refers not to migrants staying in the country temporarily, but specifically to those who have decided to remain long-term and formalize their status. Labor migration, by contrast, manifests primarily through temporary residence. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;caption&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Figure 6. Top 10 countries whose nationals hold permanent or temporary residence permits in Ukraine, according to the State Migration Service as of September 30, 2025&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div data-src=&#34;story/3483971&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;flourish-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;img decoding=&#34;async&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/719a54092f.jpg&#34; width=&#34;100%&#34; alt=&#34;visualization&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;As of fall 2025, more than 46,000 foreigners and stateless persons in Ukraine hold &lt;/span&gt;&lt;b&gt;temporary residence permits&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span&gt; (Figure 6). The largest groups come from Azerbaijan, Turkey, Moldova, India, Uzbekistan, the United States, China, and Israel. Of these, more than 10,000 foreigners are officially in Ukraine for employment, another 7,000 for study, and roughly 5,000 for volunteer or civic activities. These are targeted and regulated flows rather than a mass influx. Among labor migrants, the majority are executives and managers: &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.pragueprocess.eu/en/countries/920-ukraine?tmpl=component&amp;ml=1#:~:text=The%20stock%20of%20foreigners%20and,the%20first%20quarter%20of%202024.&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;one in three&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; holds a managerial position or is developing a business in Ukraine. At the same time, since 2022, the number of those coming to volunteer or work in civil society organizations has increased.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Attracting migrants is challenging primarily because of the risks they face themselves. The war continues, even the deep rear does not guarantee safety, and the economy is still unable to offer wages competitive with those in EU countries. Additional barriers include cultural differences, language barriers, and the lack of stable integration programs. For many foreigners, Ukraine becomes more of an intermediate stop – a launchpad for moving onward to the EU labor market. Ukraine is not yet a magnet for labor migrants: neither in terms of wages, nor safety, nor quality of life. So fears that Ukraine will be “overrun by waves of migrants” are exaggerated. It is more realistic to speak of the gradual development of a more open yet still regulated labor market.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;reference&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Photo: &lt;a href=&#34;https://depositphotos.com/ua/&#34;&gt;depositphotos.com/ua&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://voxukraine.org/en/migration-scare-stories-is-ukraine-really-at-risk-of-an-influx-of-labor-migrants&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>New US strategy document takes hard line on Europe&#39;s &#39;trajectory,&#39; NATO expansion</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/05/new-us-strategy-document-takes.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 05 Dec 2025 11:22:34 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/05/new-us-strategy-document-takes.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2221343819.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;New US strategy document takes hard line on Europe&#39;s &#39;trajectory,&#39; NATO expansion&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The document says that it is in the U.S. interest to &#34;negotiate an expeditious cessation of hostilities in Ukraine&#34; to enable the country&#39;s post-war recovery, stabilization of European economies, and to &#34;reestablish strategic stability with Russia.&#34;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/new-us-strategy-document-takes-hard-line-on-europes-trajectory-nato-expansion/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian lawmaker exposed as leading criminal group, anti-corruption agencies say</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/05/ukrainian-lawmaker-exposed-as-leading.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 05 Dec 2025 09:36:25 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/05/ukrainian-lawmaker-exposed-as-leading.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-1232590995.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian lawmaker exposed as leading criminal group, anti-corruption agencies say&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukrainska Pravda, citing law enforcement sources, reported that Anna Skorokhod, a lawmaker from the For the Future party, is suspected of taking a large bribe.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/anti-corruption-agencies-sbu-uncovers-criminal-group-led-by-ukrainian-lawmaker/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>FIFA ordered European clubs to ignore Russia sanctions, investigation finds</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/05/fifa-ordered-european-clubs-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 05 Dec 2025 06:01:20 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/05/fifa-ordered-european-clubs-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2246558719.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;FIFA ordered European clubs to ignore Russia sanctions, investigation finds&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Football clubs are forced to pay outstanding transfer fees even if doing so runs the risk of violating banking restrictions and sanctions against Russia.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/fifa-ordered-european-clubs-to-ignore-russia-sanctions-investigation-finds/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine&#39;s top security officials meet US negotiators in Miami amid peace push</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/05/ukraines-top-security-officials-meet.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 05 Dec 2025 05:38:47 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/05/ukraines-top-security-officials-meet.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2217682776.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine&#39;s top security officials meet US negotiators in Miami amid peace push&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The visit comes amid a surge of diplomatic efforts after the U.S. backed a 28-point plan that many viewed as effectively pushing Ukraine toward capitulation in Russia&#39;s all-out war.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-top-security-official-meets-witkoff-kushner-in-miami-to-discuss-peace-talks/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine hits Russian seaport, oil refinery in reported drone strikes</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/05/ukraine-hits-russian-seaport-oil.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 05 Dec 2025 03:13:53 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/05/ukraine-hits-russian-seaport-oil.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/syzran.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine hits Russian seaport, oil refinery in reported drone strikes&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;A fire cause damage to facilities at the Temryuk port in Krasnodar Krai, a major Russian hub and oil export terminal. Locals also reported explosions at the Syzran Oil Refinery in Samara Oblast.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-hits-russian-seaport-oil-refinery-in-reported-drone-strikes/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>OSINT Intelligence Platform - Architecture Views</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/05/osint-intelligence-platform-architecture-views.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 05 Dec 2025 01:48:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/05/osint-intelligence-platform-architecture-views.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;Pipeline View (Data Plane)&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;ldquo;How a Telegram message becomes actionable intelligence&amp;rdquo;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This view shows the journey of data through the platform - from raw Telegram messages and RSS feeds to enriched, searchable intelligence. External sources flow through ingestion services, get queued in
Redis, processed for spam filtering and LLM classification, enriched with AI tagging, entity matching, and sanctions screening, then stored in PostgreSQL and served through a REST API to the frontend.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Infrastructure View (Control Plane)&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;ldquo;How the platform runs in production&amp;rdquo;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This view shows all 40+ services organized by operational layers: edge proxy (Caddy), authentication (Ory Kratos/Oathkeeper), web applications, backbone coordination (API + Redis queues + Router), worker
pools (ingestion, processing, enrichment), data stores (PostgreSQL, MinIO), and observability stack (Prometheus, Grafana, alerting).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/osint-pieline.png&#34; alt=&#34;Auto-generated description: A complex flowchart with multiple interconnected colored boxes and directional arrows represents a process or system.&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/osint-infra.png&#34; alt=&#34;A complex flowchart with interconnected boxes and labeled sections in various colors depicts a structured process or system.&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>US imposes $7 million penalty on company connected to sanctioned Russian oligarch</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/05/us-imposes-million-penalty-on.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 05 Dec 2025 00:49:30 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/05/us-imposes-million-penalty-on.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2220309632.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;US imposes $7 million penalty on company connected to sanctioned Russian oligarch&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The U.S. Treasury Department on Dec. 4 fined New York-based property manager Gracetown Inc. more than $7 million for accepting payments linked to a company owned by sanctioned Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/us-imposes-7-million-penalty-on-company-connected-to-sanctioned-russian-oligarch/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>THE END OF THE WAR! Expert names the only way to force Russia to collapse from within</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/04/the-end-of-the-war.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 04 Dec 2025 22:00:57 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/04/the-end-of-the-war.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/0dad2d25ba.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;THE END OF THE WAR! Expert names the only way to force Russia to collapse from within&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1qdoWXpmjA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Trump: The war in Ukraine is a tragedy that could have been avoided #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/04/trump-the-war-in-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 04 Dec 2025 22:00:51 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/04/trump-the-war-in-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/575fdf63e2.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Trump: The war in Ukraine is a tragedy that could have been avoided #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/cQaB_8nh6is&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine is ready for any scenario Putin may come up with, says Zelenskyy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/04/ukraine-is-ready-for-any.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 04 Dec 2025 21:06:28 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/04/ukraine-is-ready-for-any.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/81983283d1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine is ready for any scenario Putin may come up with, says Zelenskyy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/zFDSbBdd80g&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>INDIA TOLERATES CRIMINALS: PUTIN arrives with propaganda statements</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/04/india-tolerates-criminals-putin-arrives.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 04 Dec 2025 21:04:52 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/04/india-tolerates-criminals-putin-arrives.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/b6c86ce40d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;INDIA TOLERATES CRIMINALS: PUTIN arrives with propaganda statements&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9jfHBIvOb8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Unidentified drones reported near Zelensky&#39;s arrival route in Dublin, Irish media say</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/04/unidentified-drones-reported-near-zelenskys.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 04 Dec 2025 20:56:21 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/04/unidentified-drones-reported-near-zelenskys.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2248879451.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Unidentified drones reported near Zelensky&#39;s arrival route in Dublin, Irish media say&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Irish outlet The Journal reported on Dec. 4 that four unidentified, “military-style” drones were seen breaching a no-fly zone near the expected flight path of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s plane as it arrived in Ireland earlier in the week, according to unnamed security sources.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/unidentified-drones-reported-near-zelensky-arrival-route-in-dublin-irish-media-say/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>The Kremlin is in hysterics: UAF halt advance, destroy oil depots and command posts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/04/the-kremlin-is-in-hysterics.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 04 Dec 2025 20:02:04 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/04/the-kremlin-is-in-hysterics.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/d4aed8c836.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;The Kremlin is in hysterics: UAF halt advance, destroy oil depots and command posts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NynoWmSSoQY&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>US Congress has the power to help Ukraine. It’s time to use it</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/04/us-congress-has-the-power.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 04 Dec 2025 19:39:29 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/04/us-congress-has-the-power.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2203339338.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;US Congress has the power to help Ukraine. It’s time to use it&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;About the author: Gregory P. Wilson is a consultant, author, and former Deputy Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Treasury.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Oct. 24 is not a memorable date, but it was an important moment for Ukraine in the United States.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As the latest round of so-called “peace&amp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/us-congress-has-the-power-to-help-ukraine-its-time-to-use-it/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Delaying negotiations is a deliberate tactic by the Kremlin to put pressure on the US #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/04/delaying-negotiations-is-a-deliberate.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 04 Dec 2025 19:30:52 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/04/delaying-negotiations-is-a-deliberate.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/62dc132c2f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Delaying negotiations is a deliberate tactic by the Kremlin to put pressure on the US #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/iJdj5PPoLUI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine merges military procurement agencies, defying previous NATO advice</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/04/ukraine-merges-military-procurement-agencies.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 04 Dec 2025 19:08:22 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/04/ukraine-merges-military-procurement-agencies.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/2506774c44.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine merges military procurement agencies, defying previous NATO advice&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukraine’s lethal and non-lethal military equipment procurement agencies will merge into one under the Defense Ministry from Jan. 1, going against NATO’s recommendations last year and raising eyebrows among anti-corruption activists.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-merges-military-procurement-agencies-defying-previous-nato-advice/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Kremlin sabotages talks: five hours, zero results — Putin threatens again</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/04/kremlin-sabotages-talks-five-hours.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 04 Dec 2025 19:02:32 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/04/kremlin-sabotages-talks-five-hours.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/12ab9e0d0b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Kremlin sabotages talks: five hours, zero results — Putin threatens again&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpGam8ieiFU&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>&#39;The key to ending the war is in Brussels&#39; — Ukrainians react to Belgium&#39;s Russian asset loan opposition</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/04/the-key-to-ending-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 04 Dec 2025 19:00:55 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/04/the-key-to-ending-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/713965486f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;The key to ending the war is in Brussels&#39; — Ukrainians react to Belgium&#39;s Russian asset loan opposition&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ukrainians say that Belgium&#39;s Prime Minister Bart de Wever holds the key to Russia&#39;s defeat, after he said that Russia&#39;s loss in Ukraine was a &#34;complete illusion.&#34;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;De Wever was speaking in an &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.lalibre.be/belgique/politique-belge/2025/12/02/bart-de-wever-dans-la-crise-politique-autour-du-budget-le-roi-ma-aide-5KDD7VZ5YBFRPBDS3GMGGTOOME/&#34;&gt;interview&lt;/a&gt; with Belgian newspaper La Libre on Dec. 2,&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/the-key-to-ending-the-war-is-in-brussels-ukrainians-react-to-belgiums-russian-asset-loan-opposition/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Exclusive: Finnish president warns Europe that US likely talked with Russia while negotiating with Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/04/exclusive-finnish-president-warns-europe.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 04 Dec 2025 18:34:05 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/04/exclusive-finnish-president-warns-europe.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2230151685.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Exclusive: Finnish president warns Europe that US likely talked with Russia while negotiating with Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The discussion reflected growing concern in European capitals over Washington&#39;s posture as the latest peace push moves forward.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/exclusive-finnish-president-warns-europe-that-us-likely-talks-with-russia-while-negotiating-with-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Seven Ukrainian children abducted to Russia returned in initiative backed by Melania Trump</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/04/seven-ukrainian-children-abducted-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 04 Dec 2025 17:39:37 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/04/seven-ukrainian-children-abducted-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2239713510-1-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Seven Ukrainian children abducted to Russia returned in initiative backed by Melania Trump&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Seven more Ukrainian children taken to Russia have been returned to their families, U.S. first lady Melania Trump said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/seven-more-ukrainian-children-reunited-with-families-melania-trump-said/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>India and Russia discuss small nuclear reactors #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/04/india-and-russia-discuss-small.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 04 Dec 2025 17:30:11 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/04/india-and-russia-discuss-small.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/967595a2a3.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;India and Russia discuss small nuclear reactors #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ShEGrKIBEQA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Putin is lying again – this time in India. The EU and NATO are putting him in his place!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/04/putin-is-lying-again-this.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 04 Dec 2025 17:00:57 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/04/putin-is-lying-again-this.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/79c42c172f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Putin is lying again – this time in India. The EU and NATO are putting him in his place!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPFkYNn4Irw&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russian MiG-29 fighter jet destroyed in HUR drone attack on Crimea</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/04/russian-mig-fighter-jet-destroyed.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 04 Dec 2025 16:51:16 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/04/russian-mig-fighter-jet-destroyed.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/screenshot-2025-12-04-at-4-58-52-pm.png&#34; alt=&#34;Russian MiG-29 fighter jet destroyed in HUR drone attack on Crimea&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Successful strikes by Ukraine&#39;s military intelligence agency destroyed a Russian MiG-29 fighter jet and an Irtysh radar system in Russian-occupied Crimea, the agency said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-mig-29-fighter-jet-destroyed-in-hur-drone-attack-on-crimea/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Night of terror: Russian strikes on Odesa and Sloviansk #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/04/night-of-terror-russian-strikes.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 04 Dec 2025 16:40:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/04/night-of-terror-russian-strikes.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/d1dbc2b629.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Night of terror: Russian strikes on Odesa and Sloviansk #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/CDxGnhH6LDo&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <title>NIGHT ATTACK: 138 SHAHEDS AND ISKANDERS ON CHILDREN • Odesa and Sloviansk ARE BURNING | Stream</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/04/night-attack-shaheds-and-iskanders.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 04 Dec 2025 16:16:03 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/04/night-attack-shaheds-and-iskanders.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/657c803802.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;NIGHT ATTACK: 138 SHAHEDS AND ISKANDERS ON CHILDREN • Odesa and Sloviansk ARE BURNING | Stream&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Af3RteFwxv0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>❗️Nikos Christodoulides: We continue our support, we stand with Ukraine #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/04/nikos-christodoulides-we-continue-our.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 04 Dec 2025 16:12:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/04/nikos-christodoulides-we-continue-our.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/9c13305af8.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️Nikos Christodoulides: We continue our support, we stand with Ukraine #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/_dLtUcetHlE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>❗️The EU is preparing a new package of sanctions, and we want to make it truly effective, Zelenskyy</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/04/the-eu-is-preparing-a.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 04 Dec 2025 15:51:03 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/04/the-eu-is-preparing-a.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/44bda39517.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️The EU is preparing a new package of sanctions, and we want to make it truly effective, Zelenskyy&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/8wbHwlBIYqk&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>The 24 hours after a Shahed attack</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/04/the-hours-after-a-shahed.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 04 Dec 2025 15:06:46 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/04/the-hours-after-a-shahed.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f8fdd6f28-c.png&#34; alt=&#34;The 24 hours after a Shahed attack&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!Y-HC!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc032c6f0-7e1c-4971-9565-9c5945cdc117_1500x500.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fc032c6f0-7.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;485&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/c032c6f0-7e1c-4971-9565-9c5945cdc117_1500x500.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:485,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:true,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; fetchpriority=&#34;high&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Featured Subscriber’s Comment:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;“I support this work because it is the most accurate and valuable information and commentary about Ukraine. Authentic voices of serving journalists who work with Tim Mak. And the incredible DNA of fighting for democracy for ALL OF US shines through. Thank you Tim Mak for all you do.”&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;By: Elizabeth K. Baker&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Get Full Access!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Get Full Access!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Tip Jar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Tip Jar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;It was October 2022, and Serhii* is staring in dismay at a two-meter-high crater.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;He had driven out to the impact site of what was believed to be a missile near a village in the Kyiv region.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;But it wasn’t a missile. Fiberglass was scattered around the pit, and farther away lay fragments of circuit boards and pieces of an engine.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;He didn’t fully realize that over the next three years, he and his unit would see hundreds of similar craters. They were left by Shahed drones, which swarm over Ukrainian cities at night like vicious wasps.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-component-name=&#34;AudioPlaceholder&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;label&#34;:null,&#34;mediaUploadId&#34;:&#34;504e9138-f3e6-4a71-85f9-723fd9a64446&#34;,&#34;duration&#34;:18.076735,&#34;downloadable&#34;:false,&#34;isEditorNode&#34;:true}&#39; data-sanitized-class=&#34;native-audio-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;A sound of Shahed drones flying over the city extracted from a TikTok video.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!pRDv!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F469a1d3e-8528-4537-91fa-db7b417cebc1_700x466.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f469a1d3e-8.png&#34; width=&#34;700&#34; height=&#34;466&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/469a1d3e-8528-4537-91fa-db7b417cebc1_700x466.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:466,&#34;width&#34;:700,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;A scale of Shahed’s crater in the Chernihiv region. &lt;a href=&#34;https://t.me/ok_pivnich1/2604&#34;&gt;Photo&lt;/a&gt; by Operational Command North.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Since 2022, Russia has &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.instagram.com/p/DRK1N-fDseb/?igsh=d25icmJ4djlma2F2&#34;&gt;used&lt;/a&gt; around 60,000 Shahed drones in Ukraine, with almost 44,000 this year only. Reports like last week’s strike on Ukraine, when 600 Shaheds were &lt;a href=&#34;https://t.me/kpszsu/48627&#34;&gt;launched&lt;/a&gt;,  now barely register with people who live thousands of kilometers away from the war zone. While such news reports appear almost daily, there’s a personal tragedy behind every attack that often goes unnoticed.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Despite tremendous damage, Ukraine is dealing with the destruction from these strikes in record time, becoming an example not only for other countries at war but also for those dealing with other large-scale crises.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Serhii grew up in a village outside Kyiv, among warehouses filled with ammonium nitrate that were stockpiled there. Back then, according to Serhii, childhood was not spent “with phones.” Children went outside to play hide-and-seek or spent time near warehouses because there was little entertainment for kids in the villages. Already as a child, he knew how to make a small, homemade ‘explosive.’&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“A bolt with some nuts, pour in match heads, and throw it,” said Serhii, now a bomb disposal technician.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;id&#34;:414701}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;PollToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;poll-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Since many of Serhii’s relatives had tied their lives to the military, explosives were never going to remain just a childhood game. After serving in the Ukrainian police, he became a sapper after Russia’s initial invasion in 2014, before later returning to his regular duties in the Kyiv region.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!5wBL!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F47bfa038-c3dc-40fc-9f2a-110af4565a40_1600x1202.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f47bfa038-c.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;1094&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/47bfa038-c3dc-40fc-9f2a-110af4565a40_1600x1202.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1094,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Deputy head of the Explosives Ordnance Department in the Kyiv region, Serhii.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Now he witnesses the chaotic aftermath of Shahed attacks firsthand, taking part in crucial efforts to document these strikes.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Russia began launching Shaheds over Ukraine in the fall of 2022, after Iran supplied them to Moscow. If earlier the word ‘drone’ brought to mind a small quadcopter used to film wedding videos, the Shaheds turned that notion on its head. These drones stretched more than 3.5 meters long and carried enough explosives to tear apart the side of a building, posing a threat on par with a missile.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;When Shaheds hit the Kyiv region for the first time, nearly half of Serhii’s unit rushed to the scene.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;They began with reconnaissance, which sometimes was as simple as using a phone with a powerful zoom to identify an object. Back then, Serhii’s team examined the crater with quadcopters while calling other services for guidance. At that moment, no one really knew what to do with a chunk of downed scrap metal.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;But now, through experience, it has become almost routine.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!xfGH!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3c8337d7-fb3a-4059-a991-0ccde78ea06d_594x396.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f3c8337d7-f.jpg&#34; width=&#34;594&#34; height=&#34;396&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/3c8337d7-fb3a-4059-a991-0ccde78ea06d_594x396.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:396,&#34;width&#34;:594,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;A damaged residential area following a Russian combined attack with missiles and Shahed-type drones in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine on August 30, 2025. (Photo by Zaporizhzhia Regional Military Adm./Anadolu via Getty Images).&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;As soon as darkness falls and the air raid siren begins to wail, the skies over Ukrainian cities light up with searchlights hunting for the drones that are already approaching. The buzz of Shahed engines is drowned out by air defense fire, which sounds like bursts from an automatic rifle.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Then a loud explosion —which means the Shahed has been shot down, or it has struck somewhere.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Everything is calculated already at the planning stage... We work only within our assigned sectors and cannot shoot beyond them, especially in urban areas. We’d simply end up firing into someone’s windows,” an air-defense serviceman with the callsign ‘Kit’ ( ‘Cat’ in English) told &lt;em&gt;The Counteroffensive.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Kit first notifies his command about the downing, then files a report, and together with his comrades calls the explosives unit to the place where the debris likely fell.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;On the other end of the line, the rush begins: Technicians put on bomb disposal suits and head to the site in teams.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;These days, Serhii can identify what kind of explosive a Shahed was packed with just by looking at the crater, as different warheads leave different-sized holes in the soil. Sometimes, by the sharp smell hanging in the air, even before he sees the drone’s debris.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Lately, the Russians have been using warheads filled with incendiary mixtures [to trigger large fires at the crash site]. I can tell the difference between the smell of a TNT blast or an artillery shell. 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(Photo by Andriy Dubchak/Frontliner/Getty Images).&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;When Serhii’s team arrives, a crowd is usually already gathering at the site of the strike or shoot down. Gas and electricity services check for gas leaks or short circuits. Medics treat the injured.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;From time to time, you can hear crying and wailing if dead bodies are found at the scene.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Patrol police cordon off the area where the debris fell to prepare it for the arrival of the explosives unit. They must arrive quickly, although Serhii admits that when the entire region has only four teams, there are sometimes not enough hands during massive attacks.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The bomb technicians usually provide the initial assessment of the type of Shahed they’re dealing with. For example, there are cases when Russians launch decoys without explosives to exhaust Ukraine’s air defense. Such Shaheds are called ‘Geran.’&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Investigators photograph the crash site, collect samples from the blast center, and send them for more precise analysis to document the latest war crime.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Sometimes people from other services show up and shout, ‘Come on, hurry, hurry’… But we never rush. That can be a big mistake,” Serhii said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For people who work with explosives, rushing leads to errors — and Serhii knows that all too well. “God saved” him three times at the front when he almost stepped on a tripwire. He couldn’t allow anything like that to happen to his team.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Explosive technicians, like snipers, always work in pairs. One works directly with the Shahed; the other monitors and provides cover, monitoring other threats, and help from a distance. Their main job is to destroy the warheads: if there are no buildings nearby, right on the spot; otherwise, they carefully and slowly transport them to improvised demolition sites.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The remaining debris is handed over for further investigation.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Each specialist mentally prepares to see both the injured and, likely, the dead. Lately, the sight of dead bodies has become the norm for them. Bomb technicians are often called to handle the exchange of bodies with the Russians, sometimes even those that are already decomposing.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“By the end of their shift, the guys are just collapsing from exhaustion. They can’t even fill out the paperwork because they fall asleep at the computer,” Serhii said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In the morning, at briefings, everyone talks through what happened over the past day — all their fears and worries. Serhii’s team comforts and reassures one another, even when it’s about problems at home. 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The results of these studies later become evidence in criminal cases against Russia and help impose sanctions on companies that assist the Kremlin’s war machine.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;According to Colonel Oleksandr Zaruba, the chief research officer at one of the Institute’s departments, the Russians are constantly improving the Shaheds to inflict as much damage as possible. The drones are sometimes used to scatter mines or drop anti-Ukrainian propaganda over border areas, for instance.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;There are cases when Serhii’s team can’t reach the crash site in time, and the Shahed has already been taken by locals. This usually happens in villages further from Kyiv, where it takes an hour and a half to get there.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Serhii joked that Ukrainians “find a use for everything” around the house.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“We arrive at the crash site and there’s nothing left. Someone took the motor, someone took the batteries, someone liked some of the circuit boards and carried them off. And in the end they bring you only a piece of plastic [the empty drone shell],” Serhii said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;People mainly use motors from Shaheds or Gerans for agricultural purposes, such as building a small walk-behind tractor. There are cases where Ukrainians insist that if a drone landed in their yard, it is now their property and they can even sell it if they want. The fact that such antics can lead to administrative or even criminal charges doesn’t deter them, Serhii said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!BGVO!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fdeef5d65-dab5-40de-a749-c9ba954475d6_1600x1014.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fdeef5d65-d.png&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;923&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/deef5d65-dab5-40de-a749-c9ba954475d6_1600x1014.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:923,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!FhtF!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F161e74a6-09c2-49f6-afb2-e748837f0b11_1600x944.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f161e74a6-0.png&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;859&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/161e74a6-09c2-49f6-afb2-e748837f0b11_1600x944.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:859,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;People are selling Shahed spare parts on the shopping website OLX, similar to Amazon.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;After long, exhausting days on the road, Serhii can barely stay on his feet. He gets a chance to truly breathe freely only when he’s on leave, when he can finally devote himself to his family.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“When I come home in the evening, I try not to think about work. But during mass attacks, when they keep calling me, it’s really hard. I’m constantly stuck in this job,” Serhii sighed, taking a small pause before answering.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;These calls aren’t always about attacks, though.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Sometimes bomb disposal technicians are called out, for instance,  because a soldier has been drinking and is threatening to blow everything up with a grenade while his wife and children cry nearby.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Serhii’s own wife sometimes scolds him gently because, besides work, there are other things to take care of. After all, they have children, too.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;But his work has already consumed him, and he can’t imagine himself outside of it.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A new day will begin, and he will have to head out to another crash site, figuring out how to disconnect the wires safely so that no one gets blown up.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“No one but us, the explosives technicians, can do our job.” Serhii said. “No one knows when it will end.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;*We are not disclosing Serhii’s full name for security purposes.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;Correction: A previous version of this story included the incorrect audio for Shahed drone sounds. We apologize for the mistake.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Featured Subscriber’s Comment:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;“I support this work because it the most accurate and valuable information and commentary about Ukraine. Authentic voices of surving journalists who work with Tim Mak. And the incredible DNA of fighting for democracy for ALL OF US shines through. Thank you Tim Mak for all you do.”&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;By: Elizabeth K. Baker&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Get Full Access!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Get Full Access!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Tip Jar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Tip Jar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;NEWS OF THE DAY:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;By:&lt;/strong&gt; Tania Novakivska&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;ABDUCTED UKRAINIAN CHILDREN SENT TO NORTH KOREA CAMPS: &lt;/strong&gt;Kateryna Rashevska, an expert at the Regional Human Rights Center, noted that at least 165 camps have been &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/several-russia-abducted-ukrainian-children-forcibly-transferred-to-north-korea-expert-tells-us-senate-committee/&#34;&gt;set up&lt;/a&gt;, not only in Russia, but also in Belarus and North Korea.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Kremlin has said that the deportation of Ukrainian children is an evacuation, but has failed to provide lists of the deported children to the Red Cross and has not explained the reasons for their detention.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;JOINT UK-NORWAY FLEET TO COUNTER RUSSIAN THREAT: &lt;/strong&gt;In the North Atlantic, the UK and Norway will now &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.ukrinform.ua/rubric-world/4065952-britania-i-norvegia-stvorat-spilnij-flot-dla-protidii-pidvodnim-zagrozam-rf.html&#34;&gt;operate&lt;/a&gt; a joint fleet, consisting of British-built Type 26 frigates, to counter underwater threats from Russia.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This is due to a 30% increase in the number of Russian vessels, which threaten the waters of the United Kingdom over the past two years.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;MERZ ARGUES FOR EU RISK SHARING IN USING RUSSIAN ASSETS:  &lt;/strong&gt;German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that each EU country should &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.globalbankingandfinance.com/ukraine-crisis-eu-financing-germany-zero/&#34;&gt;bear &lt;/a&gt;an equal share of the risk in using frozen Russian assets for Ukraine.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This comes as Belgium, home to Euroclear which holds most of the frozen Russian assets, pushes back against the move. The Belgian Prime Minister has &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.eurointegration.com.ua/eng/news/2025/11/28/7225923/&#34;&gt;called&lt;/a&gt; it “fundamentally wrong” to use the frozen assets.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;DOGS OF WAR:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;Tania’s dogs, woken up by the smell of food, stared on Tania on a peaceful Sunday evening.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!5X8B!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F801004d2-bb8d-421e-b00e-03a8b736544d_1593x1600.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f801004d2-b.png&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;1462&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/801004d2-bb8d-421e-b00e-03a8b736544d_1593x1600.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1462,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;g&gt;&lt;title&gt;&lt;/title&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/g&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Stay safe out there!&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Best,&lt;br&gt;Mariana&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/the-24-hours-after-a-shahed-attack&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>SHOCK! Russia takes Ukrainian children to North Korea. Macron calls on China to halt Kremlin strikes</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/04/shock-russia-takes-ukrainian-children.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 04 Dec 2025 15:01:12 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/04/shock-russia-takes-ukrainian-children.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/00ef89a8f5.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;SHOCK! Russia takes Ukrainian children to North Korea. Macron calls on China to halt Kremlin strikes&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XG3QM4hdtHI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>FOR THE FIRST TIME! President of Cyprus Nicos Christodoulides VISITED KYIV #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/04/for-the-first-time-president.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 04 Dec 2025 14:52:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/04/for-the-first-time-president.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/fe07f0a207.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;FOR THE FIRST TIME! President of Cyprus Nicos Christodoulides VISITED KYIV #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/CgHaGn02YS4&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russian strikes on Kherson heating plant leave over 40,000 residents in the cold</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/04/russian-strikes-on-kherson-heating.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 04 Dec 2025 14:36:40 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/04/russian-strikes-on-kherson-heating.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2177220705.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian strikes on Kherson heating plant leave over 40,000 residents in the cold&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The closure came after several days of sustained attacks by drones and artillery, targeting the halls and equipment of the plant, according to regional governor Oleksandr Prokudin.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-strikes-on-kherson-heating-plant-leave-over-40-000-residents-in-the-cold/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Who is Dan Driscoll, &#39;JD Vance&#39;s man&#39; leading talks with Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/04/who-is-dan-driscoll-jd.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 04 Dec 2025 14:07:08 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/04/who-is-dan-driscoll-jd.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2196807297.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Who is Dan Driscoll, &#39;JD Vance&#39;s man&#39; leading talks with Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Dan Driscoll, the U.S. army secretary known as an ardent advocate of military modernization, was thrust into an unexpected role as Washington&#39;s leading negotiator in Ukraine.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;His trip to Kyiv last month, which was expected to focus on technology cooperation, instead saw him present Ukraine with a&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/who-is-dan-driscoll-jd-vances-man-leading-ukraine-talks/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Can AI Help Ukraine’s Mental Health Crisis? New Evidence on Digital Support During War</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/04/can-ai-help-ukraines-mental.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 04 Dec 2025 13:01:28 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/04/can-ai-help-ukraines-mental.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;single-post-lead&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;As the full-scale war in Ukraine enters its fourth year, new nationally representative data reveal a silent mental health crisis hiding beneath the surface of resilience. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;A September 2025 KIIS survey of 2,000 Ukrainians shows that while 23.2% meet clinical thresholds for anxiety and 19.8% for depression, only 6.3% describe their mental health as “bad” or “very bad.” Despite widespread symptoms, 89.0% sought no professional help in the past year, citing cost (43.9%), limited availability (25.0%), and stigma (17.2%) as key barriers—while one in four relied on sedatives or sleeping pills. AI chatbots such as ChatGPT or Gemini reach only a tiny fraction of those in need: just 9.0% say they would be “very likely” to use such tools, and 42.0% “very unlikely.” The findings reveal that Ukraine’s mental health challenge is not only one of need but of recognition, access, and trust, raising urgent questions about how to build affordable, stigma-free, and scalable support systems with AI chatbots offering one potential solution.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;The Mental Health Picture&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;As the large-scale war approaches its fourth year, evidence suggests that it has taken a toll not only on the economy but also on people’s minds. With traditional psychological services scarce and expensive, could artificial intelligence offer a scalable solution, or do Ukrainians remain too skeptical to embrace it?&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;We commissioned a series of questions in the September 2025 Omnibus survey conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS), relying on a nationally representative sample of 2,000 Ukrainians, to examine mental health status and help-seeking behavior nearly four years into the full-scale invasion.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Using the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4), a validated four-item screening tool comprising two anxiety items (GAD-2: feeling nervous/anxious and inability to control worrying) and two depression items (PHQ-2: loss of interest and feeling down/hopeless) (Kroenke et al., 2009), we find that 23.2% of respondents met the clinical threshold for probable anxiety, 19.8% for depression, and 17.7% for combined psychological distress. Yet, when asked to rate their mental health directly, only 6.3% described it as “bad” or “very bad.” These numbers are &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://voxukraine.org/en/mental-health-during-the-war-when-bread-wins-over-bombs&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;somewhat below the estimates we obtained in May 2025&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt;, perhaps, reflecting a highly dynamic nature of mental health in a war setting. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;What is interesting, the concordance between self-rated health and three measures based on PHQ-4 is rather weak. By concordance we mean that respondents would have “yes” or “no” for both measures but not a mix of “yes” for, say, anxiety, and “no” for bad or very bad self-rated health. In our sample only 79,5%, 83,2%, 84,8% of responses for anxiety, depression and distress coincide with self-rated health (either good or bad).&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;To contextualize these figures, pre-pandemic benchmarks using the same PHQ-4 scales found anxiety rates of 8-10% and depression rates of 7-10% in the U.S. and Germany (CDC 2019; Hajek &amp; König, 2020). During COVID-19, rates across seven European countries (including Germany, UK, France, and Italy) peaked at 41% for depression and 33% for anxiety in late 2020, declining to 29% and 28% respectively by April 2021 (Hajek et al., 2022). Therefore, Ukraine’s 2025 rates fall between typical Western baselines and pandemic-era peaks.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;The 17-percentage-point gap between standardized screening and self-assessment warrants attention. This discrepancy may reflect normalization of wartime stress, differences between clinical and everyday understandings of mental health, or reluctance to report psychological difficulties. Regardless of the root cause, a substantial portion of the population experiences symptoms that reveal the scale of Ukraine’s mental health challenge, which affects nearly one in four Ukrainians. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Access Barriers and Current Help-Seeking&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Despite the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms, 89.0% of respondents had not sought mental health help in the previous 12 months. Overall, in the sample only 3.9% saw a psychologist, 3.9% consulted a psychiatrist, 2.8% used AI chatbots (ChatGPT, Gemini), 1.1% tried but failed to obtain help, and 0.7% mentioned other sources (mostly family or other doctors).&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;When asked about barriers to accessing mental health services, respondents identified the following major constraints (multiple options possible for one respondent):&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li aria-level=&#34;1&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Cost: 43.9% cited financial constraints&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li aria-level=&#34;1&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Availability/logistics: 25.0% mentioned limited services or transportation difficulties&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li aria-level=&#34;1&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Privacy concerns: 19.7% worried about confidentiality&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li aria-level=&#34;1&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Stigma: 17.2% feared judgment&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li aria-level=&#34;1&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Uncertainty: 27.2% selected “hard to answer”, an unusually high proportion for this response category, possibly indicating discomfort with the topic&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;These findings indicate that access barriers operate on multiple levels: economic, infrastructural, and social. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Regression analysis of help-seeking behavior reveals that self-employed, higher and vocational education individuals are more likely to seek mental health help (Appendix Table A1). On the other hand, older respondents coming from big cities and with more extra income show lower rates of help-seeking. These patterns may reflect differential exposure to stressors, varying access to services, or differences in mental health literacy across groups.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Medication Use&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Regarding sedatives and sleep aids, 25.5% of respondents reported using them in the previous month, elevated compared to North American and European benchmarks for benzodiazepine prevalence ranging from 4% to 8% (Ma et al. 2023), though direct comparison is complicated by differences in measurement periods and the Ukrainian survey’s inclusion of plant-based remedies alongside pharmaceutical benzodiazepines. The survey did not distinguish between prescribed medications and self-medication, nor between benzodiazepines and milder herbal remedies like valerian. However, the disparity between sedative use (25.5%) and professional mental health service access (7.8%) raises questions about whether medication may be substituting for unavailable professional care. Given established risks of long-term usage, especially when it comes to benzodiazepine, monitoring these patterns warrants policy attention.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Exploratory regression analysis reveals demographic correlates of sedative use. Unemployment shows the strongest association, with unemployed respondents substantially more likely to report use. Internally displaced persons, retirees, women, and older respondents also show higher likelihood of usage. These patterns are correlational and do not establish causal relationships, but they may help identify populations warranting closer attention in monitoring efforts.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Attitudes Toward AI-Based Mental-Health Support&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Recent technological developments have introduced digital and AI-driven mental-health tools as potential complements to traditional services. While medication use can lead to potential long-term problems of substance abuse, AI tools may provide a low-cost and convenient alternative that is anonymous and free from stigma.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;caption&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Figure 1. How likely is it that you would use an AI chatbot for mental health support if you needed help? &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img fetchpriority=&#34;high&#34; decoding=&#34;async&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/digital-support-1.png&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; width=&#34;700&#34; height=&#34;421&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;aligncenter wp-image-190866&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;single-post-footnote&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Note: Authors’ calculations based on KIIS Omnibus survey for September 2025. One option only.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;The KIIS data provide one of the first systematic assessments of Ukrainians’ attitudes toward such technologies. The results show a cautious and often skeptical public. When asked about their likelihood of using AI chatbots for mental health support if needed, 42.0% said they would be “very unlikely” to do so, with another 13.4% “somewhat unlikely,” totaling 55.4% expressing clear resistance (Figure 1). Only 9.0% said they would be “very likely” and 14.3% “somewhat likely” to use such tools, a combined openness rate of 23.3%. The remaining 17.5% were neutral or unsure.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;To analyze respondents’ views on AI mental health we grouped them into 3 groups based on their attitude to mental health AI chatbot. We combined answers “somewhat unlikely” or “very unlikely” into a group of 1,118 respondents with “Negative” attitude, 349 respondents chose option “Neutral” because they were unsure and 469 respondents had “Positive” attitude combining the groups who were “somewhat likely” or “very likely” to use AI chatbot if the need arises. Table 1 shows the distribution of views on AI use for mental health by those three groups.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;caption&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Table 1. Views on AI mental health shown by attitude towards AI chatbot use&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img decoding=&#34;async&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/digital-support-2.png&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; width=&#34;699&#34; height=&#34;301&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;aligncenter wp-image-190867&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;single-post-footnote&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Note: Authors’ calculations based on KIIS Omnibus survey for September 2025. Multiple options possible.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Across all groups, the share of respondents not seeking mental health help at all remained relatively consistent (21.5–26.5%), highlighting that openness to AI tools largely reflects perceptions of technology itself rather than overall help-seeking behavior. Respondents with negative attitudes most frequently cited a preference for human interaction (40.0%) and distrust of AI for mental health (35.3%), showing clear skepticism toward technological solutions. Those with neutral attitudes shared similar concerns but at lower rates, 24.4% and 34.1% correspondingly. At the same time, these issues were less important for respondents with positive attitudes – only 7.2% expressed preference for human interaction and 22.6% didn’t trust AI for mental health. By contrast, respondents with positive attitudes emphasized AI’s practical advantages: nearly half (46.7%) valued its 24/7 availability and 28.8% its privacy and lack of judgment. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Survey answers reveal that the majority prioritizes human connection and expresses skepticism about algorithmic approaches to mental health. A smaller segment (23%) appreciates the practical advantages of digital tools: constant availability and reduced social friction. For this receptive minority, AI chatbots might provide an alternative to self-medication or no support at all, particularly in rural or conflict-affected areas where professional services are unavailable. However, the substantial resistance rate, driven primarily by the value placed on human empathy and doubts about AI’s suitability for mental health, indicates that digital tools should be positioned as supplements to, rather than replacements for, traditional care to reach a wider audience.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Demographic patterns reveal limited variation in AI openness. Residents of smaller and mid-sized cities express lower likelihood of using AI mental health tools compared to those in larger urban areas, possibly reflecting differences in technology familiarity or internet infrastructure.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Discussion&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;The September 2025 KIIS survey reveals a substantial gap between measured psychological distress and help-seeking behavior in Ukraine. While 23% screen positive for anxiety and 20% for depression using standardized instruments, only 6.3% self-assess their mental health as poor, and 89% have not sought any form of mental health support in the past year. This pattern, widespread symptoms, limited recognition, minimal help-seeking, operates against a backdrop of significant barriers: 44% cite cost as prohibitive, 25% face availability or logistics challenges, and stigma concerns persist.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Sedative and sleep aid use adds another dimension: 25.5% of Ukrainians reported use in the past month, somewhat higher than typical European rates. The disparity between this figure and professional mental health engagement (7.8%) suggests medication may substitute for unavailable psychological care rather than complement integrated treatment.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Against this backdrop, AI-based mental health tools present an ambiguous prospect. Only 23% of respondents expressed openness to using AI chatbots for mental health support, with 55% explicitly resistant and the remainder uncertain. The most common objections centered on preference for human interaction (32%) and distrust of AI for mental health purposes (26%), while a minority appreciated 24/7 accessibility (15%) and anonymity (9%). These attitudes suggest that while digital tools promise to deliver services to hard to reach populations, they face substantial adoption barriers which warrant further investigation.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Conclusion and Policy Implications&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;In sum, the data reveal a paradox in Ukraine’s mental-health landscape. While self-reported well-being suggests resilience, standardized screening tools indicate widespread levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms. These findings highlight both urgent policy needs and critical knowledge gaps about how to build safe and effective mental health support structures during and after prolonged conflict.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;The central challenge is one of scale: the war’s mental health impacts will persist long after active combat ends, creating sustained demand that Ukraine’s existing mental health workforce cannot meet. Addressing this demand-supply gap requires not only expanding traditional services but also investigating how emerging technologies, particularly AI-driven tools, can responsibly augment capacity.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Several immediate priorities emerge from the data. Service expansion through multiple channels is needed to address the cost and accessibility barriers cited by the majority of respondents. Primary care integration offers particular promise: embedding mental health screening and brief interventions in routine medical visits leverages existing infrastructure and reduces stigma associated with specialized mental health services. Community mental health teams, whether mobile or community-based, can reach populations in areas with limited providers, particularly in conflict-affected and rural regions. Given the shortage of licensed mental health professionals, training community health workers or peers in evidence-based brief interventions can expand capacity more rapidly than traditional professional training pipelines.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Systematic monitoring of medication use is also warranted given the elevated rate of sedative use (25.5%). Such monitoring should ensure that pharmacological treatment remains appropriate and supervised rather than substituting for unavailable psychological care. This includes establishing prescription monitoring databases to identify patterns of long-term use or potential over-prescription, and developing clinical guidelines for appropriate benzodiazepine use in conflict settings.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;The 17-percentage-point gap between objective screening and self-assessment raises important questions about recognition and help-seeking that require further investigation. Rather than assuming awareness campaigns will close this gap, research is needed to understand why Ukrainians experiencing clinically significant symptoms do not recognize them as such, whether this reflects adaptive coping, stigma, or limited mental health literacy, and which interventions, if any, can effectively shift recognition and subsequent help-seeking behavior in the short term.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Finally, the potential role of AI-driven mental health tools deserves systematic investigation. While only 23% of Ukrainians currently express openness to AI mental health support, these tools could provide scalable, low-cost options for populations where traditional services are unavailable. Concerns about safety are legitimate, given documented cases of general-purpose chatbots failing to appropriately advise users in crisis. However, purpose-built applications such as Wysa and Youper take a different approach, delivering evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy with additional integrated safety protocols. Early trials suggest they can significantly reduce depression and anxiety symptoms, though primarily for mild-to-moderate cases (Fitzpatrick et al., 2017).&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Substantial knowledge gaps remain. What forms of AI support are effective for war-affected populations? What are the risks of deployment in contexts with ongoing cyber threats? How can these tools be designed and governed as complements to, rather than substitutes for, professional care? Addressing these questions requires rigorous testing before widespread deployment.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;The data suggest not a single intervention but an integrated system where professional services, appropriate medication oversight, and emerging technologies complement one another. Building such a system will require sustained investment alongside systematic research to ensure that expanded services are not only scalable but safe and effective for those suffering amid ongoing uncertainty.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;References&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;ol&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Fitzpatrick, K. K., Darcy, A., &amp; Vierhile, M. (2017). Delivering cognitive behavior therapy to young adults with symptoms of depression and anxiety using a fully automated conversational agent (Woebot): a randomized controlled trial. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt;JMIR mental health&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;span&gt;, &lt;/span&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt;4&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;span&gt;(2), e7785. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2021.12.029&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;https://doi.org/&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://doi.org/10.2196/mental.7785&#34;&gt;&lt;b&gt;10.2196/mental.7785&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Hajek, A., Sabat, I., Neumann-Böhme, S., Schreyögg, J., Barros, P. P., Stargardt, T., &amp; König, H. H. (2022). Prevalence and determinants of probable depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic in seven countries: Longitudinal evidence from the European COvid Survey (ECOS). &lt;/span&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt;Journal of affective disorders&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;span&gt;, &lt;/span&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt;299&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;span&gt;, 517-524.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2021.12.029&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2021.12.029&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Hajek, A., &amp; König, H. H. (2020). Prevalence and correlates of individuals screening positive for depression and anxiety on the phq-4 in the German general population: findings from the nationally representative German socio-economic panel (GSOEP). &lt;/span&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt;International journal of environmental research and public health&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;span&gt;, &lt;/span&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt;17&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;span&gt;(21), 7865.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17217865&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17217865&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Kroenke, K., Spitzer, R.L., Williams, J.B. and Löwe, B., 2009. An ultra-brief screening scale for anxiety and depression: the PHQ–4. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt;Psychosomatics&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;span&gt;, &lt;/span&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt;50&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;span&gt;(6), pp.613-621.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://doi.org/10.1016/S0033-3182(09)70864-3&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;https://doi.org/10.1016/S0033-3182(09)70864-3&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Landolt, S., Rosemann, T., Blozik, E., Brüngger, B., &amp; Huber, C. A. (2021). Benzodiazepine and Z-drug use in Switzerland: prevalence, prescription patterns and association with adverse healthcare outcomes. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt;Neuropsychiatric disease and treatment&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;span&gt;, 1021-1034.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://doi.org/10.2147/NDT.S290104&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;https://doi.org/10.2147/NDT.S290104&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span&gt;Ma, T.T., Wang, Z., Qin, X., Ju, C., Lau, W.C., Man, K.K., Castle, D., Chung Chang, W., Chan, A.Y., Cheung, E.C. and Chui, C.S.L., 2023. Global trends in the consumption of benzodiazepines and Z-drugs in 67 countries and regions from 2008 to 2018: a sales data analysis. Sleep, 46(10), p.zsad124. [doi.org/10.1093/s...](https://doi.org/10.1093/sleep/zsad124)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ol&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;caption&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Table A1. Results from linear probability model for respondents who sought or received mental help&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img decoding=&#34;async&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/digital-support-3.png&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; width=&#34;699&#34; height=&#34;826&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;aligncenter wp-image-190868&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;&lt;span&gt;Disclaimer&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;reference&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;This research was financed by The Medical Faculty at the University of Oslo for the implementation of the project: &lt;/span&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt;“The Repercussions of War Violence in Ukraine: Consequences for Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Utilization of Primary Health Care”&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;span&gt;. The funder didn’t have involvement in the research design, collection, analysis, or interpretation of data, or in the writing of the report. All views are of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the funder.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;reference&#34;&gt;Фото: &lt;a href=&#34;https://depositphotos.com/ua/&#34;&gt;depositphotos.com/ua&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://voxukraine.org/en/can-ai-help-ukraines-mental-health-crisis-new-evidence-on-digital-support-during-war&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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      <pubDate>Thu, 04 Dec 2025 10:50:44 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/04/czech-pow-sentenced-to-years.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/screenshot-2025-12-04-at-9-54-40-am.png&#34; alt=&#34;Czech POW sentenced to 13 years in jail by Russian court for fighting for Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Tran&#39;s case is just the latest case of Russian prosecution of a captured foreign fighter as a mercenary, which, in Moscow&#39;s interpretation of international law, deprives them of the rights traditionally held by prisoners of war (POWs).&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/czech-pow-sentenced-to-13-years-jail-by-russian-court-for-fighting-for-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine eyes Modi–Putin talks as test of Russia’s oil lifeline</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/04/ukraine-eyes-modiputin-talks-as.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 04 Dec 2025 08:34:08 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/04/ukraine-eyes-modiputin-talks-as.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/684bf6d8dc.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine eyes Modi–Putin talks as test of Russia’s oil lifeline&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Putin’s trip to India tests how far New Delhi will go to protect its ties with Moscow while pressure mounts from Ukraine, Europe and the U.S.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/putin-india-visit-russia-modi-oil-lifeline/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Pope Francis left funds in his will to buy ambulances for Ukraine, nun says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/04/pope-francis-left-funds-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 04 Dec 2025 06:11:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/04/pope-francis-left-funds-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/da2ea224ff.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Pope Francis left funds in his will to buy ambulances for Ukraine, nun says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;He did tell me, in our meetings, that he would help me in some way, but I didn&#39;t imagine he would do it like this,&#34; Dominican nun Lucia Caram said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/pope-francis-left-funds-in-his-will-to-buy-ambulances-for-ukraine-nun-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Several Ukrainian children abducted by Russia forcibly sent to North Korea, expert tells US Senate</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/04/several-ukrainian-children-abducted-by.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 04 Dec 2025 00:07:04 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/04/several-ukrainian-children-abducted-by.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2249176140-612x612.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Several Ukrainian children abducted by Russia forcibly sent to North Korea, expert tells US Senate&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;12-year-old Misha from the occupied Donetsk region and 16-year-old Liza from occupied Simferopol were sent to Songdowon camp in North Korea, 9,000 km from home,&#34; Rashevska testified. &#34;Children there were taught to ‘destroy Japanese militarists’ and met Korean veterans who, in 1968, attacked the U.S. Navy ship Pueblo, killing and wounding nine American soldiers.&#34;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/several-russia-abducted-ukrainian-children-forcibly-transferred-to-north-korea-expert-tells-us-senate-committee/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Pokrovsk in Russia&#39;s grip as sister city stares down encirclement</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/03/pokrovsk-in-russias-grip-as.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 03 Dec 2025 22:33:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/03/pokrovsk-in-russias-grip-as.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/dscf7363-1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Pokrovsk in Russia&#39;s grip as sister city stares down encirclement&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ukraine&#39;s great fortress city of Pokrovsk has officially fallen — as far as Moscow is concerned.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;More than five weeks after Russian troops first started to swarm into the southern outskirts of the &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/donetsk-oblast/&#34;&gt;Donetsk Oblast&lt;/a&gt; city, Pokrovsk has been decisively overrun, although Kyiv still claims a presence inside&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/pokrovsk-in-russias-grip-as-sister-city-stares-down-encirclement/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Putin doesn&#39;t care about Russia – he enjoys war #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/03/putin-doesnt-care-about-russia.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 03 Dec 2025 22:01:14 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/03/putin-doesnt-care-about-russia.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/03bec04fcb.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Putin doesn&#39;t care about Russia – he enjoys war #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/w0FRg-uoOrU&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>FIRES in Russia&#39;s rear – Ukrainian drones ATTACK! Putin threatens with a non-existent fleet</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/03/fires-in-russias-rear-ukrainian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 03 Dec 2025 21:01:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/03/fires-in-russias-rear-ukrainian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/b0501ea709.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;FIRES in Russia&#39;s rear – Ukrainian drones ATTACK! Putin threatens with a non-existent fleet&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRPQLSYIAhc&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>A Russian opposition figure tries — and fails — to mythologize Zelensky</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/03/a-russian-opposition-figure-tries.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 03 Dec 2025 21:00:34 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/03/a-russian-opposition-figure-tries.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/book-zelensky.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;A Russian opposition figure tries — and fails — to mythologize Zelensky&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, President Volodymyr Zelensky has come to occupy a singular place in the global imagination: not merely as Ukraine’s president, but as the voice through which the country’s courage and endurance are made legible to the world.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;While&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/a-russian-opposition-figure-tries-and-fails-to-mythologize-president-zelensky/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>How fragmented sanctions prolong the war and empower Russia’s defense industry</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/03/how-fragmented-sanctions-prolong-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 03 Dec 2025 20:57:41 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/03/how-fragmented-sanctions-prolong-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/81b3b76b00.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;How fragmented sanctions prolong the war and empower Russia’s defense industry&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;About the author: Mariya Chukhnova is an international security and stability expert at The Critical Mass, an international security think tank based in Alexandria, Virginia.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Nearly four years into Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, its military-industrial complex continues to function almost undisturbed.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Despite multiple rounds of sanctions and&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/how-fragmented-sanctions-prolong-the-war-and-empower-russias-defense-industry/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Putin lies to Russians about Kupiansk and surrounded battalions #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/03/putin-lies-to-russians-about.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 03 Dec 2025 20:51:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/03/putin-lies-to-russians-about.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/064db3b45a.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Putin lies to Russians about Kupiansk and surrounded battalions #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/hNqDe60R-tI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>❗️The world feels that there is a chance to end the war, says Zelenskyy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/03/the-world-feels-that-there.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 03 Dec 2025 20:25:47 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/03/the-world-feels-that-there.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/dfee64c6af.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️The world feels that there is a chance to end the war, says Zelenskyy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/l63X-hiJipE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>25,000 losses per month! Ukrainian servicemen repel occupiers&#39; assaults near Pokrovsk</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/03/losses-per-month-ukrainian-servicemen.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 03 Dec 2025 20:01:52 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/03/losses-per-month-ukrainian-servicemen.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/80be932d72.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;25,000 losses per month! Ukrainian servicemen repel occupiers&#39; assaults near Pokrovsk&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-WWdVRjnR8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine&#39;s parliament votes to adopt 2026 budget</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/03/ukraines-parliament-votes-to-adopt.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 03 Dec 2025 18:51:45 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/03/ukraines-parliament-votes-to-adopt.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/29f29dd272.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine&#39;s parliament votes to adopt 2026 budget&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The budget foresees Hr 4.8 trillion ($115 billion) in expenditures and Hr 2.9 trillion ($70 billion) in revenues — meaning a deficit of 18.5% of GDP, according to Kyiv-based think tank Center for Economic Strategy (CES).&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-parliament-votes-to-adopt-2026-budget/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Youth exodus — Ukraine&#39;s young people are increasingly quitting their jobs to go abroad</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/03/youth-exodus-ukraines-young-people.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 03 Dec 2025 18:02:37 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/03/youth-exodus-ukraines-young-people.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-1239444190.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Youth exodus — Ukraine&#39;s young people are increasingly quitting their jobs to go abroad&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Young people are quitting their jobs en masse following Kyiv’s decision to allow men aged 18-22 to leave Ukraine, according to a new survey from Robota.ua, a Ukrainian recruitment platform.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ukraine had banned men aged 18-60 from leaving the country at the start of Russia&#39;s&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/youth-exodus-ukraines-young-people-are-increasingly-quitting-their-jobs-to-go-abroad/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>THE KREMLIN IS GOING CRAZY! Putin&#39;s propaganda accuses Europe of &amp;amp;quot;secret militarization&amp;amp;quot;</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/03/the-kremlin-is-going-crazy.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 03 Dec 2025 18:00:50 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/03/the-kremlin-is-going-crazy.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/5e5da0a412.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;THE KREMLIN IS GOING CRAZY! Putin&#39;s propaganda accuses Europe of &amp;quot;secret militarization&amp;quot;&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQFA_zHuLzc&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Kyiv and Paris are considering localizing arms production in Ukraine #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/03/kyiv-and-paris-are-considering.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 03 Dec 2025 17:30:17 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/03/kyiv-and-paris-are-considering.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/011da162e9.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Kyiv and Paris are considering localizing arms production in Ukraine #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/dFAHIGqF2ec&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>How elite Russian drone units are threatening to end Ukraine’s front-line aerial dominance</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/03/how-elite-russian-drone-units.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 03 Dec 2025 17:27:12 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/03/how-elite-russian-drone-units.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/screenshot-2025-12-03-at-16-32-11.png&#34; alt=&#34;How elite Russian drone units are threatening to end Ukraine’s front-line aerial dominance&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russia has centralized volunteer drone units like Rubikon into a professional system that is eroding Ukraine’s early edge in UAV warfare and threatening its front lines.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russians-really-scale-how-moscow-built-a-drone-system-that-now-threatens-to-tilt-the-balance-on-the-battlefield-in-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine&#39;s parliament strips Russian from &#39;protected minority language&#39; list</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/03/ukraines-parliament-strips-russian-from.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 03 Dec 2025 17:19:52 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/03/ukraines-parliament-strips-russian-from.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2227220465-2.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine&#39;s parliament strips Russian from &#39;protected minority language&#39; list&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;Today we have finally restored historical justice and turned the page on years of distortions that were used for political pressure and to legitimize Russification. We have demonstrated our maturity as a European state,&#34; Language Ombudsman Olena Ivanovska said on Dec. 3.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-no-longer-protected-minority-language-in-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>In rare criticism, former Russian commander says Moscow was &#39;unprepared&#39; for invasion of Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/03/in-rare-criticism-former-russian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 03 Dec 2025 17:17:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/03/in-rare-criticism-former-russian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/screenshot-2025-12-03-at-18-11-58.png&#34; alt=&#34;In rare criticism, former Russian commander says Moscow was &#39;unprepared&#39; for invasion of Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;In Russia, publicly criticizing the war can lead to criminal charges with prison sentences of up to 15 years.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/in-rare-criticism-former-russian-commander-says-moscow-was-unprepared-for-invasion-of-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Popular Kyiv mall to reopen amid legal tug of war</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/03/popular-kyiv-mall-to-reopen.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 03 Dec 2025 17:02:32 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/03/popular-kyiv-mall-to-reopen.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-1236727047-1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Popular Kyiv mall to reopen amid legal tug of war&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;One of Kyiv’s biggest shopping malls will slowly reopen this month after a dramatic lockdown shut out hundreds of businesses amid a dispute over the building’s management.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Gulliver shopping and entertainment complex will open up in stages from Dec. 12, starting with the bottom two&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/popular-kyiv-mall-to-reopen-amid-legal-tug-of-war/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Moscow&#39;s deep crisis – the Kremlin is DESTROYING RUSSIA with its war against Ukraine | In Focus</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/03/moscows-deep-crisis-the-kremlin.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 03 Dec 2025 17:00:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/03/moscows-deep-crisis-the-kremlin.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/ff913e9232.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Moscow&#39;s deep crisis – the Kremlin is DESTROYING RUSSIA with its war against Ukraine | In Focus&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2id9ndMnST0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Anti-graft agency detective, investigating Ukraine&#39;s largest corruption scandal, released from custody</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/03/antigraft-agency-detective-investigating-ukraines.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 03 Dec 2025 16:57:15 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/03/antigraft-agency-detective-investigating-ukraines.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/img-2621.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Anti-graft agency detective, investigating Ukraine&#39;s largest corruption scandal, released from custody&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Kyiv Appeals Court ordered on Dec. 3 the release of Ruslan Mahamedrasulov, a detective with Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU), who had been investigating the country&#39;s largest corruption case involving the state-run nuclear power monopoly Energoatom.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/anti-graft-agency-detective-investigating-ukraines-largest-corruption-scandal-released-from-custody/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>EU unveils 2 options for getting $90 billion to Ukraine in coming years</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/03/eu-unveils-options-for-getting.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 03 Dec 2025 16:33:49 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/03/eu-unveils-options-for-getting.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2249096556.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;EU unveils 2 options for getting $90 billion to Ukraine in coming years&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen said that the EU would cover two-thirds of Ukraine&#39;s needs over the next two years, which she said amounts to 90 billion euros, leaving the rest to international partners.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/eu-unveils-2-options-for-getting-money-to-ukraine-in-coming-years/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>US Senate opposes Trump’s peace plan for Ukraine, says Sen. Welch</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/03/us-senate-opposes-trumps-peace.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 03 Dec 2025 16:02:52 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/03/us-senate-opposes-trumps-peace.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/peter-welch-1-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;US Senate opposes Trump’s peace plan for Ukraine, says Sen. Welch&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Kyiv Independent’s Martin Fornusek speaks with U.S. Senator Peter Welch about the bipartisan Senate backlash to the Trump administration’s 28-point Ukraine peace plan. Welch explains why the U.S. must defer to Ukraine on the terms of peace and why he supports tougher sanctions and stronger military aid to counter Russia’s aggression.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/us-senate-opposes-trumps-peace-plan-for-ukraine-says-sen-welch/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>A summit has begun in Brussels to decide the fate of aid to Ukraine #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/03/a-summit-has-begun-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 03 Dec 2025 15:30:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/03/a-summit-has-begun-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/87d3ba4508.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;A summit has begun in Brussels to decide the fate of aid to Ukraine #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/7KfOYIwz3LY&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Is the US peace plan for Ukraine falling apart? Moscow disrupts negotiations</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/03/is-the-us-peace-plan.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 03 Dec 2025 15:01:39 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/03/is-the-us-peace-plan.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/1fc976842d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Is the US peace plan for Ukraine falling apart? Moscow disrupts negotiations&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qReVFDMVDiE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Chart of the week: Ukraine&#39;s shadow war behind enemy lines is picking up</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/03/chart-of-the-week-ukraines.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 03 Dec 2025 15:00:57 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/03/chart-of-the-week-ukraines.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/sabotage-take-6c-02.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Chart of the week: Ukraine&#39;s shadow war behind enemy lines is picking up&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Sabotage activity in Russian-occupied territories is picking up after a two-year lull, according to a new report by ACLED, an organization that tracks conflicts around the world.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Pro-Ukrainian militias were particularly active in the occupied territories in 2022 following Russia&#39;s full-scale invasion, the &lt;a href=&#34;https://acleddata.com/report/behind-lines-how-ukraine-has-outgunned-russia-sabotage&#34;&gt;report&lt;/a&gt; found — although this&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/chart-of-the-week-ukraines-shadow-war-behind-enemy-lines-is-picking-up/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukrainians&#39; trust in NATO membership as security guarantee drops, poll shows</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/03/ukrainians-trust-in-nato-membership.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 03 Dec 2025 14:38:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/03/ukrainians-trust-in-nato-membership.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/28f5fb6d97.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainians&#39; trust in NATO membership as security guarantee drops, poll shows&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Only about 19.4% of Ukrainians consider a potential entry into NATO as the best possible security guarantee, a 10% drop from last year, according to a survey.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/in-ukraine-trust-in-nato-as-security-guarantee-drops-poll-shows/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Investigation: Chinese military officials’ quiet visits to Moscow, exposed</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/03/investigation-chinese-military-officials-quiet.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 03 Dec 2025 14:04:54 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/03/investigation-chinese-military-officials-quiet.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/bmd-4.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Investigation: Chinese military officials’ quiet visits to Moscow, exposed&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h2 data-sanitized-id=&#34;key-findings&#34;&gt;Key findings:&lt;/h2&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;After Russia launched its full-scale war against Ukraine, China decided to purchase Russian aircraft, combat vehicles, ammunition, and equipment to enhance its paratroopers.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Chinese officers and representatives of defense manufacturers have repeatedly visited Russia to inspect examples of weaponry and negotiate deals.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;In 2023 and 2024, Beijing entered&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/investigation-chinese-military-officials-quiet-visits-to-moscow-exposed/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest live: Kyiv denies Russian breakthrough in Lyman, Donetsk Oblast, releases POW video</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/03/ukraine-war-latest-live-kyiv.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 03 Dec 2025 13:22:45 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/03/ukraine-war-latest-live-kyiv.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/54c61c0c89.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest live: Kyiv denies Russian breakthrough in Lyman, Donetsk Oblast, releases POW video&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Live coverage of Russia’s war against Ukraine with breaking news and frontline updates, updated 8 times today. The Third Army Corps of the Ukrainian Armed Forces denied Russian claims of a breakthrough in the city of Lyman in Donetsk Oblast, releasing a video on Dec. 3 showing a captured Russian soldier.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-update-2025-12-3/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine strikes Druzhba oil pipeline again, HUR source says, despite Hungary, Slovakia&#39;s appeal</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/03/ukraine-strikes-druzhba-oil-pipeline.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 03 Dec 2025 12:59:05 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/03/ukraine-strikes-druzhba-oil-pipeline.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/screenshot-2025-12-03-at-13-56-40.png&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine strikes Druzhba oil pipeline again, HUR source says, despite Hungary, Slovakia&#39;s appeal&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;The Russian oil network... will continue to explode and burn,&#34; a source told the Kyiv Independent.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-strikes-druzhba-oil-pipeline-again-despite-hungarys-and-slovakias-appeal/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>NATO allies pledge over $1 billion for US arms for Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/03/nato-allies-pledge-over-billion.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 03 Dec 2025 12:33:57 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/03/nato-allies-pledge-over-billion.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2249085140.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;NATO allies pledge over $1 billion for US arms for Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;NATO allies announced two joint PURL packages, each worth $500 million: one co-financed by Germany, Norway, and Poland, and another by Germany, Norway, and the Netherlands.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/nato-allies-pledge-over-1-billion-for-us-arms-for-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine&#39;s top negotiators to again meet Trump&#39;s envoys after Moscow talks, Zelensky says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/03/ukraines-top-negotiators-to-again.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 03 Dec 2025 11:52:36 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/03/ukraines-top-negotiators-to-again.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2245055936-1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine&#39;s top negotiators to again meet Trump&#39;s envoys after Moscow talks, Zelensky says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Rustem Umerov, the secretary of Ukraine&#39;s National Security and Defense Council, and Andrii Hnatov, the chief of staff of Ukraine&#39;s Armed Forces, will first meet European national security advisors in Brussels on Dec. 3.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-top-negotiator-to-again-meet-trumps-envoys-after-moscow-talks/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Fire breaks out at Russian oil depot amid reported drone strike</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/03/fire-breaks-out-at-russian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 03 Dec 2025 07:13:49 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/03/fire-breaks-out-at-russian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/screenshot-2025-12-03-at-12-36-23-am.png&#34; alt=&#34;Fire breaks out at Russian oil depot amid reported drone strike&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;A fire broke out overnight Dec. 3 at an oil depot in Russia&#39;s Tambov region after an alleged Ukrainian drone strike.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/fire-breaks-out-at-russian-oil-depot-amid-reported-drone-strike/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Pokrovsk did NOT fall! Russia has been rejected – Putin is lying again</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/03/pokrovsk-did-not-fall-russia.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2025 23:01:03 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/03/pokrovsk-did-not-fall-russia.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/5af9bb8631.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Pokrovsk did NOT fall! Russia has been rejected – Putin is lying again&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMUSMHR2lJU&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian DRONES ATTACK! Military bases of the FSS and “Akhmat” under attack #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/02/ukrainian-drones-attack-military-bases.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2025 22:00:24 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/02/ukrainian-drones-attack-military-bases.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/31b71a5e76.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian DRONES ATTACK! Military bases of the FSS and “Akhmat” under attack #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/OcspCGv_7o8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>TALKS on a peace project in the US and France – Is peace possible? | News Pulse</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/02/talks-on-a-peace-project.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2025 21:38:04 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/02/talks-on-a-peace-project.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/a2e19222de.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;TALKS on a peace project in the US and France – Is peace possible? | News Pulse&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFCYJyR1Blo&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia is lying about the &amp;quot;cleansing&amp;quot; of Pokrovsk: the figures do not match reality! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/02/russia-is-lying-about-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2025 20:30:11 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/02/russia-is-lying-about-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/1bb9d9efd4.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia is lying about the &amp;quot;cleansing&amp;quot; of Pokrovsk: the figures do not match reality! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/sEO4yI_A_0s&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian drones cut off power: strategic strikes on Russia continue #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/02/ukrainian-drones-cut-off-power.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2025 20:00:31 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/02/ukrainian-drones-cut-off-power.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/7b4d581379.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian drones cut off power: strategic strikes on Russia continue #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/HMo1otHGZ1c&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>IMPORTANT statements by Donald TRUMP! LIVE from the White House</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/02/important-statements-by-donald-trump.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2025 19:34:44 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/02/important-statements-by-donald-trump.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/3564a4e190.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;IMPORTANT statements by Donald TRUMP! LIVE from the White House&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bggOgxdcnZA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Zelenskyy: We are closer to peace now than ever before. There is hope! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/02/zelenskyy-we-are-closer-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2025 19:30:16 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/02/zelenskyy-we-are-closer-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/65e1040228.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelenskyy: We are closer to peace now than ever before. There is hope! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/E0T11DJBxYs&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Putin invents “victories” as Russia loses a unique laser aircraft — the Kremlin didn’t expect this</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/02/putin-invents-victories-as-russia.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2025 19:01:16 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/02/putin-invents-victories-as-russia.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/9a0d5b72ec.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Putin invents “victories” as Russia loses a unique laser aircraft — the Kremlin didn’t expect this&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcodGKdqe9w&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Putin lives in a fantasy world! Phantom captured cities and fake &amp;quot;victories&amp;quot;</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/02/putin-lives-in-a-fantasy.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2025 18:00:05 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/02/putin-lives-in-a-fantasy.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/7d31c57a57.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Putin lives in a fantasy world! Phantom captured cities and fake &amp;quot;victories&amp;quot;&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uP_yPL3odkc&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Zelenskyy WARNED: It is important that there is no game behind Ukraine&#39;s back #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/02/zelenskyy-warned-it-is-important.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2025 17:30:24 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/02/zelenskyy-warned-it-is-important.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/c66ad34c68.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelenskyy WARNED: It is important that there is no game behind Ukraine&#39;s back #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/kfMwwFNw4I0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Where is Ukraine’s front line? The answer is getting harder, and more political</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/02/where-is-ukraines-front-line.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2025 17:29:53 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/02/where-is-ukraines-front-line.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2199589642.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Where is Ukraine’s front line? The answer is getting harder, and more political&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In the tumultuous history of modern warfare, the information struggle has often been fought with the same fury as the kinetic.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Amid all the attempts to portray success instead of failure, to exude control when there is chaos, there is one hard truth that is difficult to hide from for&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/the-blurred-front-line-of-ukraines-drone-dominated-battlefield-is-making-mapping-harder-and-more-political/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>We are fighting to avoid becoming a Ukrainian shell of a Russian entity</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/02/we-are-fighting-to-avoid.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2025 17:09:04 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/02/we-are-fighting-to-avoid.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/af3b82d86e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;We are fighting to avoid becoming a Ukrainian shell of a Russian entity&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;About the author: Yuliia Boklah is a PR specialist and board member of the Helping to Leave charitable project, which has evacuated more than 21,000 Ukrainians from occupied territories or deportation since Russia’s full-scale invasion.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;It’s Friday evening. I am wrapping up urgent work matters&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/we-are-fighting-to-avoid-becoming-a-ukrainian-shell-of-a-russian-entity/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Under a barrage of drones: Defending Kherson and Sumy regions from Russian attacks</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/02/under-a-barrage-of-drones.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2025 17:00:20 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/02/under-a-barrage-of-drones.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/f74e79a20a.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Under a barrage of drones: Defending Kherson and Sumy regions from Russian attacks&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DoaH4x4fg_Q&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Putin warns Russia prepared for war with Europe &#39;right now&#39; before meeting US envoy</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/02/putin-warns-russia-prepared-for.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2025 16:48:14 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/02/putin-warns-russia-prepared-for.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2248969401.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Putin warns Russia prepared for war with Europe &#39;right now&#39; before meeting US envoy&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russian President Vladimir Putin said Europe &#34;has no peaceful agenda&#34; and &#34;is on the side of war&#34; just before meeting U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/putin-warns-russia-prepared-for-war-with-europe-right-now/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>I am ready to meet with TRUMP! Everything depends on today&#39;s talks, – ZELENSKYY #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/02/i-am-ready-to-meet.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2025 16:15:27 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/02/i-am-ready-to-meet.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/7a660f0706.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;I am ready to meet with TRUMP! Everything depends on today&#39;s talks, – ZELENSKYY #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/tGcsf9Re7sE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Witkoff is going to Moscow for NEGOTIATIONS! What are the chances of ending the WAR? #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/02/witkoff-is-going-to-moscow.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2025 15:30:12 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/02/witkoff-is-going-to-moscow.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/f258e90440.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Witkoff is going to Moscow for NEGOTIATIONS! What are the chances of ending the WAR? #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/E32yS_N6rE4&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Whitkoff prepares to meet Putin, while the White House announces an important statement from Trump</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/02/whitkoff-prepares-to-meet-putin.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2025 15:23:36 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/02/whitkoff-prepares-to-meet-putin.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/6e5fd22bfd.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Whitkoff prepares to meet Putin, while the White House announces an important statement from Trump&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlB9KA_xrhI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine – Ireland: Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Micheal Martin hold a joint press conference</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/02/ukraine-ireland-volodymyr-zelenskyy-and.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2025 15:12:24 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/02/ukraine-ireland-volodymyr-zelenskyy-and.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/206430c852.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine – Ireland: Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Micheal Martin hold a joint press conference&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiM12vPE6tk&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Cards that may get you in trouble</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/02/cards-that-may-get-you.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2025 15:03:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/02/cards-that-may-get-you.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f6cb4e13e-3.png&#34; alt=&#34;Cards that may get you in trouble&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!sD8k!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc81c7366-0a2a-4f77-9328-17df09a6beda_1500x500.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fc81c7366-0.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;485&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/c81c7366-0a2a-4f77-9328-17df09a6beda_1500x500.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:485,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:true,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; fetchpriority=&#34;high&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M3 12a9 9 0 0 1 9-9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1 6.74 2.74L21 8&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 3v5h-5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 12a9 9 0 0 1-9 9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1-6.74-2.74L3 16&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M8 16H3v5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Featured Subscriber’s Comment:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;“Your courage, resilience, and love for Ukrainians inspire me daily!”&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;By: Oryna Hrushetska&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Get Full Access!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Get Full Access!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Tip Jar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Tip Jar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Tarot cards often make people anxious.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The popular card game, used for fortune-telling and self-reflection, evokes emotions and hints at futures that are frightening to consider.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;There are different ways to do a reading, but I do it as follows: I shuffle all the cards and draw three random ones that come into my hands. The first corresponds to the past, the second to the present, and the third to the future.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;When I pulled out my first card, I got a lump in my throat. A dark, tragic picture of a tower couldn’t mean anything good.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I rushed to look up the exact meaning – thankfully, it meant a chance for a new beginning.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!Gglo!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F57d6a8fd-d54a-4f98-9367-1fef78aa1467_980x1600.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f57d6a8fd-d.png&#34; width=&#34;309&#34; height=&#34;504.48979591836735&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/57d6a8fd-d54a-4f98-9367-1fef78aa1467_980x1600.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1600,&#34;width&#34;:980,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:309,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M3 12a9 9 0 0 1 9-9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1 6.74 2.74L21 8&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 3v5h-5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 12a9 9 0 0 1-9 9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1-6.74-2.74L3 16&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M8 16H3v5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;The Tower card in a tarot deck. Picture from &lt;a href=&#34;https://gates-of-light.com/introduction-tarot-cards/key-16-the-tower/&#34;&gt;Gates of light&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;I first became interested in tarot reading to understand my feelings better and test my intuition. But since the war began, it has become, for many Ukrainians, a last straw of hope.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A tarot deck consists of 78 cards — 22 Major Arcana, which convey the main life stages of each person, and the rest are Minor Arcana — which provide more detailed explanations of everyday emotions and events. The Minor Arcana is divided into four groups — Wands (energy and creativity), Swords (thoughts, logic), Cups (emotions and intuition), and Pentacles (material predictions).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In 2022, tarot readers’ popularity soared in Ukraine. The war had just begun and people needed answers about their fate. Some fortune-tellers predicted the end of the war, while others looked directly at people’s lives, telling whether a missing soldier might be alive or dead.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;TikTok users have flocked to these readers with hundreds of videos and thousands of comments: “Please, check if my father/brother/son is alive.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Video of tarot prediction on Tiktok telling people that their soldier will return home and to write in DMs for personal reading.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-component-name=&#34;VideoPlaceholder&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;mediaUploadId&#34;:&#34;3bc4deca-ce2c-4a45-b97c-a549e035f3b0&#34;,&#34;duration&#34;:null}&#39; data-sanitized-class=&#34;native-video-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Over the last week, more uncertainty about the future course of the war has delivered renewed importance to tarot readers. Russia &lt;a href=&#34;https://focus.ua/uk/eksklyuzivy/732470-rosiya-prorvala-kordon-na-harkivshchini-yak-noviy-placdarm-zagrozhuye-kup-yansku&#34;&gt;broke through&lt;/a&gt; the front in the Kharkiv region, and reached Kupiansk.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Also recently, Russian troops entered Pokrovsk — another Ukrainian stronghold. Ukrainian families, facing more stories of missing loved ones, will continue to turn to tarot readers for solace. Regrettably, some will continue to find scammers instead.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;After the paywall:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;The story of Viktoriia’s attempts to get answers from tarot readers about her father;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;How Nastia drawing out fear with eggs by healer in childhood got Nastia into tarot readings;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Why tarots are so popular in Ukraine and the psychological reason behind it.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
      &lt;p&gt;
          &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/cards-that-may-get-you-in-trouble&#34;&gt;
              Read more
          &lt;/a&gt;
      &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/cards-that-may-get-you-in-trouble&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russian troops bomb kindergartens. Here’s how mother helps her son restore sense of safety in Kharkiv</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/02/russian-troops-bomb-kindergartens-heres.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2025 15:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/02/russian-troops-bomb-kindergartens-heres.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width=&#34;1616&#34; height=&#34;1080&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/img-4707.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;On Oct. 22, Russia launched a drone attack on private kindergarten in Kharkiv&#34; decoding=&#34;async&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;UKRAINE, KHARKIV &lt;/strong&gt;— 10:38 a.m., October 22, 2025. Russia launches Shades drones at Kharkiv’s private kindergarten, Honey Academy. A three-year-old Tymofii hides with 47 other children, listening to the rumble of explosions. A rubble falls from the ceiling. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“Where are the children?” A firefighter asks a kindergarten tutor. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;They are hidden by smoke in the far corner of the shelter. He picks up little Timofii and carries him to the nearby church in the old center of Kharkiv, a safe shelter closest to the impact site. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“Firefighters thought we were burned,” Tymofii will later tell his mother, Maryna.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Maryna learned about the Russian attack from the news when Ihor Terekhov, the mayor of Kharkiv, said that the drones hit the kindergarten. She immediately went to get her child, but the street to the kindergarten was already blocked off by police and emergency services. A phone call from her husband, who had managed to reach Timofii, reassured her, but she still needed to see him. “Please let me through, I need to go around the block, I just want to hug my child.” After hearing this, police finally let her through.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Tymofii is very fond of wolves. He had a wolf hat that he lost during the airstrike. His teacher called the family after the attack, saying she had picked it up somewhere in the aftermath. &#34;I don&#39;t know how the hat ended up with me. I was running around with it all day. For me, it&#39;s a sign of invincibility.&#34;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-heading&#34;&gt;“It was difficult, but you’ve made it”&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Maryna felt the need to be strong for her son, but when she started talking to him about the Russian drone strike, she realized that it wasn’t her who was truly strong. It was him. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;He endured the experience with remarkable courage and told her about it. It troubled Maryna how Timofii kept insisting that he was brave and had nothing to fear. She didn’t know how to react to that at first, but, with time, figured it out.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Timofii loves to draw. He first admitted that he had been scared during the airstrikes through art. Three or four days after the attack, he told Maryna that he had cried, though only a little. He also mentioned that a firefighter had taken him, and when she asked if he had been afraid then, he said yes. He was scared of the firefighter. Imagined him as a thief of sorts. He clarified that the firefighter didn’t harm him; he had just taken him to safety.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Now, Maryna and her son talk about the Russian attack only when he wants to. She recalls a recent instance: Timofii drew the image of fire. Maryna understood that he wanted to process that entire experience through art. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“It’s normal for children to recreate traumatic events. A child&#39;s consciousness heals itself in that way,” says Anna Lenchovska, a teen psychologist we’ve talked to. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Preschoolers, she explains, often see themselves as the center of the universe – think that it’s because of them that something bad happened – so they may feel guilty about that. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The best thing parents can do is not to leave them alone in this state, Anna says. To tell the child, “It was difficult, but you’ve made it, and we really respect you for that, for how strong you are.” &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-heading&#34;&gt;“It existed, but the city didn&#39;t know about it”&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;When Maryna was choosing a kindergarten, the most important factors were safety and the availability of shelter in the kindergarten. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“The kindergarten administration took air raid alerts seriously, because this is a very important aspect in a frontline region.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;She liked the atmosphere of calm and trust in this kindergarten. The teachers stayed with the children for as long as necessary, and thanks to their skills, there were never any tears.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The kindergarten also had a creative atmosphere, Maryna says. Everything there was done outside the box, and Timofii loved the classes. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;At the impact site on Oct. 22, Mayor Terekhov told Gwara that the kindergarten did not have a license to operate from the city council and that the authorities were unaware of its existence. The head of the Kharkiv regional Prosecutor’s Office, Amil Omarov, also present there, claimed they plan to investigate whether or not kindergarten’s operations were illegal. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Responding to an official media inquiry by Gwara Media, Kharkiv regional police said that, as of Nov. 26, no administrative cases have been opened against Honey Academy.  &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“It existed, but the city didn&#39;t know about it?.. Well, that&#39;s very strange, in my opinion,” says Maryna. She believes Honey Academy to be one of the best kindergartens in Kharkiv. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;After Russian airstrikes, the kindergarten reopened in a new location. Maryna does not plan to send her child there yet. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-heading&#34;&gt;“Like spring in the middle of an icy winter”&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;At the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Maryna didn’t know what to do or how to act. When she left Kharkiv, taking her younger eight-year-old sister, and brought her to Lviv. By March 8, Maryna learned she was pregnant. To her husband, she said she felt “like spring in the middle of an icy winter”: it was not a time to rejoice, yet there was life growing inside her.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Giving birth during the war was Maryna’s greatest fear and challenge. She came back from Lviv to Kharkiv with her son, and when the Russian missiles fell on the city with both of them there for the first time, it was “the scariest day” of her life. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Maryna is still processing the drone attack on the kindergarten and doesn’t know what to do next. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;She had no plan for the future and did not consider leaving the country. It was important to protect Timofii while staying in Ukraine so he could identify as Ukrainian. This decision was not easy, Maryna admits. The alternative would have been leaving with the child, which would have meant he wouldn’t know his father, grandmother, great-grandparents. That he would not feel at home.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;After her son was born, Maryna felt guilty for bringing him into a war and didn’t know what to do. But she finds joy in seeing Timofii understand his identity; he often says, “this is a flag of Ukraine — and I am Ukrainian,” which delights her deeply.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;She recalls a story from Berlin, where she was working on a joint creative project with a German theater. People there often did not understand how others lived during wartime, but Maryna didn’t know that. Then, one woman approached her and explained, “You see, for them, Kharkiv is like bombed-out Berlin.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Without children, Ukraine has no future, Maryna believes, and it’s essential that they are born into safety. She says the skies need to be protected to safeguard all.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-heading&#34;&gt;Children after trauma&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Anna Lenchovska works with teenagers who have suffered traumatic events. She says, most behave as if they just entered puberty — they are aggressive, avoidant, and alienated. Sometimes, it’s different: some teenagers became ultra-responsible and began to behave as if they were adults in their families.  &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“If a father goes to war and previously made all the decisions, the mother might struggle alone. In this case, their kid may begin to take on that decision-making role.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In both cases, Anna believes it’s very important to work with the entire family, because the psyche of a teenager, like that of a child, is not yet fully formed.  &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;It’s important for the family not to dramatize the situation, but also not to downplay it or dismiss what happened, Anna says. After an acute stress, the first task is to restore the continuity of daily events as quickly as possible.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Suppose a family had to move to a new place or stay with friends because their windows were blown out after the Russian attack. The child is accustomed to a particular routine, such as watching cartoons at a specific time or playing with a certain toy. It’s beneficial to restore this routine as soon as possible.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;It’s also important to change the environment after traumatic events, Anna says, especially if the family lives in cities like Kharkiv, which is 30 kilometers (19 miles) from the frontline. If there is any possibility to go abroad or to a safer region of Ukraine for a few weeks or a month, where there are adults who do not live under constant threat, the child needs that experience. Children need permission to have a healthy childhood: to laugh, play, and be themselves. That should be the primary focus for both parents and those supporting them.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;If a parent is sleeping very poorly, having problems with eating, or with their own health, they shouldn’t ignore it and should seek professional help, Anna adds. The more stable the parents’ condition is, the better it will be for the child.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-heading&#34;&gt;Read more&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;ul data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-list&#34;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;How Kharkiv and its locals &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/how-kharkiv-and-its-locals-prepare-for-fourth-winter-under-constant-russian-attacks/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;prepare&lt;/a&gt; for fourth winter under constant Russian attacks&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p data-sanitized-class=&#34;has-background&#34;&gt;Hi, I&#39;m Nazar, and this is my article. With this story, I want to show the threats that children face every day in Ukraine. If you&#39;d like to see more articles about this topic, please consider subscribing to our &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.patreon.com/c/gwaramedia&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;Patreon&lt;/a&gt; or &lt;a href=&#34;https://buymeacoffee.com/gwaramedia/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;buying us a coffee.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The post &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/russia-even-attacks-kindergartens-how-do-ukrainian-children-go-through-it/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;Russian troops bomb kindergartens. Here’s how mother helps her son restore sense of safety in Kharkiv&lt;/a&gt; appeared first on &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;Gwara Media&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/russia-even-attacks-kindergartens-how-do-ukrainian-children-go-through-it/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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    <item>
      <title>&#39;Problematic to even discuss it&#39; — Why Ukraine peace deal can&#39;t include amnesty for Russia&#39;s war crimes</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/02/problematic-to-even-discuss-it.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2025 14:09:49 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/02/problematic-to-even-discuss-it.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-1244489476.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;Problematic to even discuss it&#39; — Why Ukraine peace deal can&#39;t include amnesty for Russia&#39;s war crimes&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A U.S.-backed 28-point peace plan leaked last month caused uproar in Ukraine and among its allies, among other reasons, because it contained a controversial point implying, in vague terms, a &#34;full amnesty&#34; for acts committed during the war.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;While Ukrainian officials later claimed that this clause&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/problematic-to-even-discuss-it-why-peace-deal-cant-give-amnesty-for-war-crimes/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest live: HUR drones hit Russian air defenses in occupied Donbas</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/02/ukraine-war-latest-live-hur.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2025 13:56:51 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/02/ukraine-war-latest-live-hur.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/img-0447.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest live: HUR drones hit Russian air defenses in occupied Donbas&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Live coverage of Russia’s war against Ukraine with breaking news and frontline updates, updated 5 times today. Drones launched by Ukraine&#39;s military intelligence struck Russian air defense systems in occupied Donbas, the agency claimed on Dec. 2.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-update-2025-12-2/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine detains British ex-military trainer suspected of spying for Russia, SBU source says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/02/ukraine-detains-british-exmilitary-trainer.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2025 13:21:57 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/02/ukraine-detains-british-exmilitary-trainer.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/photo-2025-10-29-13-00-05.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine detains British ex-military trainer suspected of spying for Russia, SBU source says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has detained British citizen Ross David Cutmore, who came to Ukraine as a military instructor, on suspicion of working for Russian intelligence, an SBU source told the Kyiv Independent on Dec. 2.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-detains-british-ex-military-trainer-suspected-of-spying-for-russia/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>US envoy arrives in Moscow for high-stakes talks with Putin on ending war in Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/02/us-envoy-arrives-in-moscow.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2025 12:48:16 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/02/us-envoy-arrives-in-moscow.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2245176497.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;US envoy arrives in Moscow for high-stakes talks with Putin on ending war in Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Witkoff will present Putin with the latest version of the U.S.-Ukraine framework drafted during recent rounds of talks in Geneva and Florida.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/us-envoy-arrives-in-moscow-for-high-stakes-talks-with-putin-on-ending-war/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russian tanker reportedly hit by sea drones in Black Sea near Turkish coast</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/02/russian-tanker-reportedly-hit-by.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2025 12:47:05 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/02/russian-tanker-reportedly-hit-by.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/605f8b30bc.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian tanker reportedly hit by sea drones in Black Sea near Turkish coast&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;A Russian oil tanker reportedly came under a drone attack in the Black Sea while en route to a port in northern Turkey on Dec. 2, according to Turkish authorities.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-oil-tanker-reportedly-attacked-by-drone-80-miles-off-the-turkish-coast/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine, US discuss safeguards against Russian strikes, potential ceasefire violations, Zelensky says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/02/ukraine-us-discuss-safeguards-against.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2025 12:01:14 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/02/ukraine-us-discuss-safeguards-against.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/photo-2025-12-02-12-23-07.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine, US discuss safeguards against Russian strikes, potential ceasefire violations, Zelensky says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;Ukraine approaches all diplomatic efforts with utmost seriousness – we are committed to achieving a real peace and guaranteed security,&#34; Zelensky said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-us-discuss-safeguards-against-russian-strikes-potential-ceasefire-violations-zelensky-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Fact Check: AI Videos Of Iranian Bases Hit By Israeli Missiles Are NOT Real CCTV Footage</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/02/fact-check-ai-videos-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2025 11:12:41 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/02/fact-check-ai-videos-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;Do leaked CCTV videos really show Israeli missiles striking Iranian missile bases? No, that&#39;s not true: Clips in a viral video with that description contain several glitches typical of AI generated footage. It was published by an account that has posted AI-generated imagery in the past.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The video appeared &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRuLcRtjlrH/&#34;&gt;in a post on Instagram&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20251202092620/https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRuLcRtjlrH/&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) where it was published by an account named @kaabusia on December 1, 2025 with a caption that read:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;پس از ماه ها چند ویدیو از لحظه ی برخوردِ موشک های اسراییل به پایگاه های نظامیِ رژیمِ آخوندی منتشر شده&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;After months, several videos have been released showing the moment Israeli missiles struck military bases of the Ayatollahs&#39; regime.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;#Iran #Israel #Iran_Israel_war #military #missile #military_base #CCTV&lt;br&gt;#ایران #اسراییل #اسرائیل #جنگ_ایران_اسراییل #جنگ_ایران_اسرائیل #نظامی #موشک #پایگاه_نظامی #دوربین_مدار_بسته&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The Persian text and hashtags correspond to the English ones according to Google Translate.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This is what the first frame of the video looked like:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/paste-3497600.jpg&#34; width=&#34;720&#34; height=&#34;1280&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Source: video posted by @kaabusia on Instagram)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote data-instgrm-captioned=&#34;&#34; data-instgrm-permalink=&#34;https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRuLcRtjlrH/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading&#34; data-instgrm-version=&#34;14&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;instagram-media&#34;&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRuLcRtjlrH/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading&#34;&gt;
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&lt;div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;View this post on Instagram&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
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&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRuLcRtjlrH/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading&#34;&gt;A post shared by @kaabusia&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;There was no specific AI disclaimer in the post or in the video, but it contained several glitches typical of AI footage:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;glitcheskaabusia.jpg&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/glitcheskaabusia.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1944&#34; height=&#34;699&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Source: collage of screenshot created by Lead Stories of the video posted by @kaabusia on Instagram)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The glitches included:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;An object that seemingly couldn&#39;t decide if it was a shelf, a map or a screen with a map on it.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;A glitchy clock with oddly shaped digits on it.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;A bizarrely-sized keyboard partly covered by a piece of paper next to two pairs of very distorted headphones, each with one earpiece only.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;A desk that is seemingly part of the floor.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Shadows that don&#39;t match the objects next to them and the shadow of a man running by pointing in a different direction.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This assessment was confirmed by AI detection tool Hive, which said the video was 99.8% &#34;likely to contain AI-generated or deepfake content&#34;:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;hivekaabusia.jpg&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/hivekaabusia.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1017&#34; height=&#34;795&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Source: Hive results for video posted by @kaabusia on Instagram)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The same account posted AI generated footage in the past, for example &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.instagram.com/reel/DMvVjAmS673/&#34;&gt;this one&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20251202094949/https://www.instagram.com/reel/DMvVjAmS673/&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) which was &lt;a href=&#34;https://leadstories.com/hoax-alert/2025/03/fact-check-viral-muslim-child-marriage-video-is-ai.html&#34;&gt;fact checked by Lead Stories here&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote data-instgrm-captioned=&#34;&#34; data-instgrm-permalink=&#34;https://www.instagram.com/reel/DMvVjAmS673/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading&#34; data-instgrm-version=&#34;14&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;instagram-media&#34;&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.instagram.com/reel/DMvVjAmS673/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading&#34;&gt;
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&lt;div&gt;View this post on Instagram&lt;/div&gt;
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&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.instagram.com/reel/DMvVjAmS673/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading&#34;&gt;A post shared by @kaabusia&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://hoax-alert.leadstories.com/2025/12/fact-check-iran-bases-israel-missile-strike-video-cctv.html&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russians target civilian car in Zolochiv community with FPV drone strike, injuring 2 men</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/02/russians-target-civilian-car-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2025 09:31:31 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/02/russians-target-civilian-car-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width=&#34;1080&#34; height=&#34;1080&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/photo-2025-12-02-12.25.01.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;A house was set on fire after a Russian attack on the Kharkiv region&#34; decoding=&#34;async&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;UKRAINE, KHARKIV OBLAST&lt;/strong&gt;, Dec. 2 — In the evening on Dec. 1, Russian forces attacked a civilian car with an FPV drone in Klynova-Novoselivka village in the Zolochiv community, injuring two men aged 40 and 47 years old, &lt;a href=&#34;https://t.me/police_kh_region/46423&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;reported&lt;/a&gt; the Kharkiv regional police.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Over the past day, Russians attacked six settlements in the Kharkiv region with nine Geran-2 drones, three FPV drones, and three drones of unidentified types, &lt;a href=&#34;https://t.me/synegubov/18655&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;said&lt;/a&gt; Oleh Syniehubov, the governor of the region.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In the morning, three Russian drones attacked houses in Bashylivka village in the Blyzniuky community, injuring three women aged 59, 64, and 67 years old.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In the Pechenihy settlement and the Martove village in the Chuhuiv district, Russian attacks caused a fire in the houses and outbuildings. A 67-year-old woman suffered an intense stress reaction.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Russian attacks also destroyed a shop in Polkova Mykytivka village in the Bohodukhiv community.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-heading&#34;&gt;Read more&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;ul data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-list&#34;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;How Kharkiv and its locals &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/how-kharkiv-and-its-locals-prepare-for-fourth-winter-under-constant-russian-attacks/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;prepare&lt;/a&gt; for fourth winter under constant Russian attacks&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p data-sanitized-class=&#34;has-background&#34;&gt;Whatever awaits Ukraine in Russia’s war, our &lt;strong&gt;Kharkiv-based newsroom&lt;/strong&gt; plans to keep reporting on it. &lt;strong&gt;Please, support our journalism &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://buymeacoffee.com/gwaramedia/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;by buying us a coffee&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;strong&gt; or &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.patreon.com/c/gwaramedia&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;subscribing to our Patreon&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The post &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/russians-target-civilian-car-in-zolochiv-community-with-fpv-drone-strike-injuring-2-men/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;Russians target civilian car in Zolochiv community with FPV drone strike, injuring 2 men&lt;/a&gt; appeared first on &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;Gwara Media&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/russians-target-civilian-car-in-zolochiv-community-with-fpv-drone-strike-injuring-2-men/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine returns 1,859 abducted children, Zelenska says in Paris</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/02/ukraine-returns-abducted-children-zelenska.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2025 06:52:22 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/02/ukraine-returns-abducted-children-zelenska.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-1546963242-1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine returns 1,859 abducted children, Zelenska says in Paris&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;According to Ukraine’s national &#34;Children of War&#34; database, at least 19,546 Ukrainian children have been abducted from Russian-occupied territories and taken to Russia or Russian-controlled areas since February 2022.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-says-1-859-abducted-children-have-been-returned-zelenska-tells-paris-summit/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Putin claims Russian capture of Pokrovsk, Vovchansk as Kyiv warns of Kremlin propaganda blitz amid peace talks</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/02/putin-claims-russian-capture-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2025 05:47:44 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/02/putin-claims-russian-capture-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/59c077aaa9.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Putin claims Russian capture of Pokrovsk, Vovchansk as Kyiv warns of Kremlin propaganda blitz amid peace talks&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;All of this is done exclusively for Western audiences and to raise the stakes in diplomacy,&#34; said Andrii Kovalenko, head of Ukraine&#39;s Center for Countering Disinformation.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/putin-claims-russian-capture-of-pokrovsk-vovchansk-as-kyiv-warns-of-kremlin-propaganda-blitz-amid-peace-talks/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>EU weighing sanctions on Belarus over alleged hybrid attacks disrupting Lithuania’s airspace</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/02/eu-weighing-sanctions-on-belarus.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2025 02:51:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/02/eu-weighing-sanctions-on-belarus.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-1527485537.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;EU weighing sanctions on Belarus over alleged hybrid attacks disrupting Lithuania’s airspace&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The latest incident occurred on Nov. 30, when Vilnius International Airport suspended operations after unidentified objects — believed to be balloons — appeared in nearby airspace.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/eu-weighing-sanctions-on-belarus-over-alleged-hybrid-attacks-disrupting-lithuanias-airspace/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine denies Russian occupation of Klynove in Donetsk Oblast</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/02/ukraine-denies-russian-occupation-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 01 Dec 2025 23:36:04 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/02/ukraine-denies-russian-occupation-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/7bed9c1cae.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine denies Russian occupation of Klynove in Donetsk Oblast&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;The informational &#39;victories&#39; that the Russian Defense Ministry  announces daily on paper have nothing to do with the real situation on the front lines,&#34; Ukraine&#39;s 11th Army Corps said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-denies-russian-occupation-of-klynove-in-donetsk-oblast/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>&amp;amp;quot;Trump&#39;s Plan&amp;amp;quot; proven Russian! US shocked by secret document leak!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/02/ampquottrumps-planampquot-proven-russian-us.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 01 Dec 2025 23:00:39 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/02/ampquottrumps-planampquot-proven-russian-us.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/b041f50934.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&amp;quot;Trump&#39;s Plan&amp;quot; proven Russian! US shocked by secret document leak!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wl8VYyOa3rk&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Putin&#39;s new FAILURE: Russian intercontinental missile EXPLODED right next to the base #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/01/putins-new-failure-russian-intercontinental.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 01 Dec 2025 21:30:08 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/01/putins-new-failure-russian-intercontinental.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/998434f24d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Putin&#39;s new FAILURE: Russian intercontinental missile EXPLODED right next to the base #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Wv3P_K8SH_Q&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian Special Forces hit Russian Shahed drone launch site in occupied Crimea, military says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/01/ukrainian-special-forces-hit-russian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 01 Dec 2025 21:01:56 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/01/ukrainian-special-forces-hit-russian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/790f3050a1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian Special Forces hit Russian Shahed drone launch site in occupied Crimea, military says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;A Ukrainian deep-strike unit hit a Russian &#34;storage and launch area&#34; for Shahed-type drones near Cape Chauda, Crimea, overnight on Nov. 28, the Special Operations Forces said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-special-forces-hit-russian-shahed-drone-launch-site-in-occupied-crimea-military-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Failure after failure: Putin&#39;s much-hyped “Kalibr” missile detonates over Novorossiysk</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/01/failure-after-failure-putins-muchhyped.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 01 Dec 2025 21:00:54 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/01/failure-after-failure-putins-muchhyped.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/a79ee0db3b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Failure after failure: Putin&#39;s much-hyped “Kalibr” missile detonates over Novorossiysk&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSMTsdgki84&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russia has been almost COMPLETELY driven out of Kupiansk, – Zelenskyy</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/01/russia-has-been-almost-completely.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 01 Dec 2025 19:30:09 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/01/russia-has-been-almost-completely.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/bdb8132043.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia has been almost COMPLETELY driven out of Kupiansk, – Zelenskyy&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/6T8Xlt6oOpQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Court orders detention of Zelensky&#39;s fugitive associate in Ukraine&#39;s biggest corruption case</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/01/court-orders-detention-of-zelenskys.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 01 Dec 2025 19:16:11 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/01/court-orders-detention-of-zelenskys.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/06738052fa.png&#34; alt=&#34;Court orders detention of Zelensky&#39;s fugitive associate in Ukraine&#39;s biggest corruption case&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Businessman Timur Mindich, a former business partner of President Volodymyr Zelensky, fled Ukraine before the court considered the motion.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/court-orders-detention-of-zelensky-associate-mindich/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>ZELENSKYY: These are SPECIAL days when a lot can really CHANGE! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/01/zelenskyy-these-are-special-days.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 01 Dec 2025 18:22:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/01/zelenskyy-these-are-special-days.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/2545dfafdb.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;ZELENSKYY: These are SPECIAL days when a lot can really CHANGE! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/LuZVo39F4yA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>POKROVSK has not fallen! Ukrainian servicemen are repelling enemy attacks by the Russian Federation</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/01/pokrovsk-has-not-fallen-ukrainian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 01 Dec 2025 18:00:44 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/01/pokrovsk-has-not-fallen-ukrainian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/7250b08fa8.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;POKROVSK has not fallen! Ukrainian servicemen are repelling enemy attacks by the Russian Federation&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/P-c-7pPd4Cg&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine strikes Russian oil as defense of cities continues | Front Line Focus</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/01/ukraine-strikes-russian-oil-as.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 01 Dec 2025 17:01:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/01/ukraine-strikes-russian-oil-as.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/117a44cc65.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine strikes Russian oil as defense of cities continues | Front Line Focus&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mi2vLfI-6Kk&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest live: DeepState: Russia seized about 90% more territory in November than in October</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/01/ukraine-war-latest-live-deepstate.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 01 Dec 2025 16:57:43 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/01/ukraine-war-latest-live-deepstate.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/2023-04-04-09.30.04.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest live: DeepState: Russia seized about 90% more territory in November than in October&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russian forces captured about 505 square kilometers (195 square miles) of Ukrainian territory in November, almost twice the gains recorded in September, DeepState said in an assessment Dec. 1.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-update-2025-12-01/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine rejects Kazakhstan&#39;s criticism over drone strike on Russian oil terminal</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/01/ukraine-rejects-kazakhstans-criticism-over.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 01 Dec 2025 16:31:03 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/01/ukraine-rejects-kazakhstans-criticism-over.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/3db63f72b7.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine rejects Kazakhstan&#39;s criticism over drone strike on Russian oil terminal&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;No actions by Ukraine are directed against Kazakhstan or other third parties — all of Ukraine&#39;s efforts are focused on repelling full-scale Russian aggression,&#34; Ukraine&#39;s Foreign Ministry said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-rejects-kazakhstans-criticism-over-drone-strike-on-russian-oil-terminal/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>HUR reports explosions at rail, pipeline hub in Russia’s Novosibirsk, Bryansk oblasts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/01/hur-reports-explosions-at-rail.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 01 Dec 2025 16:23:17 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/01/hur-reports-explosions-at-rail.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/photo-2025-12-01-16-54-57.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;HUR reports explosions at rail, pipeline hub in Russia’s Novosibirsk, Bryansk oblasts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR) claims that railway infrastructure was damaged in Russia’s Novosibirsk and Bryansk regions on Nov. 20 and Nov. 28, a source in the agency told the Kyiv Independent.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-military-intelligence-claims-rail-infrastructure-was-damaged-in-russias-novosibirsk-and-bryansk-regions/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>A veteran from Latvia: wounds, Bucha, the front line, and a warning for Europe</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/01/a-veteran-from-latvia-wounds.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 01 Dec 2025 16:06:48 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/01/a-veteran-from-latvia-wounds.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/7f4503ffdb.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;A veteran from Latvia: wounds, Bucha, the front line, and a warning for Europe&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuQkukFBbDI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine&#39;s Umerov meets Trump envoy Witkoff again after Florida talks, White House says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/01/ukraines-umerov-meets-trump-envoy.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 01 Dec 2025 16:01:41 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/01/ukraines-umerov-meets-trump-envoy.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2248619630.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine&#39;s Umerov meets Trump envoy Witkoff again after Florida talks, White House says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff held another meeting with Ukrainian negotiator and top security official Rustem Umerov in Florida, a White House official told the Kyiv Independent on Dec. 1.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-umerov-meets-trump-envoy-witkoff-again-after-florida-talks/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>The negotiation process is not standing still! Trump gave a positive assessment #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/01/the-negotiation-process-is-not.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 01 Dec 2025 15:30:41 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/01/the-negotiation-process-is-not.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/7e4763b9b0.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;The negotiation process is not standing still! Trump gave a positive assessment #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/mUhKIfs4kVg&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Who are the people funding the Kyiv Independent?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/01/who-are-the-people-funding.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 01 Dec 2025 15:24:25 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/01/who-are-the-people-funding.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/membership-title-1-.png&#34; alt=&#34;Who are the people funding the Kyiv Independent?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Beyond financial support, our members are also a daily source of encouragement and inspiration for our team, helping us in the most challenging times. We want to give you a closer look at our community and share what motivates them to support us.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/who-are-the-people-funding-the-kyiv-independent/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Zelenskyy on an important visit to France, while Russia BRUTALLY HITS Dnipro with ballistic missiles</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/01/zelenskyy-on-an-important-visit.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 01 Dec 2025 15:00:20 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/01/zelenskyy-on-an-important-visit.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/4780049b41.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelenskyy on an important visit to France, while Russia BRUTALLY HITS Dnipro with ballistic missiles&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dh4I8hz9QL0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russian ballistic missile hits Dnipro industrial area, leaving four dead, 40 wounded</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/01/russian-ballistic-missile-hits-dnipro.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 01 Dec 2025 13:35:17 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/01/russian-ballistic-missile-hits-dnipro.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/photo-2025-12-01-13-28-50.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian ballistic missile hits Dnipro industrial area, leaving four dead, 40 wounded&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;On the morning of Monday, December 1, a Russian ballistic missile struck the city of Dnipro, killing four people and injuring 22, according to local authorities.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-ballistic-missile-strike-on-dnipro-kills-four-injures-over-20/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Why Trump&#39;s peace plan is unlikely to end Russia&#39;s war in Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/01/why-trumps-peace-plan-is.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 01 Dec 2025 13:17:19 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/01/why-trumps-peace-plan-is.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2248386992.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Why Trump&#39;s peace plan is unlikely to end Russia&#39;s war in Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As U.S. President Donald Trump intensifies his effort to force a negotiated end to Russia&#39;s full-scale invasion, a central question hangs over Washington, Kyiv, and Moscow: What happens next — and can this push yield anything at all? &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The answer, according to analysts, is increasingly clear.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Despite&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/what-happens-next-in-trumps-ukraine-peace-push-experts-say-failure-is-likely/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>F-16 ammunition, air defenses —  Netherlands announces $290 million Ukraine aid package</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/01/f-ammunition-air-defenses-netherlands.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 01 Dec 2025 13:02:40 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/01/f-ammunition-air-defenses-netherlands.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2165218546.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;F-16 ammunition, air defenses —  Netherlands announces $290 million Ukraine aid package&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Netherlands on Dec. 1 pledged to purchase U.S. arms for Kyiv worth 250 million euros ($290 million) under the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL).&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/f-16-ammunition-air-defenses-netherlands-announces-290-million-ukraine-aid-package/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Europe’s Scientific Cooperation with Russia: How Europe Is Preparing for a Probalbe War</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/01/europes-scientific-cooperation-with-russia.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 01 Dec 2025 12:39:43 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/01/europes-scientific-cooperation-with-russia.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;single-post-lead&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Lately, there has been a growing stream of reports suggesting that Europe is preparing for a Russian attack—or at least moving toward accepting that such a scenario may occur. Even Aleksandar Vučić, the president of Serbia and arguably Russia’s closest “brother” in Europe, recently &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.eurointegration.com.ua/news/2025/11/12/7224689/index.amp&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;stated&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; that Europe is preparing for a possible war with Russia, as this prospect “is becoming increasingly evident.”&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;It is reasonable to assume that Europe is not only growing increasingly concerned but is also taking concrete steps in response. For example, it has been reducing its engagement with Russia overall—and with Russia’s scientific community in particular.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Since no modern military technology can exist without a scientific foundation, one might expect that Europe had ended all scientific cooperation with a country that may well attack it in the relatively near future. But is that actually the case? Let us look at the data—but first, let us recall the European Union’s official position.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;At the macro level, Europe has been the principal driver of sanctions pressure on Russia. From 2022 to the present, the European Union has adopted nineteen sanctions packages. These packages do not include an explicit ban on scientific cooperation, but they do contain a range of restrictions—for example, on supplying equipment (including research equipment), technologies, materials, and reagents to Russia. In addition, extensive restrictions on payments and the movement of funds complicate scientific collaboration, sometimes making it impossible.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;At the micro level, most European research institutions have halted all institutional cooperation with Russian research organizations. Many European universities have banned cooperation with Russian universities, and some have extended these restrictions to collaboration with individual Russian scientists. Moreover, a substantial number of European researchers, citing ethical or reputational concerns, have ended their cooperation with Russia and its scientists on their own.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;reference&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;A detailed overview of the sanctions against Russian science can be found &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.businessperspectives.org/index.php/journals/geopolitics-under-globalization-2/issue-477/sanctions-against-russian-science-pros-and-cons&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;here&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt;. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;The expected consequences include the termination of cooperation with Russia in projects and grant programs; the suspension or reduction of funding; restrictions on the academic mobility of Russian researchers; limited access to international databases; and constraints on the ability to publish research results.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;However, the formal position of Europe and its various institutions does not automatically translate into a consensus among scientists. Some of them insist that they are “above politics,” invoke “academic freedom,” argue that “the free circulation of ideas must not be obstructed,” or state that “I have collaborated with Russians my entire life and will continue to do so” etc. There are also more openly pro-Russian voices in Europe— people who sincerely believe that “things are not so clear-cut” or that “Ukraine is to blame.”&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;For example, one Italian scientist wrote this:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;longouot&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;“As an academic, I don’t intend to discuss Russian universities’ policy on the war. Too many gimmicks and manipulative policies are being employed by Ukrainian authorities, which are being passively reported by EU media. However, I can only imagine that Ukrainian universities have supported their government’s mistreatment of the Russian people in Donbass since 2014.”&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Or a similar scholar from Finland:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;longouot&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;“Science and scholarship know no borders and no wars. Although a citizen of Finland, I am an associated researcher at the Institute for Linguistic Studies, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia, and in this capacity I have absolutely no moral problems in cooperating with Russia and Russians. My fields of specialization are such that access to Russia is essential for my work.”&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;And here is another statement from a Serbian “brother”:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;longouot&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;“I work in science. Politics does not interest me. I have many friends in both Russia and Ukraine. Naturally, I do not like this war, in which many Ukrainians and Russians are suffering. I hope it will end quickly. My country was bombed by seventeen different states, including the United States, for no reason. And when the Americans say that they will fight Russia to the last Ukrainian—everything becomes clear! Do not think that the United States and Europe love Ukraine… They do not! If Russian academics support V. V. Putin, that is normal, just as Ukrainians support their own leadership.”&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;In the table below, we present several rather moderate views that help explain tens of thousands of joint publications produced by European and Russian researchers. We do not provide the names or institutional affiliations of the authors of these quotes. We selected them from hundreds of emails we received in response to messages sent to foreign scholars about their cooperation with Russia. (We will soon publish a detailed study based on the responses we obtained.) Together, these quotes offer insight into the actual motivations of European researchers, with the greatest possible geographic differentiation: they come from researchers from Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czechia, Finland, France, Hungary, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Slovenia, Switzerland, and the UK. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;caption&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Table 1. Selected quotes from responses of European researchers to our inquiry on their cooperation with Russians&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;table&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Quote&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt;I think many (if not most) of Russian scientists cannot be blamed for the criminal policies of the Russian government. I also think that not all scientific connections with Russia should not be severed, in spite of the brutal Russian aggression on Ukraine. I don’t think all Russian scientists should be ostracized from the international scientific community now, unless they were personally outspoken in favor of the war against Ukraine. In the future, when Ukraine hopefully wins the present war, co-operation with Russian academia will have to be resumed, and all connections with it should not be severed even in so dire times as the present ones.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt;I am also on the editorial board of the Crimean ***, which I have joined when the Crimea was Ukrainian and when the Ukrainian authorities solicited the publishers to engage collaboration of Western researchers. This engagement is a token of friendship with the founder of this review&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt;I strongly believe in the autonomy of science, which should serve as a bridge — not a wall — between communities, even in times of conflict. Upholding scientific values such as openness, rigor, and critical dialogue is more crucial now than ever&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt;I do not think that boycotting academic journals and universities is the right way to put pressure on Russia. Universities have always been the seat of democracy and the defence of human rights. Other means must be used to end this senseless war.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt;I do not approve of Russian aggression against Ukraine, but I believe that science should be apolitical&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt;I am very much regretting the invasion of independent UKRAINE by RUSSIAN troops … and do find it an AGGRESSIVE ACT. Otherwise – I am independent scientist and NOT ENGAGED in any political opinion&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt;My Russian colleagues have become close friends in those 35 years, and I do not hold them personally responsible for the criminal invasion of Ukraine, even though they work at a University that has followed the mainstream of Russian politics since then. You and I know that only one person is responsible for this war.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt;My Russian colleagues have become close friends in those 35 years, and I do not hold them personally responsible for the criminal invasion of Ukraine, even though they work at a University that has followed the mainstream of Russian politics since then. You and I know that only one person is responsible for this war.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt;As head of one of the most prestigious Slavic institutes in Europe at the University of Heidelberg, which has an excellent reputation worldwide, my word carries weight in the Russian academic world, even though scientific relations with the West have been shattered for quite a time. As a member of the editorial board, I have rejected several submitted articles that were historically and scientifically extremely questionable and attempted to delegitimize Ukraine in line with state propaganda. I would like to continue to work in this way in the future and thus make my contribution to reforming Russia from within.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt;As it is extremely difficult to work on Slavic Philology, for different reasons, I strive to maintain and develop collaborations with foreign scholars from various countries—including, due to my research interests, a significant number from Russia—regardless of the political climate and as independently from it as possible. I also have strong working relationships with colleagues in other “problematic” contexts, including my own country. While I understand and respect your position, I believe it is essential not to isolate fellow researchers who are operating under pressure or in difficult circumstances. In my view, it is imperative to continue engaging with them along a rigorous and principled scientific path&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt;To be clear, my attitude to the Russian aggression and other geopolitical adventures of the Putin regime has been unequivocally negative. I have also supported Ukraine in its war against aggression. However, I do not support the policy of boycotting everything that is Russian and making all Russian people and institutions collectively responsible for decisions taken by Putin and his entourage. This is unfair (given the increasingly authoritarian character of the Russian political regime and mounting repressions against people who openly disagree with the regime) and counterproductive (it helps the Kremlin propaganda). The situation is not black-white, but more nuanced.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt;I strongly oppose Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and have discontinued all formal relations with Russian institutions, which I had held for more than 30 years, after February 2022. I do not see my membership in the editorial board as any kind of of approval of Tomsk State University – although I do not assume that they have a lot of choices other than supporting the war – but as a reflection of my continued personal relationship with the editor, who is not among the winners of the war.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt;I deeply think that, precisely in times of trouble, the humanist way of thinking, not eviling the other for bad reasons but promoting friendship through good research, is to be maintained&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt;I have recently welcomed a Russian delegation of dermatologists in Zurich for a day of scientific talks, including an Ukrainian professor, which proves to me the favorable relationship between Russians und Ukrainians in academia. Out of these reasons, I do not see any plausible reason for resigning from the council.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt;I think that resigning would be an empty gesture, which would have no effect on the ongoing Russian terrorist campaign against Ukraine. It might however make it dangerous for my Russian colleagues, none of whom can be blamed for the actions of Putin and his army, to continue to have contact with me.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;As we can see from most of these quotes, even while siding with Ukraine and acknowledging the criminal nature of Russia’s aggression, some European scholars see no problem in continuing cooperation with their Russian counterparts. Their arguments mostly boil down to “science is above politics” and “Putin alone is to blame for the war.”&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;However, because statements do not always correspond to actual behavior, let us look at quantitative measures of scientific collaboration between Europe and Russia. To do this, we use the Scopus scientometric database and its SciVal analytics service.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;caption&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Figure 1. Numbers of joint European–Russian publications over time&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img fetchpriority=&#34;high&#34; decoding=&#34;async&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/naukova-spivpratsya-yevropy-1.png&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; width=&#34;700&#34; height=&#34;437&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;aligncenter wp-image-190251&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;single-post-footnote&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Source: Scopus/SciVal&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;According to the data (Figure 1), in 2024, the number of joint publications decreased by 51% compared to 2021, the last year before the full-scale invasion. The decline is quite substantial, as the overall scale of collaboration has been cut in half. In this context, the geographic distribution of Russia’s top coauthors is quite telling. In 2021, eight of the top ten co-authors were from Europe, and one from each South Korea and China. In 2024, all ten of the top coauthors were Chinese. This is yet another piece of evidence supporting the so-called “pivot of Russia to the East.”&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;caption&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Table 2. Top coauthors of Russian researchers&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;table&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td colspan=&#34;3&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;2021&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td colspan=&#34;3&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;2024&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Author &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Country&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Number of joint publications&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Author&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Country&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Number of joint publications&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Shariat, S.F.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Austria&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;166&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Li, C.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;China&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;142&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Fabbri, F.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Italy&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;150&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Chang, J.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;China&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;141&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Peng, H.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;China&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;150&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Ji, X.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;China&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;141&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Geralis, T.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Greece &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;148&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Chen, M.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;China&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;138&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Boyko, I.R.*&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Switzerland/ Russia&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;140&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Li, F.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;China&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;138&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Yang, Y.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;South Korea&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;140&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Zhu, K.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;China&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;138&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Zhemchugov, A.S.*&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Switzerland/ Russia&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;140&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Dai, H.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;China&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;136&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Çetin, S.A.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Turkey&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;140&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Gu, M.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;China&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;136&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Berger, N.B.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;France &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;139&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Li, H.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;China&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;136&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Dedovich, D.V.*&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Switzerland/ Russia&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;139&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Zhao, L.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;China&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;136&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;single-post-footnote&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Source: Scopus/SciVal. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;*&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Note. Although some of the European scholars mentioned here and below are clearly of Russian origin, Scopus classifies them as Europeans, and we follow the same classification.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;In 2024, according to Scopus, there were 9,253 joint European–Russian publications, indicating that cooperation has continued quite actively. To ensure that we are not dealing solely with large projects in which authors may not even know each another, but rather with direct and deliberate collaboration, we grouped these publications by the number of co-authors. The results are shown in Figure 2.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;caption&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Figure 2. Distribution of articles co-authored with Russians by number of authors&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img decoding=&#34;async&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/naukova-spivpratsya-yevropy-2.png&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; width=&#34;700&#34; height=&#34;421&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;aligncenter wp-image-190252&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;single-post-footnote&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Source: Scopus/SciVal&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;As we can see, 80% of publications have fewer than ten co-authors. Therefore, this cooperation can be considered a deliberate choice by European researchers.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Let us look at the geographical breakdown of European scholars’ cooperation with Russian researchers and the changes that occurred after the full-scale invasion (Table 3). The largest numbers of scientific collaborators have been—and remain—in Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, and Poland. At the same time, the steepest declines in the number of joint publications with Russian scientists were recorded in Ukraine (–77%), Lithuania (–66%), Estonia (–65%), and Finland (–64%).&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;caption&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Table 3. Number of joint publications by European and Russian researchers by country&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;table&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Country&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;2021&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;2024&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Change 2024 vs 2021, %&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Germany&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;5947&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;2547&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;-57%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;United Kingdom&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;3824&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;1979&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;-48%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;France&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;3445&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;1761&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;-49%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Italy&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;3332&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;1745&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;-48%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Spain&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;2098&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;1159&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;-45%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Poland&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;2006&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;853&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;-57%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Switzerland&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;1584&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;829&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;-48%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Netherlands &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;1604&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;775&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;-52%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Czechia&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;1544&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;722&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;-53%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Sweden&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;1472&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;745&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;-49%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Ukraine&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;1419&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;332&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;-77%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Finland&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;1238&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;442&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;-64%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Austria&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;1330&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;637&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;-52%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Belgium&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;1046&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;590&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;-44%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Norway&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;930&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;437&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;-53%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Portugal&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;856&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;450&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;-47%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Greece&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;843&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;443&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;-47%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Denmark&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;782&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;391&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;-50%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Hungary&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;722&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;372&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;-48%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Romania&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;755&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;374&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;-50%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Serbia&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;685&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;383&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;-44%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Slovakia&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;600&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;246&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;-59%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Bulgaria&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;604&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;303&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;-50%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Ireland&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;533&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;226&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;-58%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Croatia&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;442&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;200&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;-55%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Estonia &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;408&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;142&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;-65%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Slovenia &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;372&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;196&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;-47%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Latvia&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;385&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;172&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;-55%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Lithuania&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;384&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;131&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;-66%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Cyprus&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;237&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;144&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;-39%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Total &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;19023&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;9253&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;-51%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;single-post-footnote&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Source: Scopus/SciVal&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;The main collaborators at the country level have been (and remain) Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, and Poland. At the same time, &lt;/span&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt;all&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;span&gt; of the analyzed countries have significantly reduced the volume of their joint publication activity with Russian researchers. The largest reductions were recorded in Ukraine (–77%), Lithuania (–66%), Estonia (–65%), and Finland (–64%). An important nuance in Ukraine’s case is that the overwhelming majority of Ukrainian–Russian publications are, &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://voxukraine.org/naukove-myshebratstvo-ilyuziya-chy-prykra-realnist&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;in reality&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt;, Russian–Russian, because they involve researchers from the occupied territories whom Scopus classifies as Ukrainian.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;The top twenty institutions—namely, the direct participants in collaboration in 2024—are presented in Table 4.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;caption&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Table 3. Top twenty European institutions by number of joint publications with Russian researchers&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;table&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;#&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Organization name&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Country&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Number of joint publications&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Share of top 20&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;1&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;CNRS (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;France&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;1024&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;18%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;2&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Université Paris Cité&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;France&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;357&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;6%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;3&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;University of Oxford&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;United Kingdom&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;309&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;6%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;4&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;University of Turin&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Italy &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;307&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;5%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;5&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Sorbonne Université&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;France&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;275&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;5%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;6&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Université Paris-Saclay&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;France&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;275&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;5%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;7&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Czech Academy of Sciences&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Czechia &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;243&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;4%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;8&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Uppsala University&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Sweden &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;243&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;4%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;9&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;CSIC (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Spain &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;239&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;4%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;10&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Charles University&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Czechia &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;233&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;4%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;11&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Commissariat à l’énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;France&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;232&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;4%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;12&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;University of Copenhagen&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Denmark &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;222&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;4%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;13&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;University of Groningen&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Netherlands&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;220&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;4%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;14&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Harvard University&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;США&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;217&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;4%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;15&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;University College London&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;United Kingdom&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;210&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;4%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;16&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;University of Manchester&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;United Kingdom&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;209&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;4%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;17&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Goethe University Frankfurt&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Germany&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;208&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;4%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;18&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Germany&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;187&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;3%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;19&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;University of Münster&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Germany&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;187&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;3%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;20&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;University of Rome La Sapienza&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Italy&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;185&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;3%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;single-post-footnote&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Source: Scopus/SciVal&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;The distribution of joint publications by type has changed remarkably (Table 4). The share of publications in conference proceedings has declined sharply, a direct consequence of the impact of sanctions on Russian science, as Russian researchers have been attending fewer international conferences.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;caption&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Table 4. Distribution of joint publications by European and Russian researchers by type&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;table&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td rowspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Publication type&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td colspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;2015-2024&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td colspan=&#34;2&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;2024&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Number of publications&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Share of total&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Number of publications&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Share of total&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Article&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;110564&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;75%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;7281&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;79%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Conference Paper&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;21103&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;14%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;822&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;9%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Review&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;7000&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;5%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;533&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;6%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Chapter&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;3840&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;3%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;262&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;3%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Other&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;4695&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;3%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;362&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;4%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;single-post-footnote&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Source: Scopus/SciVal&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;If European scholars had not wanted to see their names alongside Russian ones, one could have expected a substantial increase in the number of retracted publications in 2022. Unfortunately, the number of such publications did not increase. On the contrary, it decreased by several times (Figure 3).&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;caption&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Figure 3. Trends in the number of retracted European–Russian publications&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img decoding=&#34;async&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/naukova-spivpratsya-yevropy-3.png&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; width=&#34;701&#34; height=&#34;431&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;aligncenter wp-image-190253&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;single-post-footnote&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Source: Scopus/SciVal&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Table 6 shows which publishers mostly provide a platform for joint publications involving Russian researchers.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;caption&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Table 6. Journals publishing the largest number of articles co-authored with Russian researchers&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;table&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Journal&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Publisher&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;2021&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;2024&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Change, %&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Journal of Physics: Conference Series&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;IOP Publishing&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;245&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;27&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;-89%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Scientific Reports&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Nature Portfolio (Springer Nature)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;208&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;79&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;-62%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Physical Review B&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;American Physical Society (APS)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;197&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;70&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;-64%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Physical Review D&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;American Physical Society (APS)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;195&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;119&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;-39%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;E3S Web of Conferences&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;EDP Sciences&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;175&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;25&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;-86%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Materials&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;MDPI&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;154&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;21&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;-86%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Journal of High Energy Physics&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Springer Nature (on behalf of the Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati—SISSA)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;143&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;27&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;-81%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;International Journal of Molecular Sciences&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;MDPI&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;133&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;92&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;-31%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;IOP Publishing&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;123&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;0&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;-100%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Physical Review Letters&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;American Physical Society (APS)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;121&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;58&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;-52%&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;single-post-footnote&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Source: Scopus/SciVal&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;As we can see, most publishers are based in European countries, with the rest in the United States. In other words, the countries that formally oppose Russia are simultaneously providing platforms for its science thus directly contributing to its development. To understand where the problem lies, let’s look at the top twenty Russian institutions with which European researchers collaborated in 2024 (Table 7).&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;caption&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Table 7. Russian institutions with the largest number of joint publications with European scholars&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;table&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;Organization&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;b&gt;Number of joint publications in 2024&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Russian Academy of Sciences&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;3,721&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Lomonosov Moscow State University&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;1,009&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;588&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;St. Petersburg State University&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;566&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Higher School of Economics&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;536&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Joint Institute for Nuclear Research&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;509&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Ural Federal University&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;417&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Russian Ministry of Health&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;413&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;RAS – Siberian Branch&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;405&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;401&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;People’s Friendship University of Russia&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;337&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;National Institute for Nuclear Physics&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;331&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Russian Research Centre Kurchatov Institute&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;319&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Novosibirsk State University&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;273&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Kazan Volga Region Federal University&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;270&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;St. Petersburg National Research University of Information Technologies, Mechanics and Optics (ITMO)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;251&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Tomsk State University&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;241&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Russian Academy of Medical Sciences&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;217&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span&gt;213&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;single-post-footnote&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Source: Scopus/SciVal&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;All of these organizations support the aggression against Ukraine in one form or another—from providing direct financial and material assistance to the Russian army to aiding the annexation of Ukrainian territories and disseminating propaganda. We illustrate this with the example of Lomonosov Moscow State University.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Case study: Lomonosov Moscow State University (MSU)&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;First of all, this university signed the so-called “&lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://rsr-online.ru/news/2022/3/4/obrashenie-rossijskogo-soyuza-rektorov/&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Rectors’ Letter&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt;” in support of the aggression against Ukraine. Moreover, MSU’s rector, Viktor Sadovnichii, who also heads the Russian Council of Rectors, initiated the creation of this letter and organized the process of signing it by several hundred (!) Russian universities.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;None of this has prevented the international publisher Springer from continuing active cooperation with him. Sadovnichii remains the &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://link.springer.com/journal/10625/editorial-board&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;editor-in-chief&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; of Springer’s journal &lt;/span&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt;Differential Equations&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;span&gt;.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;The university has been actively facilitating the annexation of Ukrainian territories, as Sadovnichii &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://msu.ru/news/novosti-mgu/pervyy-forum-obrazovatelnykh-organizatsiy-rossii-i-donbassa.html?sphrase_id=3922016&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;stated&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; at the opening of the First Forum of Educational Institutions of Russia and the so-called Donetsk and Luhansk “People’s Republics,” held in Rostov-on-Don on June 3-5. The purpose of the forum was to promote the rapid integration of the universities of the so-called DPR and LPR into Russia’s educational space. After Russia stole Donetsk University from Ukraine, the MSU rector &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://msu.ru/press/smiaboutmsu/v-chem-fenomen-rektora-mgu-imeni-lomonosova-akademika-ran-viktora-sadovnichego.html?sphrase_id=3922024&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;declared&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; that without this university, Donbas would have no future and that everything possible must be done to integrate it into Russia’s educational space. This is precisely the kind of “integration” in which MSU has been engaged.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt; In early August 2023, representatives of MSU’s Faculty of History visited the stolen Ukrainian universities—Donetsk State University (DonSU), Melitopol State University, and Azov State Pedagogical University. During the visit, they &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://msu.ru/news/novosti-mgu/sotrudnichestvo-mgu-s-pedagogicheskim-gosuniversitetami.html?sphrase_id=3922024&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;discussed&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; current tasks related to integrating the Zaporizhzhia region into Russia’s sociocultural space, as well as plans for publishing a propagandistic collective monograph on the history of the formation of historical knowledge in Donbas in 2014–2022.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;MSU has also been advancing the “integration” of the annexed Ukrainian territories into Russia and supporting the war against Ukraine by &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://msu.ru/press/smiaboutmsu/prishla-khoroshaya-smena-v-moskve-proshla-onlayn-press-konferentsiya-rektora-mgu-im-m-v-lomonosova-a.html?sphrase_id=3884754&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;granting&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; special admission quotas to “citizens of the DPR and LPR,” as well as to the children of Russian military personnel killed in Ukraine.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;As part of its efforts to support Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the university’s Faculty of Psychology designed a professional development &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://msu.ru/press/smiaboutmsu/dekan-fakulteta-psikhologii-mgu-yuriy-zinchenko-o-prichinakh-rosta-sprosa-na-psikhologicheskuyu-pomo.html?sphrase_id=3893580&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;program&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; for psychologists who work with participants and veterans of the war, as well as with their family members. Among other, they provide support to Russian soldiers returning from the war.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;MSU staff have been actively brainwashing Ukrainian children living under occupation. As part of the “University Shift—Young Lomonosov” educational program, MSU hosted fifty schoolchildren and five teachers from the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic from September 11 to 20. The schoolchildren met with the rector and &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://msu.ru/news/novosti-mgu/mgu-prinyal-shkolnikov-i-uchiteley-iz-donetskoy-narodnoy-respubliki.html?sphrase_id=3922024&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;visited&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; “Patriot,” a military-patriotic park of culture and recreation operated by the armed forces of the Russian Federation.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;However, when yet another joint article by a European scholar and an MSU representative appears, and the academic community sees something like Figure 4, it receives the signal that collaborating in 2025 with an active supporter of the war against Ukraine is perfectly fine.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;caption&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Figure 4. Joint &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geomphys.2025.105656&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;article&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; by European and Russian researchers&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img loading=&#34;lazy&#34; decoding=&#34;async&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/naukova-spivpratsya-yevropy-4.png&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; width=&#34;698&#34; height=&#34;526&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;aligncenter wp-image-190254&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;This is not the only signal which MSU sends to the world. As an active supporter of the annexation of Ukrainian territories and a vehicle for propaganda, MSU uses its publications to broadcast messages to the academic universe, such as “Crimea is Russia,” “Donetsk is Russia” etc., as well as the claim that stolen Ukrainian institutions are the property of the Russian state. MSU researchers readily collaborate with these stolen Ukrainian scientific institutions, including the A. O. Kovalevsky Institute of Biology of the Southern Seas, which the Russian Academy of Sciences seized from the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine in 2014. MSU scholars (and not only they) promote the idea that Sevastopol is a Russian city. Unfortunately, colleagues from Switzerland and Belgium join them in this (Figure 5).&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;caption&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Figure 5. Joint article by Russian and European researchers in a journal published by Elsevier (2025)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img loading=&#34;lazy&#34; decoding=&#34;async&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/naukova-spivpratsya-yevropy-5.png&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; width=&#34;700&#34; height=&#34;599&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;aligncenter wp-image-190255&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;single-post-footnote&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rsma.2025.104290&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Source&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;caption&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Figure 6. Joint European–Russian article in a journal published by Springer Nature, asserting that Sevastopol is Russia (2025)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img loading=&#34;lazy&#34; decoding=&#34;async&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/naukova-spivpratsya-yevropy-6.png&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; width=&#34;699&#34; height=&#34;397&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;aligncenter wp-image-190256&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;single-post-footnote&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://link.springer.com/article/10.1134/S0001433824701172&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Source&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;And a Slovak scholar, writing in a Slovak (!) journal together with “colleagues” from MSU, insists that Ukraine’s research institute—the Crimean Astrophysical Observatory—belongs to the Russian Academy of Sciences (Figure 7).&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;caption&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Figure 7. Joint Slovak–Russian article claiming that Ukraine’s research institute, the Crimean Astrophysical Observatory, belongs to the Russian Academy of Sciences&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;img loading=&#34;lazy&#34; decoding=&#34;async&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/naukova-spivpratsya-yevropy-7.png&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; width=&#34;699&#34; height=&#34;391&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;aligncenter wp-image-190257&#34;&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;single-post-footnote&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://doi.org/10.31577/caosp.2025.55.3.103&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Source&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;All of this contributes to the spread of Russian propaganda narratives, producing exactly the kinds of views within the academic community that we presented in Table 1. So can anything be done about this outrageous situation—and if so, what exactly?&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;Suggestions&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;It is evident that the current measures—restrictions on cooperation with the Russian academic community, in some cases an outright ban on collaboration with Russian institutions, sanctions against the Russian economy that also affect payment capabilities and the supply of goods (including reagents and equipment), visa restrictions, and so on—are clearly insufficient, despite their effectiveness (remember an over 50% decline in Europe’s joint publication activity with Russia), because Russian universities and research institutions have largely avoided sanctions. Sanctions are a powerful tool that provides the legal basis for halting cooperation at the institutional level, which then translates into less collaboration at the individual level. Therefore, the list of sanctioned Russian institutions should be expanded.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Given the contentious nature of sanctions against academic institutions (which may be perceived as an attack on academic freedom and the free exchange of ideas), we propose applying sanctions as a punishment for specific actions rather than for the mere fact of belonging to Russia.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;That is, if a university has openly and publicly supported the aggression against Ukraine (for example, by signing the Rectors’ Letter mentioned above), this is an entirely legitimate basis for imposing sanctions against it. If a scientific organization or university has been stolen from Ukraine, this should automatically mean inclusion on the sanctions lists. If a research institution is involved in military R&amp;D, it should be on the sanctions lists. And if an academic institution actively assists the military aggression against Ukraine (for example, by collecting money and goods for the army), facilitates the annexation of Ukrainian territories, or engages in propaganda for the war against Ukraine, it should be on the sanctions lists.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Another aspect of addressing the problem is educational outreach—explaining why cooperation with scholars affiliated with Russian institutions contributes to the spread of Russian propaganda and is reputationally toxic. In this context, European authorities could issue formal recommendations and warnings regarding collaboration with Russian researchers, including an explanation of the pitfalls of such cooperation, which we have discussed in this article.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;European academic organizations should pay more attention to monitoring the publication activity of their employees, since this can cast a shadow on the entire institution. For example, the terms for concluding or renewing contracts could include the absence of questionable publications—that is, publications co-authored with Russian researchers.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;These proposals will not, of course, solve the problem entirely, but they will help reduce Russia’s presence in global science and diminish its propagandistic activity within the academic community.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;reference&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Photo: &lt;a href=&#34;https://depositphotos.com/ua/&#34;&gt;depositphotos.com/ua&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://voxukraine.org/en/europe-s-scientific-cooperation-with-russia-how-europe-is-preparing-for-a-probalbe-war&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Polish prosecutors seek European arrest warrant for 2 Ukrainians over suspected Russian-backed rail sabotage</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/01/polish-prosecutors-seek-european-arrest.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 01 Dec 2025 11:54:52 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/01/polish-prosecutors-seek-european-arrest.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/59d4003a31.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Polish prosecutors seek European arrest warrant for 2 Ukrainians over suspected Russian-backed rail sabotage&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Yevhenii Ivanov, 41, and Oleksandr Kononov, 39, are suspected of sabotaging the Warsaw-Lublin railway line in mid-November before fleeing to Belarus.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/polish-prosecutors-seek-european-arrest-warrant-for-ukrainian-suspects-in-alleged-russian-backed-sabotage/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Drone attack reported in Russia’s Dagestan, damaging area near military facility, governor says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/01/drone-attack-reported-in-russias.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 01 Dec 2025 11:41:25 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/01/drone-attack-reported-in-russias.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/photo-2025-12-01-11-23-24.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Drone attack reported in Russia’s Dagestan, damaging area near military facility, governor says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Drones targeted the Russian republic of Dagestan on the morning of December 1, with explosions reported in the city of Kaspiysk, the head of the republic Sergey Melikov said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/drone-attack-reported-in-russias-dagestan-damage-near-military-facility/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Zelensky meeting Macron in France after US-Ukraine peace deal talks</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/01/zelensky-meeting-macron-in-france.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 01 Dec 2025 11:17:29 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/01/zelensky-meeting-macron-in-france.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2248738467-1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky meeting Macron in France after US-Ukraine peace deal talks&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The visit follows talks between Ukrainian and U.S. officials in Florida, as Kyiv seeks to negotiate better conditions in the Washington-backed 28-point peace deal.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-arrives-in-france-after-us-ukraine-peace-deal-talks/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Fact Check: Stolen Louvre Jewels Were NOT Seized From Zelenskyy Associate, Ukrainian Billionaire Timur Mindich</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/01/fact-check-stolen-louvre-jewels.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 01 Dec 2025 06:12:03 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/01/fact-check-stolen-louvre-jewels.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;Have Ukrainian investigators recovered the jewels stolen from the Louvre museum from the assets of a Ukrainian billionaire who is an associate of President Zelenskyy? No, that&#39;s not true: &lt;span&gt;The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU), which purportedly seized the jewels, has not posted anything about it on social media. The NABU has denied it was true in a statement to a European fact-checking organization. There are no reports about the recovery in French media, which would be expected if the claim were true.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The claim appeared in &lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/SprinterPress/status/1990834547215511583&#34;&gt;a post&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://archive.is/aluzu&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) published on the @SprinterPress on November 18, 2025. The post included a video making the claim with a caption that read:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) latest raid turned up Marie-Louise&#39;s missing Louvre jewels among the belongings of Ukrainian billionaire Timur Mindich, described as a close associate of Volodymyr Zelensky.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Mindich has reportedly already escaped to Israel. The saga only grows more surreal.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This is what the post looked like at the time of writing:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://leadstories.com/Screenshot%202025-11-28%20081430.png&#34;&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;Screenshot 2025-11-28 081430.png&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/screenshot202025-11-2820081430-thumb-900x1044-3174050.png&#34; width=&#34;900&#34; height=&#34;1044&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: Lead Stories screenshot of X.com)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The transcript of the video reads:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A corruption scandal at the highest levels of Ukraine&#39;s government has taken an unexpected turn. Among the assets confiscated from Timur Mindich, investigators have discovered a portion of the jewels stolen from the Louvre in early October.&lt;br&gt;The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) carried out a series of searches targeting a number of high-ranking Ukrainian officials, among whom was Timur Mindich, a friend of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.&lt;br&gt;Timur Mindich is a well-known Ukrainian businessman and a former co-owner of the company Kvartal 95 Studio, founded by Volodymyr Zelensky. NABU accused the businessman of corrupt activities in the energy sector, as well as of involving former Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko and former Defense Minister Rustem Umerov in these activities. The Anti-Corruption Bureau stated that over the course of the criminal group&#39;s operations, a total of about $100 million passed through the so-called laundry.&lt;br&gt;During the searches of Mindich&#39;s apartment, large sums of cash and various luxury items were confiscated, two of which were later identified as an emerald necklace and earrings from the jewelry set of Marie Louise of Austria, Empress of France and wife of Napoleon Bonaparte.&lt;br&gt;Marie Louise&#39;s jewelry set, valued at around 15 million euros, was stolen from the Louvre on Oct. 19, 2025, by four criminals who were later detained by French special services. The items discovered during the search of Mindich&#39;s residence have been transferred to a specialized department for temporary storage, and investigative authorities have begun verifying their origin.&lt;br&gt;Timur Mindich managed to leave the territory of Ukraine and travel to Israel before the searches were conducted. No official comments have yet been issued by Ukrainian authorities on the matter.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;European fact-checking organizations, including this &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2025/11/27/check-juwelen-louvre-corruptieonderzoek-oekraine/&#34;&gt;article&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20251128163430/https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2025/11/27/check-juwelen-louvre-corruptieonderzoek-oekraine/&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) by Belgium&#39;s VRT.be, and a &lt;a href=&#34;https://amp.dw.com/en/fact-check-stolen-louvre-jewels-did-not-end-up-in-ukraine/a-74908936&#34;&gt;fact check&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://archive.is/Gclx2&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) by Germany&#39;s DW.com, have previously concluded the video was created by an artificial intelligence tool. Both debunk articles noted that the images of the royal jewels shown in the video are not the same as the jewels reported stolen from the Louvre on October 19, 2025. This is a screenshot from the DW.com analysis:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://leadstories.com/Screenshot%202025-11-28%20111147.png&#34;&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;Screenshot 2025-11-28 111147.png&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/screenshot202025-11-2820111147-thumb-900xauto-3174055.png&#34; width=&#34;900&#34; height=&#34;566&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: Lead Stories screenshot of DW.com)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The VRT and DW fact checks report that NABU has confirmed the claims made in the video are fake. The DW article reads:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The video is fake and a product of either pro-Kremlin propaganda or someone who wants to spread disinformation.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This GIF shows the NABU &lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/nab_ukr&#34;&gt;X account&lt;/a&gt; timeline over the previous days. It does not include any announcement about recovering the stolen jewels.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;nabuxshort.gif&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/nabuxshort.gif&#34; width=&#34;648&#34; height=&#34;1152&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: Lead Stories screen recording of the NABU X.com timeline)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A Google news&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=8376ee4aa5b8c4fe&amp;sxsrf=AE3TifNjKMAknobo82_kBzFfvm60fiwggQ:1764522824318&amp;q=louvre+jewels&amp;tbm=nws&amp;source=lnms&amp;fbs=AIIjpHxU7SXXniUZfeShr2fp4giZrjP_Cx0LI1Ytb_FGcOviEm1ssuPGpLt-JO6rIVBYz_RaN6fYAxw4hlG5yEN69ihLXZZtqmhM1c1up8uhbMHjMJwHpOm0XOavCN8px8_1AoD_egZC83PwwjJMB5vKcmoXeZ5xivOx3KBSofhqLLRKwFJcVS1ur__6zu_2xiIIo_Cd6UyBacKnqpYZRwrkvdzq_oa9mQ&amp;sa=X&amp;sqi=2&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjj3pDhr5qRAxUuKUQIHc2_Bh4Q0pQJegQIExAB&amp;biw=2560&amp;bih=1214&amp;dpr=0.75&#34;&gt; search&lt;/a&gt; for &#34;Louvre jewels&#34; returned no articles about the jewels being recovered. The results were mostly links to stories about the &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.cnn.com/2025/11/25/europe/louvre-robbery-paris-suspects-detained-intl&#34;&gt;arrests&lt;/a&gt; of suspects in the theft.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://leadstories.com/Screenshot%202025-11-30%20095741.png&#34;&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;Screenshot 2025-11-30 095741.png&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/screenshot202025-11-3020095741-thumb-900x1049-3174060.png&#34; width=&#34;900&#34; height=&#34;1049&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Image source: Lead Stories screenshot of Google.com)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://hoax-alert.leadstories.com/2025/11/fact-check-stolen-louvre-jewels-not-siezed-from-ukrainian-timur-mindich.html&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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    <item>
      <title>NATO may get &#39;more aggressive&#39; in countering Russia’s hybrid attacks, top military official says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/01/nato-may-get-more-aggressive.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 01 Dec 2025 04:30:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/01/nato-may-get-more-aggressive.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2214429113.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;NATO may get &#39;more aggressive&#39; in countering Russia’s hybrid attacks, top military official says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, who chairs NATO’s Military Committee, told the Financial Times that the alliance is reassessing how it confronts hybrid threats that have intensified across Europe.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/nato-may-get-more-aggressive-in-countering-russias-hybrid-attacks-top-military-official-tells-ft/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Vilnius airport halts flights again after balloon sightings</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/12/01/vilnius-airport-halts-flights-again.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 01 Dec 2025 01:17:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/12/01/vilnius-airport-halts-flights-again.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/0de7b03c8d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Vilnius airport halts flights again after balloon sightings&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Lithuanian authorities extended the latest airspace restrictions until 5 a.m. local time on Dec. 1.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/vilnius-airport-halts-flights-again-after-balloon-sightings/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest: Officials hail &#39;difficult but productive&#39; meeting as Ukraine, US conclude peace deal talks in Florida</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/30/ukraine-war-latest-officials-hail.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 30 Nov 2025 22:03:37 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/30/ukraine-war-latest-officials-hail.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2248619620-612x612.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest: Officials hail &#39;difficult but productive&#39; meeting as Ukraine, US conclude peace deal talks in Florida&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Key developments on Nov. 29-30:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Officials hail &#39;productive&#39; meeting, stress &#39;more work&#39; ahead as Ukraine, US conclude peace deal talks in Florida&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&#39;Half of Kyiv without electricity&#39; — 2 killed, 38 injured in &#39;serious&#39; Russian attack on capital&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Russian victory would cost&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-126/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Propaganda in Russia is passed down from parents to children #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/30/propaganda-in-russia-is-passed.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 30 Nov 2025 22:00:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/30/propaganda-in-russia-is-passed.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/f55ee0632a.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Propaganda in Russia is passed down from parents to children #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/4__SUjGYc08&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>❗️🇺🇦This meeting was productive and successful, - Rustem Umerov #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/30/this-meeting-was-productive-and.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 30 Nov 2025 21:45:39 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/30/this-meeting-was-productive-and.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/91edb64765.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️🇺🇦This meeting was productive and successful, - Rustem Umerov #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Ajug1J8fp10&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>❗️Our goal here is to end the war, – Rubio #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/30/our-goal-here-is-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 30 Nov 2025 21:43:51 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/30/our-goal-here-is-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/452aae1288.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️Our goal here is to end the war, – Rubio #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/aVCZ-FPy1rw&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>⚡&amp;quot;RUSSIAN SOLDIER&#39;S TEETH&amp;quot; – FAKE: Latvian warrior Alvis Luksha on BUCHA, wounds, and BALTIC THREAT!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/30/quotrussian-soldiers-teethquot-fake-latvian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 30 Nov 2025 21:00:31 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/30/quotrussian-soldiers-teethquot-fake-latvian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/c2307da3dc.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡&amp;quot;RUSSIAN SOLDIER&#39;S TEETH&amp;quot; – FAKE: Latvian warrior Alvis Luksha on BUCHA, wounds, and BALTIC THREAT!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBqri2lEsgc&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>&amp;quot;Red lines&amp;quot; as justification for terrorizing civilians – Russia&#39;s new tactic #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/30/quotred-linesquot-as-justification-for.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 30 Nov 2025 19:00:52 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/30/quotred-linesquot-as-justification-for.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/4179cb0ada.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&amp;quot;Red lines&amp;quot; as justification for terrorizing civilians – Russia&#39;s new tactic #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/dDyf6TftstY&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>⚡Breakthrough in USA! Ukrainian delegation negotiates: GUR eliminates &amp;quot;Kadyrovites&amp;quot;</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/30/breakthrough-in-usa-ukrainian-delegation.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 30 Nov 2025 19:00:19 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/30/breakthrough-in-usa-ukrainian-delegation.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/bac434e50b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡Breakthrough in USA! Ukrainian delegation negotiates: GUR eliminates &amp;quot;Kadyrovites&amp;quot;&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjNrH9eBWsI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>⚡HUMAN SAFARI: Russian Drones Hunt Volunteers &amp;amp; Strike &amp;quot;CHILDREN&amp;quot; Signs!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/30/human-safari-russian-drones-hunt.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 30 Nov 2025 18:01:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/30/human-safari-russian-drones-hunt.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/8345633286.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡HUMAN SAFARI: Russian Drones Hunt Volunteers &amp;amp; Strike &amp;quot;CHILDREN&amp;quot; Signs!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cj93TCDtfBI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Umerov thanked the US for help and support for Ukraine in the peace talks process #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/30/umerov-thanked-the-us-for.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 30 Nov 2025 17:59:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/30/umerov-thanked-the-us-for.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/006044fd31.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Umerov thanked the US for help and support for Ukraine in the peace talks process #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/cSJKVlEN3Tw&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Leaked calls expose US-Russia peace deal | Ukraine This Week</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/30/leaked-calls-expose-usrussia-peace.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 30 Nov 2025 17:14:52 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/30/leaked-calls-expose-usrussia-peace.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/img-2393-1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Leaked calls expose US-Russia peace deal | Ukraine This Week&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;In the latest episode of Ukraine This Week, the Kyiv Independent’s Anna Belokur covers leaked calls showing U.S.-Russia coordination on a controversial peace plan and reports on backlash to Reese Witherspoon’s Moscow-set novel.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/leaked-calls-expose-us-russia-peace-deal-ukraine-this-week/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>When war with Russia ends, how many troops will Ukraine need?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/30/when-war-with-russia-ends.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 30 Nov 2025 17:10:34 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/30/when-war-with-russia-ends.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2240220927.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;When war with Russia ends, how many troops will Ukraine need?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Cutting Ukraine&#39;s military might has been raised as among the key points in U.S. President Donald Trump&#39;s latest push to end the war at all costs. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The original 28-point peace proposal, criticized in Ukraine for aligning with Russia&#39;s sweeping demands, envisioned a 600,&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/military-cap-contentious-as-us-pushes-for-peace-deal-to-end-war/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>India to seek purchase of Russian jets, air defenses during Putin&#39;s visit, Bloomberg reports</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/30/india-to-seek-purchase-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 30 Nov 2025 16:58:38 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/30/india-to-seek-purchase-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/edb59020db.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;India to seek purchase of Russian jets, air defenses during Putin&#39;s visit, Bloomberg reports&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;According to Bloomberg&#39;s sources, Russia and India are expected to discuss the potential purchase of the fifth-generation Su-57 aircraft and the S-500 air defense system.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/india-to-pitch-new-arms-deal-to-russia-bloomberg-reports/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>URGENT! Umerov &amp;amp; Rubio team discuss FINAL PEACE PLAN in USA! PRESS CONFERENCE</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/30/urgent-umerov-amp-rubio-team.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 30 Nov 2025 16:48:19 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/30/urgent-umerov-amp-rubio-team.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/fd7e2f4576.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;URGENT! Umerov &amp;amp; Rubio team discuss FINAL PEACE PLAN in USA! PRESS CONFERENCE&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6jrOJm_Dog&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Victims of Russian shelling in Donetsk region: two dead in Lyman #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/30/victims-of-russian-shelling-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 30 Nov 2025 16:43:28 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/30/victims-of-russian-shelling-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/eed511e24f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Victims of Russian shelling in Donetsk region: two dead in Lyman #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Lo4a7BKnwbM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine, US begin peace deal talks in Florida ahead of Witkoff&#39;s Moscow trip</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/30/ukraine-us-begin-peace-deal.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 30 Nov 2025 16:20:38 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/30/ukraine-us-begin-peace-deal.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2248617558.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine, US begin peace deal talks in Florida ahead of Witkoff&#39;s Moscow trip&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukrainian delegates began their meeting with U.S. officials in Florida on Nov. 30 to continue negotiations on the latest Washington-backed peace plan on ending the Russia-Ukraine war.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-us-begin-peace-deal-talks-in-florida-ahead-of-witkoffs-moscow-trip/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>A phony peace process to appease Trump</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/30/a-phony-peace-process-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 30 Nov 2025 16:03:40 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/30/a-phony-peace-process-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fd635a4a9-e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;A phony peace process to appease Trump&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fd635a4a9-e.jpg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/d52dcd6d3d.jpg&#34; width=&#34;594&#34; height=&#34;396&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/d635a4a9-ef06-4861-a8ae-347ae1ef57a5_594x396.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:396,&#34;width&#34;:594,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:188385,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:&#34;image/jpeg&#34;,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:true,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:&#34;[www.counteroffensive.news/i/1803195...](https://www.counteroffensive.news/i/180319550?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd635a4a9-ef06-4861-a8ae-347ae1ef57a5_594x396.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; fetchpriority=&#34;high&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M3 12a9 9 0 0 1 9-9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1 6.74 2.74L21 8&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 3v5h-5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 12a9 9 0 0 1-9 9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1-6.74-2.74L3 16&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M8 16H3v5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;Demonstrators gather in front of the Massachusetts State House to protest the proposed peace deal between Ukraine and Russia on November 23. (Photo by Joseph Prezioso/Anadolu via Getty Images).&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;Editor’s note: Think we’re doing something unique and worth supporting? Upgrade today to get access to all our reporting. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Your subscription goes towards batteries, rent, first aid kits and body armor for our team.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;In return you get the ability to comment on our stories, read our behind-the-scenes reporter’s notebooks section, and receive our breaking news alerts!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Upgrade to get full access!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Upgrade to get full access!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Tip Jar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Tip Jar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The 28 point plan presented by the Russians and Witkoff raises an interesting question: what outcome would Ukraine see as a victory?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It’s worth thinking about because it informs what the Ukrainians want most, and what they would be last to barter away in any peace negotiation.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you look at what Zelenskyy, his diplomats and his senior officials have said over the last three years, you come across a few recurring criteria. Only one relates to territory – many have said they want the restoration of the 1991 borders, which include Crimea.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Beyond that are two other commonalities: firstly, that there be prosecutions for Russian war crimes, and secondly, that Ukraine must be given alliances or security guarantees that prevent a war like this from ever happening again.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The 28 point plan ran over all of these criteria.  And yet Ukraine did not reject the points outright. Over the last couple weeks, Ukrainian diplomats negotiated with this patently unacceptable proposal as the unfortunate backdrop.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://edition.cnn.com/2025/11/21/europe/peace-proposal-russia-ukraine-annotated-intl-vis&#34;&gt;Russia’s proposal&lt;/a&gt; suggests it has not abandoned its original plans of subjugating Ukraine: prohibiting it from joining NATO, limiting the size of its military, and impunity for war crimes.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;All these things imply that Ukraine will not be a sovereign country, able to make its own decisions about its own diplomatic relations, how it defends itself, and how it seeks justice.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Even as Zelenskyy and his colleagues are negotiating, it seems like they are performing a theater of sorts. The theater has an audience of one: Donald Trump.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;And it shows how much U.S. foreign policy has fallen over the last year. A year ago, the United States was contributing significant military and humanitarian aid to its Ukrainian ally. Now Donald Trump is making nastier and nastier demands, even as he holds less and less leverage.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!ZxY7!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff0f2b93d-0b20-428c-b82f-0ace5b8c1610_1292x1420.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2ff0f2b93d-0.png&#34; width=&#34;414&#34; height=&#34;455.015479876161&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/f0f2b93d-0b20-428c-b82f-0ace5b8c1610_1292x1420.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1420,&#34;width&#34;:1292,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:414,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M3 12a9 9 0 0 1 9-9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1 6.74 2.74L21 8&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 3v5h-5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 12a9 9 0 0 1-9 9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1-6.74-2.74L3 16&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M8 16H3v5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!iBVv!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F01faec2b-dfb4-414c-930b-530cc388779b_1310x1574.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f01faec2b-d.png&#34; width=&#34;412&#34; height=&#34;495.0290076335878&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/01faec2b-dfb4-414c-930b-530cc388779b_1310x1574.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1574,&#34;width&#34;:1310,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:412,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M3 12a9 9 0 0 1 9-9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1 6.74 2.74L21 8&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 3v5h-5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 12a9 9 0 0 1-9 9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1-6.74-2.74L3 16&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M8 16H3v5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Research by the &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.kielinstitut.de/publications/news/ukraine-support-tracker-military-aid-falls-sharply-despite-new-nato-initiative/&#34;&gt;Kiel Institut&lt;/a&gt; shows that American humanitarian and military aid has dropped off a cliff, and has been essentially non-existent by mid-2025.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Trump cannot threaten to withhold what he does not provide. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;All that is left to withdraw is intelligence sharing, and some limited areas of diplomatic support.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The real threat to Ukraine is not that America stops supporting Ukraine. The real threat is that the U.S. affirmatively aligns itself with Russian interests worldwide.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The &lt;em&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.wsj.com/world/russia/russia-u-s-peace-business-ties-4db9b290?gaa_at=eafs&amp;gaa_n=AWEtsqdP4KyKYQdDXHbO_9RHh8N41575wnaPbKkjeq02XNv9ekRt3fEv_XaLJphWMOk%3D&amp;gaa_ts=692c4eaa&amp;gaa_sig=tmQx-UqDXzZldOn51ZHFt1gPA4bmFitnPNSRyfTXIIzYYoM88vrNj02k8g8Sc3IYy3Td66mRL-ziPX7VocC8Fg%3D%3D&#34;&gt;Wall Street Journal&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/em&gt; had an eye opening story on Friday outlining the Americans in Trump’s orbit who are drooling for this inconvenient war to be over so that they can profit on Russian business deals.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;So Ukraine is having to perform a dance – to play along as if their counterproposals (totally unacceptable to the Russians, by the way) are part of a normal diplomatic process.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The reality is that it is mostly for show: the Ukrainians are forced to play along with negotiations so that they do not look as if they are the impediment to peace, so that they don’t give Trump a reason to turn on them.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;id&#34;:412666}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;PollToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;poll-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Since the beginning of the war, supporters of Ukraine have said that Ukrainians are fighting a war on behalf of Europe – indeed, on behalf of the entire free world.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Holding the line with the Trump administration illustrates this point once again.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Officials in Russia and the United States are determined to join hands for worldwide economic cooperation and deepening ties.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This is an outcome that would be terrible for Europe and democracy in the world&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The only thing in Witkoff’s way is those pesky Ukrainians… and their desire for victory.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h4&gt;&lt;strong&gt;NEWS OF THE DAY:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;&lt;p&gt;By: Tim Mak and Aidan Stretch&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;We built today’s News of the Day section using &lt;a href=&#34;http://www.groundnews.com/mak&#34;&gt;Ground.News&lt;/a&gt;, a media literacy tool that helps cut through the fog in this time of disinformation. The website and app filters through thousands of news stories every day, merging them by topic to help show which topics are being covered by left and right.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;That’s why we’re partnering with &lt;a href=&#34;http://www.groundnews.com/mak&#34;&gt;Ground.News&lt;/a&gt; for this issue. It features bias detection, provides funding transparency about news outlets, and compares headlines so you can see how different outlets are framing the topic.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It’s how I found a conservative publication with a similar outlook to my column above, allowing me to find out what those in Trump’s camp might be thinking about the ongoing negotiations.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!5buY!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F500cd239-77f1-4fd6-beed-0d58dfb485f7_1776x530.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f500cd239-7.png&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;435&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/500cd239-77f1-4fd6-beed-0d58dfb485f7_1776x530.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:435,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M3 12a9 9 0 0 1 9-9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1 6.74 2.74L21 8&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 3v5h-5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 12a9 9 0 0 1-9 9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1-6.74-2.74L3 16&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M8 16H3v5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Interested in improving your news diet like I have? Subscribe to Ground News and get 40% off their Vantage plan!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;http://www.groundnews.com/mak&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Subscribe to Ground News!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;http://www.groundnews.com/mak&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Subscribe to Ground News!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;ZALUZHNYI SPEAKS OUT, CAUTIONS ZELENSKYY GOVT: &lt;/strong&gt;Ukraine’s former Commander in Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi – now the Ukrainian ambassador to the UK – cautioned Ukraine’s government in an op-ed for &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/11/29/how-to-defeat-putin-and-build-a-better-ukraine/&#34;&gt;The Telegraph&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“We are in an extremely difficult situation, where a rushed peace will only lead to a devastating defeat and loss of independence,” he wrote. “Peace, even in anticipation of the next war, provides a chance for political change, for deep reforms, for full recovery, economic growth and the return of citizens… But all this is impossible without effective security guarantees.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;His rare public intervention follows a reshuffle of Ukraine’s presidential office amid an ongoing corruption scandal. He is considered a potential challenger to Zelenskyy in any future election.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;RUBIO, WITKOFF, UKRAINIAN DIPLOMATS IN FLORIDA&lt;/strong&gt;: American and Ukrainian negotiators are meeting today to push forward the peace process, a development that conservative news outlets seem largely disinterested in, per &lt;a href=&#34;http://www.groundnews.com/mak&#34;&gt;Ground.News&lt;/a&gt;:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!_13T!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5929448a-8b7f-404a-995a-ddf301a5732b_852x296.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f5929448a-8.png&#34; width=&#34;438&#34; height=&#34;152.16901408450704&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/5929448a-8b7f-404a-995a-ddf301a5732b_852x296.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:296,&#34;width&#34;:852,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:438,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;UKRAINE STRIKES RUSSIAN OIL TANKERS:&lt;/strong&gt; Ukrainian underwater naval drones hit two sanctioned Russian vessels as they headed to a Russian port to load up with oil, &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/ukraine-hit-two-shadow-fleet-tankers-with-drones-black-sea-security-official-2025-11-29/&#34;&gt;Reuters reported&lt;/a&gt;. They were empty at the time they were struck, a Ukrainian official said. While off the coast of Turkey, neither vessel was in Turkish waters when they were hit, &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.cnn.com/2025/11/29/europe/russia-shadow-fleet-ukraine-explosions-intl&#34;&gt;CNN reported&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;DOG OF WAR: &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!or7G!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F23a0f045-8c80-4de5-86e7-f24151cc6151_1200x1600.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f23a0f045-8.jpg&#34; width=&#34;398&#34; height=&#34;530.6666666666666&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/23a0f045-8c80-4de5-86e7-f24151cc6151_1200x1600.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1600,&#34;width&#34;:1200,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:398,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M3 12a9 9 0 0 1 9-9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1 6.74 2.74L21 8&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 3v5h-5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 12a9 9 0 0 1-9 9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1-6.74-2.74L3 16&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M8 16H3v5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;This is Bandit, a puppy whose mom was evacuated from the Sumy region. He has stayed over at our colleague Tania’s place for two weeks as they look for a permanent family for him.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Stay safe out there.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Best,&lt;br&gt;Tim&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;[www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe](https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe?)&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Subscribe&#34;,&#34;language&#34;:&#34;en&#34;}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;SubscribeWidgetToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;subscription-widget-wrap-editor&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;subscription-widget show-subscribe&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;preamble&#34;&gt;&lt;p data-sanitized-class=&#34;cta-caption&#34;&gt;The Counteroffensive with Tim Mak is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;fake-input-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;fake-input&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;fake-button&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/a-phony-peace-process-to-appease&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine&#39;s intelligence releases video of alleged attack on Chechen fighters in Russian-occupied territories</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/30/ukraines-intelligence-releases-video-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 30 Nov 2025 15:46:30 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/30/ukraines-intelligence-releases-video-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/untitled.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine&#39;s intelligence releases video of alleged attack on Chechen fighters in Russian-occupied territories&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;HUR and Ukrainian partisans orchestrated two explosions at a site where Chechen fighters fighting for Russia sold stolen diesel, the military intelligence agency claimed.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-military-intelligence-releases-video-of-attack-on-chechen-fighters-in-occupied-zaporizhzhia-oblast/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>⚡TRAGEDY in Vyshhorod: Drone hits APARTMENT BUILDING! 19 injured, 1 killed!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/30/tragedy-in-vyshhorod-drone-hits.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 30 Nov 2025 15:01:16 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/30/tragedy-in-vyshhorod-drone-hits.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/0dc76c604a.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡TRAGEDY in Vyshhorod: Drone hits APARTMENT BUILDING! 19 injured, 1 killed!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsz_jN7qdJI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>ONE DEAD, 19 INJURED: Russian drone hits high-rise building in Vyshhorod 😱💥 #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/30/one-dead-injured-russian-drone.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 30 Nov 2025 14:08:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/30/one-dead-injured-russian-drone.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/b9fb249717.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;ONE DEAD, 19 INJURED: Russian drone hits high-rise building in Vyshhorod 😱💥 #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/mMZz-vYSGQo&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine&#39;s ex-ambassador to US named Zelensky&#39;s advisor on reconstruction</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/30/ukraines-exambassador-to-us-named.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 30 Nov 2025 14:04:32 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/30/ukraines-exambassador-to-us-named.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/a8f8d5ad51.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine&#39;s ex-ambassador to US named Zelensky&#39;s advisor on reconstruction&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Markarova&#39;s advisory role will cover topics such as the &#34;business climate, enhancing our state&#39;s financial resilience, attracting investment, and planning reconstruction together with our strategic partners,&#34; Zelensky said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-ex-us-envoy-tapped-as-zelenskys-reconstruction-advisor/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Polish president cancels meeting with Orban after Hungarian leader&#39;s trip to Moscow</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/30/polish-president-cancels-meeting-with.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 30 Nov 2025 13:40:48 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/30/polish-president-cancels-meeting-with.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2228088706.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Polish president cancels meeting with Orban after Hungarian leader&#39;s trip to Moscow&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Nawrocki and Orban were set to meet a day after the upcoming Visegrad Group summit in Hungary.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/polish-president-cancels-meeting-with-orban-after-trip-to-moscow/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>After Zelensky&#39;s top aide resigns, ex-army chief Zaluzhnyi signals need for &#39;political change&#39; post-war</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/30/after-zelenskys-top-aide-resigns.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 30 Nov 2025 11:46:25 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/30/after-zelenskys-top-aide-resigns.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/239f7b69a8.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;After Zelensky&#39;s top aide resigns, ex-army chief Zaluzhnyi signals need for &#39;political change&#39; post-war&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The comments come as Zelensky grapples with one of the most politically turbulent moments of his presidency.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/after-zelenskys-top-aide-resigns-ex-army-chief-zaluzhnyi-calls-for-political-change-after-war/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine, Norway to jointly produce drones starting in 2026</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/30/ukraine-norway-to-jointly-produce.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 30 Nov 2025 10:44:44 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/30/ukraine-norway-to-jointly-produce.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/g6-zgluwgaaoivl.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine, Norway to jointly produce drones starting in 2026&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;While Ukraine will share its experience and innovations, Norway will provide a &#34;strong production base, as well as research and development cooperation with leading Norwegian institutions,&#34; Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-norway-to-jointly-produce-drones/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russian attacks against Ukraine kill 5, injure 38 over past day</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/30/russian-attacks-against-ukraine-kill.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 30 Nov 2025 10:13:56 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/30/russian-attacks-against-ukraine-kill.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2248536198.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian attacks against Ukraine kill 5, injure 38 over past day&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Ukrainian Air Force reported intercepting 104 of the 122 drones launched by Russia overnight. Russia also launched two ballistic missiles from occupied Crimea.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-attacks-against-ukraine-9/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Daughter of former South African president resigns from parliament amid investigation into Russian military recruitment scheme</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/30/daughter-of-former-south-african.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 30 Nov 2025 06:28:43 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/30/daughter-of-former-south-african.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/sa-flag.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Daughter of former South African president resigns from parliament amid investigation into Russian military recruitment scheme&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, the daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma, resigned from parliament after being accused of helping lure 17 South African men to fight for the Russian military in Ukraine, her party announced on Nov. 29.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/daughter-of-former-south-african-president-resigns-from-parliament-amid-investigation-into-russian-military-recruitment-scheme/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>1 killed, 11 injured in Russian drone attack on Kyiv Oblast</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/30/killed-injured-in-russian-drone.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 30 Nov 2025 03:09:34 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/30/killed-injured-in-russian-drone.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/vyshhorod.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;1 killed, 11 injured in Russian drone attack on Kyiv Oblast&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;One person was killed and 11 people were injured in Vyshhorod district as Russia launched a drone attack on Kyiv Oblast overnight on Nov. 30.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/1-killed-11-injured-in-russian-drone-attack-on-kyiv-oblast/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia declares Human Rights Watch an &#39;undesirable organization&#39;</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/30/russia-declares-human-rights-watch.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 30 Nov 2025 01:34:50 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/30/russia-declares-human-rights-watch.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/b9245537c5.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia declares Human Rights Watch an &#39;undesirable organization&#39;&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russia’s Ministry of Justice has designated Human Rights Watch an “undesirable organization,” effectively banning the group from operating in the country, on Nov. 28.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-declares-human-rights-watch-an-undesirable-organization/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>EU and Ukraine launch dozens of joint defense projects #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/30/eu-and-ukraine-launch-dozens.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 29 Nov 2025 23:00:39 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/30/eu-and-ukraine-launch-dozens.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/bae3cbffed.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;EU and Ukraine launch dozens of joint defense projects #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ZU-n7Tlbpu8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine cannot be recognized as Russian #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/29/temporarily-occupied-territories-of-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 29 Nov 2025 22:30:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/29/temporarily-occupied-territories-of-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/516cccc155.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine cannot be recognized as Russian #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/-NsLA3B1ZUo&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>🔥AXIS OF EVIL arms Russia: Iran AI Ddrones &#43; China $100B vs Ukraine&#39;s 50% domestic weapons!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/29/axis-of-evil-arms-russia.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 29 Nov 2025 22:00:23 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/29/axis-of-evil-arms-russia.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/a721a628fb.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🔥AXIS OF EVIL arms Russia: Iran AI Ddrones + China $100B vs Ukraine&#39;s 50% domestic weapons!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzFyuvOGaMA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Americans showing &#39;constructive approach&#39; in peace talks, Zelensky says as Ukrainian delegates arrive in US</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/29/americans-showing-constructive-approach-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 29 Nov 2025 21:24:58 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/29/americans-showing-constructive-approach-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/3891821561.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Americans showing &#39;constructive approach&#39; in peace talks, Zelensky says as Ukrainian delegates arrive in US&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukrainian officials will meet with Marco Rubio, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Florida on Nov. 30. Zelensky said a final agreement could be ready &#34;in the coming days.&#34;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/us-showing-constructive-approach-in-peace-negotiations-zelensky-says-as-ukrainian-delegates/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>PUTIN WON&#39;T STOP! Kaja Kallas: EU must INCREASE PRESSURE to force Kremlin to peace!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/29/putin-wont-stop-kaja-kallas.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 29 Nov 2025 21:00:14 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/29/putin-wont-stop-kaja-kallas.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/9d779da6bb.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;PUTIN WON&#39;T STOP! Kaja Kallas: EU must INCREASE PRESSURE to force Kremlin to peace!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpOY5SW_ph0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russian drone violated Moldovan airspace during 10-hour attack on Kyiv, Chisinau says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/29/russian-drone-violated-moldovan-airspace.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 29 Nov 2025 20:42:47 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/29/russian-drone-violated-moldovan-airspace.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2231649115.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian drone violated Moldovan airspace during 10-hour attack on Kyiv, Chisinau says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Moldova was forced to temporarily close its airspace, President Maia Sandu said. The incident marks the third such violation in nine days.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-drone-violated-moldovan-airspace-during-10-hour-attack-on-kyiv-chisinau-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>❗️In the coming days, we are finalizing steps to end the war with dignity, – Zelenskyy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/29/in-the-coming-days-we.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 29 Nov 2025 19:26:36 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/29/in-the-coming-days-we.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/1b98d83f95.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️In the coming days, we are finalizing steps to end the war with dignity, – Zelenskyy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ANS0Slz5meU&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>HORRIFIC NIGHT! Kyiv survives deadliest attack: 600 TARGETS, 30 injured, 3 killed!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/29/horrific-night-kyiv-survives-deadliest.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 29 Nov 2025 19:01:09 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/29/horrific-night-kyiv-survives-deadliest.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/52eba838dd.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;HORRIFIC NIGHT! Kyiv survives deadliest attack: 600 TARGETS, 30 injured, 3 killed!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vC4g_ycoZMU&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Zelensky, Macron to hold talks on &#39;durable peace&#39; in Paris Dec. 1</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/29/zelensky-macron-to-hold-talks.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 29 Nov 2025 18:37:26 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/29/zelensky-macron-to-hold-talks.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2232962286-1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky, Macron to hold talks on &#39;durable peace&#39; in Paris Dec. 1&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The leaders will discuss &#34;the conditions of a just and durable peace&#34; in Ukraine, according to French President Emmanuel Macron&#39;s office.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-macron-to-hold-talks-on-durable-peace-in-paris-dec-1/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Moscow close to power outage after drone strike #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/29/moscow-close-to-power-outage.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 29 Nov 2025 17:46:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/29/moscow-close-to-power-outage.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/fa5a695d6d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Moscow close to power outage after drone strike #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/womYp2QSb4I&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>STRIKE ON MOSCOW! Ukrainian Army CONTROLS POKROVSK CENTER! Kremlin IN FLAMES, Russia WITHOUT POWER!!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/29/strike-on-moscow-ukrainian-army.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 29 Nov 2025 17:01:17 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/29/strike-on-moscow-ukrainian-army.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/c0fd438c19.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;STRIKE ON MOSCOW! Ukrainian Army CONTROLS POKROVSK CENTER! Kremlin IN FLAMES, Russia WITHOUT POWER!!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=in4ioe8WlRg&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Power of global unity will help force Russia to end the war, Sibiga #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/29/power-of-global-unity-will.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 29 Nov 2025 16:48:42 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/29/power-of-global-unity-will.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/bf0575133a.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Power of global unity will help force Russia to end the war, Sibiga #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/L0o569ZTTt4&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>&#39;Time to update&#39; Ukraine&#39;s defense documents, Zelensky says after meeting top military, intelligence officials</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/29/time-to-update-ukraines-defense.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 29 Nov 2025 16:39:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/29/time-to-update-ukraines-defense.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/bdjhqwbdjhqwd-1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;Time to update&#39; Ukraine&#39;s defense documents, Zelensky says after meeting top military, intelligence officials&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;The course of military operations has demonstrated what should become the new priorities,&#34; President Volodymyr Zelensky said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/time-to-update-ukraines-defense-documents-zelensky-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Drone attack forces oil terminal in Russia&#39;s Novorossiysk to halt all loading operations</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/29/drone-attack-forces-oil-terminal.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 29 Nov 2025 15:18:53 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/29/drone-attack-forces-oil-terminal.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-455993366.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Drone attack forces oil terminal in Russia&#39;s Novorossiysk to halt all loading operations&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The attack seriously damaged the mooring point two (SMP-2), prompting port authorities to halt all loading operations and order tankers out of the water area.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/drone-strike-forces-russias-novorossiysk-oil-terminal-to-halt-all-loading-operations/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>⚡600 DRONES and 36 MISSILES overnight! SECOND MASSIVE strike of the week: 30 injured in Kyiv!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/29/drones-and-missiles-overnight-second.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 29 Nov 2025 15:01:22 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/29/drones-and-missiles-overnight-second.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/60ee05df09.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡600 DRONES and 36 MISSILES overnight! SECOND MASSIVE strike of the week: 30 injured in Kyiv!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0FuLBu0rMg&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>LIVE: Putin demands land cede — Ukrainian army halts offensive and cuts Russian supplies</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/29/live-putin-demands-land-cede.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 29 Nov 2025 14:49:46 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/29/live-putin-demands-land-cede.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/4c47f17568.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;LIVE: Putin demands land cede — Ukrainian army halts offensive and cuts Russian supplies&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOn1CyLc_Ng&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>&#39;Successful&#39; Ukrainian naval drone strike disables 2 Russian shadow fleet tankers, source says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/29/successful-ukrainian-naval-drone-strike.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 29 Nov 2025 12:59:45 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/29/successful-ukrainian-naval-drone-strike.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/screenshot-2025-11-29-at-12-48-51-pm.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;Successful&#39; Ukrainian naval drone strike disables 2 Russian shadow fleet tankers, source says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The operation targeted ships that, according to the source, could have transported nearly $70 million worth of oil and helped Moscow bypass international sanctions.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-naval-drones-behind-successful-strike-on-2-russian-shadow-fleet-tankers/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Zelensky&#39;s ex-chief of staff Yermak says &#39;going to the front&#39; after resigning amid corruption probe</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/29/zelenskys-exchief-of-staff-yermak.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 29 Nov 2025 10:15:03 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/29/zelenskys-exchief-of-staff-yermak.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/ba8810d266.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky&#39;s ex-chief of staff Yermak says &#39;going to the front&#39; after resigning amid corruption probe&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;I&#39;m going to the front and am prepared for any reprisals... I am an honest and decent person,&#34; Former Presidential Office head Andriy Yermak said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelenskys-ex-chief-of-staff-yermak-says-going-to-the-front/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Combined strike on Kyiv: Russia attacked with drones and missiles</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/29/combined-strike-on-kyiv-russia.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 29 Nov 2025 08:37:25 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/29/combined-strike-on-kyiv-russia.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/2ec6fa751e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Combined strike on Kyiv: Russia attacked with drones and missiles&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/lz8LSP3U7zI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russian victory would cost Europe twice as much as supporting Ukraine, study finds</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/29/russian-victory-would-cost-europe.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 29 Nov 2025 05:26:09 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/29/russian-victory-would-cost-europe.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/bbb1d88ab1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian victory would cost Europe twice as much as supporting Ukraine, study finds&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;A Russian military victory in Ukraine would cost Europe twice as much as a Ukrainian victory, according to a new study by Corisk and the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs published on Nov. 25.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-victory-far-costlier-for-europe-than-ukrainian-victory-study-finds/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine reportedly strikes Afipsky Oil Refinery in Russia&#39;s Krasnodar Krai</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/29/ukraine-reportedly-strikes-afipsky-oil.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 29 Nov 2025 03:23:25 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/29/ukraine-reportedly-strikes-afipsky-oil.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/b60a93839f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine reportedly strikes Afipsky Oil Refinery in Russia&#39;s Krasnodar Krai&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukraine&#39;s military reportedly struck one of southern Russia&#39;s largest oil refineries overnight on Nov. 29, Russian Telegram media channels reported.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-reportedly-strikes-afipsky-oil-refinery-in-russias-krasnodar-krai/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>At least 1 killed, 7 injured, including child, amid Russian attack on Ukraine&#39;s capital</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/29/at-least-killed-injured-including.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 29 Nov 2025 00:33:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/29/at-least-killed-injured-including.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2243807596.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;At least 1 killed, 7 injured, including child, amid Russian attack on Ukraine&#39;s capital&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;There are six victims in the capital as a result of the enemy&#39;s attack. Three of them, including a 13-year-old child, were hospitalized. The others were treated on the spot,&#34; Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/six-injured-including-child-amid-russian-attack-on-ukraine-capital/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Religion as a tool of war and propaganda in Russia #shorts  #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/29/religion-as-a-tool-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 28 Nov 2025 23:30:23 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/29/religion-as-a-tool-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/929b291a43.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Religion as a tool of war and propaganda in Russia #shorts  #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/gd-5R0yqBM0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Belarusian soldier fighting for Ukraine sentenced to 13 years in prison</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/28/belarusian-soldier-fighting-for-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 28 Nov 2025 22:37:20 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/28/belarusian-soldier-fighting-for-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gc3mpwvx0aa-ds8.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Belarusian soldier fighting for Ukraine sentenced to 13 years in prison&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Vasyl Verameichyk, a Belarusian soldier who volunteered to fight for Ukraine, was sentenced to 13 years in prison in Belarus, independent outlet Belsat reported on Nov. 28.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/belarusian-soldier-fighting-for-ukraine-sentenced-to-13-years-in-prison/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russian &amp;quot;tsar&amp;quot; demands Ukraine retreat from its own lands #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/28/russian-quottsarquot-demands-ukraine-retreat.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 28 Nov 2025 22:30:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/28/russian-quottsarquot-demands-ukraine-retreat.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/dc877f6b16.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian &amp;quot;tsar&amp;quot; demands Ukraine retreat from its own lands #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/SYBLEKB1Uo8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Close combat, chakras, and “magical soldiers”: how Russians are brainwashed  before meat grinder</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/28/close-combat-chakras-and-magical.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 28 Nov 2025 22:00:49 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/28/close-combat-chakras-and-magical.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/f486e21e18.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Close combat, chakras, and “magical soldiers”: how Russians are brainwashed  before meat grinder&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-aY-dOl6-Y&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>SHOCK! Kremlin wants to erase Ukraine from the map - Putin reveals his true plan!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/28/shock-kremlin-wants-to-erase.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 28 Nov 2025 21:00:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/28/shock-kremlin-wants-to-erase.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/58cdf01a63.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;SHOCK! Kremlin wants to erase Ukraine from the map - Putin reveals his true plan!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YQzQ4m7EbQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>NEWSFLASH: Zelenskyy’s Chief of Staff will leave his position</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/28/newsflash-zelenskyys-chief-of-staff.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 28 Nov 2025 19:09:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/28/newsflash-zelenskyys-chief-of-staff.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f12be5eab-8.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;NEWSFLASH: Zelenskyy’s Chief of Staff will leave his position&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!0MI8!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1caac4b1-4272-43eb-b35a-9ca0cd9c91d7_1500x500.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f1caac4b1-4.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;485&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/1caac4b1-4272-43eb-b35a-9ca0cd9c91d7_1500x500.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:485,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:true,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; fetchpriority=&#34;high&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M3 12a9 9 0 0 1 9-9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1 6.74 2.74L21 8&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 3v5h-5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 12a9 9 0 0 1-9 9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1-6.74-2.74L3 16&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M8 16H3v5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Featured Subscriber’s Comment:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;“My teenage offspring ask me, “What is going on with Ukraine?” I always direct them to The Counteroffensive.”&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;By: Rebecca&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Get Full Access!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Get Full Access!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Tip Jar&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Tip Jar&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f12be5eab-8.jpg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/10a2788595.jpg&#34; width=&#34;594&#34; height=&#34;403&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/12be5eab-885b-4085-9ed9-8ea1b9beef1a_594x403.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:403,&#34;width&#34;:594,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M3 12a9 9 0 0 1 9-9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1 6.74 2.74L21 8&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 3v5h-5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 12a9 9 0 0 1-9 9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1-6.74-2.74L3 16&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M8 16H3v5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Andrii Yermak leaves 10 Downing Street to join a meeting with the Coalition of the Willing in London, United Kingdom on October 24, 2025. (Photo by Ilyas Tayfun Salc / Anadolu via Getty Images)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Just two weeks ago, Yermak’s dismissal seemed impossible. Today, Zelenskyy announced that Yermak submitted his resignation letter after Ukraine’s anti-corruption bodies announced searches of Yermak’s home, likely in connection with the latest &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/nov/19/ukraine-energy-sector-corruption-crisis&#34;&gt;corruption scandal&lt;/a&gt; surrounding the state nuclear energy company, Energoatom.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!TvXD!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1e3f10ee-8468-4a8b-a18b-f44a0cc174d0_1206x849.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f1e3f10ee-8.jpg&#34; width=&#34;372&#34; height=&#34;261.8805970149254&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/1e3f10ee-8468-4a8b-a18b-f44a0cc174d0_1206x849.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:849,&#34;width&#34;:1206,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:372,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M3 12a9 9 0 0 1 9-9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1 6.74 2.74L21 8&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 3v5h-5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 12a9 9 0 0 1-9 9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1-6.74-2.74L3 16&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M8 16H3v5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Andrii Yermak’s post on X, saying: “Today, NABU and SAPO are indeed conducting procedural actions at my home. The investigators are not encountering any obstacles. They have been given full access to the apartment, and my lawyers are on site, interacting with law enforcement officials. For my part, I am providing full cooperation.”&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Andrii Yermak is the controversial head of the President’s Office and one of the most recognizable Ukrainian politicians. His position was typically a symbolic role, which involved organizing presidential participation in international events and media coverage of the president’s activities. Instead, Yermak used his role to become the&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.politico.eu/politico-28-class-of-2025/&#34;&gt; second-most-powerful person &lt;/a&gt;in Ukraine, after Zelenskyy.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;After the paywall:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;What role did Yermak play in the government?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;How could he have been involved in the corruption scandal?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;What does his dismissal mean for Ukraine?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
      &lt;p&gt;
          &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/newsflash-zelenskyys-chief-of-staff&#34;&gt;
              Read more
          &lt;/a&gt;
      &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/newsflash-zelenskyys-chief-of-staff&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>How Kharkiv and its locals prepare for fourth winter under constant Russian attacks</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/28/how-kharkiv-and-its-locals.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 28 Nov 2025 19:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/28/how-kharkiv-and-its-locals.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width=&#34;2500&#34; height=&#34;1786&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/dsc2360-2.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;A man walks down a dark street during a blackout after another Russian attack on Kharkiv&#34; decoding=&#34;async&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;UKRAINE, KHARKIV&lt;/strong&gt; — On Nov. 23,  Russians conducted another &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/russia-attacks-kharkiv-with-15-kamikaze-drones-killing-4-injuring-17-including-children-photo/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;massive attack on Kharkiv&lt;/a&gt;, killing five people and injuring 17. Kharkiv mayor Ihor Terekhov said the airstrike damaged one of the substations and the heating supply network. With the first explosions, locals reported interruptions in the supply of electricity, water, and heating. A few days later, on Nov. 25, Russia struck energy infrastructure in the Kharkiv region again, causing region-wide outages once more. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Critical infrastructure in Ukraine once again became one of Russia’s top targets in the autumn. During these three months in Kharkiv, we&#39;ve been observing how people and the city were preparing for the difficult winter ahead. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-heading&#34;&gt;“We wrap ourselves in blankets” &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“It’s cold. We’re really waiting for the heating to be turned on,” said Oleksii, an internally displaced person (IDP), whom Gwara Media journalists met near one of Kharkiv’s dormitories, where internally displaced people live. It was Oct. 28. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;That day, Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko &lt;a href=&#34;https://t.me/svyrydenkoy/789&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;said&lt;/a&gt; that Ukraine has officially started the heating season — two weeks later than usual in the country. Svyrydenko also said that the decision to start heating in the regions is made by local authorities, taking into account the temperature conditions. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;On Oct. 29, Oleh Syniehubov, the governor of Kharkiv oblast, &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/u-harkivskij-oblasti-startuvav-opalyuvalnij-sezon-detali/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;announced&lt;/a&gt; the start of the heating season in the region. He added that there will be no heating in Kupiansk, Vovchansk, and the nearest settlements because of the ongoing combat there.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The Office of Ombudsman of Ukraine responded to Gwara Media’s official inquiry that 78 dormitories where 7,700 internally displaced persons live are operating in the Kharkiv region (55 of them &lt;a href=&#34;https://kharkivoda.gov.ua/oblasna-derzhavna-administratsiya/struktura-administratsiyi/strukturni-pidrozdili/139/3017/125557&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;located&lt;/a&gt; in Kharkiv itself). We then went to several dorms in the city. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Oleksii, a resident in one of them, is from Kupiansk. He has been living in Kharkiv for a year, as has his friend from Dvorichna, a settlement north of Kupiansk, who asked not to be named. Both men said they do not complain about living in the dormitory, but each prepares for winter on their own.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-quote&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“You can find warm clothes or blankets in the humanitarian aid, but my daughter still helps me the most,” Oleksii’s friend said.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“We have changed everything, including the pipes. Our bomb shelters are ready for the winter. Here, we are changing the radiators in the rooms, and all the windows have been replaced,” said Valentina, the supervisor of another dorm. 200 people live there, according to her, and this number grows as people keep moving in: every sixth person in Kharkiv is displaced by the Russia’s war, according to local authorities.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The dorm has a generator for blackouts and even its own garden, Valentyna said, which has allowed residents to stock up on preserved food.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Not all of the places where IDPs live are prepared for winter. The Office of Ombudsman of Ukraine visited 21 places in the Kharkiv region, including the city, and found that four of them have problems with alternative sources of electricity, heat, and energy.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-quote&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“Until the heating is turned on, we wrap ourselves in blankets. I asked for an electric heater, but I don’t know yet if they will give it to me,” says Tetiana, a resident of another dormitory. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Tetiana moved to Kharkiv a year ago from Kozacha Lopan, a settlement in the northern Kharkiv region, after a Russian bomb hit near her house and the blast wave destroyed its roof. Her dorm neighbours, Olha and Natalia, moved to Kharkiv from the Derhachi community with their children at the beginning of the Russian full-scale invasion. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;They said they have electric heaters, so, as long as they have electricity, they are not cold. Their dorm doesn&#39;t have a generator, but there is a charging station where residents can charge their phones during power outages. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Apart from attacks on energy infrastructure that make the winter worse for the Kharkiv residents, Russians could attack the dormitory directly. On Oct. 13, a Russian first-person view (FPV) drone &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/russian-fpv-drone-strikes-center-of-kharkiv-ukraines-second-largest-city-prosecutors-say/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;did just that&lt;/a&gt;, hitting a dorm for IDPs in the center of the city and blasting out its windows. Municipal workers covered them with plywood. People still live there, and such protection isn’t helpful against strong colds.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-heading&#34;&gt;Classified information&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure complicate the winter for everyone directly, too: on Oct. 21, Russia attacked Kharkiv with glide bombs, &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/i-felt-my-house-lift-up-into-the-air-russian-attack-on-kharkiv-injures-8-people-damages-over-12-houses/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;damaging&lt;/a&gt; Marharyta’s and her neighbours&#39; houses. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-quote&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“My windows seem to be okay, but the blast wave made it so that the frames no longer fit snugly. This could cause gaps. There are also several holes in the roof. They are small, but it’s still a problem,” said Marharyta.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Natalia, one of Marharyta’s neighbors, said that her family planned to fix the window frames with spray foam, as the wind is blowing through them inside the house.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;On Nov. 3, Oleh Syniehubov said that heating was already supplied to 258 residential apartment buildings in Kharkiv and Kharkiv region. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Gwara has been asking Ihor Terekhov and “Kharkiv heating networks,” a company that supplies heating and hot water in the city, for a percentage of the residents who have heating in their homes throughout November. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;They refused to answer, citing security reasons: the information on the progression of the heating season was withheld not to be used by Russia.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;On Nov. 26, a Russian attack on the Kharkiv region left nearly 100,000 people in the city without heating, though it is unknown how many people had heating in the first place. On the day this article is published, the temperature outside is 9°C (48 °F), though, during this week, the temperature has been dropping to -1°C (~30 °F). &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In the absence of centralized heating, people would turn to ACs, boilers, and electric heaters, putting pressure on already battered energy infrastructure. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-heading&#34;&gt;Power outages &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;On Nov. 8, Kharkiv &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/harkiv-u-temryavi-yak-viglyadalo-misto-pislya-obstrilu-energetiki-foto/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;fell into&lt;/a&gt; a blackout. Russians conducted a massive attack on critical infrastructure in Ukraine, including the Kharkiv region. Centrenergo, one of the energy companies that provides electricity to consumers across the country, reported that the Zmiivska thermal power station, one of the largest plants in Ukraine and the biggest in the Kharkiv region, was damaged again.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Our journalists went on the city’s streets &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQ4l8swlWO2/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;to ask&lt;/a&gt; locals about their preparations for future possible blackouts in winter. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Most of them said that power cuts weren’t unexpected. They prepared well because of previous years’ experience, using power banks, lanterns, wearing warm clothes, and playing tabletop games.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Local businesses, though, struggle in blackouts — especially those who can’t work online. Walking down one of Kharkiv’s main streets, you can see that almost every shop, cafe, or restaurant has a generator placed near the building.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Asiya, the worker at the coffee shop on this street, said that they use a generator and have a reserve of gasoline to deal with power cuts. She also said that it is hard to launch the generator by herself when she works alone during the shift. She hopes that there will be no power cuts in their neighbourhood.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Indeed, there have been no electricity cuts on the street yet, said Svitlana, manager of the anti-café “Mistse” (meaning “place” in Ukrainian), to Gwara Media. Before winter, they did a complete check-up of the equipment and generators, and trained employees on how to use them.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-quote&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“When we turn on the generators, we cannot use all electrical appliances at the same time, so we ask visitors to pick one thing to use, the consoles or the coffee machine. But we are always happy to help everyone recharge their devices,” said Svitlana.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The recent Russian attack on Nov. 24 &lt;a href=&#34;https://t.me/suspilne_kharkiv/74313&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;destroyed&lt;/a&gt; the power substation that supplied the water to Kharkiv, cutting off water for the city for almost a day. To recover from outages, the city had switched to its own power generation. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-heading&#34;&gt;Protection of critical infrastructure&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;After a &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/russia-attacks-civilian-energy-infrastructure-in-kharkiv-injuring-4-people-photos/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;major Russian attack on power substations&lt;/a&gt; in Kharkiv at the beginning of October, Gwara Media sent an official inquiry to the Kharkiv City Council about the state of protection of the critical objects in the city. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The Сity Council redirected the request to the national energy company Ukrenergo, which responded that it did not have any information on the protection of damaged facilities because they weren’t a part of the company.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-quote&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“We continue to install anti-drone protection at our power transmission systems. As of today, second-level protective structures have already been built at the majority of them,” said Ukrenergo instead.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The Kharkiv City Council itself did not provide any information about the protection of critical infrastructure in the city because that information “could not be disclosed during martial law.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-quote&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“I don’t want to comment on these questions because they are related to certain plans that we have in case of blackouts. We will see how the situation develops,” &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/rf-pochala-serijne-virobnicztvo-aviabomb-iz-dalnistyu-do-200-km-gur/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;said&lt;/a&gt; Terekhov during the national telethon.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;While local officials claim that the region has been preparing for another winter under Russian attacks since spring, the community organization Kharkiv Anti-Corruption Center &lt;a href=&#34;https://anticor-kharkiv.org/our-work/kharkivska-oblasna-viyskovi-administratsiia-tilky-zaraz-zamovyla-budivnytstvo-zakhystu-dlia-pidstantsiy-na-837-milyoniv-hryven/?tztc=1&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;said&lt;/a&gt;, referring to the public procurement platform Prozorro, that the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration had ordered protective constructions for substations worth almost $20 million just this October.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The Kharkiv oblast governor, Syniehubov, also refused to comment on the situation with the protection of critical energy infrastructure in the region. He only added that all relevant services expect Russia to continue attacking objects and are preparing for this.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-heading&#34;&gt;Shift in rhetoric &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;On Aug. 14, Kharkiv mayor Terekhov said on the national telethon that preparations for the heating season in Kharkiv began immediately after the previous one ended in April.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Russian forces almost immediately resumed attacks on the city’s critical infrastructure. For example, in summer, they &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/u-harkovi-planuyut-peremistiti-znishhenu-nichnim-obstrilom-kotelnyu-terehov/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;completely destroyed&lt;/a&gt; a heating plant that supplies one of the city’s districts.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;During the broadcast of the national telethon in August, Terekhov said, “We are always united, always determined, we have the fighting spirit, we endured the previous winter and continue to work today.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;But in October, when the Russians intensified their attacks on the city’s and region’s energy infrastructure, Terekhov &lt;a href=&#34;https://t.me/ihor_terekhov/3112&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;predicted&lt;/a&gt; that this winter would be “the hardest for Kharkiv in all the years of the war.” &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Later, during the telethon, Syniehubov reminded that Kharkiv and the region continue to implement the “energy island” project, which began &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.city.kharkiv.ua/uk/news/igor-terekhov-energetichniy-ostriv-dopomig-kharkovu-uspishno-proyti-zimu-57338.html&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;last &lt;/a&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.city.kharkiv.ua/uk/news/igor-terekhov-energetichniy-ostriv-dopomig-kharkovu-uspishno-proyti-zimu-57338.html&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;y&lt;/a&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.city.kharkiv.ua/uk/news/igor-terekhov-energetichniy-ostriv-dopomig-kharkovu-uspishno-proyti-zimu-57338.html&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;ear&lt;/a&gt;. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;It’s a project designed to decentralize the energy system of the city and region. Local authorities &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.city.kharkiv.ua/uk/news/igor-terekhov-kharkiv-potrebue-stvorennya-energetichnogo-ostrova-56855.html&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;decided&lt;/a&gt; to create it after Russian attacks destroyed most of the region’s critical infrastructure. Back then, Kharkiv didn’t generate electricity and received power from other regions.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Terekhov said that they already installed some equipment in the city with the help of international partners because “Ukraine didn’t produce such devices.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-heading&#34;&gt;Current state of things&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In March 2024, when Russia &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.centrenergo.com/post/dopomoga-bude-pidtrimku-u-vidnovlenni-zruynovanoi-zmiivs-koi-tes-poobitsyav-ministr-yenergetiki-german-galushchenko-pid-chas-vizitu-na-yelektrostantsiyu/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;destroyed&lt;/a&gt; the Zmiivska power station for the first time,  Herman Halushchenko, who was the Minister of Energy at the time, said that it will be repaired via energy support funds from international partners.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In November 2025, Ukrainian anti-graft bodies, NABU and SAPO, published materials on exposing an alleged &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/operacziya-midas-nabu-ta-sap-vikrili-zlochinnu-organizacziyu-yaka-diyala-u-sferi-energetiki/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;large-scale corruption scheme&lt;/a&gt; in the energy sector. According to the investigation, figures implicated in the scheme received kickbacks from energy funds and laundered the money, including money for defensive structures for power stations. Halushchenko is one of those figures. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The extent to which corruption in the energy sector has impacted the protection of critical infrastructure is currently unknown. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;On Nov. 21, Syniehubov and Viacheslav Kravtsov, director of Kharkivoblenergo, updated journalists on the current situation in the city and region’s power grid, noting once again that they would not comment on the extent of the damage to the critical infrastructure or security situation. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Kravtsov also said that the company hadn&#39;t been affected by the recent corruption scandals.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;During the autumn, Kharkiv didn’t experience as many power outages as the rest of its region. Oleh Syniehubov said that the reason is Kharkiv’s distance from the frontline — about a 20-kilometer zone — which is farther than settlements that are struggling with electricity supply. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“It’s exclusively a technical issue. 12-hour outages are not planned; they are emergency outages,” said Synuehybov. The authorities have been implementing emergency outages to preserve energy during repairs after power stations or heating plants are damaged by Russian attacks.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Syniehubov added that they’re still working on increasing protection for energy infrastructure, building up reserves, and making sure all facilities have generators and alternative power sources.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The governor also said that all “points of invincibility” (safe places equipped with heat, water, electricity, mobile communications, etc.) are ready for winter. Local authorities are also negotiating with mobile operators to keep communications functioning in case of blackouts. He also advised people to buy generators and charge batteries. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;All in all, Russia &lt;a href=&#34;https://hromadske.radio/news/2025/11/27/rosiiany-atakuiut-enerhetychni-ob-iekty-kharkivshchyny-kozhni-try-dni&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;attacks&lt;/a&gt; Kharkiv oblast’s critical infrastructure at least once per three days. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-heading&#34;&gt;Read more&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;ul data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-list&#34;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;After &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/after-russian-missile-strike-on-balakliia-locals-focus-on-recovery-we-will-not-give-up-not-stop/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;Russian missile strike on Balakliia&lt;/a&gt;, locals focus on recovery — “We will not give up, not stop”&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p data-sanitized-class=&#34;has-background&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Hi, my name is Elza, and I wrote this article in Kharkiv, during constant Russian attacks on the city&#39;s critical infrastructure. The power, water, and heating supply were cut off at my home several times during this autumn. We also had to plug in charging stations at the office so that we could continue writing about life here for you. Thank you for caring what&#39;s happening in Kharkiv. Please, consider supporting our newsroom by &lt;a href=&#34;https://buymeacoffee.com/gwaramedia/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;buying us a coffee&lt;/a&gt; or &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.patreon.com/c/gwaramedia&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;subscribing to our Patreon&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The post &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/how-kharkiv-and-its-locals-prepare-for-fourth-winter-under-constant-russian-attacks/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;How Kharkiv and its locals prepare for fourth winter under constant Russian attacks&lt;/a&gt; appeared first on &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;Gwara Media&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/how-kharkiv-and-its-locals-prepare-for-fourth-winter-under-constant-russian-attacks/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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    <item>
      <title>Alla Horska’s life and death in Ukraine’s struggle against Russian annihilation</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/28/alla-horskas-life-and-death.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 28 Nov 2025 17:50:43 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/28/alla-horskas-life-and-death.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/ready-alla-gorska.png&#34; alt=&#34;Alla Horska’s life and death in Ukraine’s struggle against Russian annihilation&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor&#39;s Note: This story was originally published in The Kyiv Independent&#39;s first-ever print edition, titled &#34;The Power Within.&#34; &lt;a href=&#34;https://store.kyivindependent.com/collections/magazine&#34;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;You can order a copy in our e-store&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Carrying a portrait of Ukrainian artist Alla Horska at her funeral, poet Vasyl Stus, who would himself perish&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/alla-horskas-life-and-death-in-ukraines-struggle-against-russian-annihilation/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russia won&#39;t escape responsibility for crimes in Ukraine, — ambassador&#39;s statement #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/28/russia-wont-escape-responsibility-for.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 28 Nov 2025 17:30:21 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/28/russia-wont-escape-responsibility-for.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/1eeaf3e874.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia won&#39;t escape responsibility for crimes in Ukraine, — ambassador&#39;s statement #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ZE9nFJjXvrI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Czech foundation drops Flamingo missile donation amid Ukraine corruption probes</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/28/czech-foundation-drops-flamingo-missile.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 28 Nov 2025 17:20:51 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/28/czech-foundation-drops-flamingo-missile.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/bf9ed1679c.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Czech foundation drops Flamingo missile donation amid Ukraine corruption probes&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Czech foundation Gift for Putin will no longer buy Flamingo cruise missiles from Ukrainian weapons maker Fire Point due to connections to a recent corruption scandal, local media reported. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&#34;We collected the money very quickly, but serious doubts arose that it would not go to the product for&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/czech-foundation-cancels-plans-to-buy-flamingo-missile/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>I thank everyone who is putting pressure on Russia! – Zelenskyy  #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/28/i-thank-everyone-who-is.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 28 Nov 2025 17:04:24 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/28/i-thank-everyone-who-is.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/d36f3c817c.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;I thank everyone who is putting pressure on Russia! – Zelenskyy  #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/74xXbJlj4rg&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>AMNESTY OUT of peace plan! RIGA GOES &amp;amp;quot;ALL-IN&amp;amp;quot;: Latvia gives 12,000 DRONES and €15M for 2026!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/28/amnesty-out-of-peace-plan.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 28 Nov 2025 17:00:38 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/28/amnesty-out-of-peace-plan.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/d134f845dc.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;AMNESTY OUT of peace plan! RIGA GOES &amp;quot;ALL-IN&amp;quot;: Latvia gives 12,000 DRONES and €15M for 2026!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbJ6H4hE27E&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>BREAKING: Zelensky&#39;s chief of staff Yermak resigns amid Ukraine&#39;s biggest corruption scandal</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/28/breaking-zelenskys-chief-of-staff.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 28 Nov 2025 16:23:03 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/28/breaking-zelenskys-chief-of-staff.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/yermak-ze-2.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;BREAKING: Zelensky&#39;s chief of staff Yermak resigns amid Ukraine&#39;s biggest corruption scandal&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Andriy Yermak, head of the President&#39;s Office, submitted his resignation following searches by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) at his premises earlier on Nov. 28, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelenskys-chief-of-staff-yermak/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>How Ukrainian helicopter pilots hunt down Russian drones</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/28/how-ukrainian-helicopter-pilots-hunt.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 28 Nov 2025 16:00:43 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/28/how-ukrainian-helicopter-pilots-hunt.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/helicopters-1-6-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;How Ukrainian helicopter pilots hunt down Russian drones&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;As Russia bombards Ukraine with Shahed drones almost every night, the 12th Army Aviation Brigade takes to the skies in decades-old helicopters to intercept them. The Kyiv Independent’s Kollen Post joined the pilots to understand how they fly, maneuver, and shoot down drones in darkness — and what keeps them going.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/how-ukrainian-helicopter-pilots-hunt-down-russian-drones/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>🔥Ukrainian defense forces hit an oil refinery in Saratov #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/28/ukrainian-defense-forces-hit-an.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 28 Nov 2025 15:57:45 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/28/ukrainian-defense-forces-hit-an.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/35daee3329.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🔥Ukrainian defense forces hit an oil refinery in Saratov #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/P4ytNDKQ7og&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>European officials welcome Ukraine’s anti-corruption searches of Zelensky&#39;s top aide</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/28/european-officials-welcome-ukraines-anticorruption.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 28 Nov 2025 15:02:27 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/28/european-officials-welcome-ukraines-anticorruption.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2193455204-1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;European officials welcome Ukraine’s anti-corruption searches of Zelensky&#39;s top aide&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;As law enforcement raids the house of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s closest aide, European officials are voicing support for Ukraine&#39;s anti-corruption agencies — with one even expressing relief that a figure seen a toxic among some in Europe is being investigated.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/european-officials-relieved-to-see-ukraines-anti-corruption-searches-of-zelensky/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine WILL NOT GIVE UP land for peace! All Nuclear Power Plants fully restored!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/28/ukraine-will-not-give-up.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 28 Nov 2025 15:00:40 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/28/ukraine-will-not-give-up.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/a0edd322f5.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine WILL NOT GIVE UP land for peace! All Nuclear Power Plants fully restored!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFo7wp-Bsn4&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest live: Russian offensive near Zaporizhzhia Oblast&#39;s Huliaipole repelled as troops spotted on city outskirts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/28/ukraine-war-latest-live-russian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 28 Nov 2025 13:06:23 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/28/ukraine-war-latest-live-russian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/screenshot-2025-11-28-at-13-39-53.png&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest live: Russian offensive near Zaporizhzhia Oblast&#39;s Huliaipole repelled as troops spotted on city outskirts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Live coverage of Russia’s war against Ukraine with breaking news and frontline updates, updated 6 times today. Ukrainian forces, including the 33rd Separate Assault Regiment, repelled a Russian offensive near Huliaipole in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, regaining control of the area, the Southern Defense Forces said Nov. 28.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-update-2025-11-28/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Putin hosts Orban in Moscow, says Russia-Hungary relations at historical high</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/28/putin-hosts-orban-in-moscow.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 28 Nov 2025 12:59:59 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/28/putin-hosts-orban-in-moscow.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2248237420.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Putin hosts Orban in Moscow, says Russia-Hungary relations at historical high&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Orban reiterated his readiness to hold the peace talks on Ukraine in Hungary, even as plans for a summit in Budapest between Putin and Trump have been scrapped.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/putin-hosts-orban-in-moscow-says-russia-hungary-relations-at-historical-high/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Belgian PM raises stakes on Kyiv lifeline, renewing opposition to Russian frozen-assets reparations loan</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/28/belgian-pm-raises-stakes-on.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 28 Nov 2025 12:04:41 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/28/belgian-pm-raises-stakes-on.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2243293862-2.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Belgian PM raises stakes on Kyiv lifeline, renewing opposition to Russian frozen-assets reparations loan&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;In a letter, sent on Nov. 27 and seen by the Kyiv Independent, Belgian Prime Minister Bart de Wever labelled the EU&#39;s &#34;reparations loan&#34; scheme as &#34;fundamentally wrong,&#34; and argued that moving forward on the initiative could complicate an eventual peace deal.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/belgian-pm-raises-stakes-on-kyiv-lifeline-renewing-opposition-to-russian-frozen-assets-reparations-loan/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russia claims receipt of US-Ukraine peace plan parameters ahead of Moscow talks</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/28/russia-claims-receipt-of-usukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 28 Nov 2025 11:15:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/28/russia-claims-receipt-of-usukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/7af69c2986.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia claims receipt of US-Ukraine peace plan parameters ahead of Moscow talks&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The statement comes as U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to travel to Moscow for meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin next week.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-claims-receipt-of-us-ukraine-peace-plan-parameters-ahead-of-moscow-talks/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukraine strikes Saratov oil refinery, airfield in Russian-occupied Crimea, Ukraine&#39;s General Staff says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/28/ukraine-strikes-saratov-oil-refinery.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 28 Nov 2025 11:12:14 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/28/ukraine-strikes-saratov-oil-refinery.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/16cceec8d9.png&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine strikes Saratov oil refinery, airfield in Russian-occupied Crimea, Ukraine&#39;s General Staff says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Residents in several Russian cities and in occupied Crimea reported hearing explosions overnight on Nov. 28.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-strikes-saratov-oil-refinery-airfield-in-russian-occupied-crimea-multiple-other-military-targets-general-staff-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Five ways to keep Ukraine in your news feed</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/28/five-ways-to-keep-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 28 Nov 2025 10:19:27 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/28/five-ways-to-keep-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/blue-1.png&#34; alt=&#34;Five ways to keep Ukraine in your news feed&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;We’ve put together a few quick tips on how you can fight back against the algorithm and keep Ukraine in the news you’re seeing.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tip-how-to-keep-ukraine-in-your-news-feed/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>More Ukrainians get news from TikTok and Telegram, fueling propaganda and privacy concerns</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/28/more-ukrainians-get-news-from.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 28 Nov 2025 10:03:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/28/more-ukrainians-get-news-from.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/upd-internews.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;More Ukrainians get news from TikTok and Telegram, fueling propaganda and privacy concerns&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Amid the ongoing war, Ukrainians&#39; growing reliance on social networks for real-time news reflects a search for immediacy — yet this shift exposes them to new forms of disinformation.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The trend toward getting news from social networks is global, but in &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/ukraine/&#34;&gt;Ukraine&lt;/a&gt; it has taken on a distinctly wartime&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/telegram-dominates-and-tiktok-grows-in-news-consumption-in-ukraine-fueling-privacy-and-propaganda-concerns/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>&#39;If you give your life, you live forever&#39; — North Korean soldiers in Ukraine encouraged to use grenades to avoid capture, media reports</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/28/if-you-give-your-life.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 28 Nov 2025 09:37:09 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/28/if-you-give-your-life.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/a44de6c80d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;If you give your life, you live forever&#39; — North Korean soldiers in Ukraine encouraged to use grenades to avoid capture, media reports&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The North Korean military is highlighting the &#34;heroic services&#34; of soldiers who blew themselves up in Ukraine rather than be taken prisoner, a Daily NK source said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/north-korean-soldiers-in-ukraine-encouraged-to-use-grenades-to-avoid-capture/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>BREAKING: Investigators search Zelensky&#39;s chief of staff in Ukraine&#39;s biggest corruption case</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/28/breaking-investigators-search-zelenskys-chief.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 28 Nov 2025 08:10:27 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/28/breaking-investigators-search-zelenskys-chief.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/c67996adc0.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;BREAKING: Investigators search Zelensky&#39;s chief of staff in Ukraine&#39;s biggest corruption case&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor&#39;s note: This story is being updated. &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) said on Nov. 28 that it was conducting searches at the premises of President Volodymyr Zelensky&#39;s chief of staff Andriy Yermak. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Yermak is being investigated by the &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/nabu/&#34;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;NABU&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; in a corruption case involving state&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/breaking-investigators-search-zelenskys-chief-of-staff-in-ukraines-largest-corruption-case/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan damaged after Russia’s &#39;Soyuz&#39; launch to the International Space Station</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/28/baikonur-cosmodrome-in-kazakhstan-damaged.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 28 Nov 2025 04:36:35 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/28/baikonur-cosmodrome-in-kazakhstan-damaged.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-1243407704.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan damaged after Russia’s &#39;Soyuz&#39; launch to the International Space Station&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russia’s Roscosmos space agency reported that the launch pad at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan sustained significant damage during the Soyuz MS-28 launch to the International Space Station, according to multiple Russian media reports published on Nov. 27.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/baikonur-cosmodrome-in-kazakhstan-damaged-after-russias-soyuz-launch-to-the-international-space-station/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Explosions reported in several Russian cities amid Ukrainian drone attack</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/28/explosions-reported-in-several-russian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 28 Nov 2025 00:37:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/28/explosions-reported-in-several-russian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/screenshot-2025-11-27-at-6-23-42-pm.png&#34; alt=&#34;Explosions reported in several Russian cities amid Ukrainian drone attack&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Explosions were reported in several Russian cities, including Taganrog, Novorossiysk, and Saratov, overnight on Nov. 28 amid a widespread drone attack.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/explosions-reported-in-russian-cities-amid-ukrainian-drone-attack/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>&amp;quot;Peace plan&amp;quot; as capitulation: the document could have been written in the Kremlin, – Anna Danylchuk</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/28/quotpeace-planquot-as-capitulation-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 23:30:23 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/28/quotpeace-planquot-as-capitulation-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/11cb6c0d9a.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&amp;quot;Peace plan&amp;quot; as capitulation: the document could have been written in the Kremlin, – Anna Danylchuk&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/srcIEZxqEBk&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russia welcomes US attempts to find a peaceful solution, but refuses to make concessions #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/27/russia-welcomes-us-attempts-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 22:30:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/27/russia-welcomes-us-attempts-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/5fc2cdc23b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia welcomes US attempts to find a peaceful solution, but refuses to make concessions #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/1i5a0MB5oLc&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>The wrong way to peace in Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/27/the-wrong-way-to-peace.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 22:03:45 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/27/the-wrong-way-to-peace.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2247362935.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;The wrong way to peace in Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;About the author:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt; Timothy Snyder is an American author and historian who specializes in the history of Central and Eastern Europe and the Holocaust.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Last week, Russia attacked Ukrainian civilians with more than 500 drones, cruise missiles, and rockets. Most of these drones were shot down, but the attack hit&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/the-wrong-way-to-peace-in-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Anna Danylchuk: Kremlin PUSHES Trump deal for UKRAINE CAPITULATION​</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/27/anna-danylchuk-kremlin-pushes-trump.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 22:01:12 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/27/anna-danylchuk-kremlin-pushes-trump.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/ccffbf9607.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Anna Danylchuk: Kremlin PUSHES Trump deal for UKRAINE CAPITULATION​&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYntXvAtQDs&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Occupation authorities to send 400 Ukrainian children to Russia for mandatory &#39;exchange&#39; program</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/27/occupation-authorities-to-send-ukrainian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 21:56:33 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/27/occupation-authorities-to-send-ukrainian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/img-8566.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Occupation authorities to send 400 Ukrainian children to Russia for mandatory &#39;exchange&#39; program&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;Such trips take place in conditions of a complete lack of transparency and control mechanisms. Parents have no opportunity to influence the organization of such exchanges,&#34; Ukraine&#39;s Center for National Resistance reports.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/occupation-authorities-to-send-400-ukrainian-children-to-russia-for-mandatory-exchange-program/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>The Kremlin is not ready to accept even Trump&#39;s peace plan, analysts say #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/27/the-kremlin-is-not-ready.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 21:30:14 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/27/the-kremlin-is-not-ready.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/6f27e0a2c8.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;The Kremlin is not ready to accept even Trump&#39;s peace plan, analysts say #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/oocP4CudJdY&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>PUTIN THREATENS BUT LOSES: Less than 1% territory taken, while UKRAINE build NEXT-GEN air defense!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/27/putin-threatens-but-loses-less.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 21:00:04 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/27/putin-threatens-but-loses-less.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/6e246d4d5c.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;PUTIN THREATENS BUT LOSES: Less than 1% territory taken, while UKRAINE build NEXT-GEN air defense!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=670fgbk8yQg&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russia&#39;s coy game: Why Kremlin won&#39;t commit to Trump&#39;s peace push</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/27/russias-coy-game-why-kremlin.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 20:43:35 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/27/russias-coy-game-why-kremlin.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/4c949124e0.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia&#39;s coy game: Why Kremlin won&#39;t commit to Trump&#39;s peace push&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As U.S. President Donald Trump accelerates his push for a settlement in Moscow&#39;s war against Ukraine, analysts say Russia&#39;s ambiguous stance is clouding the process. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Even though the original peace plan unveiled by the U.S. last week was skewed in Russia&#39;s favor,&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russias-coy-game-why-kremlin-wont-commit-to-trumps-peace-push/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>In bomb-shelter classrooms, Ukrainian university students turn to weapons engineering</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/27/in-bombshelter-classrooms-ukrainian-university.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 20:33:39 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/27/in-bombshelter-classrooms-ukrainian-university.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/upd-kharkiv-korovayny-sk-0836.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;In bomb-shelter classrooms, Ukrainian university students turn to weapons engineering&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In a basement firing range at the Kharkiv Aviation Institute, first-year student Anastasia Homel watches intently as her professor breaks down and reassembles an automatic rifle in front of her class.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It’s a snapshot of how the war has altered education and student life for students taking classes&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/in-bomb-shelter-classrooms-ukrainian-university-students-turn-to-weapons-engineering/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
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      <title>The Armed Forces of Ukraine adjust their actions for security and to minimize losses    #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/27/the-armed-forces-of-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 20:30:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/27/the-armed-forces-of-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/f5282e0b6b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;The Armed Forces of Ukraine adjust their actions for security and to minimize losses    #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/-kXrC-vTaIo&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia SENDS ALL, but no breakthrough! Putin&#39;s offensive stalls again</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/27/russia-sends-all-but-no.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 20:01:26 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/27/russia-sends-all-but-no.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/6af86b51a8.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia SENDS ALL, but no breakthrough! Putin&#39;s offensive stalls again&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ss_OpGPnicM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Nothing but destruction can be expected from Russia, says Zelenskyy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/27/nothing-but-destruction-can-be.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 19:53:05 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/27/nothing-but-destruction-can-be.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/5b935c3054.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Nothing but destruction can be expected from Russia, says Zelenskyy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/QnvK4FgfSq8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine ex-energy chief saga drags on as political pressure stalls case, critics say</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/27/ukraine-exenergy-chief-saga-drags.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 19:31:52 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/27/ukraine-exenergy-chief-saga-drags.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/f21571ee5e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine ex-energy chief saga drags on as political pressure stalls case, critics say&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;A Kyiv court delayed the appeal of the former head of Ukraine&#39;s state-owned national power company until mid-December, a step that seems aimed at dragging out what is widely considered a politically motivated case.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-ex-energy-chief-saga-drags-on-as-political-pressure-stalls-case-critics-say/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Putin ALREADY SABOTAGES Trump&#39;s &amp;quot;peace plan&amp;quot;: Kremlin afraid even to read document!​​</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/27/putin-already-sabotages-trumps-quotpeace.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 19:01:33 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/27/putin-already-sabotages-trumps-quotpeace.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/2e8d999459.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Putin ALREADY SABOTAGES Trump&#39;s &amp;quot;peace plan&amp;quot;: Kremlin afraid even to read document!​​&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKIOJiSnHko&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Inside Ukraine’s Desertion Crisis: Analysis and Numbers</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/27/inside-ukraines-desertion-crisis-analysis.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 18:42:26 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/27/inside-ukraines-desertion-crisis-analysis.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f08646dce-0.png&#34; alt=&#34;Inside Ukraine’s Desertion Crisis: Analysis and Numbers&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f08646dce-0.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/bf15b2b6b4.png&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;889&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/08646dce-0a8d-41b3-ab47-3fc96e6f0704_1845x1126.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:889,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:1598821,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:&#34;image/png&#34;,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:true,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:&#34;[frontelligence.substack.com/i/1762869...](https://frontelligence.substack.com/i/176286931?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F08646dce-0a8d-41b3-ab47-3fc96e6f0704_1845x1126.png)&#34;,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; fetchpriority=&#34;high&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M3 12a9 9 0 0 1 9-9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1 6.74 2.74L21 8&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 3v5h-5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 12a9 9 0 0 1-9 9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1-6.74-2.74L3 16&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M8 16H3v5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;Debate about Ukrainian soldiers who go absent without leave and about desertion has intensified, but the scale of the problem is still widely misunderstood. Public discussion leans on speculation because no reliable, unified reporting system exists. How many troops actually desert, how authorities respond, and what happens after they are caught remains unclear even among many Ukrainians.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This report examines one of Ukraine’s most difficult military issues. Desertion and long-term absence have become serious strategic risk, influencing the performance of units across sectors and shaping the course of the war to Ukraine’s disadvantage. Addressing the problem could bring wide improvements, but first requires a clear understanding of the crisis.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h4&gt;Table of Contents:&lt;/h4&gt;&lt;p&gt;I. Legal Definitions&lt;br&gt;1.1 AWOL Under Ukrainian Law&lt;br&gt;1.2 Desertion vs. AWOL&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;II. Navigating the AWOL System&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br&gt;2.1 Transfers Through AWOL&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;III. The Numbers: Scale and Trend&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;IV. Who Goes AWOL - and Why&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;V. Why Enforcement Fails&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;VI. Stricter Penalties or Pragmatic Flexibility?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;VII. Band-Aid Fixes vs. Structural Problems&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;VIII. The Bottom Line&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;I. &lt;strong&gt;Legal Definitions&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;Understanding Ukraine’s AWOL and desertion problem begins with defining the terms. Under Ukrainian law, Absence Without Leave (AWOL) and desertion are distinct offenses, yet public discourse often blurs the line. Some explanations dismiss AWOL as a minor disciplinary lapse, while others mislabel desertion, creating confusion or exaggerating the scale of the problem. The result is a distorted picture, leaving the public unsure how widespread unauthorized absences actually are and how they affect the war&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h4&gt;1.1 AWOL Under Ukrainian Law&lt;/h4&gt;&lt;p&gt;Under Article 407 of the Criminal Code, AWOL occurs when a servicemember leaves their unit or duty post without permission for more than three days. Shorter absences are still unauthorized, but they count as disciplinary violations rather than criminal offences and do not enter AWOL statistics.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In practice, most AWOL cases fall into two common scenarios. The first is leaving a unit or duty post without approval. The second is failing to return from leave, medical treatment or official travel on time.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h4&gt;1.2 Desertion vs. AWOL&lt;/h4&gt;&lt;p&gt;The legal difference between the two offences is narrow. AWOL, covered by Article 407, and desertion, covered by Article 408, share the same basic act: leaving a unit or duty post without permission. The dividing line is intent. A servicemember commits desertion when the absence is taken with the intention of not returning and of abandoning military service for good. That intent, rather than the duration of the absence or the circumstances in which it happened, is what separates the two crimes in the eyes of Ukrainian law.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For this reason, throughout this report we use the terms “deserter” and “AWOL” largely interchangeably, due to how closely the two offences overlap in practice.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;II. Navigating the AWOL System&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;What does the process look like in practice? Once a soldier is marked as absent without leave, units typically give them several days to return on their own. Most who come back within that window receive only basic disciplinary measures or guidance and are restored to duty. If the soldier does not return, the unit conducts an internal inquiry before sending the case to the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI). The SBI then opens a formal file and prepares it for court, which is the point at which the case enters official statistics.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Soldiers listed as deserters are removed from unit rosters, lose pay and benefits, and cannot receive combat orders.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If police or military law enforcement detain a deserter, the individual is transferred to a reserve battalion, where they remain while their case awaits a court ruling, leaving them stuck in administrative limbo. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;From late 2024 through August 2025, Ukraine’s rules for returning to service after going AWOL under wartime changed several times. On November 29, 2024, legislation took effect that allowed certain first-time AWOL servicemembers a simplified “return to duty” path with restored pay, benefits, and social guarantees. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!4jbD!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb5cf6165-5398-4b40-8e95-3ca90a7fdcee_1919x1077.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fb5cf6165-5.png&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;817&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/b5cf6165-5398-4b40-8e95-3ca90a7fdcee_1919x1077.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:817,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:89596,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:&#34;image/png&#34;,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:&#34;[frontelligence.substack.com/i/1762869...](https://frontelligence.substack.com/i/176286931?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb5cf6165-5398-4b40-8e95-3ca90a7fdcee_1919x1077.png)&#34;,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M3 12a9 9 0 0 1 9-9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1 6.74 2.74L21 8&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 3v5h-5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 12a9 9 0 0 1-9 9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1-6.74-2.74L3 16&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M8 16H3v5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Under this mechanism, soldiers could file a request to return through the Army+ app. If they reported in person within the required window, they were assigned to a reserve unit, where their contracts were typically reinstated. Pay, rations, clothing and other entitlements were restored, after which they were transferred to an active unit.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The simplified return and transfer option, returning to service and potentially moving to another unit, was formally extended until August 30, 2025. During that period, over 29,000 servicemembers &lt;a href=&#34;https://interfax.com.ua/news/general/1093389.html&#34;&gt;returned&lt;/a&gt; under the scheme.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h4&gt;2.1 Transfers Through AWOL&lt;/h4&gt;&lt;p&gt;AWOL increasingly became an informal channel for transferring between units. A soldier typically first applied for an official transfer, only to be denied. They would then go AWOL, secure a written recommendation from the receiving unit, and report back to the military. With that document, instead of returning to their original unit, they were reassigned to the new one, effectively completing the transfer. Each of these cases, however, generated a criminal file under Article 407.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Even after a soldier transferred to a new unit, the process was not complete. Criminal cases remained open until a court reviewed them, leaving servicemembers with an unresolved case on the books. While the simplified return mechanism was in effect, commanders could reinstate soldiers even if criminal proceedings were pending, so long as they met the program’s criteria. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In practice, this means that reinstated soldiers who transferred to other units or had already returned to combat after reinstatement still had their cases pending in the system and were counted in general AWOL statistics. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;III. The Numbers: Scale and Trend&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;Between January 2022 and September 2024, the SBI opened 59,606 AWOL cases and 29,521 desertion cases. By September 2025, AWOL cases had reached 235,646 and desertion cases 53,954.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!oUZq!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff54dab9d-5d60-41e3-8c15-a29e05a5e0d4_1916x1079.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2ff54dab9d-5.png&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;820&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/f54dab9d-5d60-41e3-8c15-a29e05a5e0d4_1916x1079.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:820,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:245570,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:&#34;image/png&#34;,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:&#34;[frontelligence.substack.com/i/1762869...](https://frontelligence.substack.com/i/176286931?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff54dab9d-5d60-41e3-8c15-a29e05a5e0d4_1916x1079.png)&#34;,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M3 12a9 9 0 0 1 9-9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1 6.74 2.74L21 8&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 3v5h-5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 12a9 9 0 0 1-9 9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1-6.74-2.74L3 16&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M8 16H3v5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;This means roughly 200,000 new cases were added in the twelve months after September 2024 alone. The trend points at a sharply worsening situation that accelerated over the past year and, if left unaddressed, could lead to an eventual frontline collapse. At the same time, we should keep in mind that the number of cases is not the same as the number of people involved.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;That assumption produces an exaggerated and often catastrophic picture. In reality, the number of servicemembers who went absent without leave is almost certainly about half the commonly cited case totals.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The distortion stems from how cases are recorded and counted, a point explained in detail in the following section.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Although no high-confidence nationwide figure exists, interviews and the limited unit-level data available point to a more realistic estimate of roughly 150,000 deserters combined. The number remains serious, but it is far below the raw case count frequently and incorrectly used as a proxy for the total number of missing servicemembers.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;4. Who Goes AWOL - and Why&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;We determined that the overall case count is an unreliable measure of the number of soldiers who went AWOL, due to the following distortions:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• repeated AWOL by the same individuals&lt;br&gt;• returnees still waiting for courts to close cases&lt;br&gt;• returnees held in reserve battalions&lt;br&gt;• mistaken entries&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Officers handling AWOL cases who spoke on the condition of anonymity identified three main categories of servicemembers who go absent: long-serving frontline soldiers, newly mobilized personnel, and a small group affected by administrative errors. Each has their own distinct problems and need tailored approaches to fix:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h4&gt;&lt;strong&gt;- &lt;/strong&gt;Veteran Frontline Soldiers &lt;/h4&gt;&lt;p&gt;This group includes troops with more than 18 months on the frontlines, many of whom joined the Ukrainian military in 2022. Their desertions are particularly consequential, as they bring experience, stabilize units, and mentor new recruits. While not the largest category of AWOL or desertion cases, numbers among these soldiers have steadily risen over the past year.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Common reasons include:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Blocked transfers:&lt;/strong&gt; Soldiers may go AWOL to force a transfer when commanders refuse their official transfer requests. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Family and personal pressures:&lt;/strong&gt; Years away amplify childcare burdens, spousal issues, and care for elderly parents. Limited rotations or rare visits cannot replace meaningful leave.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;
      &lt;p&gt;
          &lt;a href=&#34;https://frontelligence.substack.com/p/inside-ukraines-desertion-crisis-928&#34;&gt;
              Read more
          &lt;/a&gt;
      &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://frontelligence.substack.com/p/inside-ukraines-desertion-crisis-928&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Amid chaotic Ukrainian withdrawal, Russian forces reportedly execute 5 POWs in Zaporizhzhia Oblast</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/27/amid-chaotic-ukrainian-withdrawal-russian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 17:51:48 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/27/amid-chaotic-ukrainian-withdrawal-russian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/2025-11-27-17-32-31.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Amid chaotic Ukrainian withdrawal, Russian forces reportedly execute 5 POWs in Zaporizhzhia Oblast&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;The enemy captured the soldiers in the forest, lined them up, and shot them after interrogation,&#34; one report said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-military-reportedly-executes-5-ukrainian-pows-2/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>European leaders to assist Ukraine in peace talks  #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/27/european-leaders-to-assist-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 17:30:21 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/27/european-leaders-to-assist-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/733a65cb6f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;European leaders to assist Ukraine in peace talks  #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/nijrpk3gLtY&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian oligarchs fail to pay $3 billion fine in landmark Privatbank case</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/27/ukrainian-oligarchs-fail-to-pay.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 17:28:22 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/27/ukrainian-oligarchs-fail-to-pay.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2152330389.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian oligarchs fail to pay $3 billion fine in landmark Privatbank case&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Given two weeks to voluntarily pay the sum in a landmark ruling on Nov. 10, notorious Ukrainian oligarchs Ihor Kolomoisky and Hennadiy Boholyubov failed to make any payments before a Nov. 24 deadline, PrivatBank said in a statement.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-oligarchs-fail-to-pay-3-billion-fine-in-landmark-privatbank-case/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Shocking investigation! Russian ships launching drones at Europe?​​</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/27/shocking-investigation-russian-ships-launching.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 17:03:34 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/27/shocking-investigation-russian-ships-launching.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/9230f1e29d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Shocking investigation! Russian ships launching drones at Europe?​​&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbpXc2kJdWk&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Missile terror continues — Russia attacks civilians again #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/27/missile-terror-continues-russia-attacks.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 16:33:24 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/27/missile-terror-continues-russia-attacks.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/73224858ed.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Missile terror continues — Russia attacks civilians again #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/BOAmHv335t4&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia attacked civilians! Reactive missiles destroys village near Kherson</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/27/russia-attacked-civilians-reactive-missiles.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 16:00:15 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/27/russia-attacked-civilians-reactive-missiles.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/ec6b28f255.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia attacked civilians! Reactive missiles destroys village near Kherson&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AaWMawTm7cg&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Putin demands Ukrainian troops withdraw before ceasefire, as Witkoff set to visit Moscow</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/27/putin-demands-ukrainian-troops-withdraw.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 15:37:49 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/27/putin-demands-ukrainian-troops-withdraw.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/48a7313044.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Putin demands Ukrainian troops withdraw before ceasefire, as Witkoff set to visit Moscow&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Putin reiterated that the U.S. peace plan could serve as the basis for future agreements, adding that the text needs further discussion.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ahead-of-witkoffs-moscow-trip-putin-repeats-territorial-demands-in-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian suspect in Nord Stream case to be extradited to Germany on Nov. 27</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/27/ukrainian-suspect-in-nord-stream.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 15:33:37 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/27/ukrainian-suspect-in-nord-stream.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/006b00099e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian suspect in Nord Stream case to be extradited to Germany on Nov. 27&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;On Nov. 19, Italy&#39;s Supreme Court upheld a lower court ruling in favor of extraditing the suspect, Serhii Kuznetsov.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-national-to-be-extradited-to-germany-on-nov-27-prosecutors-say/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>HORROR! Russia struck Chernobyl! International Atomic Energy Agency urgently dispatched to the site</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/27/horror-russia-struck-chernobyl-international.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 15:02:54 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/27/horror-russia-struck-chernobyl-international.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/3b6e893808.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;HORROR! Russia struck Chernobyl! International Atomic Energy Agency urgently dispatched to the site&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8FpC7y2QKM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>A very Ukrainian thanksgiving</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/27/a-very-ukrainian-thanksgiving.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 15:02:40 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/27/a-very-ukrainian-thanksgiving.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/621f044d-0f66-445d-beb2-eebac7819871-832x462.png&#34; alt=&#34;A very Ukrainian thanksgiving&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!Kje5!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3abe8945-bb01-4ded-a306-6f9307882bf1_1500x500.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f3abe8945-b.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;485&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/3abe8945-bb01-4ded-a306-6f9307882bf1_1500x500.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:485,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:true,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; fetchpriority=&#34;high&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M3 12a9 9 0 0 1 9-9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1 6.74 2.74L21 8&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 3v5h-5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 12a9 9 0 0 1-9 9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1-6.74-2.74L3 16&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M8 16H3v5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor’s Note: Wishing you a happy Thanksgiving from all the team at The Counteroffensive.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;We marked the holiday (mostly) in the dark, and put together a short video so you could see how we pulled it off (hint: we used chicken legs since turkey wasn’t available).&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Help bring us into the light: upgrading to paid subscribership not only gives you full access, it helps us get batteries and a safe place to spend the winter.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Upgrade: Get Full Access!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Upgrade: Get Full Access!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Tip Jar&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Tip Jar&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;A video summarizing our Thanksgiving celebrations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-component-name=&#34;VideoPlaceholder&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;mediaUploadId&#34;:&#34;726aa5ac-8e11-4903-95c1-edfb59d90d52&#34;,&#34;duration&#34;:null}&#39; data-sanitized-class=&#34;native-video-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;We were way behind on preparations, making do with rotisserie chicken instead of turkey, and using flashlights to cook on a small camping stove on account of having no electricity.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;But it was still one of the nicest dinners our team has ever shared.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;By marking Thanksgiving through our own Ukrainian lens, we hoped to create another meaningful bridge connecting these two cultures.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;After the paywall:&lt;br&gt;-Nastia visits a (very uncommon) turkey farm in Ukraine to learn the true meaning of Thanksgiving;&lt;br&gt;-&lt;em&gt;How our team celebrated Thanksgiving in the Ukrainian reality;&lt;br&gt;-When do Ukrainians typically eat turkey?&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
      &lt;p&gt;
          &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/a-very-ukrainian-thanksgiving&#34;&gt;
              Read more
          &lt;/a&gt;
      &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/a-very-ukrainian-thanksgiving&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest live: Russia presses Huliaipole front, DeepState says situation stabilizing</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/27/ukraine-war-latest-live-russia.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 14:54:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/27/ukraine-war-latest-live-russia.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2160749140.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest live: Russia presses Huliaipole front, DeepState says situation stabilizing&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Live coverage of Russia’s war against Ukraine with breaking news and frontline updates, updated 6 times today. As Russian infiltration groups reportedly reached the outskirts of Huliaipole, a small but important frontline city in eastern Zaporizhzhia Oblast, on Nov. 27, the DeepState open-source mapping project said the situation had “stabilized.”&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-update-2025-11-27/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>LIVE! British forces post-peace, attack on Chornobaivka, and Putin&#39;s visit to India: кеу day events</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/27/live-british-forces-postpeace-attack.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 14:46:29 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/27/live-british-forces-postpeace-attack.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/0bb3f752e0.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;LIVE! British forces post-peace, attack on Chornobaivka, and Putin&#39;s visit to India: кеу day events&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6On7nYtQhok&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Explosion, possible drone strike reported in Grozny, Chechnya</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/27/explosion-possible-drone-strike-reported.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 14:20:16 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/27/explosion-possible-drone-strike-reported.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/img-0409.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Explosion, possible drone strike reported in Grozny, Chechnya&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Grozny is the capital of Russia&#39;s predominantly Muslim republic in the North Caucasus ruled by Vladimir Putin&#39;s ally, dictator Ramzan Kadyrov.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/explosion-possible-drone-strike-reported-in-grozny-chechnya/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>The light Ukraine cannot lose: Justice</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/27/the-light-ukraine-cannot-lose.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 12:29:28 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/27/the-light-ukraine-cannot-lose.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/upd-dscf9522.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;The light Ukraine cannot lose: Justice&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;About the author: Kseniya Kvitka is an assistant researcher with Human Rights Watch’s Europe and Central Asia Division. She is based in Kyiv.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As I sat down to write this, my apartment, like many others in Kyiv, routinely went dark.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;My internet router switched to a portable power&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/the-light-ukraine-cannot-lose-justice/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>&#39;Historical precedent&#39; — Ukraine, UK sign licence agreement for Octopus interceptor drones</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/27/historical-precedent-ukraine-uk-sign.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 11:27:44 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/27/historical-precedent-ukraine-uk-sign.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/screenshot-2025-11-27-at-12-23-54.png&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;Historical precedent&#39; — Ukraine, UK sign licence agreement for Octopus interceptor drones&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Octopus drone is one of several interceptor drones in development.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/historical-precedent-ukraine-uk-sign-licence-agreement-for-octopus-interceptor-drones/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>US to discuss Ukraine security guarantees after peace deal signed, Rubio tells allies</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/27/us-to-discuss-ukraine-security.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 09:49:34 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/27/us-to-discuss-ukraine-security.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/7e667ff9db.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;US to discuss Ukraine security guarantees after peace deal signed, Rubio tells allies&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Secretary of State Marco Rubio assured allies during a Nov. 25 call that the U.S. plans to address security guarantees once an agreement is reached, Politico reported.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/us-to-discuss-ukraine-security-guarantees-after-peace-deal-signed/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia has &#39;no say&#39; over whether Ukraine can join NATO, Rutte says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/27/russia-has-no-say-over.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 05:29:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/27/russia-has-no-say-over.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2246537401.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia has &#39;no say&#39; over whether Ukraine can join NATO, Rutte says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on Nov. 26 that Ukraine&#39;s accession to the alliance depends on unanimous agreement among member states — not on Russian demands.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-has-no-say-over-whether-ukraine-can-join-nato-rutte-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>IMF to provide Ukraine with $8.2 billion over 4 years under extended agreement</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/26/imf-to-provide-ukraine-with.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 26 Nov 2025 21:49:31 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/26/imf-to-provide-ukraine-with.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/2cbd3ebf98.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;IMF to provide Ukraine with $8.2 billion over 4 years under extended agreement&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The International Monetary Fund (IFM) has reached a staff-level agreement with Ukraine to provided the embattled country with $8.2 billion over 4 years through a renewed agreement under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF).&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/imf-to-provide-ukraine-with-8-2-billion-over-4-years-under-extended-agreement/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>The Kyiv Independent introduces a new e-store collection inspired by the history of the Ukrainian Trident</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/26/the-kyiv-independent-introduces-a.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 26 Nov 2025 21:49:17 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/26/the-kyiv-independent-introduces-a.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/untitled-design-6-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;The Kyiv Independent introduces a new e-store collection inspired by the history of the Ukrainian Trident&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Kyiv Independent has launched a new collection, “The Ukrainian Trident — Through History and Modernity,” designed to visualize the symbol of Ukrainian sovereignty in its diversity.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/the-kyiv-independent-introduces-a-new-e-store-collection-inspired-by-the-history-of-the-ukrainian-trident/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>&#39;Teaching murderers how to talk to Trump&#39; – Ukrainians react to bombshell Witkoff leak</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/26/teaching-murderers-how-to-talk.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 26 Nov 2025 21:48:35 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/26/teaching-murderers-how-to-talk.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/2e009e8f6a.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;Teaching murderers how to talk to Trump&#39; – Ukrainians react to bombshell Witkoff leak&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;An explosive leak implicating top U.S. negotiator Steve Witkoff in shady dealings with Russia has sparked shock and astonishment not only in the U.S. but also in Ukraine. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;According to conversations &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/witkoff-says-he-has-space-to-reach-ukraine-russia-peace-deal-zelensky-to-visit-white-house-bloomberg-reports/&#34;&gt;leaked&lt;/a&gt; by Bloomberg on Nov. 25, U.S. President Donald Trump&#39;s special envoy Witkoff advised&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/outrage-disgust-but-little-surprise-ukraine-reacts-to-bombshell-witkoff-leak/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>SCANDAL in the USA: the Witkoff–Ushakov transcript sparks FURY!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/26/scandal-in-the-usa-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 26 Nov 2025 21:00:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/26/scandal-in-the-usa-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/f3b8d691c8.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;SCANDAL in the USA: the Witkoff–Ushakov transcript sparks FURY!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDn-F6jOpco&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Splitting Europe&#39;s largest nuclear plant between Russia, Ukraine in peace deal won&#39;t work, experts say</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/26/splitting-europes-largest-nuclear-plant.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 26 Nov 2025 20:50:34 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/26/splitting-europes-largest-nuclear-plant.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-1258715604.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Splitting Europe&#39;s largest nuclear plant between Russia, Ukraine in peace deal won&#39;t work, experts say&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Restarting the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant under both Russian and Ukrainian control as part of any peace deal would be practically impossible in the plant’s current condition, several experts told the Kyiv Independent.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Under a &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/rewarding-russian-butchery-us-politicians-warn-trumps-peace-proposal-undermines-western-security/&#34;&gt;28-point peace proposal&lt;/a&gt; put forth by U.S. President Donald Trump&#39;s&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/splitting-europes-largest-nuclear-plant-between-russia-ukraine-wont-work-experts-say/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Mired in controversy, Ukraine&#39;s Flamingo missile maker steps into the limelight</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/26/mired-in-controversy-ukraines-flamingo.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 26 Nov 2025 20:39:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/26/mired-in-controversy-ukraines-flamingo.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/upd-zapusk-rakety-flamingo.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Mired in controversy, Ukraine&#39;s Flamingo missile maker steps into the limelight&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Rapidly expanding drone maker Fire Point is under scrutiny over its opaque funding, ownership, and links to figures named in a major anti-corruption and money-laundering investigation.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/faced-with-teetering-international-support-ukraines-star-drone-and-missile-maker-opens-its-doors/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>When you want it bad, you get it bad: Steve Witkoff and the US push to end the war</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/26/when-you-want-it-bad.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 26 Nov 2025 20:30:36 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/26/when-you-want-it-bad.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/bf0bd5cda6.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;When you want it bad, you get it bad: Steve Witkoff and the US push to end the war&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&#34;When you want it bad, you get it bad.&#34; That’s how one of my colleagues on the Clinton National Security Council staff described the problem when a U.S. administration chases after an objective so hard that it either forgets what it set out to achieve&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/when-you-want-it-bad-you-get-it-bad-steve-witkoff-and-the-us-push-to-end-the-war/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Kremlin scaring the world with nuclear weapons again?  #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/26/kremlin-scaring-the-world-with.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 26 Nov 2025 20:30:05 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/26/kremlin-scaring-the-world-with.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/95c929dd99.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Kremlin scaring the world with nuclear weapons again?  #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/HhGfjNTeqD8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>SENSATION: RARE LASER AIRCRAFT A-60 and S-400 DESTROYED!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/26/sensation-rare-laser-aircraft-a.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 26 Nov 2025 20:00:08 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/26/sensation-rare-laser-aircraft-a.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/eb167c6b7b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;SENSATION: RARE LASER AIRCRAFT A-60 and S-400 DESTROYED!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qEQwa_KcRY&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>To achieve peace, pressure must be put not on Ukraine, but on Russia! — Zelenskyy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/26/to-achieve-peace-pressure-must.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 26 Nov 2025 19:53:31 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/26/to-achieve-peace-pressure-must.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/90c32743ec.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;To achieve peace, pressure must be put not on Ukraine, but on Russia! — Zelenskyy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ZQ0vjngL3Dw&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Moldova&#39;s Foreign Ministry confronts Russian ambassador with drone that violated country&#39;s airspace</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/26/moldovas-foreign-ministry-confronts-russian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 26 Nov 2025 19:19:49 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/26/moldovas-foreign-ministry-confronts-russian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/587338638-1287362600101088-3775781293394546265-n.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Moldova&#39;s Foreign Ministry confronts Russian ambassador with drone that violated country&#39;s airspace&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;Such incidents are unacceptable. The Republic of Moldova has rejected and will firmly reject every attack against its security and territorial integrity,&#34; Moldovan Foreign Minister Mihai Popsoi said during a press conference on Nov. 26.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/moldovas-foreign-ministry-confronts-russian-ambassador-with-drone-that-violated-countrys-airspace/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Europe preparing legal groundwork for reparations loan to Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/26/europe-preparing-legal-groundwork-for.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 26 Nov 2025 19:17:54 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/26/europe-preparing-legal-groundwork-for.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2247943986.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Europe preparing legal groundwork for reparations loan to Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;The next step is that the Commission is ready to present the legal text,&#34; said Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission president, in a speech to European lawmakers in Strasbourg on Nov. 26.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/europe-preparing-legal-groundwork-for-reparations-loan-to-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Media investigation examines how &#39;neutral&#39; Russian Red Cross supports Kremlin&#39;s war effort</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/26/media-investigation-examines-how-neutral.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 26 Nov 2025 18:16:33 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/26/media-investigation-examines-how-neutral.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/red-cross.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Media investigation examines how &#39;neutral&#39; Russian Red Cross supports Kremlin&#39;s war effort&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;In mid-November, the RRC and the Movement of the First co-organized a first aid competition for children from across Russia and the occupied Ukrainian territories.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/media-investigation-russian-red-cross/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>EUROPE AS a &amp;amp;quot;BACKWATER,&amp;amp;quot; WAR AS &amp;amp;quot;BRAVE&amp;amp;quot;: Exposing the Kremlin’s biggest lies!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/26/europe-as-a-ampquotbackwaterampquot-war.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 26 Nov 2025 18:01:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/26/europe-as-a-ampquotbackwaterampquot-war.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/f62ac1ad5a.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;EUROPE AS a &amp;quot;BACKWATER,&amp;quot; WAR AS &amp;quot;BRAVE&amp;quot;: Exposing the Kremlin’s biggest lies!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvkTzL2Tdh0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russian forces occupy 2 villages in Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia oblasts, DeepState reports</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/26/russian-forces-occupy-villages-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 26 Nov 2025 17:30:43 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/26/russian-forces-occupy-villages-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/f7d9d53aa8.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian forces occupy 2 villages in Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia oblasts, DeepState reports&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Promin in Donetsk Oblast and Vysoke in Zapoirzhzhia Oblast were reported taken, the analytical and mapping group reported on Nov. 26.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-forces-occupy-2-villages-in-donetsk-and-zaporizhzhia-oblasts-deepstate-reports/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>France and Britain are ready to send troops to Ukraine, — Macron #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/26/france-and-britain-are-ready.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 26 Nov 2025 17:28:21 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/26/france-and-britain-are-ready.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/ba2997c66e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;France and Britain are ready to send troops to Ukraine, — Macron #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/IoQO4waTPZ0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia tightens grip on occupied Ukraine with illegal mobilization and child militarization, experts warn</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/26/russia-tightens-grip-on-occupied.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 26 Nov 2025 17:09:27 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/26/russia-tightens-grip-on-occupied.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-536245836.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia tightens grip on occupied Ukraine with illegal mobilization and child militarization, experts warn&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;While leaked reports of a U.S.-proposed peace plan have sparked international debates about the future of Ukraine`s occupied territories and the people who live there, Russia is forging ahead, entrenching its control on the ground by expanding illegal mobilization.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-tightens-grip-on-occupied-ukraine-with-illegal-mobilization-and-child-militarization-experts-warn/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia’s G8 return blocked by Germany and France! Putin goes to India seeking MIGRANTS and money</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/26/russias-g-return-blocked-by.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 26 Nov 2025 17:01:20 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/26/russias-g-return-blocked-by.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/cbb8011fa9.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia’s G8 return blocked by Germany and France! Putin goes to India seeking MIGRANTS and money&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOBrRCvcj_c&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Top security official questioned in Ukraine&#39;s biggest corruption case</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/26/top-security-official-questioned-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 26 Nov 2025 16:48:58 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/26/top-security-official-questioned-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/057b33b3d8.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Top security official questioned in Ukraine&#39;s biggest corruption case&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;According to the NABU, Timur Mindich, a close Zelensky associate, committed his crimes by influencing Rustem Umerov, former defense minister and current secretary of the National Security and Defense Council.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/top-security-official-questioned-in-ukraines-biggest-corruption-case/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>KI Insights launches new podcast: Ukraine Insights</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/26/ki-insights-launches-new-podcast.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 26 Nov 2025 16:43:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/26/ki-insights-launches-new-podcast.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/untitled-design-7-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;KI Insights launches new podcast: Ukraine Insights&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Kyiv Independent’s separate analytical unit, KI Insights, is excited to announce the launch of its podcast, Ukraine Insights — a show dedicated to unpacking Ukraine’s politics, security, economy, and international relations through in-depth, expert-driven conversations.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ki-insights-launches-new-podcast-ukraine-insights/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>How $100 million nuclear scandal derailed Zelensky</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/26/how-million-nuclear-scandal-derailed.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 26 Nov 2025 16:33:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/26/how-million-nuclear-scandal-derailed.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/energoatom-final-1-12-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;How $100 million nuclear scandal derailed Zelensky&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukraine is facing its biggest wartime corruption scandal. The Kyiv Independent’s Dominic Culverwell explains how Energoatom — Ukraine&#39;s nuclear energy operator — became a breeding ground for corruption during the war, how a $100 million kickback scheme in the nuclear energy sector reached the highest levels of power, and what this crisis means for President Volodymyr Zelensky and the country.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/how-100-million-nuclear-scandal-derailed-zelensky/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Chart of the week: Food prices fuel inflation in Ukraine amid climate and power woes</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/26/chart-of-the-week-food.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 26 Nov 2025 16:24:24 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/26/chart-of-the-week-food.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/bad-harvest-take-2-01.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Chart of the week: Food prices fuel inflation in Ukraine amid climate and power woes&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A brutal year for Ukraine&#39;s farmers is driving up food prices, straining household budgets already hit hard by Russia&#39;s war.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In just one year, extreme heat, freezing temperatures, drought, and&lt;em&gt; &lt;/em&gt;heavy rains have devastated crops and delayed planting, creating harsh growing conditions. These challenges compound the&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/chart-of-the-week-food-prices-fuel-inflation-in-ukraine-amid-climate-and-power-woes/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Civilian casualties in Ukraine are rising rapidly, says UN #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/26/civilian-casualties-in-ukraine-are.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 26 Nov 2025 15:39:53 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/26/civilian-casualties-in-ukraine-are.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/d73fa82278.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Civilian casualties in Ukraine are rising rapidly, says UN #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/58z41BNvLB4&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>UN SHOCKS WITH STATEMENT! The Russian war IS CLAIMING MORE AND MORE CIVILIAN LIVES in Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/26/un-shocks-with-statement-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 26 Nov 2025 15:01:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/26/un-shocks-with-statement-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/0c6df60d67.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;UN SHOCKS WITH STATEMENT! The Russian war IS CLAIMING MORE AND MORE CIVILIAN LIVES in Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-a2H3XTCuM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest live: Two village losses highlight strain on Ukraine’s defenses</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/26/ukraine-war-latest-live-two.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 26 Nov 2025 14:38:09 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/26/ukraine-war-latest-live-two.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2166426838.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest live: Two village losses highlight strain on Ukraine’s defenses&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russian forces captured the villages of Promin in Donetsk Oblast and Vysoke in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, Ukrainian mapping group DeepState reported Nov. 26.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-update-2025-11-26/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>The Soviets tried to silence Ukrainian poet Vasyl Stus. A new exhibition honors his legacy</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/26/the-soviets-tried-to-silence.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 26 Nov 2025 11:04:19 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/26/the-soviets-tried-to-silence.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/upd-img-2442.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;The Soviets tried to silence Ukrainian poet Vasyl Stus. A new exhibition honors his legacy&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;While the Soviet authorities promoted their vision of ideological &#34;universalism&#34; — a homogenized identity that suppressed national cultures — dissenting voices were silenced through arrests, intimidation, and even murder.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Yet &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/invisible-prisoners-families-rights-defenders-struggle-to-free-ukrainian-civilians-from-russian-captivity/&#34;&gt;amid this repression&lt;/a&gt;, courageous figures refused to surrender their cultural identity. Among them was the poet Vasyl Stus&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-poet-vasyl-stus-died-in-a-soviet-labor-camp-new-exhibition-in-kyiv-honors-his-life/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Coalition of the Willing meets, agrees to develop &#39;robust security guarantees&#39; for Ukraine amid peace talks</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/26/coalition-of-the-willing-meets.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 26 Nov 2025 02:37:48 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/26/coalition-of-the-willing-meets.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2247862172.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Coalition of the Willing meets, agrees to develop &#39;robust security guarantees&#39; for Ukraine amid peace talks&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;The absolute condition for a good peace is a set of very robust security guarantees and not paper guarantees. Ukraine has had its share of promises that were shattered by successive Russian aggressions, and real rock-solid guarantees are a necessity,&#34; French President Emmanuel Macron said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/coalition-of-the-willing-meets-agrees-to-develop-ukraines-security-guarantees-amid-peace-talks/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>NEWSFLASH: Witkoff was secretly giving Russians advice</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/26/newsflash-witkoff-was-secretly-giving.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 25 Nov 2025 23:27:14 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/26/newsflash-witkoff-was-secretly-giving.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f5c0aa659-5.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;NEWSFLASH: Witkoff was secretly giving Russians advice&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!oFZ2!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F487e3ef1-0671-4c50-a346-d0da679c00f1_1500x500.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f487e3ef1-0.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;485&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/487e3ef1-0671-4c50-a346-d0da679c00f1_1500x500.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:485,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:true,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; fetchpriority=&#34;high&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M3 12a9 9 0 0 1 9-9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1 6.74 2.74L21 8&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 3v5h-5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 12a9 9 0 0 1-9 9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1-6.74-2.74L3 16&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M8 16H3v5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Featured Subscriber’s Comment:&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;I am supporting your work because, given what it going on here in the US, it is getting more and more difficult to follow the war in Ukraine. We need people there in Ukraine to give us information about the war that our current administration would like to bury. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;By our subscriber Marie Scovell&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Get Full Access!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Get Full Access!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Subscribe for Free!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Subscribe for Free!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;A private call between Trump-appointed envoy Steve Witkoff and Putin advisor Yuri Ushakov was just leaked — and it shows the American envoy effectively acting as a strategist for Moscow.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!7sce!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2b79696f-58b3-498e-94c7-df1eadc56083_1430x1210.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f2b79696f-5.png&#34; width=&#34;1430&#34; height=&#34;1210&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/2b79696f-58b3-498e-94c7-df1eadc56083_1430x1210.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1210,&#34;width&#34;:1430,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M3 12a9 9 0 0 1 9-9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1 6.74 2.74L21 8&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 3v5h-5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 12a9 9 0 0 1-9 9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1-6.74-2.74L3 16&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M8 16H3v5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Excerpt from the phone conversation between Steve Witkoff and Putin advisor Yuri Ushakov. Screenshot from &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-11-25/witkoff-discusses-ukraine-plans-with-key-putin-aide-transcript?embedded-checkout=true&#34;&gt;Bloomberg&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;After the paywall:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;Witkoff acting almost like an adviser to the Kremlin;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;Details of the leaked conversations;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Counteroffensive’s investigation into Witkoff’s prior business relationships which we believe constitute a conflict of interest&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
      &lt;p&gt;
          &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/newsflash-witkoff-was-secretly-giving&#34;&gt;
              Read more
          &lt;/a&gt;
      &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/newsflash-witkoff-was-secretly-giving&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Hell for Russians! Ukrainian forces conduct a powerful operation against Putin’s army in Pokrovsk</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/26/hell-for-russians-ukrainian-forces.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 25 Nov 2025 23:00:05 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/26/hell-for-russians-ukrainian-forces.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/55a989d790.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Hell for Russians! Ukrainian forces conduct a powerful operation against Putin’s army in Pokrovsk&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PKHT7oxabk&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>&#39;Donetsk and maybe a land swap&#39; — Witkoff promised Russian aides he could sway Trump, pressure Ukraine into peace deal in secret phone recording</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/25/donetsk-and-maybe-a-land.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 25 Nov 2025 22:48:26 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/25/donetsk-and-maybe-a-land.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2230342922.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;Donetsk and maybe a land swap&#39; — Witkoff promised Russian aides he could sway Trump, pressure Ukraine into peace deal in secret phone recording&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;The president will give me a lot of space and discretion to get to the deal,&#34; U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff told top Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov in a recorded phone call obtained by Bloomberg.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/witkoff-says-he-has-space-to-reach-ukraine-russia-peace-deal-zelensky-to-visit-white-house-bloomberg-reports/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Peace conditions are CHANGING – Ukraine builds support around NEW initiative #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/25/peace-conditions-are-changing-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 25 Nov 2025 21:45:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/25/peace-conditions-are-changing-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/15cc9b1c86.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Peace conditions are CHANGING – Ukraine builds support around NEW initiative #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/UFOIQoKAg1A&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>A new push for an end to the war?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/25/a-new-push-for-an.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 25 Nov 2025 21:44:59 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/25/a-new-push-for-an.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/d73f839da8.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;A new push for an end to the war?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ending the Russia-Ukraine war moved back into the headlines last week with press reports of a 28-point U.S.-Russian peace plan. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The plan’s heavy slant toward Russian positions sparked immediate alarm in Kyiv and other European capitals, as did President &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/donald-trump/&#34;&gt;Donald Trump&lt;/a&gt;’s suggestion of a&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/a-new-push-for-an-end-to-the-war/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Law enforcement agencies colluded with corruption suspects before attack on anti-graft bodies, detective says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/25/law-enforcement-agencies-colluded-with.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 25 Nov 2025 21:21:14 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/25/law-enforcement-agencies-colluded-with.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/8d28f87ef4.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Law enforcement agencies colluded with corruption suspects before attack on anti-graft bodies, detective says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The arrests of NABU detectives in July were seen by critics as part of a crackdown on the bureau triggered by its investigations against Zelensky&#39;s top allies.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/law-enforcement-agencies-cooperated-with-corruption-suspects-before-launching-attack-on-nabu-detective-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Witkoff to meet Putin as US sends delegations to Ukraine, Russia in &#39;hopes of finalizing&#39; peace plan</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/25/witkoff-to-meet-putin-as.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 25 Nov 2025 21:18:50 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/25/witkoff-to-meet-putin-as.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2209063755.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Witkoff to meet Putin as US sends delegations to Ukraine, Russia in &#39;hopes of finalizing&#39; peace plan&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;The original 28-Point Peace Plan, which was drafted by the United States, has been fine-tuned, with additional input from both sides, and there are only a few remaining points of disagreement,&#34; U.S. President Donald Trump said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/witkoff-to-meet-putin-as-us-sends-delegations-to-ukraine-russia-in-hopes-of-finalizing-peace-plan/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Zelenskyy OUTRAGED! Russia cynically attacks Ukraine while NEGOTIATIONS continue #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/25/zelenskyy-outraged-russia-cynically-attacks.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 25 Nov 2025 21:15:38 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/25/zelenskyy-outraged-russia-cynically-attacks.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/274c06d9e3.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelenskyy OUTRAGED! Russia cynically attacks Ukraine while NEGOTIATIONS continue #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/awa4uItmmS8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Putin in despair! Trump&#39;s peace plan reduced to 19 points, while Ukraine delivers painful strikes</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/25/putin-in-despair-trumps-peace.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 25 Nov 2025 21:06:05 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/25/putin-in-despair-trumps-peace.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/42c4e91ae2.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Putin in despair! Trump&#39;s peace plan reduced to 19 points, while Ukraine delivers painful strikes&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_x4B_qXQF_0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Built during war, shattered overnight — Kyiv distribution center hit hard by Russian strike</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/25/built-during-war-shattered-overnight.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 25 Nov 2025 20:31:50 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/25/built-during-war-shattered-overnight.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2247828717.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Built during war, shattered overnight — Kyiv distribution center hit hard by Russian strike&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The facility, Ukraine&#39;s first green distribution center with freon and ammonia-free refrigeration, opened in 2024.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-supermarket-chain-torn-apart-by-russian-attack/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia plunges into DARKNESS! Kyiv steps up LONG-RANGE strikes #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/25/russia-plunges-into-darkness-kyiv.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 25 Nov 2025 20:30:16 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/25/russia-plunges-into-darkness-kyiv.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/f2759e08a6.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia plunges into DARKNESS! Kyiv steps up LONG-RANGE strikes #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/sIdQrYmTeZ4&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine reportedly destroys 2 Russian aircraft, including rare A-60 laser platform</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/25/ukraine-reportedly-destroys-russian-aircraft.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 25 Nov 2025 20:14:51 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/25/ukraine-reportedly-destroys-russian-aircraft.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/photo-2025-11-25-20-11-32.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine reportedly destroys 2 Russian aircraft, including rare A-60 laser platform&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukrainian forces destroyed a Russian Il-76 heavy transport aircraft as well as an experimental A-60 airborne laser complex, according to Robert &#34;Madyar&#34; Brovdi, commander of Ukraine&#39;s Unmanned Systems Forces, on Nov. 25.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-reportedly-destroys-2-russian-aircraft-including-rare-a-60/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>ZELENSKYY: We have good RESULTS from Geneva! Ukraine is ready to MOVE forward #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/25/zelenskyy-we-have-good-results.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 25 Nov 2025 19:57:34 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/25/zelenskyy-we-have-good-results.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/b8e90fbb7d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;ZELENSKYY: We have good RESULTS from Geneva! Ukraine is ready to MOVE forward #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/six5IKp5FEc&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Trump’s peace plan takes the heat off Zelensky amid major corruption scandal</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/25/trumps-peace-plan-takes-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 25 Nov 2025 19:28:40 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/25/trumps-peace-plan-takes-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/b6ec334182.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Trump’s peace plan takes the heat off Zelensky amid major corruption scandal&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was hit with a large-scale corruption scandal and a controversial peace plan at the same time earlier this month, his position seemed desperate and vulnerable to many.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;But in fact the foreign policy crisis helped &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/volodymyr-zelensky/&#34;&gt;Zelensky&lt;/a&gt; to sideline the domestic controversy.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;He presented himself as&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/us-peace-plan-pushes-corruption-scandal-aside-fails-to-contain-zelenskys-political-risks/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>MEAT GRINDER NEAR POKROVSK AND KUPIANSK: Ukrainian army breaks the Russian offensive!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/25/meat-grinder-near-pokrovsk-and.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 25 Nov 2025 19:26:27 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/25/meat-grinder-near-pokrovsk-and.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/041a71f737.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;MEAT GRINDER NEAR POKROVSK AND KUPIANSK: Ukrainian army breaks the Russian offensive!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGnGesRpI3g&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>&amp;amp;quot;Paper tiger&amp;amp;quot;: how Moscow attempts to CONVINCE the West of its achievements #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/25/ampquotpaper-tigerampquot-how-moscow-attempts.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 25 Nov 2025 18:30:03 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/25/ampquotpaper-tigerampquot-how-moscow-attempts.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/9051df42db.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&amp;quot;Paper tiger&amp;quot;: how Moscow attempts to CONVINCE the West of its achievements #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/44cwNEbYZ98&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>PUTIN IN PANIC: Kremlin&#39;s FAKE on &amp;amp;quot;TAKING&amp;amp;quot; Kupiansk EXPOSED</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/25/putin-in-panic-kremlins-fake.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 25 Nov 2025 18:00:39 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/25/putin-in-panic-kremlins-fake.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/3c33fce46e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;PUTIN IN PANIC: Kremlin&#39;s FAKE on &amp;quot;TAKING&amp;quot; Kupiansk EXPOSED&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAXhSMfTydY&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Russia&#39;s economic catastrophe: Russians heating homes with coal dust!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/25/russias-economic-catastrophe-russians-heating.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 25 Nov 2025 17:09:25 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/25/russias-economic-catastrophe-russians-heating.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/8da370aa40.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia&#39;s economic catastrophe: Russians heating homes with coal dust!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LIVW5swGAc&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>28-point peace plan for Ukraine-Russia war, Europe’s amendments, and Geneva negotiations</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/25/point-peace-plan-for-ukrainerussia.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 25 Nov 2025 17:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/25/point-peace-plan-for-ukrainerussia.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width=&#34;991&#34; height=&#34;620&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/trump.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Donald Trump&#34; decoding=&#34;async&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;UKRAINE&lt;/strong&gt;, Nov. 25 — On Nov 19, Politico reported that the White House was preparing to present a peace proposal with Russia, which US officials expect to form the basis for a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia. On Nov. 21 several US media outlets presented this proposal. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;European allies of Ukraine and some US lawmakers, including Republicans, criticized the White House&#39;s proposal. Some of them called it the list of Kremlin wishes. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;On Nov. 23, Ukraine and the US representatives met in Geneva to negotiate a peace proposal. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Gwara journalist Viktoriia Mankovska has compiled the points of Trump’s proposal, European amendments to them, and made a summary of what we know so far about the negotiations between Ukraine and the US in the aftermath. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-heading&#34;&gt;28 points of the US peace plan&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;On Nov. 19, the Financial Times &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.ft.com/content/79eefaf8-2fc1-47ac-9653-24cf6a0239f5&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;published&lt;/a&gt; the full text of Trump’s peace proposal that consisted of 28 points. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Later, the United Kingdom, Germany, and France prepared a counterproposal to the US “peace deal” plan. Their amendments were designed to make this proposal more beneficial for Ukraine, &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/full-text-european-counter-proposal-us-ukraine-peace-plan-2025-11-23/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;reported&lt;/a&gt; Reuters. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The counterproposal is based on the US plan but amends certain points, suggests excluding them, or offers minor wording changes. For example, Europe proposes to exclude provision 3, according to which Russia guarantees not to interfere in affairs of its neighbours, and NATO (guarantees) not to expand further. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Below is a list of 28 points of the US peace plan with Europe&#39;s amendments published by Reuters and the Center for Strategic and International Studies: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;1. Ukraine’s sovereignty will be confirmed.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;2. A comprehensive non-aggression agreement will be concluded between Russia, Ukraine, and Europe. All ambiguities of the last 30 years will be considered settled.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;3. It is expected that Russia will not invade neighbouring countries and NATO will not expand further.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;4. A dialogue will be held between Russia and NATO, mediated by the United States, to resolve all security issues and create conditions for de-escalation in order to ensure global security and increase opportunities for cooperation and future economic development.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;5. Ukraine will receive reliable security guarantees.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;6. The size of the Ukrainian Armed Forces will be limited to 600,000 personnel.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Europe’s counterproposal: During peacetime, the size of the Ukrainian army will be limited to 800,000 personnel. &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;7. Ukraine agrees to enshrine in its constitution that it will not join NATO, and NATO agrees to include in its statutes a provision that Ukraine will not be admitted in the future.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Europe’s &lt;em&gt;counterproposal&lt;/em&gt;: &lt;em&gt;Ukraine joining NATO depends on the consensus of NATO members, which does not exist.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;8. NATO agrees not to station troops in Ukraine.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Europe’s counterproposal: NATO agrees not to permanently station troops under its command in Ukraine in peacetime.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;9. European fighter jets will be stationed in Poland.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;10. The US security guarantee will have the following conditions:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-list&#34;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;The US will receive compensation for the guarantee.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;If Ukraine invades Russia, it will lose the guarantee.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;If Russia invades Ukraine, in addition to a decisive coordinated military response, all global sanctions will be reinstated, recognition of the new territory and all other benefits of this deal will be revoked.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;If Ukraine launches a missile at Moscow or St. Petersburg without cause, the security guarantee will be deemed invalid.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt; Europe’s &lt;em&gt;counterproposal&lt;/em&gt;: Deletes the final bullet and adds that the U.S. guarantee “mirrors Article 5”&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;11. Ukraine is eligible for EU membership and will receive short-term preferential access to the European market while this issue is being considered.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;12. A powerful global package of measures for rebuilding will be provided to Ukraine, including but not limited to:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-list&#34;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;The creation of a Ukraine Development Fund to invest in fast-growing industries, including technology, data centres, and artificial intelligence.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;The United States will cooperate with Ukraine to jointly rebuild, develop, modernise, and operate Ukraine’s gas infrastructure, including pipelines and storage facilities.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Joint efforts to rehabilitate war-affected areas for the restoration, reconstruction and modernisation of cities and residential areas.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Infrastructure development.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Extraction of minerals and natural resources.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;The World Bank will develop a special financing package to accelerate these efforts.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;13. Russia will be reintegrated into the global economy:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-list&#34;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;The lifting of sanctions will be discussed and agreed upon in stages and on a case-by-case basis.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;The United States will enter into a long-term economic cooperation agreement for mutual development in the areas of energy, natural resources, infrastructure, artificial intelligence, data centres, rare earth metal extraction projects in the Arctic, and other mutually beneficial corporate opportunities.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Russia will be invited to rejoin the G8.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Europe’s &lt;em&gt;counterproposal&lt;/em&gt;: The issue of lifting sanctions on Russia will be discussed and agreed upon in phases and on a case-by-case basis. &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;14. Frozen funds will be used as follows: $100 billion in frozen Russian assets will be invested in US-led efforts to rebuild and invest in Ukraine. The US will receive 50% of the profits from this venture. Europe will add $100 billion to increase the amount of investment available for Ukraine’s reconstruction. Frozen European funds will be unfrozen. The remainder of the frozen Russian funds will be invested in a separate US-Russian investment vehicle that will implement joint projects in specific areas. This fund will be aimed at strengthening relations and increasing common interests to create a strong incentive not to return to conflict.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Europe’s &lt;em&gt;counterproposal&lt;/em&gt;: Europe suggests excluding the paragraph stating that the US will receive 50% of the profit of $100 billion from frozen Russian assets, which will be invested in rebuilding and investing in Ukraine.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;15. A joint American-Russian working group on security issues will be established to promote and ensure compliance with all provisions of this agreement.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;16. Russia will enshrine in law its policy of non-aggression towards Europe and Ukraine.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;17. The United States and Russia will agree to extend the validity of treaties on the non-proliferation and control of nuclear weapons, including the START I Treaty.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;18. Ukraine agrees to be a non-nuclear state in accordance with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;19. The Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant will be launched under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and the electricity produced will be distributed equally between Russia and Ukraine — 50:50.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;20. Both countries undertake to implement educational programs in schools and society aimed at promoting understanding and tolerance of different cultures and eliminating racism and prejudice:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-list&#34;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Ukraine will adopt EU rules on religious tolerance and the protection of linguistic minorities.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Both countries will agree to abolish all discriminatory measures and guarantee the rights of Ukrainian and Russian media and education.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;All Nazi ideology and activities must be rejected and prohibited.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Europe’s &lt;em&gt;counterproposal&lt;/em&gt;: Ukraine will adopt EU rules on religious tolerance and the protection of linguistic minorities (retains just the first bullet).&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;21. Territories:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-list&#34;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Crimea, Luhansk and Donetsk (regions) will be recognised as de facto Russian, including by the United States.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia (regions) will be frozen along the line of contact, which will mean de facto recognition along the line of contact.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Russia will relinquish other agreed territories it controls outside the five regions.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Ukrainian forces will withdraw from the part of Donetsk Oblast that they currently control, and this withdrawal zone will be considered a neutral demilitarised buffer zone, internationally recognised as territory belonging to the Russian Federation. Russian forces will not enter this demilitarised zone.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Europe’s &lt;em&gt;counterproposal&lt;/em&gt;: Ukraine commits not to recover its occupied sovereign territory through military means. Negotiations on territorial swaps will start from the Line of Contact.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;22. After agreeing on future territorial arrangements, both the Russian Federation and Ukraine undertake not to change these arrangements by force. Any security guarantees will not apply in the event of a breach of this commitment.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;23. Russia will not prevent Ukraine from using the Dnieper (Dnipro) River for commercial activities, and agreements will be reached on the free transport of grain across the Black Sea.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;24. A humanitarian committee will be established to resolve outstanding issues:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-list&#34;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;All remaining prisoners and bodies will be exchanged on an ‘all for all’ basis.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;All civilian detainees and hostages will be returned, including children.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;A family reunification program will be implemented.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Measures will be taken to alleviate the suffering of the victims of the conflict.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;25. Ukraine will hold elections in 100 days.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Europe’s counterproposal: Ukraine will hold elections as soon as possible after signing the peace agreement. &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;26. All parties involved in this conflict will receive full amnesty for their actions during the war and agree not to make any claims or consider any complaints in the future.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Europe’s counterproposal: Provision will be made to address the suffering of victims of the conflict.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;27. This agreement will be legally binding. Its implementation will be monitored and guaranteed by the Peace Council, headed by President Donald J. Trump. Sanctions will be imposed for violations.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;28. Once all parties agree to this memorandum, the ceasefire will take effect immediately after both sides retreat to agreed points to begin implementation of the agreement.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The Congressional Ukrainian Caucus &lt;a href=&#34;https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressional-ukraine-caucus-statement-president-trumps-reported&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;published&lt;/a&gt; a statement, in which they criticized Trump’s peace proposal. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;“The proposed &#39;peace plan&#39; for Ukraine appears to favor the interests of the aggressor — Dictator Vladimir Putin — over the sovereignty and security of a democratic Ukraine. That is unacceptable,&#34; they wrote. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The Congressmen said that Russia’s interests aren’t limited by Ukraine’s borders, and Putin continues to strive for broader influences on Europe. They added that acceptance of this plan not only subordinates Ukraine’s independence to the Russian tyranny but makes Europe more vulnerable to future Russian aggression. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Reuters, citing two sources, &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/us-threatens-cut-intel-weapons-press-ukraine-into-peace-deal-sources-2025-11-21/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;reported&lt;/a&gt; that the US threatened to stop exchanging intelligence data with Ukraine and freeze all military support to it to force Kyiv to accept the peace proposal. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-heading&#34;&gt;Negotiations between Ukraine and the US&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The White House and Office of the President of Ukraine, in their &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/2025/11/joint-statement-on-united-states-ukraine-meeting/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;joint statement&lt;/a&gt;, reported that there had been &#34;tremendous amount of progress&#34; after negotiations between Ukraine and the US representatives in Geneva on Oct. 23. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Both sides agreed that any peace agreemet should fully respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and ensure lasting and fair peace. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The statement didn’t provide any details about changes in the 28-point peace proposal. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, added that any final decision about the peace proposal must be discussed between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He also said that he is waiting for Russia’s reaction but expressed his confidence that the process can move forward. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Donald Trump did not immediately comment on the news. But Rubio said the US president was “pleased” when he briefed him on the progress of the talks. According to the State Department, Rubio left Switzerland after the negotiations and headed back to Washington.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The head of the Ukrainian delegation, Andrii Yermak, head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, told reporters that “very good progress” had been made at the talks in Geneva and that the parties were “moving towards a just and lasting peace that the Ukrainian people deserve.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;While negotiations were held in Geneva on Nov 23, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that “there are signs that President Trump&#39;s team is listening to us.” “A lot is changing: we are working very carefully on the steps needed to end the war,” Zelenskyy &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.president.gov.ua/en/news/rozmova-z-amerikanskimi-predstavnikami-ye-i-ye-signali-sho-k-101553&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;said&lt;/a&gt; in his evening video address, published before the joint statement.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia had not received any plans for a peaceful settlement in Ukraine through official channels and was “closely monitoring” media reports on the results of the US-Ukraine talks in Geneva.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;On Nov. 24, the Financial Times &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.ft.com/content/12637528-8c94-4105-a0d8-c53712046435?fbclid=IwY2xjawORTmBleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFJbEJKeFZmODNKYXFYZlk2c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHkcHK0BlKWPeKvBKR9YO97zVXHPlUhSz0UVsgev6STkH0GMPdH3M8O3J0jea_aem_fZ54FsQiOrW9epPaoT4JTw&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;reported&lt;/a&gt; that following negotiations, the initial 28-point plan had been reduced to 19 points. However, it is not yet known which points were removed. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Later, Oleksandr Bevz, an adviser to the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.facebook.com/oleksandr.bevz.9&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;wrote&lt;/a&gt; on Facebook that “the 28-point plan in the form in which everyone saw it no longer exists. Some of the points were removed, some were changed. None of the comments made by the Ukrainian side were left without a response.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;According to him, Ukraine and the US discussed each point of the “peace plan.” The presidents will make the final decisions on the most problematic issues.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;On Nov. 25, a US official &lt;a href=&#34;https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/us-holds-secret-meetings-russians-abu-dhabi-ukraine/story?id=127840867&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;told&lt;/a&gt; ABC News that Ukrainian delegations agreed on Trump&#39;s peace proposal, but there are minor details to be sorted. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;United States Army Secretary Dan Driscoll held secret negotiations with Russia and Ukraine delegations in Abu Dhabi on Monday and Tuesday, &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.axios.com/2025/11/25/us-russia-talks-ukraine-peace-plan-driscoll&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;reported&lt;/a&gt; Axios. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Chief of Ukrainian delegation Kyrylo Budanov heads the Ukrainian delegation and also holds talks with both American and Russian delegations. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The US officials say that talks are going well and the US delegation remains optimistic. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Cover photo: President of the United States Donald Trump / Photo: AP&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-heading&#34;&gt;Read more&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;ul data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-list&#34;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Official: Russia &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/official-russia-temporarily-occupies-48-settlements-of-kupiansk-district-in-kharkiv-oblast/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;temporarily occupies 48 settlements of Kupiansk district&lt;/a&gt; in Kharkiv oblast&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Ukrainian forces &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/ukrainian-forces-recently-advanced-on-kupiansk-axis-isw-reports/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;recently advanced on Kupiansk axis&lt;/a&gt;, ISW reports&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Russian attacks on Kharkiv region &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/russian-attacks-on-kharkiv-region-killed-teenager-injured-5-people-last-week/%5C&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;killed&lt;/a&gt; teenager, injured 5 people last week&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p data-sanitized-class=&#34;has-background&#34;&gt;Please consider supporting journalists at our Kharkiv-based newsroom on &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.patreon.com/gwaramedia&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;Patreon&lt;/a&gt; or &lt;a href=&#34;https://buymeacoffee.com/gwaramedia&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;buy us a coffee&lt;/a&gt;. Whatever awaits our region and our city, we&#39;ll keep reporting on it amidst the Russia-Ukraine war. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The post &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/28-points-peace-plan-for-ukraine-trumps-proposal-europes-amendments-and-results-of-negotiations-in-geneva/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;28-point peace plan for Ukraine-Russia war, Europe’s amendments, and Geneva negotiations&lt;/a&gt; appeared first on &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;Gwara Media&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/28-points-peace-plan-for-ukraine-trumps-proposal-europes-amendments-and-results-of-negotiations-in-geneva/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Strategic Russian targets under attack! Ukrainian &amp;amp;quot;NEPTUN&amp;amp;quot; and &amp;amp;quot;BARS&amp;amp;quot; are in action #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/25/strategic-russian-targets-under-attack.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 25 Nov 2025 16:40:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/25/strategic-russian-targets-under-attack.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/cbc767edb3.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Strategic Russian targets under attack! Ukrainian &amp;quot;NEPTUN&amp;quot; and &amp;quot;BARS&amp;quot; are in action #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/CQTgkOZAVE0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Hodges about Pokrovsk: Russia will not gain a strategic advantage! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/25/hodges-about-pokrovsk-russia-will.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 25 Nov 2025 16:20:05 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/25/hodges-about-pokrovsk-russia-will.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/d14ce93434.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Hodges about Pokrovsk: Russia will not gain a strategic advantage! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/xVHu6oiNj4I&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>French, UK, Turkish troops could be deployed in Ukraine right after peace deal, Macron says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/25/french-uk-turkish-troops-could.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 25 Nov 2025 16:13:12 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/25/french-uk-turkish-troops-could.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/8deb7e1739.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;French, UK, Turkish troops could be deployed in Ukraine right after peace deal, Macron says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Forces operating under the &#34;Coalition of the Willing&#34; would be deployed to rear locations, such as Kyiv or Odesa, to provide security and training, Macron said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/peacekeepers-from-france-uk-turkey-could-be-deployed-to-ukraine-right-after-peace-deal-macron-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>HUR exposes foreign-made backbone of Russia’s Shahed-107 drone striking Ukraine’s front line</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/25/hur-exposes-foreignmade-backbone-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 25 Nov 2025 15:56:04 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/25/hur-exposes-foreignmade-backbone-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/01610d0215.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;HUR exposes foreign-made backbone of Russia’s Shahed-107 drone striking Ukraine’s front line&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukraine&#39;s military intelligence agency has revealed new details of Russia&#39;s Shahed-107 attack drone used to strike front-line areas.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-releases-list-of-foreign-components-in-russian-shahed-107-drones-used-to-strike-front-line-areas/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Is Zelenskyy going to the US? Meeting with Trump coming soon #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/25/is-zelenskyy-going-to-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 25 Nov 2025 15:51:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/25/is-zelenskyy-going-to-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/7206acbf18.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Is Zelenskyy going to the US? Meeting with Trump coming soon #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/1P0zxmKORR8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine agrees to cap its army at 800,000 in revised US peace plan, FT reports</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/25/ukraine-agrees-to-cap-its.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 25 Nov 2025 15:28:08 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/25/ukraine-agrees-to-cap-its.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-1653684478.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine agrees to cap its army at 800,000 in revised US peace plan, FT reports&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;A Ukrainian army of this size would still remain the second-largest European force after Russia and put it close to its current wartime strength of about 900,000 service members.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/kyiv-us-agree-to-cap-ukraines-military-at-800-000-in-revised-peace-plan-ft-reports/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>TERRIBLE NIGHT﻿: 6 DEAD in Kyiv, 24 injured nationwide! Zelenskyy: Attack WITHOUT MILITARY SENSE!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/25/terrible-night-dead-in-kyiv.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 25 Nov 2025 15:00:31 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/25/terrible-night-dead-in-kyiv.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/a257635048.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;TERRIBLE NIGHT﻿: 6 DEAD in Kyiv, 24 injured nationwide! Zelenskyy: Attack WITHOUT MILITARY SENSE!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJ3PYa5kcA4&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine rejects using Russian assets as bargaining chip in peace talks</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/25/ukraine-rejects-using-russian-assets.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 25 Nov 2025 14:30:26 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/25/ukraine-rejects-using-russian-assets.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-1247432812.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine rejects using Russian assets as bargaining chip in peace talks&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;Keeping the assets permanently &#39;on ice&#39; or turning them into a bargaining chip between Russia and another power only prolongs the conflict,&#34; Iryna Mudra, deputy head of President Volodymyr Zelensky&#39;s office in charge of legal matters, told the Kyiv Independent in an email.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-rejects-using-russian-assets-as-bargaining-chip-in-peace-talks/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest live: SBU drones strike Russian oil terminal, navy base in Novorossiysk, source says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/25/ukraine-war-latest-live-sbu.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 25 Nov 2025 13:51:49 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/25/ukraine-war-latest-live-sbu.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/726a6a04eb.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest live: SBU drones strike Russian oil terminal, navy base in Novorossiysk, source says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Live coverage of Russia’s war against Ukraine with breaking news and frontline updates, updated 5 times today. Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) carried out a drone strike on the Russian Black Sea port city of Novorossiysk overnight on Nov. 24-25, hitting an oil terminal and a navy base, sources in the SBU said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-2025-11-25/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Hodges explained why peace in Ukraine is in US interests #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/25/hodges-explained-why-peace-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 25 Nov 2025 13:01:16 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/25/hodges-explained-why-peace-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/25878a5803.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Hodges explained why peace in Ukraine is in US interests #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/_MXqmQ48BCY&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Romania detects 2 drone incursions during large-scale Russian attack on Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/25/romania-detects-drone-incursions-during.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 25 Nov 2025 09:33:35 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/25/romania-detects-drone-incursions-during.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/moldova.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Romania detects 2 drone incursions during large-scale Russian attack on Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Romania, a NATO and EU member state located just below Ukraine, reported that it detected two drone incursions this morning.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/a-russian-drone-allegedly-crosses-into-romania-amid-russias-latest-mass-attack-ukraines-air-force-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>US holding secret Ukraine-Russia peace talks in Abu Dhabi, FT reports</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/25/us-holding-secret-ukrainerussia-peace.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 25 Nov 2025 08:38:39 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/25/us-holding-secret-ukrainerussia-peace.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/810ec9b063.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;US holding secret Ukraine-Russia peace talks in Abu Dhabi, FT reports&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll traveled to Abu Dhabi on Nov. 24 for negotiations with Kyrylo Budanov, Ukraine&#39;s military intelligence chief, and a Russian delegation, the Financial Times (FT) reported.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/us-holding-secret-ukraine-russia-peace-talks-in-abu-dhabi-ft-reports/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Terrifying night in Kyiv: consequences of the Russian attack #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/25/terrifying-night-in-kyiv-consequences.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 25 Nov 2025 08:26:57 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/25/terrifying-night-in-kyiv-consequences.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/c784d09c0c.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Terrifying night in Kyiv: consequences of the Russian attack #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/mm2mdcqW2qk&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Trump&#39;s peace plan undermines European security, experts warn</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/25/trumps-peace-plan-undermines-european.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 25 Nov 2025 07:58:57 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/25/trumps-peace-plan-undermines-european.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/ze-trump-2.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Trump&#39;s peace plan undermines European security, experts warn&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan for ending Russia’s war has been criticized as effectively imposing the Kremlin’s terms for Ukraine’s surrender.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;But the plan also poses a direct threat to Europe&#39;s security architecture, analysts and diplomats believe. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The proposal&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/clearly-undermines-european-security-experts-warn-of-trumps-ukraine-peace-plans-global-fallout/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian drones target Russian military aircraft manufacturer in reported strikes</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/25/ukrainian-drones-target-russian-military.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 25 Nov 2025 04:44:11 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/25/ukrainian-drones-target-russian-military.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/taganrog.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian drones target Russian military aircraft manufacturer in reported strikes&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;In Taganrog, Rostov Oblast, a fire reportedly broke out at the Beriev Aircraft Company, which produces Russian amphibious seaplanes and the rare A-50 spy plane.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-drones-target-russian-military-aircraft-manufacturer-in-reported-strikes/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>US 28-point peace plan cut down after talks, new draft includes &#39;right elements,&#39; Zelensky says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/25/us-point-peace-plan-cut.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 25 Nov 2025 03:28:54 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/25/us-point-peace-plan-cut.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/e06bd8782e5bc957ff515d01d6b0edf4-1764017148-extra-large.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;US 28-point peace plan cut down after talks, new draft includes &#39;right elements,&#39; Zelensky says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The revised version is more aligned with Ukraine&#39;s position, but negotiating a final agreement is &#34;very difficult,&#34; President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Nov. 25.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/us-28-point-peace-plan-cut-down-after-talks-new-draft-includes-right-elements-zelensky-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>&amp;amp;quot;Russia will not fulfill the agreement without pressure&amp;amp;quot; – General Hodges #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/25/ampquotrussia-will-not-fulfill-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 25 Nov 2025 00:30:17 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/25/ampquotrussia-will-not-fulfill-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/903631cdba.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&amp;quot;Russia will not fulfill the agreement without pressure&amp;quot; – General Hodges #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/jCdFgSOwMFU&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Fires reported in Kyiv amid Russian drone, missile attack on Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/25/fires-reported-in-kyiv-amid.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 25 Nov 2025 00:24:48 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/25/fires-reported-in-kyiv-amid.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/f9646d65b8.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Fires reported in Kyiv amid Russian drone, missile attack on Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;In Pecherskyi district, several multistory residential buildings were damaged and caught fire, according to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko. Earlier, Kyiv Independent journalists reported drones in the neighborhood.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/explosions-heard-in-kyiv-as-russia-launches-ballistic-missiles-drones-toward-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Czech company accused of overcharging Ukraine for drones, media reports</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/25/czech-company-accused-of-overcharging.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 24 Nov 2025 23:48:32 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/25/czech-company-accused-of-overcharging.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-1241605826.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Czech company accused of overcharging Ukraine for drones, media reports&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;A Czech company has been accused of selling Chinese-made drones to Ukraine at steep markups — sometimes nearly 20 times the original price — and is under investigation for alleged tax evasion, Czech media reported on Nov. 24.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/czech-company-accused-of-overcharging-ukraine-for-drones-media-reports/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>URGENT! Ben Hodges on the US &amp;amp;quot;peace plan&amp;amp;quot;: Trump has leverage over Russia</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/25/urgent-ben-hodges-on-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 24 Nov 2025 23:30:08 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/25/urgent-ben-hodges-on-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/5b9ec98b21.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;URGENT! Ben Hodges on the US &amp;quot;peace plan&amp;quot;: Trump has leverage over Russia&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLhDfJtiQYY&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>RIGHT NOW! ZELENSKYY – on the talks in Geneva: Ukraine received a WORKING document</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/24/right-now-zelenskyy-on-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 24 Nov 2025 22:35:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/24/right-now-zelenskyy-on-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/291fbb969e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;RIGHT NOW! ZELENSKYY – on the talks in Geneva: Ukraine received a WORKING document&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syxr3XARr2g&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>POWERFUL statement by Zelenskyy: Ukraine will NEVER stand in the way of peace! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/24/powerful-statement-by-zelenskyy-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 24 Nov 2025 22:20:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/24/powerful-statement-by-zelenskyy-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/3cb3731b58.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;POWERFUL statement by Zelenskyy: Ukraine will NEVER stand in the way of peace! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/awDrvsDEgV8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>A BLOW to Russian money! US sanctions are working against the Kremlin #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/24/a-blow-to-russian-money.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 24 Nov 2025 22:00:03 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/24/a-blow-to-russian-money.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/158e5bec09.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;A BLOW to Russian money! US sanctions are working against the Kremlin #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/3uKudC6mbcM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian agencies deny preparing charges against head of Zelensky&#39;s faction, chief anti-graft prosecutor</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/24/ukrainian-agencies-deny-preparing-charges.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 24 Nov 2025 21:37:47 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/24/ukrainian-agencies-deny-preparing-charges.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/740855d625.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian agencies deny preparing charges against head of Zelensky&#39;s faction, chief anti-graft prosecutor&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The report comes amid speculation that the President&#39;s Office was allegedly preparing to retaliate against Klymenko and Arakhamia over their independent stances on a large-scale corruption scandal at state nuclear power monopoly Energoatom.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/law-enforcers-deny-preparing-charges-against-head-of-zelenskys-faction-chief-anti-graft-prosecutor/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>TRUMP SANCTIONS destroy the Kremlin: Finances in flames! Zelenskyy: &amp;amp;quot;Trump&#39;s team HEARS US&amp;amp;quot;!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/24/trump-sanctions-destroy-the-kremlin.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 24 Nov 2025 21:00:17 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/24/trump-sanctions-destroy-the-kremlin.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/052f3bb72f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;TRUMP SANCTIONS destroy the Kremlin: Finances in flames! Zelenskyy: &amp;quot;Trump&#39;s team HEARS US&amp;quot;!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXEhOt9UWcc&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>How Russia&#39;s propaganda machine weaponizes mobilization in Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/24/how-russias-propaganda-machine-weaponizes.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 24 Nov 2025 20:00:04 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/24/how-russias-propaganda-machine-weaponizes.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2144468823.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;How Russia&#39;s propaganda machine weaponizes mobilization in Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&#34;Ukraine has legalized shooting draft officers&#34; — this was the shocking claim that spread rapidly across Russian media in recent weeks.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Unsurprisingly for Russian sources of information, it was nowhere near the truth, and was instead designed to undermine Ukraine’s mobilization efforts, and spread chaos and&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/how-russia-weaponizes-mobilization-fears-in-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine reiterates its &#39;red lines&#39; amid speculations about military size, territory</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/24/ukraine-reiterates-its-red-lines.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 24 Nov 2025 19:44:21 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/24/ukraine-reiterates-its-red-lines.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/1c32bc59c3.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine reiterates its &#39;red lines&#39; amid speculations about military size, territory&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukraine remains ready for peace talks with Russia but will never legally recognize the Russian occupation or accept restrictions on its army size or alliances, Parliament Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-reiterates-its-red-lines-amid-discussions-on-military-size-territory/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>FOR THE FIRST TIME! Ukraine shoots down Mi-8 over RUSSIA using long-range FPV #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/24/for-the-first-time-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 24 Nov 2025 18:00:56 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/24/for-the-first-time-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/c3421da4a2.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;FOR THE FIRST TIME! Ukraine shoots down Mi-8 over RUSSIA using long-range FPV #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/TNxz_L5_yc8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Why Ukraine&#39;s nuclear sector is at the heart of Zelensky&#39;s biggest corruption scandal</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/24/why-ukraines-nuclear-sector-is.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 24 Nov 2025 18:00:31 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/24/why-ukraines-nuclear-sector-is.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-1659394059.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Why Ukraine&#39;s nuclear sector is at the heart of Zelensky&#39;s biggest corruption scandal&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;While Russian attacks pounded Ukraine’s power system, one energy company remained mostly unscathed — becoming the cash cow that fueled the largest corruption scheme of President Volodymyr Zelensky&#39;s presidency.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Earlier this month, Ukraine&#39;s &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/nabu/&#34;&gt;anti-corruption bureau&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; (NABU) &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/anti-corruption-agency-searches-home-of-zelensky-ally-mindich-as-he-reportedly-leaves-ukraine/&#34;&gt;raided&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; the homes of ex-Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/how-ukraines-nuclear-company-became-a-cesspit-of-corruption/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>FIRST TIME IN HISTORY! Ukraine learns to shoot down Russian aircraft ON THEIR OWN TERRITORY!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/24/first-time-in-history-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 24 Nov 2025 17:07:37 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/24/first-time-in-history-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/d58f6b36ba.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;FIRST TIME IN HISTORY! Ukraine learns to shoot down Russian aircraft ON THEIR OWN TERRITORY!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-05XDSk-44&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Kremlin rejects European counter-proposal to US peace plan for Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/24/kremlin-rejects-european-counterproposal-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 24 Nov 2025 16:42:30 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/24/kremlin-rejects-european-counterproposal-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/4fc36a1f58.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Kremlin rejects European counter-proposal to US peace plan for Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Kyiv&#39;s European partners reportedly pitched the plan as a counter-proposal to a 28-point document backed by the Trump administration, which was criticized for heavily favoring Russia.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/kremlin-rejects-european-counter-proposal-to-us-peace-plan/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russian attacks on Kharkiv region killed teenager, injured 5 people last week</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/24/russian-attacks-on-kharkiv-region.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 24 Nov 2025 15:42:39 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/24/russian-attacks-on-kharkiv-region.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width=&#34;2500&#34; height=&#34;1667&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/dsc7478-2.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Damaged house in Kharkiv after Russian attack on the city.&#34; decoding=&#34;async&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;UKRAINE, KHARKIV&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;strong&gt;OBLAST&lt;/strong&gt;, Nov. 24 — Last week, Russian forces attacked Kharkiv and at least 35 settlements of the Kharkiv oblast, &lt;a href=&#34;https://t.me/synegubov/18553&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;reported&lt;/a&gt; Oleh Syniehubov, the governor of the region.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;During this period, Russians killed five people, including a 17-year-old girl. They also injured 74 people, including five children.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In Kharkiv, Russian attacks damaged 17 apartment buildings, seven houses, power networks, a civilian business, 35 cars, two educational institutions, an emergency medical station, a supermarket, two trolleybuses, a non-residential building, and an administrative building.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In the Berestyn district, Russians damaged an apartment building, two houses, four administrative buildings, power networks, railway infrastructure, a shop, and a bus.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;In the Kupiansk district, Russian attacks damaged 12 houses, two outbuildings, an administrative building, and six cars.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Syniehubov said that units of the local State Emergency Services extinguished 25 fires caused by Russian attacks.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-heading&#34;&gt;Read more&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;ul data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-list&#34;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Russia &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/russia-attacks-kharkiv-with-15-kamikaze-drones-killing-4-injuring-17-including-children-photo/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;attacks&lt;/a&gt; Kharkiv with 15 kamikaze drones killing 4, injuring 17, including children (Photo)&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p data-sanitized-class=&#34;has-background&#34;&gt;Whatever awaits Ukraine in Russia’s war, our &lt;strong&gt;Kharkiv-based newsroom&lt;/strong&gt; plans to keep reporting on it. &lt;strong&gt;Please, support our journalism &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://buymeacoffee.com/gwaramedia/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;by buying us a coffee&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;strong&gt; or &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.patreon.com/c/gwaramedia&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;subscribing to our Patreon&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The post &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/russian-attacks-on-kharkiv-region-killed-teenager-injured-5-people-last-week/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;Russian attacks on Kharkiv region killed teenager, injured 5 people last week&lt;/a&gt; appeared first on &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;Gwara Media&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/russian-attacks-on-kharkiv-region-killed-teenager-injured-5-people-last-week/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine and the US have prepared an UPDATED framework document on PEACE: details #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/24/ukraine-and-the-us-have.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 24 Nov 2025 15:30:31 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/24/ukraine-and-the-us-have.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/68a535a48e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine and the US have prepared an UPDATED framework document on PEACE: details #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/PZUyxMqCHPk&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>EU in GENEVA: is the US PEACE plan ready? Night attack by Russia and new fake about Budanov!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/24/eu-in-geneva-is-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 24 Nov 2025 15:00:48 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/24/eu-in-geneva-is-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/a90a4e78e7.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;EU in GENEVA: is the US PEACE plan ready? Night attack by Russia and new fake about Budanov!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7qi8C64jyo&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine charges 4 Russians in absentia with war crimes for role in deadly missile strike on Kryvyi Rih playground</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/24/ukraine-charges-russians-in-absentia.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 24 Nov 2025 14:43:58 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/24/ukraine-charges-russians-in-absentia.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2209260811.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine charges 4 Russians in absentia with war crimes for role in deadly missile strike on Kryvyi Rih playground&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The April attack claimed the lives of 20 residents, including nine children.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-in-absentia-charges-four-russians-with-war-crimes-for-role-in-missile-strike-on-playground/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Poland charges another Ukrainian over suspected Russian-backed railway sabotage</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/24/poland-charges-another-ukrainian-over.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 24 Nov 2025 14:42:48 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/24/poland-charges-another-ukrainian-over.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2247104592.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Poland charges another Ukrainian over suspected Russian-backed railway sabotage&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Volodymyr B. was charged with assisting what Warsaw called an &#34;unprecedented act of sabotage,&#34; allegedly orchestrated by Russian intelligence.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/poland-charges-ukrainian-over-suspected-russian-backed-railway-sabotage/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest live: Ukrainian troops conduct operation in Pokrovsk direction, neutralize Russian forces, evacuate wounded</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/24/ukraine-war-latest-live-ukrainian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 24 Nov 2025 13:22:45 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/24/ukraine-war-latest-live-ukrainian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/screenshot-2025-11-24-at-13-41-12-1.png&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest live: Ukrainian troops conduct operation in Pokrovsk direction, neutralize Russian forces, evacuate wounded&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Live coverage of Russia’s war against Ukraine with breaking news and frontline updates, updated 4 times today. Ukrainian soldiers from the 3rd Special Operations Forces Regiment stormed Russian positions in the Pokrovsk direction in Donetsk Oblast, the Special Operations Forces Command reported on Nov. 24.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-update-2025-11-24/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>CRITICAL MOMENT! Zelenskyy explains what is needed to achieve PEACE #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/24/critical-moment-zelenskyy-explains-what.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 24 Nov 2025 13:12:09 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/24/critical-moment-zelenskyy-explains-what.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/42f5b4ec72.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;CRITICAL MOMENT! Zelenskyy explains what is needed to achieve PEACE #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ltaolDif4bw&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine&#39;s drones strike Russian chemical factory in Crimea, number of energy facilities &#39;blacked out&#39;</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/24/ukraines-drones-strike-russian-chemical.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 24 Nov 2025 10:43:53 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/24/ukraines-drones-strike-russian-chemical.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/screenshot-2025-11-24-at-11-26-44.png&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine&#39;s drones strike Russian chemical factory in Crimea, number of energy facilities &#39;blacked out&#39;&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Brom plant is a major manufacturer of bromine and related salts, the only one of its kind in Eastern Europe.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-strike-russian-chemical-factory-in-crimea-with-drone-fleet/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Zelensky may reportedly visit US this week to discuss peace plan with Trump</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/24/zelensky-may-reportedly-visit-us.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 24 Nov 2025 10:32:25 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/24/zelensky-may-reportedly-visit-us.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/8bfecff574.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky may reportedly visit US this week to discuss peace plan with Trump&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The possible visit would depend on the outcomes of the U.S.-Ukraine consultations in Geneva, according to CBS News.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-may-reportedly-visit-us-this-week-to-discuss-peace-with-trump/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>4 killed, 17 injured in Kharkiv amid Russian drone attack</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/24/killed-injured-in-kharkiv-amid.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 24 Nov 2025 01:44:22 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/24/killed-injured-in-kharkiv-amid.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/e4ad1abed6.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;4 killed, 17 injured in Kharkiv amid Russian drone attack&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russian forces launched a massive drone attack on Kharkiv on the evening of Nov. 23, killing at least four people and injuring at least 17, regional officials said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/4-killed-17-injured-in-kharkiv-amid-russian-drone-attack/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Drones paralyze European airports: provocations of the Russian Federation?   #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/24/drones-paralyze-european-airports-provocations.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 24 Nov 2025 00:01:12 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/24/drones-paralyze-european-airports-provocations.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/711a841507.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Drones paralyze European airports: provocations of the Russian Federation?   #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/uDiFNlgKVAw&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Putin’s plan for Ukrainian surrender does not serve American national interests</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/24/putins-plan-for-ukrainian-surrender.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 23 Nov 2025 23:25:11 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/24/putins-plan-for-ukrainian-surrender.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2229445780.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Putin’s plan for Ukrainian surrender does not serve American national interests&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ukrainians and their democratically elected leaders will have to assess how to deal with Putin’s latest 28-point proposal for Ukrainian surrender — sometimes referred to as “Trump’s peace plan.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It’s tricky because rejecting the plan entirely risks alienating President &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/donald-trump/&#34;&gt;Donald Trump&lt;/a&gt; and&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/putins-plan-for-ukrainian-surrender-does-not-serve-american-national-interests/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Trump &#39;quite pleased&#39; with Ukraine peace talks as Europe reportedly issues counterproposal to Russia</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/23/trump-quite-pleased-with-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 23 Nov 2025 22:50:22 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/23/trump-quite-pleased-with-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2247568739.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Trump &#39;quite pleased&#39; with Ukraine peace talks as Europe reportedly issues counterproposal to Russia&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;I think we all recognize that part of getting a final end to this war will require for Ukraine to feel that it is safe and it is never going to be invaded or attacked again,&#34; U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/trump-quite-pleased-with-ukraine-peace-talks-as-europe-reportedly-issues-counterproposal/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Stephen Moore: Russia tortures and kills Ukrainian Christians – 52 clergymen died! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/23/stephen-moore-russia-tortures-and.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 23 Nov 2025 22:30:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/23/stephen-moore-russia-tortures-and.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/c6ab57afed.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Stephen Moore: Russia tortures and kills Ukrainian Christians – 52 clergymen died! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Uy45VupxZW8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>The Russian Orthodox Church: A Propaganda Tool | Wrap-Up Analytics</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/23/the-russian-orthodox-church-a.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 23 Nov 2025 21:50:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/23/the-russian-orthodox-church-a.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/e7ae1e0cde.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;The Russian Orthodox Church: A Propaganda Tool | Wrap-Up Analytics&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWM4mRRHnEE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>We are working very carefully on the steps necessary to end the war, Zelenskyy said #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/23/we-are-working-very-carefully.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 23 Nov 2025 21:26:09 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/23/we-are-working-very-carefully.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/d54cfca570.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;We are working very carefully on the steps necessary to end the war, Zelenskyy said #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/98C7CHe-8Fg&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>❗️Rubio: &amp;amp;quot;Today we are much further than we were when we started.&amp;amp;quot; #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/23/rubio-ampquottoday-we-are-much.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 23 Nov 2025 21:12:41 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/23/rubio-ampquottoday-we-are-much.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/a7ce8a9488.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️Rubio: &amp;quot;Today we are much further than we were when we started.&amp;quot; #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/65CyBbabDCo&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russian military reportedly executes 5 Ukrainian POWs</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/23/russian-military-reportedly-executes-ukrainian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 23 Nov 2025 20:54:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/23/russian-military-reportedly-executes-ukrainian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/screenshot-2025-11-23-at-2-38-49-pm.png&#34; alt=&#34;Russian military reportedly executes 5 Ukrainian POWs&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Five Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) were executed by Russian soldiers, Ukrainian mapping and analytical organization DeepState reported on Nov. 22.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-military-reportedly-executes-5-ukrainian-pows/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Urgent: Marco Rubio speaks after talks in Geneva – key statements</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/23/urgent-marco-rubio-speaks-after.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 23 Nov 2025 20:47:54 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/23/urgent-marco-rubio-speaks-after.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/21a7dd456c.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Urgent: Marco Rubio speaks after talks in Geneva – key statements&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1j2cEE6tZZQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>THREAT OF A NEW WAR: Kremlin prepares for aggression against Europe | Special Report</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/23/threat-of-a-new-war.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 23 Nov 2025 20:15:03 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/23/threat-of-a-new-war.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/4d0c98c6e5.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;THREAT OF A NEW WAR: Kremlin prepares for aggression against Europe | Special Report&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSvwitGSsGY&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>IMPORTANT DECISIONS MADE! RESULTS of the meeting in GENEVA</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/23/important-decisions-made-results-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 23 Nov 2025 19:38:04 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/23/important-decisions-made-results-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/b65c2dfbeb.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;IMPORTANT DECISIONS MADE! RESULTS of the meeting in GENEVA&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HI24y5c0PxA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukraine war latest: Ukraine downs Russian Mi-8 helicopter with deep strike drone for first time, military claims</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/23/ukraine-war-latest-ukraine-downs.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 23 Nov 2025 19:37:30 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/23/ukraine-war-latest-ukraine-downs.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/20e7737324.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest: Ukraine downs Russian Mi-8 helicopter with deep strike drone for first time, military claims&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Key developments on Nov. 22-23.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Ukraine downs Russian Mi-8 helicopter with deep strike drone for first time, military claims&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Russia likely captured over 15 villages in Zaporizhzhia Oblast since September, OSINT group says&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Pro-Ukrainian partisans set locomotive ablaze in Russia&#39;s Rostov-on-Don, group claims&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Ukraine&#39;s military reportedly&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-ukraine-downs-russian-mi-8-helicopter-with-deep-strike-drone-for-first-time-military-claims/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>❗️&amp;amp;quot;We have made very good progress and are moving forward,&amp;amp;quot; ANDRII YERMAK #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/23/ampquotwe-have-made-very-good.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 23 Nov 2025 19:26:59 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/23/ampquotwe-have-made-very-good.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/a0f54b5f9c.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️&amp;quot;We have made very good progress and are moving forward,&amp;quot; ANDRII YERMAK #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/3Hwib03-5cE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>❗️MARCO RUBIO from Geneva: &amp;amp;quot;This is the most productive and meaningful meeting.&amp;amp;quot; #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/23/marco-rubio-from-geneva-ampquotthis.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 23 Nov 2025 19:25:56 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/23/marco-rubio-from-geneva-ampquotthis.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/ff1c3b63a5.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️MARCO RUBIO from Geneva: &amp;quot;This is the most productive and meaningful meeting.&amp;quot; #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/B3lUFqVUdtM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Don’t get too excited about Ukraine’s big fighter jet deals just yet</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/23/dont-get-too-excited-about.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 23 Nov 2025 18:55:50 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/23/dont-get-too-excited-about.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/upd-gettyimages-2246565729.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Don’t get too excited about Ukraine’s big fighter jet deals just yet&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;President Volodymyr Zelensky’s recent announcements of long-term fighter jet deals with European allies presents an enticing vision of Ukraine’s future airpower — a fleet of hundreds of modern aircraft ready to defend the country&#39;s skies.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;But that vision clashes with the country’s&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-big-fighter-jet-deals-explained/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Secretive US-Russia peace negotiations on Ukraine left out key White House officials, Bloomberg reports</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/23/secretive-usrussia-peace-negotiations-on.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 23 Nov 2025 18:35:41 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/23/secretive-usrussia-peace-negotiations-on.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/ae9c9df666.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Secretive US-Russia peace negotiations on Ukraine left out key White House officials, Bloomberg reports&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Secretive talks between the U.S. and Russia left out key White House officials and have been ongoing for weeks, Bloomberg reported on Nov. 23.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/secretive-us-russia-peace-negotiations-to-end-left-out-key-white-house-officials-bloomberg-reports/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Geneva becomes the center of peace: what is in the plan of the United States? #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/23/geneva-becomes-the-center-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 23 Nov 2025 16:41:51 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/23/geneva-becomes-the-center-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/157a39dcac.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Geneva becomes the center of peace: what is in the plan of the United States? #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/-R3WxyT_UxA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Trump&#39;s new push for peace deal – what&#39;s different this time | Ukraine This Week</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/23/trumps-new-push-for-peace.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 23 Nov 2025 16:39:19 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/23/trumps-new-push-for-peace.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/utw-23-11-1-4-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Trump&#39;s new push for peace deal – what&#39;s different this time | Ukraine This Week&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;In the latest episode of Ukraine This Week, The Kyiv Independent’s Anna Belokur reports on the devastating Russian strike on the western Ukrainian city of Ternopil, which killed 33 people, including six children.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/trumps-new-push-for-peace-deal-whats-different-this-time-ukraine-this-week/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine says US considers Kyiv’s priorities amid peace talks in Geneva as Trump rants about Ukraine, Europe</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/23/ukraine-says-us-considers-kyivs.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 23 Nov 2025 16:38:57 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/23/ukraine-says-us-considers-kyivs.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2149631469.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine says US considers Kyiv’s priorities amid peace talks in Geneva as Trump rants about Ukraine, Europe&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;A Ukrainian delegation in Geneva, Switzerland, is working on a &#34;workable solution&#34; for ending Russia&#39;s war, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a Telegram post on Nov. 23.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-says-us-considers-kyivs-priorities-amid-peace-talks-in-geneva-as-trump-rants-about-ukraine-europe/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>IMPORTANT! MEETING of delegations from Ukraine, the EU, and the US IN GENEVA – TALKS on a PEACE PLAN</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/23/important-meeting-of-delegations-from.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 23 Nov 2025 15:20:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/23/important-meeting-of-delegations-from.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/4ff97c8b9a.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;IMPORTANT! MEETING of delegations from Ukraine, the EU, and the US IN GENEVA – TALKS on a PEACE PLAN&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1rv16_qslc&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian army on &#39;search and destroy&#39; missions to clear Russians from central Pokrovsk</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/23/ukrainian-army-on-search-and.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 23 Nov 2025 14:58:58 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/23/ukrainian-army-on-search-and.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/67482e94d1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian army on &#39;search and destroy&#39; missions to clear Russians from central Pokrovsk&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;According to the Airborne Assault Forces, Ukraine has killed 388 Russian soldiers in the city and wounded another 87 since the beginning of November.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-army-on-search-and-destroy-missions-to-clear-russians-from-central-pokrovsk/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>&#39;Outrage against human decency&#39; – European MPs warn Trump against appeasing Russia in new open letter</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/23/outrage-against-human-decency-european.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 23 Nov 2025 14:16:21 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/23/outrage-against-human-decency-european.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2229442879-612x612.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;Outrage against human decency&#39; – European MPs warn Trump against appeasing Russia in new open letter&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The 47 signatories include parliamentarians from countries ranging from Ireland to North Macedonia.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/outrage-against-human-decency-european-mps-caution-trump-against-appeasing-russia-in-new-open-letter/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>At least 6 killed, 36 injured in Russian attacks across Ukraine over past day</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/23/at-least-killed-injured-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 23 Nov 2025 13:00:52 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/23/at-least-killed-injured-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/photo-2025-11-23-14-05-43.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;At least 6 killed, 36 injured in Russian attacks across Ukraine over past day&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Overnight, Russian forces launched 98 drones at Ukraine, including around 60 Shaheds, Ukraine&#39;s Air Force reported.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/at-least-6-killed-36-injured-in-russian-attacks-across-ukraine-over-past-day/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine&#39;s military reportedly strikes power plant in Moscow Oblast</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/23/ukraines-military-reportedly-strikes-power.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 23 Nov 2025 05:58:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/23/ukraines-military-reportedly-strikes-power.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/screenshot-2025-11-22-235408.png&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine&#39;s military reportedly strikes power plant in Moscow Oblast&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukraine&#39;s military reportedly struck the Shatura Thermal Power Plant in Moscow Oblast overnight on Nov. 23, Russian Telegram media channels reported.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-military-strikes-power-plant-in-moscow-oblast/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Pro-Ukrainian partisans set locomotive ablaze in Russia&#39;s Rostov-on-Don, group claims</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/23/proukrainian-partisans-set-locomotive-ablaze.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 23 Nov 2025 05:29:39 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/23/proukrainian-partisans-set-locomotive-ablaze.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/screenshot-2025-11-22-232225.png&#34; alt=&#34;Pro-Ukrainian partisans set locomotive ablaze in Russia&#39;s Rostov-on-Don, group claims&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Members of the pro-Ukrainian partisan group Atesh sabotaged an electric locomotive allegedly used for transporting military cargo in the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don, Atesh claimed on Nov. 23.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/pro-ukrainian-partisans-set-ablaze-locomotive-in-russias-rostov-on-don-group-claims/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Rubio facing scrutiny after telling US senators that 28-point plan is a Russian proposal passed along to Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/23/rubio-facing-scrutiny-after-telling.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 23 Nov 2025 03:38:23 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/23/rubio-facing-scrutiny-after-telling.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2241879047.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Rubio facing scrutiny after telling US senators that 28-point plan is a Russian proposal passed along to Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The U.S. bipartisan Senate delegation attending the Halifax International Security Forum had received a phone call from Secretary of State Marco Rubio.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In it, Rubio was quite frank.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;According to Republican Senator Mike Rounds, Rubio told senators that the &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/28-points-later-why-trumps-latest-peace-plan-for-ukraine-is-different/&#34;&gt;28-point peace plan&lt;/a&gt; drawn up by Special Envoy &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/exclusive-is-trump-envoy-working-with-russia-witkoff-runs-operation-to-sideline-pro-ukraine-officials-inside-white-house/&#34;&gt;Steve Witkoff&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/state-secretary-rubio-in-the-hot-seat-after-telling-senators-the-28-points-is-a-russian-plan-us-is-passing-along/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>“A plan dictated by Putin?” – a new wave of media manipulation #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/23/a-plan-dictated-by-putin.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 22 Nov 2025 23:00:19 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/23/a-plan-dictated-by-putin.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/614a8c5c3f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;“A plan dictated by Putin?” – a new wave of media manipulation #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/GfafDBtfN2g&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>The US peace plan is incomplete – How will Ukraine and its allies finalize it? | Explainer</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/22/the-us-peace-plan-is.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 22 Nov 2025 22:30:36 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/22/the-us-peace-plan-is.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/9c2f94d5d7.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;The US peace plan is incomplete – How will Ukraine and its allies finalize it? | Explainer&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgknCRP5pgs&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Netherlands opens fire on suspicious drones near air base housing US nuclear weapons</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/22/netherlands-opens-fire-on-suspicious.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 22 Nov 2025 22:09:24 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/22/netherlands-opens-fire-on-suspicious.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-1241627530.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Netherlands opens fire on suspicious drones near air base housing US nuclear weapons&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The drones were spotted above the Volkel Air Base overnight, Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans said on Nov. 22. The drones flew away after weapons were deployed and an investigation is underway.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/netherlands-opens-fire-on-suspicious-drones-near-air-base-housing-us-nuclear-weapons/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine downs Russian Mi-8 helicopter with deep strike drone for first time, military claims</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/22/ukraine-downs-russian-mi-helicopter.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 22 Nov 2025 21:14:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/22/ukraine-downs-russian-mi-helicopter.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/4ee668509c.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine downs Russian Mi-8 helicopter with deep strike drone for first time, military claims&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;We are changing the rules of the game: now we are hunting,&#34; Ukraine&#39;s Special Operations Forces said on Nov. 22. The Mi-8 was allegedly downed over Russia&#39;s Rostov Oblast.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-downs-russian-mi-8-helicopter-with-deep-strike-drone-for-first-time-military-claims/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>💥 Russia strikes supermarket in Zaporizhzhia – 5 injured! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/22/russia-strikes-supermarket-in-zaporizhzhia.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 22 Nov 2025 20:57:40 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/22/russia-strikes-supermarket-in-zaporizhzhia.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/1a72f775ee.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;💥 Russia strikes supermarket in Zaporizhzhia – 5 injured! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/-9vuPUR0bTc&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>A child from Poland died in Ternopil – Tusk appealed to the world #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/22/a-child-from-poland-died.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 22 Nov 2025 20:30:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/22/a-child-from-poland-died.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/bc49ee8981.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;A child from Poland died in Ternopil – Tusk appealed to the world #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/kt2uwyHZV3I&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>CONSULTATIONS WITH THE US! Dialogue with partners on ACHIEVING THE PEACE PLAN</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/22/consultations-with-the-us-dialogue.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 22 Nov 2025 20:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/22/consultations-with-the-us-dialogue.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/810daebb1a.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;CONSULTATIONS WITH THE US! Dialogue with partners on ACHIEVING THE PEACE PLAN&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4guEkMZBew&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Putin flaunts his “doomsday weapon”  #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/22/putin-flaunts-his-doomsday-weapon.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 22 Nov 2025 19:30:30 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/22/putin-flaunts-his-doomsday-weapon.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/6c47e67a8e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Putin flaunts his “doomsday weapon”  #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Dx9WzqVLqvY&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Family Album: Stories of Hope and Resilience in Ukraine – documentary Film</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/22/family-album-stories-of-hope.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 22 Nov 2025 19:10:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/22/family-album-stories-of-hope.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/25286f014a.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Family Album: Stories of Hope and Resilience in Ukraine – documentary Film&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNnldze9SgQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Trump says new US peace plan not &#39;final offer&#39; to Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/22/trump-says-new-us-peace.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 22 Nov 2025 19:08:05 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/22/trump-says-new-us-peace.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2247361197.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Trump says new US peace plan not &#39;final offer&#39; to Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;If President Volodymyr Zelensky refuses to accept the terms of the 28-point-plan, &#34;then he can continue to fight his little heart out,&#34; Trump added.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/trump-says-new-us-peace-plan-not-final-offer-to-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>THE ENEMY IS ATTACKING, BUT IN VAIN! Support for Ukraine is growing stronger | Front News</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/22/the-enemy-is-attacking-but.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 22 Nov 2025 18:02:12 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/22/the-enemy-is-attacking-but.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/314a976562.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;THE ENEMY IS ATTACKING, BUT IN VAIN! Support for Ukraine is growing stronger | Front News&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYxbZBv9RFI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>When superpowers break the rules</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/22/when-superpowers-break-the-rules.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 22 Nov 2025 16:40:15 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/22/when-superpowers-break-the-rules.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-1238175215-1678732301i18kx.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;When superpowers break the rules&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Manifest expansionist ambitions of the three most powerful countries in the world — China, the United States, and Russia — are undermining the current world order.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Since its founding, the People&#39;s Republic has expressed interest in Taiwan; Beijing may now be on the verge of attempting to conquer&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/will-smaller-powers-acquire-weapons-of-mass-destruction/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>G20 leaders say Trump&#39;s Ukraine peace deal has &#39;important elements&#39; but needs &#39;additional work&#39;</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/22/g-leaders-say-trumps-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 22 Nov 2025 16:17:44 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/22/g-leaders-say-trumps-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2247343587.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;G20 leaders say Trump&#39;s Ukraine peace deal has &#39;important elements&#39; but needs &#39;additional work&#39;&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;We welcome the continued US efforts to bring peace to Ukraine,&#34; the leaders of the European Union, the U.K., France, Germany, Canada, Japan, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Poland, Norway, and Finland said in a statement after meeting on the sidelines of a G20 summit.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/western-leaders-say-trumps-peace-plan-has-important-elements-but-needs-additional-work/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Our representatives know what to do to prevent the third invasion of Russia, – Zelenskyy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/22/our-representatives-know-what-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 22 Nov 2025 15:43:15 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/22/our-representatives-know-what-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/530a82587c.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Our representatives know what to do to prevent the third invasion of Russia, – Zelenskyy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/t9W2upXnNzM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>WATCH NOW: Why Ukraine and Europe are rejecting Russia&#39;s &amp;amp;quot;peace plan&amp;amp;quot;</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/22/watch-now-why-ukraine-and.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 22 Nov 2025 15:32:37 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/22/watch-now-why-ukraine-and.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/f31477a88e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;WATCH NOW: Why Ukraine and Europe are rejecting Russia&#39;s &amp;quot;peace plan&amp;quot;&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQHtYQRmIQo&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Has TRUMP set a DEADLINE FOR URKAINE? Congress demands MORE SANCTIONS against RUSSIA</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/22/has-trump-set-a-deadline.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 22 Nov 2025 15:30:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/22/has-trump-set-a-deadline.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/6d76327e3d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Has TRUMP set a DEADLINE FOR URKAINE? Congress demands MORE SANCTIONS against RUSSIA&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQRcboEsNoc&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>How Steve Witkoff pushed Ukraine sympathizers out of White House, and led the US into Russia&#39;s arms</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/22/how-steve-witkoff-pushed-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 22 Nov 2025 15:19:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/22/how-steve-witkoff-pushed-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2228050413.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;How Steve Witkoff pushed Ukraine sympathizers out of White House, and led the US into Russia&#39;s arms&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is running a shadow operation inside the White House in an effort to sideline pro-Ukraine officials, the Kyiv Independent has learned.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Witkoff — a real estate mogul with no diplomatic background before his appointment — has emerged as one of the central architects of&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/exclusive-is-trump-envoy-working-with-russia-witkoff-runs-operation-to-sideline-pro-ukraine-officials-inside-white-house/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Lukashenko pardons 31 Ukrainian citizens held in Belarus</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/22/lukashenko-pardons-ukrainian-citizens-held.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 22 Nov 2025 15:01:36 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/22/lukashenko-pardons-ukrainian-citizens-held.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/745ff6e1d4.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Lukashenko pardons 31 Ukrainian citizens held in Belarus&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The decision was made following an agreement reached by Lukashenko with U.S. President Donald Trump, at Ukraine&#39;s request.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/lukashenko-pardons-31-ukrainian-citizens-held-in-belarus/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Zelenskyy: Millions of Ukrainians once starved – now we defend against Russia again  #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/22/zelenskyy-millions-of-ukrainians-once.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 22 Nov 2025 14:27:20 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/22/zelenskyy-millions-of-ukrainians-once.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/b3014441c1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelenskyy: Millions of Ukrainians once starved – now we defend against Russia again  #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/BVQYCGkgvxo&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>The story behind the Kyiv Independent</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/22/the-story-behind-the-kyiv.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 22 Nov 2025 14:00:56 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/22/the-story-behind-the-kyiv.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/img-9818.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;The story behind the Kyiv Independent&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Independent journalism is never easy, especially in wartime. The Kyiv Independent keeps reporting from Ukraine freely, without paywalls, billionaires, or compromise — thanks to our community. Now, we’re aiming for 25,000 members before 2025 ends to strengthen our newsroom and expand coverage where it’s needed most.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/what-it-takes-to-tell-the-truth-in-wartime-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>US-Ukraine &#39;consultations&#39; on Trump&#39;s peace deal to begin in Switzerland &#39;in coming days,&#39; Umerov says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/22/usukraine-consultations-on-trumps-peace.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 22 Nov 2025 13:26:17 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/22/usukraine-consultations-on-trumps-peace.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/a50e71b414.webp&#34; alt=&#34;US-Ukraine &#39;consultations&#39; on Trump&#39;s peace deal to begin in Switzerland &#39;in coming days,&#39; Umerov says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Nine Ukrainian officials, including Andriy Yermak, Head of the President&#39;s Office, and Kyrylo Budanov, the country&#39;s military intelligence chief, are set to attend the meeting, according to a presidential decree published on November 22.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/u-s-ukraine-consultations-on-peace-proposal-to-begin-in-switzerland-in-coming-days-umerov-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>&#39;Rewarding Russian butchery&#39; — US lawmakers rail against Trump&#39;s Ukraine peace deal</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/22/rewarding-russian-butchery-us-lawmakers.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 22 Nov 2025 12:53:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/22/rewarding-russian-butchery-us-lawmakers.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2247249605.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;Rewarding Russian butchery&#39; — US lawmakers rail against Trump&#39;s Ukraine peace deal&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;Rewarding Russian butchery would be disastrous to America’s interests,&#34; U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/rewarding-russian-butchery-us-politicians-warn-trumps-peace-proposal-undermines-western-security/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia likely captured over 15 villages in Zaporizhzhia Oblast since September, OSINT group says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/22/russia-likely-captured-over-villages.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 22 Nov 2025 10:03:23 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/22/russia-likely-captured-over-villages.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2246720777.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia likely captured over 15 villages in Zaporizhzhia Oblast since September, OSINT group says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Russian advance in Zaporizhzhia Oblast comes as Russian troops also intensify their offensives in other hot spots of the war.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-likely-captured-over-15-villages-in-zaporizhzhia-oblast-since-september-osint-group-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>At least 1 killed, 13 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine over past day</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/22/at-least-killed-injured-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 22 Nov 2025 09:47:20 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/22/at-least-killed-injured-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2246236841.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;At least 1 killed, 13 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine over past day&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russian troops launched one ballistic missile and 104 Shahed-type drones at Ukraine overnight, the Air Force reported on Nov. 22.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/at-least-1-killed-13-injured-in-russian-attacks-on-ukraine-over-past-day/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Zelensky appears to hold on to embattled chief of staff Yermak, faces weakened grip on parliament as a result</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/21/zelensky-appears-to-hold-on.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 21 Nov 2025 03:23:05 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/21/zelensky-appears-to-hold-on.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/upd-gettyimages-2236959811.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky appears to hold on to embattled chief of staff Yermak, faces weakened grip on parliament as a result&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Volodymyr Zelensky&#39;s hold over parliament has apparently weakened following a major &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/explainer-who-is-implicated-in-ukraines-biggest-ongoing-corruption-case-and-what-are-they-accused-of&#34;&gt;corruption scandal&lt;/a&gt; that hit close to the president.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The president&#39;s meeting with his parliamentary faction on Nov. 20, which could have gone either way, ended up without any result, according to lawmakers present at the&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-appears-to-keep-tainted-chief-of-staff-yermak-in-place-faces-weakened-grip-on-parliament-as-a-result/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>❗️Putin wants humiliation, not negotiations – new “terms” shock even Trump&#39;s allies – Jonathan Fink</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/21/putin-wants-humiliation-not-negotiations.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 21 Nov 2025 00:01:30 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/21/putin-wants-humiliation-not-negotiations.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/6aa541d574.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️Putin wants humiliation, not negotiations – new “terms” shock even Trump&#39;s allies – Jonathan Fink&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/xbiXejKNIuc&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Witkoff&#39;s plan: how did the Kremlin lure the US into a &amp;quot;peace&amp;quot; trap for Ukraine? A complete analysis</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/21/witkoffs-plan-how-did-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2025 23:12:30 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/21/witkoffs-plan-how-did-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/9af14c76ad.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Witkoff&#39;s plan: how did the Kremlin lure the US into a &amp;quot;peace&amp;quot; trap for Ukraine? A complete analysis&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFsIzQBXezk&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>❗️America&#39;s strength and support can bring real peace closer, says Zelenskyy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/20/americas-strength-and-support-can.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2025 22:39:30 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/20/americas-strength-and-support-can.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/2a15de33d3.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️America&#39;s strength and support can bring real peace closer, says Zelenskyy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/cB4hb7N5o2A&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>&#39;Cheap provocations&#39; — Ukraine denies Russia&#39;s claim that it has captured Kupiansk, as fighting continues</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/20/cheap-provocations-ukraine-denies-russias.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2025 22:21:24 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/20/cheap-provocations-ukraine-denies-russias.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/40881a519a.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;Cheap provocations&#39; — Ukraine denies Russia&#39;s claim that it has captured Kupiansk, as fighting continues&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukraine&#39;s General Staff denied claims made by the chief of the General Staff of the Russian army, Valery Gerasimov, that Russian forces have captured the city of Kupiansk on Nov. 20.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/cheap-provocations-ukraine-denies-russias-claim-that-it-has-captured-kupiansk-as-fighting-remains-ongoing/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>The hottest areas on the front line: Pokrovsk, Kostiantynivka, Lyman  #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/20/the-hottest-areas-on-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2025 21:30:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/20/the-hottest-areas-on-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/4fb900cedd.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;The hottest areas on the front line: Pokrovsk, Kostiantynivka, Lyman  #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/L9tKOf-FjlM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>SCANDALOUS peace plan by the US and Russia! Both parties in Congress DID NOT support it</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/20/scandalous-peace-plan-by-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2025 21:00:46 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/20/scandalous-peace-plan-by-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/61c671b774.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;SCANDALOUS peace plan by the US and Russia! Both parties in Congress DID NOT support it&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huGb5pd8Kbo&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Kyiv wants to resume diplomacy: betting on the role of Turkey and the US #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/20/kyiv-wants-to-resume-diplomacy.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2025 20:30:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/20/kyiv-wants-to-resume-diplomacy.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/5928316ab9.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Kyiv wants to resume diplomacy: betting on the role of Turkey and the US #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/7_9-F0W8vPE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Fact Check: NO EVIDENCE Zelenskyy Invested $500 Million, $1.5 Billion &#39;Of His Own Money&#39; In Ski Resort In Western Ukraine -- Project&#39;s Developer Denies His Involvement</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/20/fact-check-no-evidence-zelenskyy.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2025 20:20:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/20/fact-check-no-evidence-zelenskyy.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;Did President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy invest $500 million or $1.5 billion &#34;of his own money&#34; in &#34;a ski resort in Western Ukraine&#34;? No, that&#39;s not true: Publicly known figures were misattributed. Talking to Lead Stories, the project&#39;s developer denied not only Zelenskyy&#39;s participation but also the presence of any direct government funding. Investment firm BlackRock, named in social media posts as one of the key investors, denied any involvement, too. Lead Stories found no credible sources linking Zelenskyy&#39;s personal money to the Ukrainian ski resort project.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The claim appeared in &lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/i/status/1990715101893013724&#34;&gt;a post&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20251119200937/https://x.com/ABridgen/status/1990715101893013724&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a href=&#34;https://ghostarchive.org/Z6QoX&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) published on X on November 18, 2025. It opened:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;Zelenskyy invests $500 million &#39;of his own money&#39;! In a ski resort in Western Ukraine . Where do you think this has come from? His co- investors are &#39;surprise surprise&#39; Blackrock and JP Morgan.&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A banner seen in the first frame of the 1-minute video shared in the post read:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Zelensky&#39;s Building a $1.5 Billion Ski Resort.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This is what the thumbnail from the clip looked like on X at the time of writing:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://leadstories.com/ea61ccbe3ee798688a5bbb56726512a3f070fcb3.png&#34;&gt;&lt;img alt=&#34;image (78).png&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/ea61ccbe3ee798688a5bbb56726512a3f070fcb3-thumb-900x1089-3173429.png&#34; width=&#34;900&#34; height=&#34;1089&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;mt-image-none&#34;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Source: Lead Stories screenshot of post at x.com/ABridgen)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The voice-over in the video narrated:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Breaking news. Zelenskyy is building a massive $1.5 billion mountain resort, and yes, the rumors are true. The resort will feature 41 ski slopes, 25 hotels and over 5000 rooms. Construction started last October, and new reports confirm it&#39;s being funded by one of Zelenskyy&#39;s own companies. He&#39;s reportedly invested $500 million of his own money and is getting major financial backing from BlackRock. This project is part of BlackRock and JP Morgan&#39;s $15 billion investment plan for Ukraine. A chunk of that money is going into this luxury resort, complete with state-of-the-art gondolas, ski lifts and facilities that will double as a summer hiking and adventure park. To put things in perspective, $1.5 billion is roughly what Ukraine receives every month in foreign aid. Yet, Zelenskyy is personally pouring in half a billion dollars of his own. So the big question is, where did that money come from? Zelenskyy, along with two of the world&#39;s biggest financial giants, BlackRock and JP Morgan, will be in full control of this project. Next time Zelensky asks for more aid money, maybe someone should ask.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;On November 19, 2025, however, BlackRock representative &lt;span&gt;Marc &lt;span&gt;Bubeck told Lead Stories via email: &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;div dir=&#34;ltr&#34;&gt;The claim that BlackRock is involved in this alleged project is false.&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;On the &lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/BlackRockFact/status/1990875312742089046?s=20&#34;&gt;company&#39;s corporate account on X&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20251119202054/https://pbs.twimg.com/media/G6ECirRXEAIloiW.jpg?name=orig&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;), BlackRock additionally pointed out that it was not the first time the same account on X spread unsubstantiated rumors about the firm.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The description of the project from the post on X, reviewed in this fact check, appeared to match the description of &lt;a href=&#34;https://gororesort.com/en.html&#34;&gt;GORO Mountain Resort&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20251119203357/https://gororesort.com/en.html&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;), which is planned to be completed over the course of 15 years in the &lt;span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span jscontroller=&#34;VhkxAe&#34; jsuid=&#34;Rgvq3_f&#34; data-processed=&#34;true&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;Yjhzub&#34;&gt;Carpathian Mountains near the city of Lviv in Western Ukraine. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span jscontroller=&#34;VhkxAe&#34; jsuid=&#34;Rgvq3_f&#34; data-processed=&#34;true&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;Yjhzub&#34;&gt;The future resort is being developed by OKKO Group, whose &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.okko-group.com.ua/en/companies/goro-mountain-resort&#34;&gt;website&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20251119203627/https://www.okko-group.com.ua/en/companies/goro-mountain-resort&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;) clearly reads: &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The total investment in GORO Mountain Resort is estimated about $1.5 billion. Of this amount, OKKO Group plans to invest $500 million from its own and credit funds, and another $1 billion will be raised from other investors.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;OKKO Group in GORO Mountain Resort acts as the sole owner, major investor, master developer, developer and operator to ensure the harmonious development and holistic concept of the all-season recreational project.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;p&gt;On November 19, 2025, the GORO Mountain Resort c&lt;span&gt;ommunication team replied to a Lead Stories inquiry via email, refuting the claim. It read: &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;div&gt;President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is not involved, either personally or through any affiliated company, in the financing, ownership, or management of the GORO Mountain Resort Project. Furthermore, this is a fully private-sector initiative and is not funded by the Ukrainian government.&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;Claims regarding the involvement of BlackRock or JP Morgan are false. These institutions are not investors, partners, or advisors to the GORO in any form.&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;div&gt;The Goro Mountain Resort communication team further clarified the resort&#39;s status as a project &#34;officially recognized by the Government of Ukraine as an investment project of national importance&#34;, a designation granted by the nation&#39;s Ministry of Economy. The GORO team&#39;s email continued:&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;div&gt;While no direct government funding is involved, the status offers access to several institutional support mechanisms. ​​The state program for supporting projects with significant investments provides for exemption from corporate income tax for 5 years after the project launch, duty-free import of new equipment necessary for implementation, compensation for connection to engineering infrastructure, and priority access to land plots required for the project. This is not financial support, but rather official recognition of the project&#39;s strategic value to the regional economy and national tourism development.&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://en.thepage.ua/dossier/okko-group&#34;&gt;OKKO Group&lt;/a&gt; (archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20251119213842/https://en.thepage.ua/dossier/okko-group&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;), which started construction of the project in the fall of 2024, started as a &lt;span&gt;petroleum product retailer founded by Vitaly Antonov. In 2021, Forbes &lt;a href=&#34;https://forbes.ua/profile/vitaliy-antonov-31&#34;&gt;ranked&lt;/a&gt; (&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;archived &lt;a href=&#34;https://web.archive.org/web/20251119210047/https://forbes.ua/profile/vitaliy-antonov-31&#34;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;) him #27 on the list of the richest Ukrainians.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;span&gt;Since the February 2022 Russia&#39;s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Lead Stories has debunked numerous speculations implying that Zelenskyy personally benefited from the Western aid to Ukraine, either starting high-profile businesses or indulging in a luxurious lifestyle. As previously reported by Lead Stories, the list of assets that the Ukrainian president did not buy included a &lt;a href=&#34;https://leadstories.com/hoax-alert/2025/03/fact-check-zelenskyy-did-not-buy-french-bank-milleis-via-maltex-in-february-2025.html&#34;&gt;French bank&lt;/a&gt;, &#34;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://leadstories.com/hoax-alert/2024/12/fact-check-zelenskyy-did-not-buy-88-million-euro-hotel-in-courchevel.html&#34;&gt;€88 million hote&lt;/a&gt;l&#34;,&#34;&lt;a href=&#34;https://leadstories.com/hoax-alert/2024/06/fact-check-no-evidence-that-zelenskyy-bought-200-million-dollar-casino-resort-in-cyprus.html&#34;&gt;$200 million casino resort in Cyprus&lt;/a&gt;&#34;, &lt;a href=&#34;https://leadstories.com/hoax-alert/2024/08/fact-check-public-records-do-not-confirm-zelenskyy-bought-italian-villa-from-sting.html&#34;&gt;Sting&#39;s villa&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&#34;https://leadstories.com/hoax-alert/2024/04/fact-check-no-evidence-zelenskyy-has-bought-highgrove-house-from-britains-king-charles-iii.html&#34;&gt;mansion of King Charles III&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&#34;https://leadstories.com/hoax-alert/2025/02/fact-check-zelenskyy-did-not-spend-14-2-million-euros-to-buy-legendary-eagles-nest-previously-owned-by-hitler.html&#34;&gt;building previously owned by Adolf Hitler&lt;/a&gt; or &lt;a href=&#34;https://leadstories.com/hoax-alert/2024/10/fact-check-fake-photo-shows-hitlers-mercedes-in-front-of-zelenskyys-office.html&#34;&gt;Hitler&#39;s Mercedes&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://hoax-alert.leadstories.com/2025/11/fact-check-no-evidence-zelenskyy-invested-500-million-or-1.5-billion-dollars-of-his-own-money-in-ski-resort-in-western-ukraine.html&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>🇺🇸Zelenskyy met with US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll in Kyiv! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/20/zelenskyy-met-with-us-army.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2025 20:15:37 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/20/zelenskyy-met-with-us-army.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/da444cf7a9.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🇺🇸Zelenskyy met with US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll in Kyiv! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/9ZcLeVZSd0c&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>THE FRONT LINE IS ON FIRE! The enemy is pressing – Ukrainian defenses are HOLDING OUT TO THE LAST</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/20/the-front-line-is-on.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2025 20:02:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/20/the-front-line-is-on.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/32aa735f4d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;THE FRONT LINE IS ON FIRE! The enemy is pressing – Ukrainian defenses are HOLDING OUT TO THE LAST&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLkMoAbEjHM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Renewed talks in Istanbul? The Kremlin is on the brink, but still refuses peace | Explainer</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/20/renewed-talks-in-istanbul-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2025 19:33:43 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/20/renewed-talks-in-istanbul-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/e6c37be493.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Renewed talks in Istanbul? The Kremlin is on the brink, but still refuses peace | Explainer&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QH7qaQ22t2o&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Former asset recovery chief seen near money laundering office used in Ukraine&#39;s biggest graft case, news outlet says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/20/former-asset-recovery-chief-seen.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2025 19:29:53 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/20/former-asset-recovery-chief-seen.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/duma.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Former asset recovery chief seen near money laundering office used in Ukraine&#39;s biggest graft case, news outlet says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The back office is being investigated by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) as part of the Energoatom case, the biggest corruption investigation during President Volodymyr Zelensky&#39;s presidency.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ex-head-of-ukraines-asset-recovery-agency-visited-alleged-money-laundering-office-investigative-journalists-say/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>19,500 children kidnapped by Russia – international partners help bring them back #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/20/children-kidnapped-by-russia-international.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2025 18:30:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/20/children-kidnapped-by-russia-international.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/0bf182045c.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;19,500 children kidnapped by Russia – international partners help bring them back #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/mcKr3xDodLg&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>HOW RUSSIA STEALS UKRAINIAN CHILDREN – Deportations, information suppression, and brainwashing</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/20/how-russia-steals-ukrainian-children.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2025 17:46:11 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/20/how-russia-steals-ukrainian-children.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/77b59e35cb.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;HOW RUSSIA STEALS UKRAINIAN CHILDREN – Deportations, information suppression, and brainwashing&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjEvV5w7x-Y&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine&#39;s northern fortress city of Chernihiv braces for a worst-case scenario winter</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/20/ukraines-northern-fortress-city-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2025 17:44:16 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/20/ukraines-northern-fortress-city-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/cat-6139.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine&#39;s northern fortress city of Chernihiv braces for a worst-case scenario winter&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As evening settles over Chernihiv in northern Ukraine, the city plunges into darkness, broken only by the noise of generators. Their constant hum is now so common that it sometimes obscures even the sound of Russian drones moving across the night sky.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;But Nataliia Svyrydenko, who has lived in Chernihiv&amp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-northern-fortress-city-of-chernihiv-braces-for-a-worst-case-scenario-winter/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>The Russian Federation strikes Ukraine&#39;s energy sector again: entire regions left without power</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/20/the-russian-federation-strikes-ukraines.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2025 17:13:40 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/20/the-russian-federation-strikes-ukraines.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/cf1468e4a6.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;The Russian Federation strikes Ukraine&#39;s energy sector again: entire regions left without power&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/pG8xEVWyPew&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>At Colombia-Venezuela border, vulnerable brace for Trump war</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/20/at-colombiavenezuela-border-vulnerable-brace.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2025 16:34:24 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/20/at-colombiavenezuela-border-vulnerable-brace.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f853cfb41-9.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;At Colombia-Venezuela border, vulnerable brace for Trump war&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!cZb3!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F83792801-043e-430d-8223-a4244a70b5e5_1500x500.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f83792801-0.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;485&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/83792801-043e-430d-8223-a4244a70b5e5_1500x500.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:485,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:true,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; fetchpriority=&#34;high&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M3 12a9 9 0 0 1 9-9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1 6.74 2.74L21 8&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 3v5h-5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 12a9 9 0 0 1-9 9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1-6.74-2.74L3 16&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M8 16H3v5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Featured Subscriber’s Comment:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;“I have been a reader from the beginning, but now that I have a few bucks to spare, yours is the first publication I am subscribing to. Keep up the necessary work!”&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;By: Michael&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Upgrade now to get full access!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Upgrade now to get full access!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Tip Jar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Tip Jar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!reM_!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5a4c03bf-12e4-47f3-9980-d3edc05dd845_594x412.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f5a4c03bf-1.jpg&#34; width=&#34;512&#34; height=&#34;355.1245791245791&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/5a4c03bf-12e4-47f3-9980-d3edc05dd845_594x412.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:412,&#34;width&#34;:594,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:512,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M3 12a9 9 0 0 1 9-9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1 6.74 2.74L21 8&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 3v5h-5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 12a9 9 0 0 1-9 9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1-6.74-2.74L3 16&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M8 16H3v5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Luis Alfredo Lopez Molina (C), originally from Venezuela, receives health care in the emergency room of the Hospital Erasmo Meoz after seeking medical care for a severe infection on his leg in Cucuta, Colombia. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;CÚCUTA, Colombia&lt;/em&gt; – The emergency room of Hospital Erasmo Meoz, just miles from the Colombia-Venezuela border, heaves with patients.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Stretchers squeeze through narrow gaps. Dozens of Venezuelan migrants pack the hallways, sitting shoulder-to-shoulder on the floors. IV tubing crosses the room, and bandaged feet rest on wheelchair steps, while fans push the humid air — failing to clear the smell of sweat and desperation.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Patients, many Venezuelan migrants, crowd the emergency room of Erasmo Meoz Hospital in Cúcuta, Colombia on Nov. 16. (Video by Abby Pender)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-component-name=&#34;VideoPlaceholder&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;mediaUploadId&#34;:&#34;2d34981b-df41-43d5-952e-20bd0196073a&#34;,&#34;duration&#34;:null}&#39; data-sanitized-class=&#34;native-video-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;By law, the hospital must treat every patient regardless of immigration status. Most are fleeing hunger, political repression and economic collapse in Venezuela, a crisis that has deepened as President Nicolás Maduro has cemented his authoritarian rule.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Tensions between President Donald Trump and Maduro have escalated sharply in recent months, and the United States has deployed its largest military presence in the Caribbean since the Cuban Missile Crisis. Local officials and migrants fear that any escalation could trigger a humanitarian emergency on a region already stretched to the limit.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Trump claims the military initiative is combating narcotrafficking. Since the operation began in September, at least 76 people have died in extrajudicial killings in South American waters, &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/nov/11/uk-suspends-intelligence-sharing-with-us-amid-airstikes-in-the-caribbean&#34;&gt;The Guardian reports&lt;/a&gt;. The Trump administration has provided no evidence linking the victims to drug trafficking, and in &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/13/world/americas/trump-drug-boat-strikes-colombian-fisherman.html&#34;&gt;at least one case&lt;/a&gt; the Colombian government claims an innocent fisherman was killed in a boat strike.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Maduro, insisting the U.S. seeks regime change, has countered by swearing&lt;a href=&#34;https://prensapresidencialvenezuela.gob.ve/index.php/2025/11/10/260-000-comites-bolivarianos-de-base-integral-seran-juramentados-el-sabado-15-de-noviembre/&#34;&gt; in six million civilian militia members.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“I sort of have made up my mind,” Trump said this past weekend, on his Venezuela strategy – without outlining what he plans.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;There is a sort of jaded acceptance among those in Cúcuta, which has been no stranger to humanitarian tragedies and violent conflict. For them, Trump’s potential strikes have added a new dimension of danger, but they are long accustomed to a jungle of intertwining risks and violence.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Many have lived in fear of armed groups and narcotrafficking for much of their lives.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Whether the Colombian government takes action or not, whether the government in Venezuela takes action or not — it makes no difference to us,” Erasmo Meoz Hospital Manager Hernando Gómez said. “Poor people continue to come here so that we can help them.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;hr&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Since Maduro took power in 2013, economic collapse, hunger and violence have driven nearly 8 million Venezuelans to flee their country, &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2025/country-chapters/venezuela&#34;&gt;according to Human Rights Watch&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;One of them, 29-year-old Nermari, sits in central Cúcuta’s San Antonio Park next to a cart of second-hand clothes and coffee. At her feet, two of her children play — her 2-year-old son with dirt and her 5-year-old daughter with a tricycle — as Nermari pulls them clear of passing foot traffic in the park.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Community members of Cúcuta, including displaced Venezuelans, occupy San Antonio Park in Central Cúcuta on Nov. 16. (Video by Abby Pender)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-component-name=&#34;VideoPlaceholder&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;mediaUploadId&#34;:&#34;d6be7b8a-ec7a-43a5-a06d-6e2d7cdaf017&#34;,&#34;duration&#34;:null}&#39; data-sanitized-class=&#34;native-video-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Nermari’s story is shared by many: she fled Venezuela six years ago, seeking work and better opportunities for her family.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The rest of her family — two older sons and a daughter — live back in San Cristobal, Venezuela, with her mother so they can continue attending school. Nermari, who had her first child at age 15, is defined by this separation.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;On her wrist, she wears a plastic beaded bracelet with purple hearts, yellow stars and an “N” that her daughter in Venezuela made for her.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;She never takes it off, she said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Nermari last saw her children on the other side of the border nearly one year ago — it’s too expensive for her to travel back and forth.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“I usually travel back to Venezuela in December, and this year I told my mom I couldn’t go because of money,” she said. “I don’t always like being here; I always travel, but how things are right now, I don’t even have the money I had last year to go back.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Nermari is especially close with her mother, who raised her and her three sisters after her father was killed in a street fight. The distance is constant, painful, she said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“I miss her. I would like to be able to help her from here... Sometimes she has food to eat, sometimes she doesn’t,” Nermari said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Her deepest ambition is simple: for her entire family to live together again in a house of their own in Venezuela — a place where no one can kick them out and the government can’t take their property.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Nermari’s sisters, she said, lost their home when the Maduro government expropriated it.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;hr&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f853cfb41-9.jpg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/9a8972bbe2.jpg&#34; width=&#34;516&#34; height=&#34;343.1313131313131&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/853cfb41-9ddf-4a26-a501-d2ffc6dd7e03_594x395.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:395,&#34;width&#34;:594,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:516,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M3 12a9 9 0 0 1 9-9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1 6.74 2.74L21 8&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 3v5h-5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 12a9 9 0 0 1-9 9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1-6.74-2.74L3 16&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M8 16H3v5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Displaced people from recent clashes between armed groups board canoes to cross the Tarra River, which divides Colombia and Venezuela, in Tibu, Norte de Santander department, Colombia, on January 19, 2025. (Photo by SCHNEYDER MENDOZA/AFP via Getty Images)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;About an hour north of Cúcuta lies Tibú, a border town where Venezuelans now make up roughly one-third of the population. Many cross the river illegally to find work in illicit economies, often in mining or planting the coca leaf.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“It has been a very heavy and quite strong burden,” said community leader Jaime Botero. “Because they generate expenses and costs that are not within the government’s budget and within the budget of the municipality.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Botero said local officials fear that if conflict erupts between the U.S. and Venezuela, Tibú would see a massive wave of displaced people.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“It would be total chaos,” Botero said. “Everyone would try to look for an exit, look for refuge, look to put their life and their family under protection, and the quickest [exit] is here — Tibú.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The town, he warned, is critically unprepared. The health system could collapse. Jobs could disappear. And with U.S. cuts to USAID funding, local and international humanitarian groups now have limited resources to respond.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Operating within this fraught environment as a community leader takes a personal toll, Botero noted, confessing that since joining the council, his social life has plummeted due to threats from armed groups.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“We have conflict like everyone else,” Botero said. “But we are coping. Not all of us are guerrillas.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;hr&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;According to a former Venezuela Armed Forces member, who requested to remain anonymous for fear of retribution, the Venezuelan government is a facade for organized crime.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Raised in a family of farmers with close friends who were part of the Venezuelan army, the former officer said he witnessed the system’s allure and its rot firsthand.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Aspiring to follow his godfather’s military legacy, the former officer recalled the common ambition of his youth: “it was either become a baseball player or a soldier.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;He said that the Venezuelan military kills, kidnaps and rapes other Venezuelans, and this abuse is formalized and taught to young recruits. Maduro uses the military for drug trafficking, the former officer said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Venezuelan soldiers who enter the army forces get stuck there. They can’t leave. If they try to leave, they’re killed,” he added. While top officials enjoy “mansions, whisky, trucks, escorts” and are “millionaires”, the rank-and-file soldiers starve.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The economic disparity forces an impossible choice on troops, as “a carton of eggs costs more than a soldier earns in a month.” But the former armed forces member emphasized that the Venezuelan migration crisis is not just about economics, but about terror.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“People think Venezuelans migrate only because of the economy. No. They migrate because of fear. Because of violence. Because of persecution. Because of criminal control. Because of hunger. Because of the collapse of the system,” he said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;A Venezuelan family, their lives packed into a few suitcases, crosses Puente Simón Bolívar into Colombia on Nov.16. Many migrants walk for over a month from Cúcuta to Bucaramanga to find employment and better opportunities. (Video by Abby Pender)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-component-name=&#34;VideoPlaceholder&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;mediaUploadId&#34;:&#34;a0bdb366-cc4a-4ff0-8bef-dfe3791bf489&#34;,&#34;duration&#34;:null}&#39; data-sanitized-class=&#34;native-video-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;He hopes that Trump does intervene in Maduro’s regime — even if it means that his country might become a pawn for the States.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“In Venezuela, a person earning a normal salary makes maybe 10 to 20 dollars a month. A family of four needs about 300 dollars a month to eat decently. How do people survive? They hustle. They sell things. They do informal work. They do a thousand jobs. They live with stress every day,” the ex-army officer said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;That desperation, he believes, would shape the military’s response.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“If the United States intervenes, Venezuelan soldiers will not fight,” he said. “They’ll drop their weapons and surrender.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;He suggested that many soldiers admire the US military.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“They see America as powerful, organized, and disciplined. Many dream of being trained by the US military. Many told me, ‘If the Americans come, I’ll join them,’” he said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Featured Subscriber’s Comment:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;“I have been a reader from the beginning, but now that I have a few bucks to spare, yours is the first publication I am subscribing to. Keep up the necessary work!”&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;By: Michael&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Upgrade now to get full access!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Upgrade now to get full access!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Tip Jar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Tip Jar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;NEWS OF THE DAY:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;By: Anastasiia Kryvoruchenko&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;U.S. PEACE PLAN REQUIRES UKRAINE TO GIVE UP LAND:&lt;/strong&gt; The U.S., together with Russia, is working on a peace plan, part of which will include Kyiv giving up some of its territory, including land that Russia does not currently control, and reducing its weapons and army. Ukraine would do this in exchange for security guarantees from the U.S., Reuters &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraines-zelenskiy-set-talks-turkey-new-peace-drive-2025-11-19/&#34;&gt;reported&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;However, there is no indication that Russia has changed its previous demands and Ukraine has not been included in the Russia-U.S. peace talks.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Yesterday, Zelenskyy met with U.S. military officials in Kyiv and recently called on the U.S. to bring a secure and stable peace to end the war after a trip to visit Erdogan in Turkey, which held the previous Russia-Ukraine peace talks, which were largely unsuccessful bar agreements on POW swaps.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;UKRAINE DEMANDS RUSSIA PAY CLIMATE COMPENSATION:&lt;/strong&gt; At the UN Climate Change Conference in Brazil, Ukraine &lt;a href=&#34;https://unn.ua/en/news/ukraine-for-the-first-time-in-the-world-wants-to-collect-compensation-from-russia-for-the-climatic-consequences-of-the-war-it-is-about-tens-of-billions&#34;&gt;demanded&lt;/a&gt; reparations from Russia amounting to $43 billion to compensate for the environmental damage caused by the war. This will be the first time in history a country has demanded compensation for climate damage.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Over 3.5 years of war, fires caused by missile strikes and weapons production among other things have caused greenhouse gas emissions to increase significantly. The report Ukraine cited at COP30 estimated that 236.8 million tons of CO2 have been emitted due to the war. Water, soil, and forests have been severely affected by the release of toxic substances.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;RUSSIA’S WAR WITH EUROPE WOULD BE MUCH FASTER THAN WITH UKRAINE:&lt;/strong&gt; Last week, the German chancellor proposed legislation to increase troop numbers, which is part of the country’s ambition to become Europe’s strongest army, Newsweek &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.newsweek.com/why-russias-war-with-nato-would-be-much-faster-than-in-ukraine-11066672&#34;&gt;reported&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The EU is working on a defense readiness plan for 2030, as European intelligence warns that Russia could attack Europe by the end of the decade. The chief of Poland’s armed forces, Wiesław Kukuła, has issued the most recent warning, stating that Russia is already preparing to attack Poland after Ukraine.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;DOG OF WAR:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;This is Aki. Nastia met him at the cafe near her home, which became another working place for her during the blackouts. In the next couple of days we won’t have electricity for 17 hours a day in Kyiv.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!Xzq4!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F319bfb9d-1236-4152-bddb-a47f3152d396_960x1280.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f319bfb9d-1.png&#34; width=&#34;960&#34; height=&#34;1280&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/319bfb9d-1236-4152-bddb-a47f3152d396_960x1280.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1280,&#34;width&#34;:960,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M3 12a9 9 0 0 1 9-9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1 6.74 2.74L21 8&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 3v5h-5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 12a9 9 0 0 1-9 9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1-6.74-2.74L3 16&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M8 16H3v5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Stay safe out there.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Best,&lt;br&gt;Abby&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/at-colombia-venezuela-border-vulnerable&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>What Are Ukraine’s 2026 Scenarios? Exclusive briefing by KI Insights</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/20/what-are-ukraines-scenarios-exclusive.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2025 15:56:59 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/20/what-are-ukraines-scenarios-exclusive.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/website-3x2-4-.png&#34; alt=&#34;What Are Ukraine’s 2026 Scenarios? Exclusive briefing by KI Insights&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As Ukraine approaches a decisive political and strategic crossroads, questions about the country’s possible trajectories in 2026 are becoming increasingly urgent. What scenarios might shape Ukraine’s future, and how could domestic, military, and international factors interact in the year ahead?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Join an exclusive&lt;strong&gt; &lt;/strong&gt;KI Insights briefing&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/what-are-ukraines-2026-scenarios-exclusive-briefing-by-ki-insights/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>The EU DISAGREES! Is the US demanding UKRAINE&#39;S SURRENDER?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/20/the-eu-disagrees-is-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2025 15:11:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/20/the-eu-disagrees-is-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/3fa0fb844e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;The EU DISAGREES! Is the US demanding UKRAINE&#39;S SURRENDER?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kaNj40GnUuo&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Germany pledges &#39;long-range fires&#39; for Ukraine —but still no decision on Taurus</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/20/germany-pledges-longrange-fires-for.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2025 15:00:56 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/20/germany-pledges-longrange-fires-for.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2246910314.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Germany pledges &#39;long-range fires&#39; for Ukraine —but still no decision on Taurus&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;During a joint press conference with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson on Nov. 19, Merz said that Germany is &#34;doing everything possible&#34; to equip Ukrainian army with long-range weapon systems.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/germany-pledges-to-provide-ukraine-with-long-range-weapons/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>136 Drones Over Ukraine, Secret US–Russia Talks, debris in Ternopil, Patriot, and new ATACMS strikes</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/20/drones-over-ukraine-secret-usrussia.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2025 15:00:34 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/20/drones-over-ukraine-secret-usrussia.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/c2edff8180.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;136 Drones Over Ukraine, Secret US–Russia Talks, debris in Ternopil, Patriot, and new ATACMS strikes&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1xhobbvqs0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>New US peace plan pushes Ukraine toward capitulation — here&#39;s what we know so far</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/20/new-us-peace-plan-pushes.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2025 14:31:09 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/20/new-us-peace-plan-pushes.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/upd-ze-trump.png&#34; alt=&#34;New US peace plan pushes Ukraine toward capitulation — here&#39;s what we know so far&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The United States is advancing a new peace proposal for ending Russia&#39;s war against Ukraine, a plan that Ukrainian officials say mirrors Moscow&#39;s maximalist demands and revives concessions the Kremlin had previously dropped.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The framework, reportedly approved by U.S. President &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/donald-trump/&#34;&gt;Donald Trump&lt;/a&gt; earlier this week,&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/us-pushes-ukraine-toward-capitulation-to-russia/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian suspect in Nord Stream sabotage case to be extradited to Germany within 10 days, official says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/20/ukrainian-suspect-in-nord-stream.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2025 13:49:29 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/20/ukrainian-suspect-in-nord-stream.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/87c35c6a17.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian suspect in Nord Stream sabotage case to be extradited to Germany within 10 days, official says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Late on Nov. 19, Italy&#39;s Supreme Court upheld a lower court ruling in favor of extraditing the suspect, Serhii Kuznetsov.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-suspect-in-nord-stream-sabotage-case-to-be-extradited-to-germany-within-10-days-official-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>22 people still missing in Ternopil after devastating Russian missile strike, 26 already confirmed dead</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/20/people-still-missing-in-ternopil.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2025 12:24:45 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/20/people-still-missing-in-ternopil.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2247613598.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;22 people still missing in Ternopil after devastating Russian missile strike, 26 already confirmed dead&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Russian attack on Ternopil killed at least 26 people, including three children, and injured 93 others, among them 18 children, according to Ukraine&#39;s Emergency Service.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/rescue-efforts-continue-for-second-day-after-russian-strike-in-western-ternopil-22-remain-26-killed/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Why I won’t encourage my Ukrainian child to speak Russian</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/20/why-i-wont-encourage-my.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2025 12:14:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/20/why-i-wont-encourage-my.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2209699014.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Why I won’t encourage my Ukrainian child to speak Russian&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As a foreigner in Ukraine, I often hesitate to speak on certain social issues. Despite living here for nearly a decade, I know that my American upbringing still limits how deeply I can feel what my Ukrainian friends and colleagues experience, no matter how much I sympathize.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Still, now that&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/why-i-wont-encourage-my-ukrainian-child-to-speak-russian/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest live: British Terrahawk Paladin air defense systems deployed in Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/20/ukraine-war-latest-live-british.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2025 12:13:40 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/20/ukraine-war-latest-live-british.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/terrahawk-1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest live: British Terrahawk Paladin air defense systems deployed in Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Live coverage of Russia’s war against Ukraine with breaking news and frontline updates, updated 8 times today. Pictures have emerged of a U.K.-made Terrahawk Paladin air defense system deployed in Ukraine, the first such instance since they were promised to Kyiv in October 2023.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-update-2025-11-20/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia launches airstrikes at 6 settlements of Kharkiv oblast </title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/20/russia-launches-airstrikes-at-settlements.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2025 11:56:30 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/20/russia-launches-airstrikes-at-settlements.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img width=&#34;1616&#34; height=&#34;1080&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/img-4553-1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Firefighters extinguish a car that caught fire after Russian attack on Kharkiv&#34; decoding=&#34;async&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;UKRAINE, KHARKIV OBLAST&lt;/strong&gt;, Nov. 19 — The Russian army launched air strikes at six settlements of Kharkiv oblast over the past day, reported Oleh Syniehubov, governor of the region. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Russia launched a glide bomb, 11 Geran-2 kamikaze drones, three first-person view (FPV) drones, and 10 drones of unknown type at Kharkiv oblast.  &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Syniehubov said that Russian shelling damaged railways in Barvinkove of the Izium district, power lines in Yelyzavetivka. Russian attacks damaged railway infrastructure in Lozova as well. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Russia launched &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/drones-were-hitting-one-after-another-for-15-minutes-russian-drone-attack-on-kharkiv-injured-46-people-including-children-photos/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;at least 19 kamikaze drones&lt;/a&gt; on Kharkiv on Nov. 19, leaving 40,000 &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/u-harkovi-bez-elektropostachannya-narazi-40-tisyach-abonentiv/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;households without electricity&lt;/a&gt;. All of them had their electricity &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/u-harkovi-zazhivili-usih-abonentiv-pislya-ataki-19-listopada/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;reconnected&lt;/a&gt; on Nov. 20, after almost 24 hours of repair work. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Since the start of the full-scale invasion, Kharkiv oblast and Kharkiv have been frequently subjected to Russian drones, glide bomb, and missile attacks. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-heading&#34;&gt;Read more&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;ul data-sanitized-class=&#34;wp-block-list&#34;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/drones-were-hitting-one-after-another-for-15-minutes-russian-drone-attack-on-kharkiv-injured-46-people-including-children-photos/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;“Drones were hitting one after another for 15 minutes.”&lt;/a&gt; Russian drone attack on Kharkiv injured 46 people, including children (Photos)&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/russian-attack-on-berestyn-kills-17-year-old-girl-injures-10-civilians/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;Russian attack on Berestyn kills 17-year-old girl&lt;/a&gt;, injures 10 civilians&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p data-sanitized-class=&#34;has-background&#34;&gt;Whatever awaits Ukraine in Russia’s war, our &lt;strong&gt;Kharkiv-based newsroom&lt;/strong&gt; plans to keep reporting on it. &lt;strong&gt;Please, support our journalism&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://buymeacoffee.com/gwaramedia/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;&lt;strong&gt; by buying us a coffee&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;strong&gt; or&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.patreon.com/c/gwaramedia&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;external&#34;&gt;&lt;strong&gt; subscribing to our Patreon&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The post &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/russia-launches-airstrikes-at-6-settlements-of-kharkiv-oblast/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;Russia launches airstrikes at 6 settlements of Kharkiv oblast &lt;/a&gt; appeared first on &lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/&#34; data-wpel-link=&#34;internal&#34;&gt;Gwara Media&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://gwaramedia.com/en/russia-launches-airstrikes-at-6-settlements-of-kharkiv-oblast/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russian spy ship Yantar targets RAF pilots with lasers near U.K. waters, London says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/20/russian-spy-ship-yantar-targets.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2025 11:48:30 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/20/russian-spy-ship-yantar-targets.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2246864878.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian spy ship Yantar targets RAF pilots with lasers near U.K. waters, London says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;According to Healey, the ship had entered U.K. waters for the second time this year during the last few weeks and was located north of Scotland.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-spy-ship/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Oil refinery in Russia&#39;s Ryazan Oblast reportedly hit in drone attack</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/20/oil-refinery-in-russias-ryazan.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2025 06:01:28 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/20/oil-refinery-in-russias-ryazan.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/screenshot-2025-11-19-at-11-47-57-pm.png&#34; alt=&#34;Oil refinery in Russia&#39;s Ryazan Oblast reportedly hit in drone attack&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;An oil refinery was reportedly hit in Ryazan Oblast overnight on Nov. 20, local residents claimed.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/oil-refinery-in-russias-ryazan-oblast-reportedly-hit-amid-drone-attack/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Trump envoy Kellogg to depart White House, leaving Ukraine without key US champion in moment of crisis</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/20/trump-envoy-kellogg-to-depart.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2025 01:30:05 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/20/trump-envoy-kellogg-to-depart.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/54600a0320.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Trump envoy Kellogg to depart White House, leaving Ukraine without key US champion in moment of crisis&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Kellogg&#39;s exit will leave Ukraine without its chief advocate in the Trump White House as the country faces escalating Russian attacks and a domestic corruption crisis.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/trump-envoy-kellogg-to-depart-white-house-leaving-ukraine-without-key-us-champion-in-moment-of-crisis/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>All of Putin&#39;s weaknesses exposed: Why has Russia already LOST the war?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/20/all-of-putins-weaknesses-exposed.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2025 23:00:17 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/20/all-of-putins-weaknesses-exposed.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/2a368bf1f7.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;All of Putin&#39;s weaknesses exposed: Why has Russia already LOST the war?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYElXKAzhu8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Russia has changed its tactics under Pokrovsk – what is going on? #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/19/russia-has-changed-its-tactics.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2025 21:30:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/19/russia-has-changed-its-tactics.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/1094dce515.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia has changed its tactics under Pokrovsk – what is going on? #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/kzgdl1ywZDE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>🔥160 battles per day: the hottest – Pokrovsk front #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/19/battles-per-day-the-hottest.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2025 21:30:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/19/battles-per-day-the-hottest.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/2d85d5f18f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🔥160 battles per day: the hottest – Pokrovsk front #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/B1_taNufg0s&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>The US is developing a plan to END THE WAR? Ukraine will receive MORE WEAPONS! | News Pulse</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/19/the-us-is-developing-a.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2025 21:00:19 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/19/the-us-is-developing-a.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/38078daf9f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;The US is developing a plan to END THE WAR? Ukraine will receive MORE WEAPONS! | News Pulse&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1iZ1i50l1U&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine alarmed as US pushes peace framework aligning with Moscow demands</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/19/ukraine-alarmed-as-us-pushes.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2025 20:30:33 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/19/ukraine-alarmed-as-us-pushes.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2230169609.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine alarmed as US pushes peace framework aligning with Moscow demands&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;U.S. President Donald Trump is mounting yet another push to end Russia&#39;s war against Ukraine, as Washington begins testing a new peace framework that has already sparked unease among Ukrainian officials. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A source in the President&#39;s Office told the Kyiv Independent that a new peace&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-alarmed-as-us-pushes-peace-framework-aligning-with-moscow-demands/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>SHOCK! Russia talks about the war in Europe #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/19/shock-russia-talks-about-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2025 20:30:05 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/19/shock-russia-talks-about-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/fa5c7f050f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;SHOCK! Russia talks about the war in Europe #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/TNlAgD2e2X0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>What the $105m US-Ukraine Patriot deal actually means</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/19/what-the-m-usukraine-patriot.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2025 20:14:58 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/19/what-the-m-usukraine-patriot.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/upd-gettyimages-1783196526.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;What the $105m US-Ukraine Patriot deal actually means&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As Russian aerial attacks show no sign of slowing, Ukraine’s ability to not just maintain, but modernize its air defense systems like the U.S.-made Patriot, has become essential for long-term survival.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A new $105 million U.S. package aims to do just that — help Ukraine&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/what-the-105m-us-ukraine-patriot-deal-actually-means/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Enemy assaults on Pokrovsk STOPPED! Russia strikes civilians with missiles | Frontline Summary</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/19/enemy-assaults-on-pokrovsk-stopped.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2025 20:01:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/19/enemy-assaults-on-pokrovsk-stopped.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/90b94c8476.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Enemy assaults on Pokrovsk STOPPED! Russia strikes civilians with missiles | Frontline Summary&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzYEW_y6NaM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>As corruption scandal hits, Zelensky&#39;s party lawmakers side with opposition, demand answers, powers</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/19/as-corruption-scandal-hits-zelenskys.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2025 19:44:24 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/19/as-corruption-scandal-hits-zelenskys.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2246418079.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;As corruption scandal hits, Zelensky&#39;s party lawmakers side with opposition, demand answers, powers&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Some lawmakers from President Volodymyr Zelensky&#39;s party called on Nov. 19 for creating a government of national unity that would include members of the opposition.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Around 10 pro-government lawmakers have allegedly signed an open letter urging the president to restore the parliament&#39;s authority and the power&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/lawmakers-from-zelenskys-party-opposition-call-for-national-unity-government-amid-corruption-scandal/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine’s biggest wartime corruption scandal, explained</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/19/ukraines-biggest-wartime-corruption-scandal.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2025 18:11:52 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/19/ukraines-biggest-wartime-corruption-scandal.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/daria-kaleniuk-1-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine’s biggest wartime corruption scandal, explained&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Kyiv Independent’s Oleksiy Sorokin sits down with Daria Kaleniuk, executive director of Ukraine’s Anti-Corruption Action Center, to discuss Ukraine’s biggest wartime corruption scandal, which involves people from President Volodymyr Zelensky&#39;s circle and several government officials.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-biggest-wartime-corruption-scandal-explained/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>&amp;amp;quot;COLLAPSE OF EUROPE&amp;amp;quot;: Russia starts shouting about WAR on EU territory</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/19/ampquotcollapse-of-europeampquot-russia-starts.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2025 18:00:17 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/19/ampquotcollapse-of-europeampquot-russia-starts.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/a8611acc73.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&amp;quot;COLLAPSE OF EUROPE&amp;quot;: Russia starts shouting about WAR on EU territory&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KJw3oTh4f4&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Serbia’s indirect arms sales to Ukraine highlight fractures in its longstanding relationship with Russia</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/19/serbias-indirect-arms-sales-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2025 17:50:03 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/19/serbias-indirect-arms-sales-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2190578528.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Serbia’s indirect arms sales to Ukraine highlight fractures in its longstanding relationship with Russia&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Serbia&#39;s foreign policy has long been one of multiple vectors, rooted in a balancing act between the West, Russia, and China.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;But the &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/war/&#34;&gt;war&lt;/a&gt; in &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/ukraine/&#34;&gt;Ukraine&lt;/a&gt; and mounting pressure from both sides suggest this strategy may no longer be sustainable.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Caught between &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/serbias-russian-owned-oil-company-loses-u-s-sanctions-deferral/&#34;&gt;U.S. sanctions&lt;/a&gt;, stalled EU accession,&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-arms-sales-serbias-maneuver-in-a-geopolitical-balancing-act/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>❗️Turkey&#39;s principled position is important for Ukraine, says Zelenskyy  #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/19/turkeys-principled-position-is-important.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2025 17:45:55 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/19/turkeys-principled-position-is-important.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/d97ac1527a.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️Turkey&#39;s principled position is important for Ukraine, says Zelenskyy  #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/bYEc-FL9jVY&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>The Russian oil industry is DOOMED! The US is increasing pressure on the Kremlin&#39;s allies | In Focus</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/19/the-russian-oil-industry-is.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2025 17:16:28 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/19/the-russian-oil-industry-is.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/6b7bc04c9e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;The Russian oil industry is DOOMED! The US is increasing pressure on the Kremlin&#39;s allies | In Focus&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTIF6Ue_QV8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Russian soldiers fighting disguised as civilians in Pokrovsk, Ukraine&#39;s military says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/19/russian-soldiers-fighting-disguised-as.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2025 16:45:11 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/19/russian-soldiers-fighting-disguised-as.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2239287472.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian soldiers fighting disguised as civilians in Pokrovsk, Ukraine&#39;s military says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russian forces in Pokrovsk are operating like sabotage and reconnaissance groups and complicating Ukraine&#39;s defense efforts by dressing as civilians, the commander of the 68th Jaeger Brigade, codenamed &#34;Liutyi,&#34; told Suspilne on Nov. 19.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-forces-fight-in-pokrovsk-using-sabotage-teams-disguise-as-civilians-ukraines-military-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Alarm in Europe: Romania and Poland scramble fighter jets over Russian strike #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/19/alarm-in-europe-romania-and.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2025 16:01:08 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/19/alarm-in-europe-romania-and.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/54b382c2fd.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Alarm in Europe: Romania and Poland scramble fighter jets over Russian strike #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/XDQtO-VzMbA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Reporting from the front is getting even harder</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/19/reporting-from-the-front-is.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2025 15:56:03 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/19/reporting-from-the-front-is.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/sazhyk.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Reporting from the front is getting even harder&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Over the past few years, I’ve spent much of my time on the road — from Pokrovsk, Kupiansk, Sudzha, and the villages and fields in between — documenting what Russia’s war looks like for the people fighting it and caught in its storm.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Our trips out&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/reporting-from-the-front-francis-farrell/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Horror: Russia delivers a brutal blow to Ukraine – dozens killed, including children</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/19/horror-russia-delivers-a-brutal.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2025 15:01:35 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/19/horror-russia-delivers-a-brutal.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/f2da04be5f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Horror: Russia delivers a brutal blow to Ukraine – dozens killed, including children&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxNm1I7hW-M&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>❗️Tragedy in Ternopil! Children killed after Russian strike on residential buildings #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/19/tragedy-in-ternopil-children-killed.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2025 13:46:03 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/19/tragedy-in-ternopil-children-killed.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/6c3bfd2ab2.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️Tragedy in Ternopil! Children killed after Russian strike on residential buildings #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/-w6_w8-seOs&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Why Russia cannot help but invade</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/19/why-russia-cannot-help-but.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2025 13:39:50 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/19/why-russia-cannot-help-but.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2220716272.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Why Russia cannot help but invade&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The planned Trump-Putin summit in Budapest has been&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/trump-says-he-will-not-meet-with-putin-until-he-thinks-there-is-deal-ukraine-2025-10-25/&#34;&gt; shelved&lt;/a&gt;. The White House says there&#39;s no point meeting unless &#34;we&#39;re going to make a deal.&#34; Some view this as a setback for diplomacy, but it may well be the clearest moment in a long struggle&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/why-russia-cannot-help-but-invade/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest live: Ukraine strike on Novorossiysk snarls Russian Black Sea oil exports</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/19/ukraine-war-latest-live-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2025 13:29:26 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/19/ukraine-war-latest-live-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/7a048e0cbf.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest live: Ukraine strike on Novorossiysk snarls Russian Black Sea oil exports&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Live coverage of Russia’s war against Ukraine with breaking news and frontline updates, updated 5 times today. Ukraine’s Nov. 14 strike on Russia’s Black Sea port of Novorossiysk has delayed oil shipments by two to three days , according to Reuters.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-update-2025-11-19/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Parliament fires justice, energy ministers implicated in Ukraine&#39;s biggest corruption scandal</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/19/parliament-fires-justice-energy-ministers.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2025 13:00:34 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/19/parliament-fires-justice-energy-ministers.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-1245564843.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Parliament fires justice, energy ministers implicated in Ukraine&#39;s biggest corruption scandal&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Halushchenko is being investigated by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) as part of the Energoatom case, the biggest corruption investigation during Zelensky&#39;s presidency. Eight suspects have also been charged, and Timur Mindich, a close associate of President Volodymyr Zelensky, is allegedly the ringleader.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/parliament-fires-minister-implicated-in-ukraines-biggest-corruption-scandal/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>HORRIFYING FOOTAGE! Aftermath of the shelling in Kharkiv #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/19/horrifying-footage-aftermath-of-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2025 08:19:28 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/19/horrifying-footage-aftermath-of-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/c32af551e4.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;HORRIFYING FOOTAGE! Aftermath of the shelling in Kharkiv #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/kLsDciHQFUA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Emergency power outages across Ukraine as Russian mass missile, drone attack targets western cities</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/19/emergency-power-outages-across-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2025 07:56:53 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/19/emergency-power-outages-across-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/44a94cbd-868c-4ca2-97cd-4dd9c23d07c8.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Emergency power outages across Ukraine as Russian mass missile, drone attack targets western cities&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Pictures posted to social media showed multiple floors of one high-rise building in Ternopil totally destroyed.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/emergency-power-outages-across-ukraine-as-russian-mass-missile-drone-attack-targets-western-cities/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Is Zelensky finally ready to fire his notorious right-hand man, Andriy Yermak?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/19/is-zelensky-finally-ready-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2025 03:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/19/is-zelensky-finally-ready-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/ea7997481b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Is Zelensky finally ready to fire his notorious right-hand man, Andriy Yermak?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;President Volodymyr Zelensky&#39;s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, has consolidated an unprecedented level of power within Ukraine&#39;s government — wielding influence across parliament, the Cabinet, and key state institutions.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/who-is-andriy-yermak-and-can-ukraines-new-corruption-scandal-finally-sink-him/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Who is Andriy Yermak and can Ukraine’s new corruption scandal finally sink him?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/19/who-is-andriy-yermak-and.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2025 03:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/19/who-is-andriy-yermak-and.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/new-yermak.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Who is Andriy Yermak and can Ukraine’s new corruption scandal finally sink him?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;President Volodymyr Zelensky&#39;s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, has consolidated an unprecedented level of power within Ukraine&#39;s government — wielding influence across parliament, the Cabinet, and key state institutions.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Despite his dominance, however, Yermak has remained a controversial figure, often viewed with skepticism both inside Ukraine&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/yermak-super-intriguing-title-that-tells-a-story-and-surprises-us/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>US holding secret peace talks with Moscow to end Russia&#39;s war against Ukraine, Axios reports</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/19/us-holding-secret-peace-talks.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2025 02:58:37 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/19/us-holding-secret-peace-talks.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2223433728.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;US holding secret peace talks with Moscow to end Russia&#39;s war against Ukraine, Axios reports&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian Envoy Kirill Dmitriev have extensively discussed the 28-point peace plan, an unnamed U.S. official said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/us-holding-secret-talks-with-moscow-to-end-russias-war-against-ukraine-axios-reports/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>&amp;amp;quot;Meat&amp;amp;quot; assaults fail again: UAF thwart Putin&#39;s plan in the Pokrovsk direction</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/19/ampquotmeatampquot-assaults-fail-again-uaf.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2025 00:01:05 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/19/ampquotmeatampquot-assaults-fail-again-uaf.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/d641fb8c67.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&amp;quot;Meat&amp;quot; assaults fail again: UAF thwart Putin&#39;s plan in the Pokrovsk direction&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyYC3-ZBUdU&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>They&#39;ve hit rock bottom! The Russian army is disgracing itself at every turn #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/19/theyve-hit-rock-bottom-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2025 23:00:14 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/19/theyve-hit-rock-bottom-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/067e43fad7.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;They&#39;ve hit rock bottom! The Russian army is disgracing itself at every turn #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/DSnfQ0o9l7U&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>PUTIN&#39;S INCOMPETENT troops – the war against Ukraine has DISPELLED ALL MYTHS!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/18/putins-incompetent-troops-the-war.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2025 22:36:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/18/putins-incompetent-troops-the-war.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/7663046a84.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;PUTIN&#39;S INCOMPETENT troops – the war against Ukraine has DISPELLED ALL MYTHS!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=az0QIN85Snw&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>TNT shipments to Ukraine at stake as NATO supplies diverted to Israel for Gaza bombardment, report says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/18/tnt-shipments-to-ukraine-at.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2025 22:06:58 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/18/tnt-shipments-to-ukraine-at.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/91d9e29481.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;TNT shipments to Ukraine at stake as NATO supplies diverted to Israel for Gaza bombardment, report says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;According to initial reports, this ammunition was supposed to be destined for Ukraine, but in December 2023, the U.S. government announced that shells worth $147 million would also be sold to Israel,&#34; the report said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tnt-shipments-to-ukraine-at-stake-as-nato-supplies-diverted-to-israel-for-gaza-bombardment-report-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Orbán’s Game: why does the Hungarian PM see Brussels as a rrval? #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/18/orbns-game-why-does-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2025 21:30:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/18/orbns-game-why-does-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/eb057e0c58.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Orbán’s Game: why does the Hungarian PM see Brussels as a rrval? #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/-mpFZ0kw-60&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Viktor Orbán is playing into the Kremlin&#39;s hands! Is the Hungarian prime minister a Trojan horse?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/18/viktor-orbn-is-playing-into.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2025 21:01:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/18/viktor-orbn-is-playing-into.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/51b51db757.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Viktor Orbán is playing into the Kremlin&#39;s hands! Is the Hungarian prime minister a Trojan horse?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zj0kOwTC8vM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Negotiations with Erdogan in TURKEY: Zelenskyy lifts the veil #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/18/negotiations-with-erdogan-in-turkey.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2025 20:30:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/18/negotiations-with-erdogan-in-turkey.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/fcfb043d51.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Negotiations with Erdogan in TURKEY: Zelenskyy lifts the veil #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/eMu0c96TsGY&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>&#39;Killzone&#39; — Devastating scale of Russia&#39;s drone terror against civilians laid bare in new report</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/18/killzone-devastating-scale-of-russias.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2025 20:08:40 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/18/killzone-devastating-scale-of-russias.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/upd-gettyimages-2208195726.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;Killzone&#39; — Devastating scale of Russia&#39;s drone terror against civilians laid bare in new report&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russian FPV drones are turning front-line towns on the Dnipro’s right bank into “no right to life” zones, a Truth Hounds report finds, documenting rising civilian deaths in Kherson and Nikopol.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-drones-target-civilians-dnipro-right-bank/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Exclusive! What is happening on the HOTTEST Pokrovsk section of the front line? #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/18/exclusive-what-is-happening-on.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2025 20:00:21 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/18/exclusive-what-is-happening-on.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/875fea0ba2.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Exclusive! What is happening on the HOTTEST Pokrovsk section of the front line? #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/M_qpwAkJRRI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Court arrests ex-deputy prime minister in Ukraine&#39;s biggest corruption case</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/18/court-arrests-exdeputy-prime-minister.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2025 19:46:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/18/court-arrests-exdeputy-prime-minister.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/745b654952.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Court arrests ex-deputy prime minister in Ukraine&#39;s biggest corruption case&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;On Nov. 11, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) Chernyshov was charged with illicit enrichment as part of a large-scale corruption case involving state nuclear power company Energoatom.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/court-arrests-ex-deputy-prime-minister-in-ukraines-biggest-corruption-case/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Chart of the week: Russian aerial attacks on Ukraine keep rising</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/18/chart-of-the-week-russian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2025 19:37:27 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/18/chart-of-the-week-russian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/ru-attacks-take-1f-01.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Chart of the week: Russian aerial attacks on Ukraine keep rising&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Last week, Russia launched a large-scale aerial attack on Kyiv, pummeling the capital with hundreds of drones and multiple missiles. At least seven people were killed, and 29 were injured.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The strike came two weeks after the previous large-scale assault — an interval that, for numbed Kyiv residents, felt like&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/chart-of-the-week-russian-aerial-attacks-on-ukraine-keep-rising/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine confirms use of US-made ATACMS on Russia after months of Pentagon restrictions</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/18/ukraine-confirms-use-of-usmade.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2025 19:24:05 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/18/ukraine-confirms-use-of-usmade.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/14c13cdaa0.png&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine confirms use of US-made ATACMS on Russia after months of Pentagon restrictions&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukraine&#39;s General Staff said that this is &#34;a significant development that underscores Ukraine’s unwavering commitment to its sovereignty.&#34;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-strikes-russia-with-atacms-for-the-first-time/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Editorial: Zelensky can fix this crisis — but he has to change how he leads</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/18/editorial-zelensky-can-fix-this.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2025 19:20:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/18/editorial-zelensky-can-fix-this.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2223925155.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Editorial: Zelensky can fix this crisis — but he has to change how he leads&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ukraine&#39;s President Volodymyr Zelensky is facing the second-biggest test of his presidency — and it may prove even trickier than leading the country&#39;s resistance against Russia.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;But it is this challenge that will determine whether he goes down in history as simply a brave man or&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/editorial-zelenskys-leadership-crisis-is-threatening-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Putin throws &amp;quot;meat&amp;quot; into battle as Ukraine targets Russia’s energy sector</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/18/putin-throws-quotmeatquot-into-battle.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2025 19:17:49 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/18/putin-throws-quotmeatquot-into-battle.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/ea1987e9e7.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Putin throws &amp;quot;meat&amp;quot; into battle as Ukraine targets Russia’s energy sector&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v271s5Y6IiQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Saratov Oil Refinery under attack! The effect of &amp;quot;long-range sanctions&amp;quot; is growing #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/18/saratov-oil-refinery-under-attack.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2025 18:30:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/18/saratov-oil-refinery-under-attack.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/2337e2a6c3.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Saratov Oil Refinery under attack! The effect of &amp;quot;long-range sanctions&amp;quot; is growing #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/hhd6xsqdBnU&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Destroy. Fix. Repeat: Russia is creating a devastating doom loop inside Ukraine’s energy system</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/18/destroy-fix-repeat-russia-is.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2025 18:22:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/18/destroy-fix-repeat-russia-is.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2246093460.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Destroy. Fix. Repeat: Russia is creating a devastating doom loop inside Ukraine’s energy system&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Within weeks of Russia&#39;s full-scale invasion, Oleksiy Povolotskiy found himself suddenly in charge of the recovery office at one of Ukraine&#39;s largest energy companies. His task: source replacements for energy equipment destroyed or damaged by Russian attacks.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Povolotskiy says that at first, he and his colleagues&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/destroy-fix-repeat-the-doom-loop-inside-ukraines-energy-system/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Drones are burning down Russian oil refineries one by one: Putin&#39;s economy is crumbling!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/18/drones-are-burning-down-russian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2025 18:00:15 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/18/drones-are-burning-down-russian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/72ced59329.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Drones are burning down Russian oil refineries one by one: Putin&#39;s economy is crumbling!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uGNB-jUVuU&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>In COMBAT CONDITIONS: how Ukrainian MARINE INFANTRY train #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/18/in-combat-conditions-how-ukrainian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2025 17:45:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/18/in-combat-conditions-how-ukrainian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/25086bfe93.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;In COMBAT CONDITIONS: how Ukrainian MARINE INFANTRY train #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/IuUM_SnugR4&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Exercises of Ukrainian marines – Confronting Russian occupiers on the water | In Focus</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/18/exercises-of-ukrainian-marines-confronting.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2025 17:29:36 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/18/exercises-of-ukrainian-marines-confronting.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/7f5efc2700.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Exercises of Ukrainian marines – Confronting Russian occupiers on the water | In Focus&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIUYlKD69jo&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Zelenskyy in Spain: key aspects of the foreign visit #shorst</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/18/zelenskyy-in-spain-key-aspects.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2025 17:01:33 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/18/zelenskyy-in-spain-key-aspects.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/cc82a301e5.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelenskyy in Spain: key aspects of the foreign visit #shorst&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/tRlxuW8K2pM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russian troops spotted north of Pokrovsk, military confirms</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/18/russian-troops-spotted-north-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2025 15:50:51 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/18/russian-troops-spotted-north-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/screenshot-2025-11-18-at-2-59-03-pm-2.png&#34; alt=&#34;Russian troops spotted north of Pokrovsk, military confirms&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;Several enemy infantrymen tried to penetrate and gain a foothold at one of the agricultural facilities,&#34; the 7th Corps said. &#34;The enemy was destroyed.&#34;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-troops-spotted-north-of-pokrovsk-military-confirms/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Why the war won’t end anytime soon</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/18/why-the-war-wont-end.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2025 15:02:55 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/18/why-the-war-wont-end.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2feaee702c-2.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Why the war won’t end anytime soon&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!vGkn!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1ef331a9-3d36-422d-aba9-db53a0d5453d_1500x500.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f1ef331a9-3.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;485&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/1ef331a9-3d36-422d-aba9-db53a0d5453d_1500x500.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:485,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:true,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; fetchpriority=&#34;high&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M3 12a9 9 0 0 1 9-9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1 6.74 2.74L21 8&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 3v5h-5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 12a9 9 0 0 1-9 9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1-6.74-2.74L3 16&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M8 16H3v5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;Featured Subscriber’s Comment:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“I think the reporting you do is outstanding.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You and your team tell such interesting, powerful, relevant stories from the front lines of democracy in Ukraine and Taiwan that remind me every time how grateful I should be for the democracy I live in and how essential the fights are against authoritarian takeover and how brave those fighting.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;By: Maggie&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Upgrade now to get full access!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Upgrade now to get full access!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Tip Jar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Tip Jar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;“&lt;em&gt;Murderer&lt;/em&gt;,” Natalia wrote to her ex-husband on the day the invasion began in 2022.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;“I am not a murderer,”&lt;/em&gt; Oleg responded.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;At one point the two had presumably been in love.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;But now the couple’s son, Artur, was fighting for the Ukrainian military.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;And the family’s former patriarch, her ex-husband,  was fighting for the Russian side.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Their story is a microcosm of the splits that have occurred all across families broken apart due to this war – and the tragic consequences that result from an unjustifiable war of aggression.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The negotiated ending of wars is a fraught process with incredible complexity. The durable, notable peace deals of the last five decades involved American negotiators that had immense expertise into each side’s grievances and flexibilities.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;But the Trump administration’s approach to this war has been to vacillate between Russian talking points and occasional kind words (but not particularly helpful action) towards Ukraine. The American government – led by diplomatic newbie and real estate developer Steve Witkoff – has shown almost no understanding of the details.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;And what’s been particularly absent is an understanding of how deep the animosity between Russia and Ukraine have been, and how it’s torn families apart from the very nucleus.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Any diplomacy that lacks an understanding of the deep betrayal felt within families will be doomed to fail. More than 43 percent of Ukrainians have relatives in Russia, a 2021 &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.kiis.com.ua/?lang=ukr&amp;cat=reports&amp;id=1078&amp;page=4&#34;&gt;survey&lt;/a&gt; by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology found. On top of that, 14 percent said they had distant relatives in Russia.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Many families have said they don’t recognize the relatives they once regularly talked to, likening it to speaking to brainwashed strangers. In this way, the story of Artur’s family is just one of the many, many similar situations playing out across Ukraine.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2feaee702c-2.jpg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/a1796455cd.jpg&#34; width=&#34;380&#34; height=&#34;380&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/eaee702c-20a7-4c29-8e35-634375a6425f_1280x1280.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1280,&#34;width&#34;:1280,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:380,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M3 12a9 9 0 0 1 9-9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1 6.74 2.74L21 8&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 3v5h-5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 12a9 9 0 0 1-9 9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1-6.74-2.74L3 16&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M8 16H3v5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Artur Asadov. Photo Credit: Artur’s Instagram.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Artur’s relationship with his father was fraught even before the invasion. Oleg had left the family soon after the divorce, moving to Russia and later Russia-occupied areas in the east of Ukraine – even working as a military commander for Russia-backed forces.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Artur changed his last name so he would not have to share it with his father.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In recent years, he went by the last name ‘Asadov,’ the surname of a poet he admired. His translated texts suggest a sort of poetry lived in him:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;“I will be in Kyiv&lt;br&gt;We have million people reserve&lt;br&gt;It all should rise&lt;br&gt;I will be in Kyiv… everyone goes anyway&lt;/em&gt;,”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;–A text that Artur sent his mother when Russia invaded.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;“He was so creative,” Artur’s sister Daniella recalled&lt;em&gt;.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A patriotic Ukrainian with military training in his background, Artur left his career in film to sign up for the Armed Forces once again in 2022. He couldn’t look himself in the mirror otherwise – so he put down the camera and picked up a rifle.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!-BQO!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa2d7ecc8-c977-43ad-8923-4013366dc70e_1120x742.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fa2d7ecc8-c.png&#34; width=&#34;486&#34; height=&#34;321.975&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/a2d7ecc8-c977-43ad-8923-4013366dc70e_1120x742.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:742,&#34;width&#34;:1120,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:486,&#34;bytes&#34;:1278055,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:&#34;image/png&#34;,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:&#34;[www.counteroffensive.news/i/1791360...](https://www.counteroffensive.news/i/179136038?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa2d7ecc8-c977-43ad-8923-4013366dc70e_1120x742.png)&#34;,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M3 12a9 9 0 0 1 9-9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1 6.74 2.74L21 8&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 3v5h-5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 12a9 9 0 0 1-9 9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1-6.74-2.74L3 16&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M8 16H3v5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;Artur and Daniella.&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;One of Daniella’s cherished memories involves Artur finding money on the ground, and rather than buying something for himself, buying Daniella an ice cream. He was an essential figure in her life, almost parental. In some ways, he was more of a father figure to her than her own actual father.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;After all, Daniella blames their father for what happened after the full-scale invasion.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!nXYQ!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc93c7c20-49bb-4a6e-b900-1bf03bb6d9ae_1280x957.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fc93c7c20-4.jpg&#34; width=&#34;460&#34; height=&#34;343.921875&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/c93c7c20-49bb-4a6e-b900-1bf03bb6d9ae_1280x957.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:957,&#34;width&#34;:1280,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:460,&#34;bytes&#34;:229224,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:&#34;image/jpeg&#34;,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M3 12a9 9 0 0 1 9-9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1 6.74 2.74L21 8&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 3v5h-5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 12a9 9 0 0 1-9 9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1-6.74-2.74L3 16&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M8 16H3v5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Artur and his sister Daniella.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;She thinks that beyond the obvious patriotic motivations to fight for Ukraine, Artur was also trying to prove something to their estranged parent, sending a moral signal of sorts, to let him know the children never needed him to begin with.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“I’m so angry,” Daniella said in an interview. “If my father chose another way in life, maybe Artur didn’t choose to become a soldier and fight… Artur believed his father was a traitor.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!Rs2V!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F50ecf781-3576-4774-a019-25a3e0498db8_1102x734.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f50ecf781-3.png&#34; width=&#34;448&#34; height=&#34;298.3956442831216&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/50ecf781-3576-4774-a019-25a3e0498db8_1102x734.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:734,&#34;width&#34;:1102,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:448,&#34;bytes&#34;:1711230,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:&#34;image/png&#34;,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:&#34;[www.counteroffensive.news/i/1791360...](https://www.counteroffensive.news/i/179136038?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F50ecf781-3576-4774-a019-25a3e0498db8_1102x734.png)&#34;,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M3 12a9 9 0 0 1 9-9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1 6.74 2.74L21 8&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 3v5h-5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 12a9 9 0 0 1-9 9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1-6.74-2.74L3 16&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M8 16H3v5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;The final photo of Artur with his sister Daniella and his mother Natalia.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;When Russia invaded in 2022, Oleg told his son not to join the Ukrainian military, and predicted that Kyiv would fall in just three days. Artur did so anyway.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!5qQF!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc9997b46-9147-4301-9803-1367761a61f1_785x557.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fc9997b46-9.png&#34; width=&#34;436&#34; height=&#34;309.3656050955414&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/c9997b46-9147-4301-9803-1367761a61f1_785x557.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:557,&#34;width&#34;:785,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:436,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M3 12a9 9 0 0 1 9-9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1 6.74 2.74L21 8&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 3v5h-5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 12a9 9 0 0 1-9 9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1-6.74-2.74L3 16&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M8 16H3v5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Text message between Artur and his mother, Natalia, on Feb. 24, 2022. On the left, the original Ukrainian. On the right, the English language translation.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;“&lt;em&gt;I don’t want to hide… I will be ashamed. It’s my city and my country… to escape it is the easiest thing to do&lt;/em&gt;,” Artur told his mother as Russian tanks began advancing towards Kyiv.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;And as the tide of the war turned, so did the tone of their exchanges. Ukraine’s military not only repelled the Russians from the Kyiv region, but then set their sights upon liberating the Kharkiv region and other areas in eastern Ukraine, where Oleg commanded troops.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Artur sent his father videos of himself in eastern Ukraine, helping to liberate villages, mocking the idea that Kyiv would fall in 72 hours.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;“Where are you? I don’t see you. What happened to three days?”&lt;/em&gt; Artur told his father via text message.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;“Hey sister, sorry, just had a lot of work to do. Counteroffensive. Happy birthday. I wish you the best. To come back home finally.  So the war is over. So you find your true love there. So he wouldn’t be a moron and asshole,&lt;/em&gt;” Artur said to his sister before her birthday.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!fMyL!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F009d9b95-5181-4a77-ba89-04b6f96a2e79_1280x960.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f009d9b95-5.jpg&#34; width=&#34;450&#34; height=&#34;337.5&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/009d9b95-5181-4a77-ba89-04b6f96a2e79_1280x960.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:960,&#34;width&#34;:1280,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:450,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M3 12a9 9 0 0 1 9-9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1 6.74 2.74L21 8&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 3v5h-5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 12a9 9 0 0 1-9 9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1-6.74-2.74L3 16&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M8 16H3v5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Artur, his mother Natalia, and his sister Daniella.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Artur’s family had been closely connected with the Ukrainian military at first. Long before the full-scale invasion, his father had been a military commander stationed in Kyiv. But this life fell apart when Artur was a teenager: His parents filed for divorce and his father left for Russia.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The next thing they knew Oleg had become a military official on the other side – a turncoat who was leading Russia-backed troops in Donetsk during the first stage of the Ukraine-Russia war in 2014.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“He was a colonel, but for us, he is a simple traitor,” Natalia said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For Daniella, her father is the worst kind of turncoat – betraying not only his own family and children, but also his country.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Ukraine gave my father the best career. He had a great career in office; he was super famous in Ukraine. How, after this, can you join the enemy team?” Daniella said. “He cheated on my family, and in a couple of years, he cheated on Ukraine.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;hr&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;When she thinks about him, Artur’s wife Karina remembers the flowers.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Artur often gave his wife flowers, especially on her birthday. Early in their relationship, he once surprised her with a bouquet of roses at the summer camp where she worked with children.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The two met through Instagram after Artur messaged her one day about her work at children’s summer camps. They began dating shortly after.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;When their vacations overlapped in 2018, they planned a trip to the city of Odesa in southern Ukraine. Since then, they were essentially inseparable – until the war became the one thing that kept them apart.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Artur became a commander of the ‘Carpathian Sich’ battalion, a well-known unit in the Ukrainian military. His call sign was ‘the Saint’ because “he was such a bright person and such a good person,” Karina explained.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!UtWN!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F70a2a010-56d1-4f23-93a7-36ec445ca384_960x1280.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f70a2a010-5.jpg&#34; width=&#34;334&#34; height=&#34;445.3333333333333&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/70a2a010-56d1-4f23-93a7-36ec445ca384_960x1280.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1280,&#34;width&#34;:960,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:334,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M3 12a9 9 0 0 1 9-9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1 6.74 2.74L21 8&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 3v5h-5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 12a9 9 0 0 1-9 9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1-6.74-2.74L3 16&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M8 16H3v5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Artur Asadov.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Filmmaker Lou Levitskyi, who worked with Artur, first learned about his strained relationship with his father when he noticed him upset at the office right before the full-scale invasion began.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;At first, Artur hesitated to explain, but eventually admitted that his father was serving with the Russians. He told Lou that if the war broke out, he would take up arms for Ukraine.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“He wanted to, you know, to convince his father to change his mind,” Lou said. “It was his mission, I felt it.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;hr&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!2mLM!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fbee6e6ca-66a9-487f-9361-cd5d3231fd40_738x1600.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fbee6e6ca-6.jpg&#34; width=&#34;240&#34; height=&#34;520.3252032520326&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/bee6e6ca-66a9-487f-9361-cd5d3231fd40_738x1600.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1600,&#34;width&#34;:738,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:240,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M3 12a9 9 0 0 1 9-9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1 6.74 2.74L21 8&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 3v5h-5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 12a9 9 0 0 1-9 9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1-6.74-2.74L3 16&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M8 16H3v5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;Text message between Oleg and Daniella, after Oleg found out his son had been killed.&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Artur is always gonna be in my heart. I wouldn’t wish this feeling on an enemy. I never wanted this!!!!!&lt;br&gt;&lt;em&gt;Artur is a fighter, no one could stop him...&lt;/em&gt;” &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;–Oleg sent Daniella these texts after finding out Artur was killed.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;On April 9, 2023, Artur died on the frontlines of the very region where his father was fighting as well.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In an act of heroism, Artur decided to stay behind to man a position while covering his unit’s retreat. He was killed in a Russian attack while doing so – but his sacrifice saved the lives of four of his fellow soldiers.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Flowers seemed to follow Artur throughout his life — and in death, his family identified him by the three roses tattooed on his chest.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Hundreds of people attended Artur’s funeral.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Everything was feeling like some kind of big, big, big error. That it shouldn’t have happened, not with him. I remember the grief and the emptiness,” Karina said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Yet, one detail stood out in all the condolences people offered.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“It was a whole mountain of flowers,” Artur’s wife recalled.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;His mother Natalia sometimes goes to his grave and screams.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“For me, it’s still really, really hard to accept. I’m still waiting for him to come back home,” she said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;And this is what the chess-game-diplomats of the world don’t understand. The war is not just about strategic interests or great powers. And it’s not about Donald Trump’s relationship with Vladimir Putin. It’s in these terrible traumas, spreading like a disease from village to village, as soldiers return home – or don’t.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The warring parties may come up with a ceasefire or an arrangement that ends the war for now. Maybe. But peace is more than just the cessation of violence. It’s the dropping of animosities and enmity. It’s forgiveness.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;And no diplomat or president can mandate that.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;When the full-scale invasion began in 2022, there were a fair number of Ukrainians who hoped it would only be a few months, that relationships could be stitched back together. That these two so-called ‘brother nations’ could somehow make up quickly.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Then came the war crimes, the torture, the stench of death.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Putin’s army has committed too many crimes, imposed too much suffering, for there to be understanding between the two sides. The result is that Ukraine and Russia will be on the verge of war for a generation to come, maybe more.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Despite having grown up in a tight household with hard-working parents in Ukraine, the war has forever shifted Daniella’s perception of her father.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;How could she ever be expected to forgive him?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;After all, she blames him for Artur’s decision to join the military. She feels the social pressure to speak with her father because they share blood, but resists the urge.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“You’re the enemy,” she said. “Why do I have to speak with the enemy?”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Clara Preve contributed to this report.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;Featured Subscriber’s Comment:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“I think the reporting you do is outstanding.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You and your team tell such interesting, powerful, relevant stories from the front lines of democracy in Ukraine and Taiwan that remind me every time how grateful I should be for the democracy I live in and how essential the fights are against authoritarian takeover and how brave those fighting.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;By: Maggie&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Tip Jar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Tip Jar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Tim Mak and Yevgen Kotukh on Virtual Reality and PTSD&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div data-component-name=&#34;VideoPlaceholder&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;mediaUploadId&#34;:&#34;6a1c8028-346c-40ee-b0dc-07cd09f95ffc&#34;,&#34;duration&#34;:null}&#39; data-sanitized-class=&#34;native-video-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;NEWS OF THE DAY:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;By:&lt;strong&gt; &lt;/strong&gt;Anastasiia Kryvoruchenko&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;DRONE STRIKES TURKISH TANKER IN ODESA:&lt;/strong&gt; A tanker flying the Turkish flag was hit in the Izmail port of Odesa region, AP &lt;a href=&#34;https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-tanker-drone-fire-ea4ef368e58ef0936d24b27cd56073af&#34;&gt;reported&lt;/a&gt;. This happened after Ukraine signed an agreement on the supply of liquefied natural gas from the U.S. by Greek and Baltic operators through the Baltic and Black Seas.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As a result of the attack, Romanian authorities ordered the evacuation of two villages near Izmail on their side of the border.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Russian attacks not only create a deficit in Ukraine’s energy, but also threaten to damage the import ways and leave Ukraine without supplies from allies.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;BELGIUM TO BUY KAMIKAZE DRONES TO COUNTER INTRUSIONS: &lt;/strong&gt;Belgium has signed an agreement with a Latvian defense company to purchase kamikaze drones capable of detecting and destroying unmanned aircraft that violate the country’s airspace, Reuters &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/belgium-buys-defensive-kamikaze-drones-counter-incursions-2025-11-17/&#34;&gt;reported&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The move comes in response to a series of airspace intrusions that have disrupted the operations of airports, as well as critical and military infrastructure not only in Belgium, but in a number of European countries.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Belgian officials have attributed the intrusions to Russia, while Moscow denies any involvement.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;EU OFFERS UKRAINE GRANT, NOT FROZEN RUSSIAN ASSETS:&lt;/strong&gt; The EU has drafted a letter proposing three ways to finance Ukraine’s war-torn economy, one of which is a grant of at least €90 billion that would be financed by EU member states according to the size of their GDP, Kyiv Independent &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/as-reparations-loan-talks-stall-eu-pitches-90-billion-euro-grant-to-cover-ukraines-budget-needs/&#34;&gt;reported&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Brussels proposed this approach because Belgium still refuses to transfer frozen Russian assets — most of which are held in the country — to Ukraine as reparations.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;According to IMF estimates, if the war ends in 2026, Ukraine will face a deficit of more than €135 billion.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;CAT OF CONFLICT:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;Nastia met this peacefully sleeping cat while doing some shopping – a local shop takes care of him and provides him with a bed. He sleeps right near the entrance and greets every customer. He also has a little tip jar, to keep him fed.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!5-Bb!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff166639d-ab5c-40d6-ac1f-067f09baa6f1_1280x960.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2ff166639d-a.png&#34; width=&#34;1280&#34; height=&#34;960&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/f166639d-ab5c-40d6-ac1f-067f09baa6f1_1280x960.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:960,&#34;width&#34;:1280,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:&#34;&#34;,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; title=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M3 12a9 9 0 0 1 9-9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1 6.74 2.74L21 8&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 3v5h-5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 12a9 9 0 0 1-9 9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1-6.74-2.74L3 16&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M8 16H3v5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Stay safe out there.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Best,&lt;br&gt;Tim&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/why-the-war-wont-end-anytime-soon&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Madness! Russia has attacked Ukraine again: cities are on fire, there are casualties</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/18/madness-russia-has-attacked-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2025 15:00:32 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/18/madness-russia-has-attacked-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/3e984e45f5.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Madness! Russia has attacked Ukraine again: cities are on fire, there are casualties&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EaWtJnBFadQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest live: Congress to move on legislating Russia sanctions bill following Trump&#39;s &#39;blessing,&#39; US Senator Graham says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/18/ukraine-war-latest-live-congress.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2025 13:30:58 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/18/ukraine-war-latest-live-congress.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-1246628226.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest live: Congress to move on legislating Russia sanctions bill following Trump&#39;s &#39;blessing,&#39; US Senator Graham says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Live coverage of Russia&#39;s war against Ukraine with breaking news and front-line updates, updated 4 times today. The United States Congress will renew its efforts to move forward in an attempt to pass a Russia sanctions bill into law, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham announced on Nov. 17.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-update-2025-11-18/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian public broadcaster in Dnipro badly damaged in overnight Russian attack</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/18/ukrainian-public-broadcaster-in-dnipro.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2025 11:12:26 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/18/ukrainian-public-broadcaster-in-dnipro.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/b3f57b5b14906512.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian public broadcaster in Dnipro badly damaged in overnight Russian attack&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;At the time of the attack, around 11 p.m., there were no employees or other workers at the site.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-public-broadcaster-in-dnipro-badly-damaged-in-overnight-russian-attack/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Zelensky to visit Turkey to &#39;reinvigorate&#39; stalled negotiations with Russia</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/18/zelensky-to-visit-turkey-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2025 10:48:33 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/18/zelensky-to-visit-turkey-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2214862955.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky to visit Turkey to &#39;reinvigorate&#39; stalled negotiations with Russia&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;We are preparing to reinvigorate negotiations, and we have developed solutions that we will propose to our partners,&#34; President Volodymyr Zelensky said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-to-visit-turkey-to-reinvigorate-stalled-negotiations-with-russia/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russian missile strikes Kharkiv Oblast, killing teenage girl, injuring 9</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/18/russian-missile-strikes-kharkiv-oblast.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2025 06:50:35 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/18/russian-missile-strikes-kharkiv-oblast.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/b993506273.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian missile strikes Kharkiv Oblast, killing teenage girl, injuring 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;A seventeen-year-old girl was killed and nine others were injured in an overnight Russian missile attack on the city of Berestyn in Kharkiv Oblast on Nov. 18, regional authorities said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-missile-strikes-kharkiv-oblast-killing-teenage-girl-injuring-9/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine reportedly strikes thermal power plant in occupied Donetsk Oblast</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/18/ukraine-reportedly-strikes-thermal-power.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2025 00:34:36 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/18/ukraine-reportedly-strikes-thermal-power.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/43a1bad26a.jpeg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine reportedly strikes thermal power plant in occupied Donetsk Oblast&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Purported videos posted on social media appear to show a large explosion and subsequent fire emanating from the Zuivska Thermal Power Plant in the occupied community of Zuhres in Donetsk Oblast, following a projectile strike on the target.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-reportedly-strikes-thermal-power-plant-in-occupied-donetsk-oblast-2/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>❗️25 thousand per month: the truth about the catastrophic losses of the Russians #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/18/thousand-per-month-the-truth.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2025 00:00:36 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/18/thousand-per-month-the-truth.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/37623ee970.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️25 thousand per month: the truth about the catastrophic losses of the Russians #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/O9ob0i6CCRw&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Congress to move on legislating Russia sanctions bill following Trump&#39;s &#39;blessing,&#39; US Senator Graham says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/18/congress-to-move-on-legislating.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2025 23:13:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/18/congress-to-move-on-legislating.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-1246627641-612x612.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Congress to move on legislating Russia sanctions bill following Trump&#39;s &#39;blessing,&#39; US Senator Graham says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The United States Congress will renew its efforts to move forward in an attempt to pass a Russia sanctions bill into law, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham announced on Nov. 17.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/congress-to-move-on-legislating-russia-sanctions-bill-following-trumps-blessing-us-senator-graham-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine strengthens its army with foreign volunteers: a new recruitment model #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/17/ukraine-strengthens-its-army-with.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2025 22:00:09 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/17/ukraine-strengthens-its-army-with.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/df1096731a.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine strengthens its army with foreign volunteers: a new recruitment model #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/6E0wLRWGrIo&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Poland in &#39;pre-war&#39; period amid increased Russian sabotage efforts, top Polish general says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/17/poland-in-prewar-period-amid.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2025 21:08:21 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/17/poland-in-prewar-period-amid.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2234190400-612x612.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Poland in &#39;pre-war&#39; period amid increased Russian sabotage efforts, top Polish general says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russia has begun preparing for war with Poland as Moscow continues to escale its cyberattack and acts of sabotage on Polish soil, the Chief of the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces Wieslaw Kukula said on Nov. 17.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/poland-in-pre-war-period-amid-increased-russian-sabotage-efforts-top-polish-general-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>DEFENSE HOLDS: Ukraine repels enemy attacks in Kupiansk</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/17/defense-holds-ukraine-repels-enemy.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2025 21:00:20 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/17/defense-holds-ukraine-repels-enemy.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/28ddce3303.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;DEFENSE HOLDS: Ukraine repels enemy attacks in Kupiansk&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNB1iYgyWO0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Several law enforcement agencies come under fire over alleged involvement in Ukraine&#39;s biggest graft scheme</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/17/several-law-enforcement-agencies-come.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2025 20:54:31 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/17/several-law-enforcement-agencies-come.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2166042032.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Several law enforcement agencies come under fire over alleged involvement in Ukraine&#39;s biggest graft scheme&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Several law enforcement agencies were lambasted by a parliamentary commission on Nov. 17 for failing to investigate their employees&#39; alleged involvement in a large-scale corruption scheme at state nuclear power company Energoatom.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) has charged eight suspects with bribery, embezzlement, and illicit enrichment in the&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/law-enforcement-agencies-come-under-fire-over-handling-of-energy-corruption-scheme/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>As reparations loan talks stall, EU proposes 90 billion euro grant to cover Ukraine&#39;s financing needs</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/17/as-reparations-loan-talks-stall.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2025 19:12:49 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/17/as-reparations-loan-talks-stall.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/105ab3df44.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;As reparations loan talks stall, EU proposes 90 billion euro grant to cover Ukraine&#39;s financing needs&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Based on International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimates, the EU expects that if the Russia-Ukraine war ends in 2026, Kyiv will face a financial gap of 135.7 billion euros ($157 billion) in the 2026-2027 period.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/as-reparations-loan-talks-stall-eu-pitches-90-billion-euro-grant-to-cover-ukraines-budget-needs/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>IMF and Ukraine begin talks for new loan program amid looming financing shortfall</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/17/imf-and-ukraine-begin-talks.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2025 18:16:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/17/imf-and-ukraine-begin-talks.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2180038343.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;IMF and Ukraine begin talks for new loan program amid looming financing shortfall&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;The discussions will cover the authorities’ economic policy objectives (...) and structural policies to strengthen governance, combat corruption, and enhance growth,&#34; Priscilla Toffano, the IMF&#39;s representative in Ukraine, said in a press release.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/imf-and-ukraine-begin-talks-amid-looming-shortfall-in-kyivs-financing/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>🇫🇷🇺🇦100 Rafale fighter jets for Ukraine! A historic day in Paris #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/17/rafale-fighter-jets-for-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2025 17:42:51 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/17/rafale-fighter-jets-for-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/242442f024.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🇫🇷🇺🇦100 Rafale fighter jets for Ukraine! A historic day in Paris #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ASSF_CPcJ8U&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>&#39;Our defense is falling apart&#39; — Prominent Ukrainian activist criticizes military, political leadership</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/17/our-defense-is-falling-apart.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2025 17:29:45 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/17/our-defense-is-falling-apart.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2185545261.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;Our defense is falling apart&#39; — Prominent Ukrainian activist criticizes military, political leadership&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Sternenko&#39;s warning comes as Russian troops pierce through Ukrainian defenses on multiple hot spot sectors of the war.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/our-defense-is-falling-apart-prominent-ukrainian-activist-criticizes-military-and-political-leadership/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Unfiltered frontline report: Caolan Robertson on the reality in Kramatorsk, Izium, and Pokrovsk</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/17/unfiltered-frontline-report-caolan-robertson.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2025 17:11:40 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/17/unfiltered-frontline-report-caolan-robertson.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/3c33176549.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Unfiltered frontline report: Caolan Robertson on the reality in Kramatorsk, Izium, and Pokrovsk&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EO_mDgI1Uwc&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>🛑 Attempt to disrupt humanitarian supplies to Ukraine: Tusk makes a statement #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/17/attempt-to-disrupt-humanitarian-supplies.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2025 17:00:51 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/17/attempt-to-disrupt-humanitarian-supplies.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/d9f48ad812.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🛑 Attempt to disrupt humanitarian supplies to Ukraine: Tusk makes a statement #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/QTW2Ztc_V0k&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Poland reopens 2 border crossings with Belarus after their years-long closure</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/17/poland-reopens-border-crossings-with.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2025 16:54:32 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/17/poland-reopens-border-crossings-with.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/ac833db84b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Poland reopens 2 border crossings with Belarus after their years-long closure&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Poland reopened the Kuznica and Bobrowniki crossings with Belarus after they had been closed for years, citing economic reasons and strengthened security along the eastern frontier.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/poland-reopens-2-border-crossings-with-belarus-citing-business-security-grounds/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>25 facts you (probably) didn’t know about the Kyiv Independent</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/17/facts-you-probably-didnt-know.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2025 16:47:37 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/17/facts-you-probably-didnt-know.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/image-5-.png&#34; alt=&#34;25 facts you (probably) didn’t know about the Kyiv Independent&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;We thought it was time to pull back the curtain and share a few things you might not know about us. From our name choice to Nobel “nominations” – here are 25 facts that make the Kyiv Independent who we are.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/25-facts-you-probably-didnt-know-about-the-kyiv-independent/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia&#39;s flagship oil price drops as buyers retreat ahead of US sanctions</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/17/russias-flagship-oil-price-drops.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2025 16:20:20 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/17/russias-flagship-oil-price-drops.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2227259482-1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia&#39;s flagship oil price drops as buyers retreat ahead of US sanctions&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Discounts on Urals relative to Brent reached $23.5 per barrel, the widest gap since June 2023.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russias-flagship-oil-price-drops-as-buyers-retreat-ahead-of-us-sanctions/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>❗️Ukraine is not alone in its defense. We are not alone – and we never will be, – Zelenskyy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/17/ukraine-is-not-alone-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2025 15:19:29 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/17/ukraine-is-not-alone-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/f1e1046bf1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️Ukraine is not alone in its defense. We are not alone – and we never will be, – Zelenskyy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/YM_r0XTsUSY&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>From Poseidon to Kinzhal: Why Russia’s ‘super weapons’ may matter less than the Kremlin claims</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/17/from-poseidon-to-kinzhal-why.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2025 15:17:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/17/from-poseidon-to-kinzhal-why.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/screenshot-2025-11-12-at-18-43-12.png&#34; alt=&#34;From Poseidon to Kinzhal: Why Russia’s ‘super weapons’ may matter less than the Kremlin claims&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For the first time in years, the Kremlin has officially claimed to have tested one of its so-called &#34;super weapons&#34; — the nuclear-powered &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-tests-nuclear-powered-burevestnik-cruise-missile-moscow-claims/&#34;&gt;Burevestnik &lt;/a&gt;cruise missile — one of six “next-generation” strategic arms introduced by Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2018 that he said were designed&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/what-happened-to-russian-super-weapons/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>❗️Together with our partners, we will continue to work for peace, – Macron #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/17/together-with-our-partners-we.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2025 15:04:38 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/17/together-with-our-partners-we.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/944188125e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️Together with our partners, we will continue to work for peace, – Macron #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/NPKKAGzCL-Y&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>WONDERFUL! MORE FIGHTER JETS – Ukraine signs a STRATEGIC AGREEMENT with FRANCE</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/17/wonderful-more-fighter-jets-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2025 15:00:34 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/17/wonderful-more-fighter-jets-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/7b97eb35a5.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;WONDERFUL! MORE FIGHTER JETS – Ukraine signs a STRATEGIC AGREEMENT with FRANCE&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzG6FlsE3v4&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Deception and Recruitment: Indians in Russia’s Military Ranks</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/17/deception-and-recruitment-indians-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2025 14:46:22 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/17/deception-and-recruitment-indians-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f2d658975-e.png&#34; alt=&#34;Deception and Recruitment: Indians in Russia’s Military Ranks&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f2d658975-e.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/0b4ba004aa.png&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;831&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/2d658975-e875-429a-b37c-c38a6c0a9298_1900x1084.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:831,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:1309638,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:&#34;image/png&#34;,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:true,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:&#34;[frontelligence.substack.com/i/1784938...](https://frontelligence.substack.com/i/178493860?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2d658975-e875-429a-b37c-c38a6c0a9298_1900x1084.png)&#34;,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; fetchpriority=&#34;high&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M3 12a9 9 0 0 1 9-9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1 6.74 2.74L21 8&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 3v5h-5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 12a9 9 0 0 1-9 9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1-6.74-2.74L3 16&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M8 16H3v5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;As recently as November, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs reported identifying 44 Indian nationals serving in the Russian armed forces. However, data from the&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://hochuzhit.com/en/&#34;&gt;I Want to Live&lt;/a&gt; project suggests the true number is considerably higher. At least 146 Indian citizens have been confirmed by name as having signed contracts, and at least 22 have been killed in action in Ukraine.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Our review of the records indicates that Russia, working through local recruiters in India, is actively targeting Indian nationals, drawing them into military service despite the Indian government’s efforts to curb such cases. In May 2024, India’s Central Bureau of Investigation &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/5/8/india-arrests-four-for-duping-young-men-into-fighting-for-russia-in-ukraine&#34;&gt;arrested&lt;/a&gt; four individuals involved in trafficking citizens to fight for the Russian army. The suspects were based across multiple Indian cities and had collaborators in Dubai and Russia.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The issue drew national attention after reports surfaced that young Indians were being misled into joining the Russian military under the pretense of work or study visas. Families in Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Telangana said their relatives were pressured or deceived into enlisting as “support staff,” only to be deployed to the front lines.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Earlier this month, relatives from more than ten states, including families of two men killed in the war, staged a &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.firstpost.com/world/indian-men-at-ukraine-war-front-duped-by-agents-fighting-for-russia-moscow-mea-pm-modi-putin-luped-for-jobs-familty-seek-help-13947616.html&#34;&gt;protest&lt;/a&gt; at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. They carried signs urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin to intervene.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Table of Contents&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;em&gt;Introduction&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br&gt;I. Luring the Recruits&lt;br&gt;II. Deployment and Casualties&lt;br&gt;III. Assessment and Summary&lt;br&gt;&lt;em&gt;Sources&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h4&gt;I. &lt;strong&gt;Luring the Recruits&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;&lt;p&gt;One of the major differences compared to our &lt;a href=&#34;https://frontelligence.substack.com/p/outsourced-war&#34;&gt;earlier investigation&lt;/a&gt; into Cuban recruitment is that the path into the Russian army is far less straightforward. Unlike Cuban mercenaries, who generally know they are signing up to serve in the Russian military, India-focused recruitment offers much less transparency. Our team has verified that, despite requests to halt such activity, the recruitment of Indian nationals remained active as of November 2025, with numerous advertisements promising hassle-free Russian visas, employment, and good pay in civilian sector.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;We identified more than a dozen ongoing or recently concluded advertising campaigns targeting Indian citizens. In the compilation image below, you can see examples from Facebook, YouTube, and other social-media platforms promoting lucrative job opportunities. Notably, some advertisements even mention Alabuga, the economic zone where Russians mass-produce drones including Shaheds, while others are more vague about the actual employer.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!fcgs!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ffa90d565-f615-4330-a65a-9ec1dc4cbacb_1916x1078.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2ffa90d565-f.png&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;819&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/fa90d565-f615-4330-a65a-9ec1dc4cbacb_1916x1078.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:819,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:2509603,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:&#34;image/png&#34;,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:&#34;[frontelligence.substack.com/i/1784938...](https://frontelligence.substack.com/i/178493860?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ffa90d565-f615-4330-a65a-9ec1dc4cbacb_1916x1078.png)&#34;,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M3 12a9 9 0 0 1 9-9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1 6.74 2.74L21 8&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 3v5h-5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 12a9 9 0 0 1-9 9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1-6.74-2.74L3 16&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M8 16H3v5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;Recruitment advertisements &lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;These offers are especially attractive, promising salaries of $700 to $1,000 per month in Russia, which is roughly double or even triple the average income in India. This makes them particularly appealing to individuals from poorer or rural areas. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Once in Russia, recruits typically face two main paths to enlistment. Some encounter pressure from law enforcement, immigration authorities, or other agencies, and in certain cases are presented with the choice of joining the military or facing legal consequences. Others are lured with promises of visa or citizenship assistance, often with assurances of non-combat roles. Sign-up bonuses can reach tens of thousands of dollars, roughly equivalent to a decade of earnings for an average worker in India.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;An analysis of 145 verified records shows that in 2023 only nine contracts were signed. &lt;br&gt;That number rose to 76 in 2024, and by September 2025, 60 contracts had been recorded. This suggests that recruitment levels have remained largely consistent with 2024 despite measures taken by the Indian government. Unlike trends observed in several African countries, there is no clear surge in enlistment.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!ahr6!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F59da5e30-26f5-40c8-8a07-b56067220409_1918x1079.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f59da5e30-2.png&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;819&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/59da5e30-26f5-40c8-8a07-b56067220409_1918x1079.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:819,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:112040,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:&#34;image/png&#34;,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:&#34;[frontelligence.substack.com/i/1784938...](https://frontelligence.substack.com/i/178493860?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F59da5e30-26f5-40c8-8a07-b56067220409_1918x1079.png)&#34;,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M3 12a9 9 0 0 1 9-9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1 6.74 2.74L21 8&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 3v5h-5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 12a9 9 0 0 1-9 9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1-6.74-2.74L3 16&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M8 16H3v5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;A source in India, speaking to us on the condition of anonymity, explained that the Indian government is trying to combat this recruitment, but new ads and offers appear quickly through messaging apps, social networks, or even word of mouth, making it difficult to fully stop.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;While this list is not exhaustive and the true number of Indian mercenaries fighting for Russia is likely higher, our team concludes that these figures are still far too small to suggest a state-backed mercenary program. By comparison, Cuba, despite having a population more than 120 times smaller than India, has directly supplied thousands of mercenaries to Russia’s armed forces.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h4&gt;&lt;br&gt;II. &lt;strong&gt;Deployment and Casualties&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;&lt;p&gt;Details about those killed in action help reveal where these mercenaries actually serve. Despite promises of rear-area or logistics duties, they are sent straight to the front. The list of 22 Indian nationals killed in Ukraine shows most losses came from the 7th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade of the 3rd Army, formed from residents of occupied Luhansk Oblast and long marked by heavy casualties. The brigade has been operating around Bilohorivka for some time. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Earlier, when we examined Egyptian citizens fighting for Russia, we noted similarly high casualty rates in this same sector.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!BQkD!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F6f9912c8-af05-41ec-8ab0-6f9e6266826f_1240x1076.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f6f9912c8-a.png&#34; width=&#34;1240&#34; height=&#34;1076&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/6f9912c8-af05-41ec-8ab0-6f9e6266826f_1240x1076.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1076,&#34;width&#34;:1240,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:274154,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:&#34;image/png&#34;,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:&#34;[frontelligence.substack.com/i/1784938...](https://frontelligence.substack.com/i/178493860?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F6f9912c8-af05-41ec-8ab0-6f9e6266826f_1240x1076.png)&#34;,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M3 12a9 9 0 0 1 9-9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1 6.74 2.74L21 8&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 3v5h-5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 12a9 9 0 0 1-9 9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1-6.74-2.74L3 16&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M8 16H3v5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;The second largest - 291st Motorized Rifle Regiment, which is advancing towards Orikhiv, near Robotyne area - same area, where Ukrainian counter-offensive commenced in the spring-summer of 2023. The next after that is another unit from the 58th army - 71st motor rifle regiment, which operates in the same axis as 291st regiment - towards Orikhiv.  &lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!aGrD!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0daa4063-bdaf-4933-8935-4b32b09f09fd_1915x1079.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f0daa4063-b.png&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;820&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/0daa4063-bdaf-4933-8935-4b32b09f09fd_1915x1079.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:820,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:154437,&#34;alt&#34;:&#34;&#34;,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:&#34;image/png&#34;,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:&#34;[frontelligence.substack.com/i/1784938...](https://frontelligence.substack.com/i/178493860?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0daa4063-bdaf-4933-8935-4b32b09f09fd_1915x1079.png)&#34;,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; title=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M3 12a9 9 0 0 1 9-9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1 6.74 2.74L21 8&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 3v5h-5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 12a9 9 0 0 1-9 9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1-6.74-2.74L3 16&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M8 16H3v5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Notably, just as in case with most of other mercenaries, the median age is lower - whether Russian soldier median age is around 38, the median age of mercenaries from India is 27. Overall, younger personnel are naturally better suited for assault units, where physical demands are far higher. It is therefore unsurprising that they are sent directly to the front lines, not only to preserve Russian troops by using foreign recruits in the most dangerous roles, but also because their physical condition makes them more capable of enduring such assignments.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!bQD3!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff0f2d993-45aa-4b7f-8859-78ded5a72791_1920x1080.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2ff0f2d993-4.png&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;819&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/f0f2d993-45aa-4b7f-8859-78ded5a72791_1920x1080.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:819,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:218774,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:&#34;image/png&#34;,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:&#34;[frontelligence.substack.com/i/1784938...](https://frontelligence.substack.com/i/178493860?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff0f2d993-45aa-4b7f-8859-78ded5a72791_1920x1080.png)&#34;,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M3 12a9 9 0 0 1 9-9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1 6.74 2.74L21 8&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 3v5h-5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 12a9 9 0 0 1-9 9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1-6.74-2.74L3 16&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M8 16H3v5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;A common question when foreign fighters are killed is what happens to them afterward. The case of Sonu Kumar, from Hisar, offers a good example. He was among several Indians who travelled to Russia on student visas. According to a report by &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.firstpost.com/world/indian-men-at-ukraine-war-front-duped-by-agents-fighting-for-russia-moscow-mea-pm-modi-putin-luped-for-jobs-familty-seek-help-13947616.html&#34;&gt;Firstpost&lt;/a&gt;, recruiting agents convinced him to extend his stay with promises of steady, well-paid work.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Sonu was told he would work as a security guard and be kept far from the war zone,” his brother Vikas said. “He trusted them because they assured him he would earn well and remain safe.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The family last heard from Kumar on Sept. 3, when he said he was being sent to the front line and that his phone would soon be confiscated.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;On Sept. 19, the family received a Telegram message from Russian authorities saying Kumar had gone missing on Sept. 6 and that his body had been found. They were told his remains could be moved to Moscow airport for repatriation, but only if the family covered the costs.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h4&gt;&lt;strong&gt;III. Assessment and Summary&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;&lt;p&gt;When recruits from India, Iraq, China and several other Asian countries are added together, they amount to enough personnel to fill the ranks of an entire motor rifle regiment. The figure is far from decisive in a war of this scale, but it matters for the small, incremental gains Russia continues to make by ensuring it always has enough manpower to keep pushing forward, something Ukraine, unlike Russia, struggles to match.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This approach comes with caveats and costs. Many of the countries involved do not encourage such recruitment, creating diplomatic friction, especially when their citizens are captured by Ukrainian forces. This is an uncomfortable situation for governments trying to maintain neutrality or balance ties with both Kyiv and Moscow. Communication is also a challenge, because foreign volunteers from different linguistic backgrounds often struggle to interact with Russian commanders.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;So, while using foreign nationals may reduce Russian casualties at the margins, it carries clear trade-offs. And despite the number of Indian citizens fighting for Russia, our team concluded that, relative to India’s population of more than 1.4 billion, the figures are negligible. This makes state involvement in any such scheme unlikely.&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Thank you for reading. A link to the full list of names in English, along with dates of birth, is available to paid subscribers below.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h4&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Sources&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;&lt;p&gt;1. &lt;em&gt;Hochu Zhit (2025)&lt;/em&gt;. &lt;a href=&#34;https://hochuzhit.com/en/&#34;&gt;https://hochuzhit.com/en/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;2. Al Jazeera. (2024, May 8). &lt;em&gt;India arrests four for duping young men into fighting for Russia in Ukraine&lt;/em&gt;. &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/5/8/india-arrests-four-for-duping-young-men-into-fighting-for-russia-in-ukraine?utm_source=chatgpt.com&#34;&gt;https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/5/8/india-arrests-four-for-duping-young-men-into-fighting-for-russia-in-ukraine&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;3. Times of India. &lt;em&gt;44 Indians in Russian army: MEA in touch with Kremlin after identification; warns citizens against joining&lt;/em&gt;. &lt;em&gt;The Times of India&lt;/em&gt;. &lt;a href=&#34;http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/125160882.cms&#34;&gt;http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/125160882.cms&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;4. Outsourced war (2025). Frontelligence https://frontelligence.substack.com/p/outsourced-war&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;5. Firstpost. (2024, February 22). &lt;em&gt;Were Indians duped by agents to fight for Russia in Ukraine war?&lt;/em&gt; Firstpost. &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.firstpost.com/world/indian-men-at-ukraine-war-front-duped-by-agents-fighting-for-russia-moscow-mea-pm-modi-putin-luped-for-jobs-familty-seek-help-13947616.html&#34;&gt;https://www.firstpost.com/world/indian-men-at-ukraine-war-front-duped-by-agents-fighting-for-russia-moscow-mea-pm-modi-putin-luped-for-jobs-familty-seek-help-13947616.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
      &lt;p&gt;
          &lt;a href=&#34;https://frontelligence.substack.com/p/deception-and-recruitment-indians&#34;&gt;
              Read more
          &lt;/a&gt;
      &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://frontelligence.substack.com/p/deception-and-recruitment-indians&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>🇫🇷Macron: Everything is ready for a ceasefire, only Russia continues the war!#shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/17/macron-everything-is-ready-for.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2025 14:38:44 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/17/macron-everything-is-ready-for.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/62244b55c6.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🇫🇷Macron: Everything is ready for a ceasefire, only Russia continues the war!#shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/-_jBsWOGoHI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest live: &#39;Hell on Earth&#39; — military releases pictures of devastated Kostiantynivka, Donetsk Oblast</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/17/ukraine-war-latest-live-hell.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2025 14:12:20 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/17/ukraine-war-latest-live-hell.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/582044655-1190466329852023-6711071098723629427-n.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest live: &#39;Hell on Earth&#39; — military releases pictures of devastated Kostiantynivka, Donetsk Oblast&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Live coverage of Russia&#39;s war against Ukraine with breaking news and front-line updates, updated 4 times today. ]Ukraine&#39;s Ground Forces published photos of destruction in Kostiantynivka, Donetsk Oblast, on Nov. 17.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-update-2025-11-17/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>❗️Zelenskyy and Macron sign a strategic agreement to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/17/zelenskyy-and-macron-sign-a.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2025 13:58:56 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/17/zelenskyy-and-macron-sign-a.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/c2e7d6de03.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️Zelenskyy and Macron sign a strategic agreement to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/r3yD9B_aQvE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Romania evacuates border village after Russian drone struck LPG tanker at Ukrainian port</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/17/romania-evacuates-border-village-after.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2025 13:39:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/17/romania-evacuates-border-village-after.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/g58hovrwmaa-xw9.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Romania evacuates border village after Russian drone struck LPG tanker at Ukrainian port&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Between 100 and 150 people are to be evacuated from the Plauru village, which lies just across the Danube River from the Ukrainian port city of Izmail, hit by a Russian drone attack overnight.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/romania-evacuates-village-after-russian-drone-hits-gas-ship-on-ukrainian-side-of-border/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine&#39;s HUR releases new data on foreign equipment used in Russian weapons, focusing on eastern Asian companies</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/17/ukraines-hur-releases-new-data.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2025 12:31:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/17/ukraines-hur-releases-new-data.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-1489471984.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine&#39;s HUR releases new data on foreign equipment used in Russian weapons, focusing on eastern Asian companies&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukraine has long highlighted Western and foreign components used in Russian weapons to call for tougher sanctions.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/military-intelligence-releases-new-data-on-foreign-equipment-used-in-russian-weapons-focusing-on-eastern-asian-companies/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russia&#39;s largest silicon plant &#39;forced&#39; to halt output as demand collapses</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/17/russias-largest-silicon-plant-forced.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2025 12:11:17 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/17/russias-largest-silicon-plant-forced.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-489534214.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia&#39;s largest silicon plant &#39;forced&#39; to halt output as demand collapses&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Kremniy, located in east-central Irkutsk Oblast, is the country&#39;s largest refined silicon producer with a yearly capacity of 34,000 tons.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russias-largest-silicon-plant-forced-to-halt-output/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>&#39;Act of sabotage&#39; — Explosion hits Polish railway track used for Ukraine aid shipments, Warsaw says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/17/act-of-sabotage-explosion-hits.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2025 10:36:55 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/17/act-of-sabotage-explosion-hits.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/g58q-juwuaa0g-r.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;Act of sabotage&#39; — Explosion hits Polish railway track used for Ukraine aid shipments, Warsaw says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;We will catch the perpetrators, whoever they are,&#34; Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said, noting that the route was &#34;crucially important for delivering aid to Ukraine.&#34;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/act-of-sabotage-polish-railway-used-for-ukraine-aid-shipments-blown-up-warsaw-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukraine to purchase 100 Rafale jets, Zelensky says after signing defense declaration with Macron</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/17/ukraine-to-purchase-rafale-jets.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2025 10:01:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/17/ukraine-to-purchase-rafale-jets.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2246565753.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine to purchase 100 Rafale jets, Zelensky says after signing defense declaration with Macron&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Zelensky told TF1-LCI news channel that Ukraine aims to buy 100 Dassault-made Rafale fighters, a 4.5-generation multirole aircraft.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/macron-welcomes-zelensky-in-france-ahead-of-expected-defense-support-talks/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Mike Pompeo joins advisory board of scrutinized Ukrainian defense firm Fire Point</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/17/mike-pompeo-joins-advisory-board.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2025 08:56:47 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/17/mike-pompeo-joins-advisory-board.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/245f2cd31f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Mike Pompeo joins advisory board of scrutinized Ukrainian defense firm Fire Point&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has joined the advisory board of a Ukrainian defense company known for its Flamingo long-range missiles, the Associated Press (AP) reported on Nov. 17, citing the company&#39;s executives.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/mike-pompeo-joins-advisory-board-of-ukrainian-defense-company-fire-point/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russian missile strike on Kharkiv Oblast kills 3, wounds 10, including 3 children</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/17/russian-missile-strike-on-kharkiv.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2025 08:53:49 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/17/russian-missile-strike-on-kharkiv.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/photo-2025-11-17-02-46-34.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian missile strike on Kharkiv Oblast kills 3, wounds 10, including 3 children&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;Unfortunately, calls about possible victims continue to come in,&#34; authorities said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-missile-strike-on-kharkiv-oblast-kills-3-wounds-10/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>US lawmakers drafting sanctions bill targeting countries doing business with Russia, Trump says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/17/us-lawmakers-drafting-sanctions-bill.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2025 05:33:41 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/17/us-lawmakers-drafting-sanctions-bill.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2247045535.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;US lawmakers drafting sanctions bill targeting countries doing business with Russia, Trump says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;U.S. President Donald Trump said on Nov. 16 that congressional Republicans are preparing legislation that would impose sanctions on any country doing business with Russia.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/republicans-drafting-sanctions-bill-targeting-countries-doing-business-with-russia-trump-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Blackout in occupied Donetsk amid reported strike on electric substation</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/16/blackout-in-occupied-donetsk-amid.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 16 Nov 2025 22:55:59 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/16/blackout-in-occupied-donetsk-amid.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/photo-2025-11-16-16-41-56.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Blackout in occupied Donetsk amid reported strike on electric substation&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Blackouts have been reported in occupied Donetsk amid a strike on a nearby electric substation, local media reported late on Nov. 16.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/blackout-in-occupied-donetsk-amid-reported-strike-on-electric-substation/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>ISIS-style convoys in POKROVSK: Russians on the move #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/16/isisstyle-convoys-in-pokrovsk-russians.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 16 Nov 2025 21:30:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/16/isisstyle-convoys-in-pokrovsk-russians.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/8ea2bb6fc7.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;ISIS-style convoys in POKROVSK: Russians on the move #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/CD21Ul4KD2s&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>ANOTHER DONBAS: Drone WARFARE escalates! Russian ISIS-style convoys in POKROVSK</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/16/another-donbas-drone-warfare-escalates.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 16 Nov 2025 21:00:43 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/16/another-donbas-drone-warfare-escalates.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/8f0491c344.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;ANOTHER DONBAS: Drone WARFARE escalates! Russian ISIS-style convoys in POKROVSK&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkHHjD12jz0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Europe must stay patient as prospects for Ukraine-Russia ceasefire remain distant, Finnish president says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/16/europe-must-stay-patient-as.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 16 Nov 2025 19:54:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/16/europe-must-stay-patient-as.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/56cb72bf9e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Europe must stay patient as prospects for Ukraine-Russia ceasefire remain distant, Finnish president says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;I&#39;m not very optimistic about achieving a ceasefire or the beginning of peace negotiations, at least this year,&#34; Finnish President Alexander Stubb said, adding that to &#34;get something going&#34; by March would be good.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/europe-must-stay-patient-as-prospects-for-ukraine-russia-ceasefire-remain-distant-finnish-president-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>🇺🇦 Training of Ukrainian MARINE corps on WATER and LAND #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/16/training-of-ukrainian-marine-corps.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 16 Nov 2025 19:30:22 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/16/training-of-ukrainian-marine-corps.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/79af846d40.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🇺🇦 Training of Ukrainian MARINE corps on WATER and LAND #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/K4Pl5jHLdUA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>ZELENSKYY IN GREECE: Deals on GAS and AIR DEFENSE! &amp;amp;quot;Rubikon&amp;amp;quot; drone depot BURNS!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/16/zelenskyy-in-greece-deals-on.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 16 Nov 2025 19:00:44 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/16/zelenskyy-in-greece-deals-on.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/09a21a5ad5.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;ZELENSKYY IN GREECE: Deals on GAS and AIR DEFENSE! &amp;quot;Rubikon&amp;quot; drone depot BURNS!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKFIkfQHF3E&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>The one who harmed GAZPROM the most was PUTIN himself, says expert #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/16/the-one-who-harmed-gazprom.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 16 Nov 2025 18:30:23 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/16/the-one-who-harmed-gazprom.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/40ffae00ca.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;The one who harmed GAZPROM the most was PUTIN himself, says expert #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/h3Vz_WrqlYA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukraine war latest: Widow of Chornobyl&#39;s first victim killed by Russian attack on Kyiv 39 years later</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/16/ukraine-war-latest-widow-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 16 Nov 2025 18:17:12 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/16/ukraine-war-latest-widow-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/nataliia-khodemchuk-1.webp&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest: Widow of Chornobyl&#39;s first victim killed by Russian attack on Kyiv 39 years later&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Key developments on Nov. 15-16.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Widow of Chornobyl&#39;s first victim killed by Russian attack on Kyiv 39 years later&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Kyiv, Moscow reach deal on prisoner exchange to free 1,200 Ukrainians&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Russian military reportedly executes 2 Ukrainian POWs in Zaporizhzhia Oblast&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Ukraine strikes major oil refinery in Russia&amp;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-widow-of-chornobyls-first-victim-killed-by-russian-attack-on-kyiv-39-years-later/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>GAZPROM COLLAPSE: Energy war with EUROPE turns into PUTIN’S DEFEAT!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/16/gazprom-collapse-energy-war-with.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 16 Nov 2025 18:01:05 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/16/gazprom-collapse-energy-war-with.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/7ec811b3b1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;GAZPROM COLLAPSE: Energy war with EUROPE turns into PUTIN’S DEFEAT!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBfQ-pWtlOQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukraine and Greece sign US gas deal to secure winter supply</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/16/ukraine-and-greece-sign-us.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 16 Nov 2025 17:43:47 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/16/ukraine-and-greece-sign-us.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2246427730.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine and Greece sign US gas deal to secure winter supply&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukraine and Greece have signed a deal to import American liquefied natural gas to Ukraine for the first quarter of 2026, as the country seeks to secure energy supplies amid continued Russian strikes on its infrastructure.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-and-greece-sign-us-gas-deal-to-secure-winter-supply/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukraine strikes major oil refinery in Russia’s Samara Oblast, hits elite Rubikon drone base</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/16/ukraine-strikes-major-oil-refinery.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 16 Nov 2025 16:08:14 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/16/ukraine-strikes-major-oil-refinery.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/-2025-11-16-16-51-42.png&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine strikes major oil refinery in Russia’s Samara Oblast, hits elite Rubikon drone base&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukrainian forces struck the Novokuibyshevsk oil refinery in Russia’s Samara Oblast and a drone storage site belonging to Russia’s elite Rubikon unit, Ukraine&#39;s General Staff reported on Nov. 16.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-strikes-rosneft-oil-refinery-in-samara-oblast-and-drone-storage-of-elite-russian-unit/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>💥 Almost 1,000 drones and 980 aerial bombs – the scale of Russian attacks in ONE WEEK #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/16/almost-drones-and-aerial-bombs.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 16 Nov 2025 15:30:21 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/16/almost-drones-and-aerial-bombs.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/63d561fa73.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;💥 Almost 1,000 drones and 980 aerial bombs – the scale of Russian attacks in ONE WEEK #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/T4P21gzn5Ds&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>SHOCKING NUMBER: Zelenskyy reveals weekly strikes – 1,000 DRONES and BOMBS!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/16/shocking-number-zelenskyy-reveals-weekly.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 16 Nov 2025 15:01:39 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/16/shocking-number-zelenskyy-reveals-weekly.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/2f1cbca019.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;SHOCKING NUMBER: Zelenskyy reveals weekly strikes – 1,000 DRONES and BOMBS!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSFZVb4Z0hY&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Russian military reportedly executes 2 Ukrainian POWs in Zaporizhzhia Oblast</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/16/russian-military-reportedly-executes-ukrainian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 16 Nov 2025 14:51:39 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/16/russian-military-reportedly-executes-ukrainian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/-2025-11-16-14-58-03.png&#34; alt=&#34;Russian military reportedly executes 2 Ukrainian POWs in Zaporizhzhia Oblast&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russian troops reportedly shot dead two captured Ukrainian Armed Forces soldiers on the outskirts of the settlement of Zatyshshia in Zaporizhia Oblast.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-military-reportedly-executes-2-ukrainian-pows-in-zaporizhia-oblast/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>What the fall of Pokrovsk would mean for Ukraine — and Russia</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/16/what-the-fall-of-pokrovsk.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 16 Nov 2025 14:50:40 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/16/what-the-fall-of-pokrovsk.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/c4462b65cd.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;What the fall of Pokrovsk would mean for Ukraine — and Russia&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;With Russia throwing enormous forces into Pokrovsk to finally capture the eastern coal-mine city, questions are rising over what will happen next and whether Ukraine is ready.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Taking advantage of &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-army-intensifies-push-in-pokrovsk-300-troops-enter-city-ukraines-military-says/&#34;&gt;foggy weather&lt;/a&gt; that hampers drones to ramp up the offensive, Russian troops are trying to end the more than a&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/what-would-russias-capture-of-pokrovsk-mean-in-the-war/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>A Czech dilemma: Ukrainian ammunition program in limbo as populist coalition takes power in Prague</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/16/a-czech-dilemma-ukrainian-ammunition.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 16 Nov 2025 14:31:28 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/16/a-czech-dilemma-ukrainian-ammunition.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2206357237.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;A Czech dilemma: Ukrainian ammunition program in limbo as populist coalition takes power in Prague&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;With Czechia&#39;s new government coalition likely to take office in the coming weeks, the question of the country&#39;s landmark ammunition initiative for Kyiv remains unanswered.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Populist billionaire Andrej Babis, whose ANO party&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/czechias-right-wing-anti-ukraine-party-wins-parliamentary-elections/&#34;&gt; ousted the pro-Ukraine cabinet&lt;/a&gt; of Prime Minister Petr Fiala in the October parliamentary election,&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/a-czech-dilemma-ukrainian-ammunition-program-in-limbo-as-populist-coalition-takes-power-in-prague/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Major corruption scandal and Russian deepfakes | Ukraine This Week</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/16/major-corruption-scandal-and-russian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 16 Nov 2025 14:04:50 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/16/major-corruption-scandal-and-russian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/img-1119.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Major corruption scandal and Russian deepfakes | Ukraine This Week&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;In the latest episode of Ukraine This Week, The Kyiv Independent’s Anna Belokur reports on a major corruption scandal shaking up Ukraine’s government and involving people from President Volodymyr Zelenky&#39;s circle.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/major-corruption-scandal-and-russian-deepfakes-ukraine-this-week/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Russian assault on key Dnipropetrovsk Oblast village repelled, Ukraine says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/16/russian-assault-on-key-dnipropetrovsk.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 16 Nov 2025 13:25:28 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/16/russian-assault-on-key-dnipropetrovsk.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2235696348.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian assault on key Dnipropetrovsk Oblast village repelled, Ukraine says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russian forces launched an armored assault on Novopavlivka, a village in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, which borders Donetsk Oblast, taking advantage of difficult weather conditions and limited visibility.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-troops-infiltrate-a-village-in-dnipropetrovsk-oblast-assault-repelled-by-ukrainian-defenses/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>⚡️ ZELENSKYY – on an official visit to GREECE #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/16/zelenskyy-on-an-official-visit.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 16 Nov 2025 12:30:38 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/16/zelenskyy-on-an-official-visit.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/42abe3881f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡️ ZELENSKYY – on an official visit to GREECE #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/rSyScxdsagI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Russian attacks kill 4, injure 17 across Ukraine, hit Odesa power facility</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/16/russian-attacks-kill-injure-across.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 16 Nov 2025 10:34:41 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/16/russian-attacks-kill-injure-across.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/2025-11-16-11-18-29.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian attacks kill 4, injure 17 across Ukraine, hit Odesa power facility&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russian attacks against Ukraine killed at least 4 civilians and injured at least 17 others over the past day, regional authorities reported on Nov. 16.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-attacks-kill-4-injure-17-across-ukraine-over-past-day-damage-odesa-power-facility/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Main takeaways from a field research trip to Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/16/main-takeaways-from-a-field.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 16 Nov 2025 09:06:33 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/16/main-takeaways-from-a-field.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/53d08033-e019-4649-b1d5-42638e07b9c3-1280x625.png&#34; alt=&#34;Main takeaways from a field research trip to Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Dear All,&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A couple of weeks ago, I returned from a field research trip to Ukraine, which I undertook together with Mike, Franz, and Rob.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In the link below, you can read my main takeaways from the trip:&lt;br&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://rochan-consulting.com/impressions-from-the-field-research-trip-to-ukraine-october-2025/&#34;&gt;https://rochan-consulting.com/impressions-from-the-field-research-trip-to-ukraine-october-2025/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Many thanks,&lt;br&gt;Konrad&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://rochanconsulting.substack.com/p/main-takeaways-from-a-field-research&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>General Staff: Russia has lost 1,158,260 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/16/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 16 Nov 2025 08:23:36 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/16/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2246236941.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;General Staff: Russia has lost 1,158,260 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Russia has lost around 1,158,260 troops in Ukraine since the beginning of its full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022, the General Staff of Ukraine&#39;s Armed Forces reported on Nov. 16.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The number includes 860 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;According to the&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/general-staff-russia-has-lost-1-157-400-troops-in-ukraine-since-feb-24-2022-2/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine, Greece reach deal on new gas route, Zelensky says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/16/ukraine-greece-reach-deal-on.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 16 Nov 2025 07:08:31 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/16/ukraine-greece-reach-deal-on.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/cff32a83aa.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine, Greece reach deal on new gas route, Zelensky says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukraine and Greece have agreed on a new route for gas supplies, among other deals on financing gas imports, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Nov. 16.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-makes-deal-with-greece-on-new-gas-route-zelensky-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Pro-Ukrainian partisans sabotage rail equipment in Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Oblast, group claims</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/16/proukrainian-partisans-sabotage-rail-equipment.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 16 Nov 2025 05:46:16 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/16/proukrainian-partisans-sabotage-rail-equipment.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/atesh2.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Pro-Ukrainian partisans sabotage rail equipment in Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Oblast, group claims&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The sabotage operation blocked Russian military trains, making them a clear target for a Ukrainian attack, the Atesh partisan group said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/pro-ukrainian-partisans-sabotage-rail-equipment-in-russian-occupied-zaporizhzhia-oblast-group-claims/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Zelensky pledges rapid reform of state energy firms amid major government scandal, calls for new leadership</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/16/zelensky-pledges-rapid-reform-of.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 15 Nov 2025 23:57:34 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/16/zelensky-pledges-rapid-reform-of.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/21602855a9.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky pledges rapid reform of state energy firms amid major government scandal, calls for new leadership&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Nov. 15 that Ukraine is beginning a full &#34;reboot&#34; of its key state-owned energy enterprises, involving management overhauls and comprehensive financial audits.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-pledges-rapid-reform-of-state-energy-firms-amid-major-government-scandal-calls-for-new-leadership/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Lavrov and Peskov sent TRUMP a &amp;amp;quot;message&amp;amp;quot; – things are going BADLY! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/15/lavrov-and-peskov-sent-trump.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 15 Nov 2025 21:30:09 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/15/lavrov-and-peskov-sent-trump.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/35da5d6488.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Lavrov and Peskov sent TRUMP a &amp;quot;message&amp;quot; – things are going BADLY! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/uDml1Gok_ag&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Russia on the edge: Kremlin calls for &amp;amp;quot;talks&amp;amp;quot; — but there’s one catch!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/15/russia-on-the-edge-kremlin.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 15 Nov 2025 21:00:12 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/15/russia-on-the-edge-kremlin.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/0788a24fe1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia on the edge: Kremlin calls for &amp;quot;talks&amp;quot; — but there’s one catch!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GI6pDDEojws&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Widow of Chornobyl&#39;s first victim killed by Russian attack on Kyiv 39 years later</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/15/widow-of-chornobyls-first-victim.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 15 Nov 2025 20:35:37 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/15/widow-of-chornobyls-first-victim.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/nataliia-khodemchuk.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Widow of Chornobyl&#39;s first victim killed by Russian attack on Kyiv 39 years later&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Natalia Khodymchuk, the widow of Valerii Khodymchuk, the first victim of the 1986 Chornobyl disaster, died in Kyiv overnight on Nov. 14–15 after suffering severe injuries in a mass Russian attack on the city.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/natalia-khodymchuk-widow-of-chornobyls-first-casualty-dies-following-kyiv-attack/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>❗ Over 200,000 Russians killed in ASSAULTS on three UKRAINIAN cities #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/15/over-russians-killed-in-assaults.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 15 Nov 2025 20:30:16 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/15/over-russians-killed-in-assaults.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/0be37cb88e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗ Over 200,000 Russians killed in ASSAULTS on three UKRAINIAN cities #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/mpPQ9vYsdMs&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Avdiivka, Bakhmut, now Pokrovsk: 200,000 Russians killed! Putin’s “Pyrrhic” victories</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/15/avdiivka-bakhmut-now-pokrovsk-russians.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 15 Nov 2025 20:00:58 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/15/avdiivka-bakhmut-now-pokrovsk-russians.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/3ff519dab0.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Avdiivka, Bakhmut, now Pokrovsk: 200,000 Russians killed! Putin’s “Pyrrhic” victories&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r95Kpu3Xy04&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian VETERANS with prosthetics in SPORTS #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/15/ukrainian-veterans-with-prosthetics-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 15 Nov 2025 19:30:51 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/15/ukrainian-veterans-with-prosthetics-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/2ee625fed9.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian VETERANS with prosthetics in SPORTS #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/eTBwUfWLXB8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Kyiv, Moscow reach deal on prisoner exchange to free 1,200 Ukrainians</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/15/kyiv-moscow-reach-deal-on.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 15 Nov 2025 19:27:31 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/15/kyiv-moscow-reach-deal-on.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2219152320.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Kyiv, Moscow reach deal on prisoner exchange to free 1,200 Ukrainians&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;As a result of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, the two sides have agreed to move forward with the Istanbul agreements and carry out the release of 1,200 Ukrainian prisoners, National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov said on Telegram on Nov. 15.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/kyiv-moscow-reach-deal-on-prisoner-exchange-to-free-1-200-ukrainians/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>RYAZAN IS BURNS: Ukraine strikes oil refinery! Russia responds with &amp;amp;quot;Kinzhal&amp;amp;quot; missiles!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/15/ryazan-is-burns-ukraine-strikes.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 15 Nov 2025 19:00:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/15/ryazan-is-burns-ukraine-strikes.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/ec68051ab5.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;RYAZAN IS BURNS: Ukraine strikes oil refinery! Russia responds with &amp;quot;Kinzhal&amp;quot; missiles!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4w6acSCAIOs&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>POKROVSK NOW: Occupiers slowed down due to LOSSES #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/15/pokrovsk-now-occupiers-slowed-down.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 15 Nov 2025 17:30:09 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/15/pokrovsk-now-occupiers-slowed-down.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/315ed43e23.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;POKROVSK NOW: Occupiers slowed down due to LOSSES #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/MDQVtszQMhI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>S-400 launchers and radars hit by SBU drones in Russia&#39;s Novorossiysk, source says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/15/s-launchers-and-radars-hit.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 15 Nov 2025 17:02:47 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/15/s-launchers-and-radars-hit.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/1000017020.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;S-400 launchers and radars hit by SBU drones in Russia&#39;s Novorossiysk, source says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukraine launched long-range drone strikes on Novorossiysk, targeting an oil depot, a container terminal, coastal infrastructure, and a ship, according to preliminary reports.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/4-s-400-launchers-2-radars-hit-by-sbu-drones-in-russias-novorossiysk-source-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>HELL FOR THE OCCUPIERS: Russia burns from Tuapse to Bashkortostan, heavy losses near Pokrovsk</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/15/hell-for-the-occupiers-russia.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 15 Nov 2025 17:01:38 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/15/hell-for-the-occupiers-russia.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/ccec43a5f7.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;HELL FOR THE OCCUPIERS: Russia burns from Tuapse to Bashkortostan, heavy losses near Pokrovsk&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYU82qyrbRw&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Polish president signs social aid law for Ukrainian refugees for &#39;last time&#39;</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/15/polish-president-signs-social-aid.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 15 Nov 2025 16:51:05 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/15/polish-president-signs-social-aid.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/6d53f5e626.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Polish president signs social aid law for Ukrainian refugees for &#39;last time&#39;&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Polish President Karol Nawrocki announced that he would no longer sign the law providing aid to Ukrainians unless a &#34;new solution&#34; is found.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/polish-president-says-he-has-signed-social-aid-law-for-ukrainian-refugees-for-last-time/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine strikes Ryazan oil refinery, hits multiple other Russian military targets, General Staff says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/15/ukraine-strikes-ryazan-oil-refinery.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 15 Nov 2025 15:42:49 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/15/ukraine-strikes-ryazan-oil-refinery.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/photo-2025-11-15-15-31-44.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine strikes Ryazan oil refinery, hits multiple other Russian military targets, General Staff says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ryazan Governor Pavel Malkov confirmed the attack and said one enterprise, whose name he did not disclose, sustained damage.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-strikes-ryazan-oil-refinery-hits-multiple-other-russian-military-targets-general-staff-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>120,000 AIR BOMBS to be manufactured by Russia by the end of 2025, says GUR #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/15/air-bombs-to-be-manufactured.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 15 Nov 2025 15:30:14 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/15/air-bombs-to-be-manufactured.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/ee91ffdfa0.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;120,000 AIR BOMBS to be manufactured by Russia by the end of 2025, says GUR #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/H6hbpsUqeCE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>BLACK MORNING: Death toll in Kyiv rises to 7 as Russia ramps up mass production of bombs and drones</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/15/black-morning-death-toll-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 15 Nov 2025 15:00:57 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/15/black-morning-death-toll-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/3c7fd505d9.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;BLACK MORNING: Death toll in Kyiv rises to 7 as Russia ramps up mass production of bombs and drones&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zgj-V3ixeHk&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>US delays sanctions on Russian oil giant Lukoil, Bloomberg reports</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/15/us-delays-sanctions-on-russian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 15 Nov 2025 14:36:25 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/15/us-delays-sanctions-on-russian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/925fd3c338.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;US delays sanctions on Russian oil giant Lukoil, Bloomberg reports&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Interest in Lukoil&#39;s overseas holdings has increased in recent days, Bloomberg reported on Nov. 14.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/us-delays-sanctions-on-russian-oil-giant-lukoil-bloomberg-reports/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>LIVE | SHOCK! Highly protected RUSSIAN PORT destroyed by a Ukrainian-made MISSILE</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/15/live-shock-highly-protected-russian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 15 Nov 2025 14:35:25 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/15/live-shock-highly-protected-russian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/c5d9ad11bb.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;LIVE | SHOCK! Highly protected RUSSIAN PORT destroyed by a Ukrainian-made MISSILE&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqhjppupQKQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>How a trio of power brokers turned Putin’s US strategy into a quiet turf war</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/15/how-a-trio-of-power.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 15 Nov 2025 13:46:22 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/15/how-a-trio-of-power.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/fotojet.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;How a trio of power brokers turned Putin’s US strategy into a quiet turf war&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Russian President Vladimir Putin&#39;s outreach to the Trump administration — once seen as one of Moscow&#39;s most coordinated diplomatic efforts — now appears increasingly fractured. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Putin&#39;s longtime foreign minister, &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/sergey-lavrov/&#34;&gt;Sergey Lavrov,&lt;/a&gt; is reportedly losing ground to &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/kirill-dmitriev/&#34;&gt;Kirill Dmitriev&lt;/a&gt;, head of Russia&#39;s sovereign&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/how-a-trio-of-power-brokers-turned-putins-u-s-strategy-into-a-quiet-turf-war/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine confirms withdrawal from Novovasylivske amid Russian advances in Zaporizhzhia Oblast</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/15/ukraine-confirms-withdrawal-from-novovasylivske.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 15 Nov 2025 12:54:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/15/ukraine-confirms-withdrawal-from-novovasylivske.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/c8ed062559.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine confirms withdrawal from Novovasylivske amid Russian advances in Zaporizhzhia Oblast&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukrainian forces withdrew from the village of Novovasylivske in Zaporizhzhia Oblast to &#34;more favorable defensive positions,&#34; the Southern Defense Forces said on Nov. 15.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-pulls-troops-from-novovasylivske-amid-russian-advances-in-zaporizhzhia-oblast/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>North Korea halves shell shipments to Russia as its own stockpiles run low, Ukraine&#39;s intelligence says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/15/north-korea-halves-shell-shipments.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 15 Nov 2025 11:53:25 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/15/north-korea-halves-shell-shipments.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/596abb2df9.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;North Korea halves shell shipments to Russia as its own stockpiles run low, Ukraine&#39;s intelligence says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;North Korean artillery supplies enabled Russia to maintain its firing rate in 2024, but this year, that support has declined markedly.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/north-korea-halves-arms-shipments-to-russia-as-its-own-stockpiles-run-low-ukraines-intelligence-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Rage, panic, and a glimmer of hope in Ukraine as corruption scandal unfolds</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/15/rage-panic-and-a-glimmer.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 15 Nov 2025 11:51:28 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/15/rage-panic-and-a-glimmer.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/upd-gettyimages-2243784426.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Rage, panic, and a glimmer of hope in Ukraine as corruption scandal unfolds&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ukraine is being rocked by the biggest corruption scandal of President Volodymyr Zelensky&#39;s term.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In the halls of power in Kyiv, the mood is one of dread and uncertainty about what to expect next.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&#34;It&#39;s a huge blow, but the worst part of it is&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/rage-panic-and-a-glimmer-of-hope-in-ukraine-as-corruption-scandal-unfolds/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian drone strikes force Saratov oil plant to suspend primary processing, Reuters reports</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/15/ukrainian-drone-strikes-force-saratov.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 15 Nov 2025 10:40:29 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/15/ukrainian-drone-strikes-force-saratov.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/b511815a27.png&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian drone strikes force Saratov oil plant to suspend primary processing, Reuters reports&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Nov. 11 attack triggered explosions and a large fire at the facility, and the plant may remain offline until the end of the month, the sources said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-drone-strikes-force-saratov-oil-plant-to-suspend-primary-processing-reuters-reports/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russian attacks kill 9, injure 53 across Ukraine over past day</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/15/russian-attacks-kill-injure-across.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 15 Nov 2025 09:12:28 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/15/russian-attacks-kill-injure-across.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/img-9338.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian attacks kill 9, injure 53 across Ukraine over past day&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russian forces launched three Kinzhal ballistic missiles, as well as 135 drones against Ukraine overnight, according to Ukraine&#39;s Air Force.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-attacks-kill-9-injure-53-across-ukraine-over-past-day/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>General Staff: Russia has lost 1,157,400 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/15/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sat, 15 Nov 2025 08:13:04 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/15/general-staff-russia-has-lost.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2234152440.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;General Staff: Russia has lost 1,157,400 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The number includes 1,000 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/general-staff-russia-has-lost-1-157-400-troops-in-ukraine-since-feb-24-2022/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russian military vessel spotted near Hawaii, US Coast Guard says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/15/russian-military-vessel-spotted-near.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2025 23:47:28 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/15/russian-military-vessel-spotted-near.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-850910256.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russian military vessel spotted near Hawaii, US Coast Guard says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The U.S. Coast Guard detected and monitored a Russian intelligence-gathering ship operating near the Hawaiian Islands on Oct. 29, according to a press release published Nov. 13.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-military-vessel-spotted-near-hawaii-us-coast-guard-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>&amp;quot;LONG NEPTUNE&amp;quot; strikes the occupiers&#39; MOST SECURE bases! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/14/quotlong-neptunequot-strikes-the-occupiers.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2025 21:30:14 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/14/quotlong-neptunequot-strikes-the-occupiers.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/da0aeaecc9.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&amp;quot;LONG NEPTUNE&amp;quot; strikes the occupiers&#39; MOST SECURE bases! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ZWqQJme5uic&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>&amp;quot;Long Neptunes&amp;quot; — Ukraine’s long-range sanctions against Russia, – Zelenskyy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/14/quotlong-neptunesquot-ukraines-longrange-sanctions.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2025 21:05:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/14/quotlong-neptunesquot-ukraines-longrange-sanctions.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/cf63b426da.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&amp;quot;Long Neptunes&amp;quot; — Ukraine’s long-range sanctions against Russia, – Zelenskyy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/jIBLif6DHtQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Wow! A SECRET MISSILE pierced Russia’s MOST PROTECTED target. What’s burning in Novorossiysk?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/14/wow-a-secret-missile-pierced.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2025 21:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/14/wow-a-secret-missile-pierced.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/2f7d627867.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Wow! A SECRET MISSILE pierced Russia’s MOST PROTECTED target. What’s burning in Novorossiysk?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDsgTgnBa8I&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
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      <title>Ukrainian investigators seek to arrest ex-deputy prime minister in large-scale corruption case</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/14/ukrainian-investigators-seek-to-arrest.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2025 20:58:14 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/14/ukrainian-investigators-seek-to-arrest.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2177144367.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian investigators seek to arrest ex-deputy prime minister in large-scale corruption case&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;On Nov. 11, Chernyshov was charged with illicit enrichment as part of a large-scale corruption case involving state nuclear power company Energoatom.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/investigators-seek-to-arrest-ex-deputy-prime-minister-in-mindich-corruption-case/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>DWS-1: Flying &amp;quot;MINEFIELD&amp;quot; against Russian &amp;quot;SHAHEDS&amp;quot; #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/14/dws-flying-quotminefieldquot-against-russian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2025 19:54:29 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/14/dws-flying-quotminefieldquot-against-russian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/f4a6697b71.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;DWS-1: Flying &amp;quot;MINEFIELD&amp;quot; against Russian &amp;quot;SHAHEDS&amp;quot; #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/fmkyPjsBjcs&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine’s DRONE WALL: an innovative “MINEFIELD” against Russian UAVs | Weapons with  @StarskyUA</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/14/ukraines-drone-wall-an-innovative.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2025 19:10:31 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/14/ukraines-drone-wall-an-innovative.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/5ce226215e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine’s DRONE WALL: an innovative “MINEFIELD” against Russian UAVs | Weapons with  @StarskyUA&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHUylza__8o&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>‘First to help others’ — Kyiv firefighter battles blaze that gutted his own family&#39;s apartment</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/14/first-to-help-others-kyiv.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2025 18:58:40 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/14/first-to-help-others-kyiv.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/581675960-1456388929822741-7811369614716721305-n.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;‘First to help others’ — Kyiv firefighter battles blaze that gutted his own family&#39;s apartment&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Serhii Vlasenko, 35, has served in Ukraine&#39;s Emergency Service for 15 years and was on duty as a shift supervisor when the attack occurred.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-rescuer-responds-to-attack-to-find-his-own-apartment-destroyed-by-russian-drone/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Trump administration may deport around 80 Ukrainians over &#39;violations of US law,&#39; envoy says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/14/trump-administration-may-deport-around.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2025 18:36:55 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/14/trump-administration-may-deport-around.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/78d339d1ef.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Trump administration may deport around 80 Ukrainians over &#39;violations of US law,&#39; envoy says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;If carried out, the deportation would mark the highest number of Ukrainians removed from the U.S. in recent years, the Washington Post reported.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/trump-administration-may-deport-80-ukrainians-over-violations-of-us-law-envoy-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Battle of Pokrovsk: How Russia broke into the city and what&#39;s next</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/14/battle-of-pokrovsk-how-russia.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2025 18:26:43 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/14/battle-of-pokrovsk-how-russia.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/img-1106.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Battle of Pokrovsk: How Russia broke into the city and what&#39;s next&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Pokrovsk, a city that held back some of Russia’s fiercest assaults for over a year, is now on the verge of falling. The Kyiv Independent’s Francis Farrell explains how the battle reached this point and what Pokrovsk’s fall could mean for the wider defense of Donetsk Oblast.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/battle-of-pokrovsk-how-russia-broke-into-the-city-and-whats-next/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Global consulting firm joins Ukraine minerals deal fund as investment advisor</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/14/global-consulting-firm-joins-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2025 17:52:57 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/14/global-consulting-firm-joins-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/3dcc89239b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Global consulting firm joins Ukraine minerals deal fund as investment advisor&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Alvarez &amp; Marsal has been tapped as the investment advisor for the U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal, officials announced on Nov. 14, the latest step in a widely-watched agreement to invest in Ukraine&#39;s critical resource sectors.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/global-consulting-firm-joins-minerals-deal-fund-as-investment-advisor/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Azerbaijan protests to Russia over Kyiv embassy damaged in Russian missile attack</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/14/azerbaijan-protests-to-russia-over.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2025 17:41:12 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/14/azerbaijan-protests-to-russia-over.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2246104507.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Azerbaijan protests to Russia over Kyiv embassy damaged in Russian missile attack&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;An Iskander-type missile fell on the embassy&#39;s territory, causing an explosion that damaged its facilities and service vehicles, Azerbaijan&#39;s Foreign Ministry said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/azerbaijan-summons-russian-envoy/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia faces a LABOR shortage: they employ SICK and ILLEGAL workers #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/14/russia-faces-a-labor-shortage.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2025 17:30:12 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/14/russia-faces-a-labor-shortage.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/03ad845dfb.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia faces a LABOR shortage: they employ SICK and ILLEGAL workers #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/SWSz5mGda8w&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>&#39;They could go after anyone&#39; — Ukraine’s ex-energy chief on Zelensky’s blackout blame game</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/14/they-could-go-after-anyone.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2025 17:09:08 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/14/they-could-go-after-anyone.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/7f490ab6dc.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;They could go after anyone&#39; — Ukraine’s ex-energy chief on Zelensky’s blackout blame game&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;President Volodymyr Zelensky knew a major energy scandal involving his allies was about to break and moved to pin the blame elsewhere, according to the recently detained former head of Ukrenergo, who is accused of failing to protect Ukraine&#39;s infrastructure from Russian attacks.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;On Nov. 10, Ukraine&#39;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/you-cant-hide-the-elephant-in-the-room-zelensky-knew-corruption-scandal-was-coming-arrested-energy-chief-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>❄ Yuan bonds and Arctic ambitions: Russia &amp;amp; China Alarm Canada</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/14/yuan-bonds-and-arctic-ambitions.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2025 17:01:03 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/14/yuan-bonds-and-arctic-ambitions.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/ad38788082.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❄ Yuan bonds and Arctic ambitions: Russia &amp;amp; China Alarm Canada&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9Qv-IHiU0I&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>KYIV experiences such an ATTACK for the FIRST TIME – live from the spot of impact! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/14/kyiv-experiences-such-an-attack.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2025 15:30:39 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/14/kyiv-experiences-such-an-attack.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/6d6bdd5353.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;KYIV experiences such an ATTACK for the FIRST TIME – live from the spot of impact! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/eGvN8Gw9m_Y&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>NEWSFLASH: Close misses in Kyiv last night</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/14/newsflash-close-misses-in-kyiv.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2025 15:03:24 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/14/newsflash-close-misses-in-kyiv.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f8d3f6e43-8.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;NEWSFLASH: Close misses in Kyiv last night&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!1Amz!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F6590fdf9-365a-42eb-b476-5be88caba363_1500x500.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f6590fdf9-3.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;485&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/6590fdf9-365a-42eb-b476-5be88caba363_1500x500.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:485,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:true,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; fetchpriority=&#34;high&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M3 12a9 9 0 0 1 9-9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1 6.74 2.74L21 8&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 3v5h-5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 12a9 9 0 0 1-9 9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1-6.74-2.74L3 16&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M8 16H3v5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor’s Note: &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Given the constant power outages, we are fundraising for batteries for each of our team: Myroslava, Mariana, Zoriana, Sashko, Nastia, Liza and Tania. They will cost approximately $2,800.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;We are also trying to rent a small place outside of the city for the winter, so that we can arrange for our own heating and power in a relatively safer place – we expect that it will cost approximately $4,000.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Help us keep reporting: upgrade to a paid subscription or hit the tip jar today!&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Get Full Access!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Get Full Access!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Tip Jar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Tip Jar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f8d3f6e43-8.jpg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/06600911bf.jpg&#34; width=&#34;594&#34; height=&#34;396&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/8d3f6e43-8758-42bf-8718-70ad8c815739_594x396.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:396,&#34;width&#34;:594,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M3 12a9 9 0 0 1 9-9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1 6.74 2.74L21 8&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 3v5h-5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 12a9 9 0 0 1-9 9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1-6.74-2.74L3 16&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M8 16H3v5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Residents stand in a yard while firefighters on a lifting platform extinguish a fire in an apartment building damaged by a Russian airstrike on November 14, 2025 in Kyiv. (Photo by Ivan Antypenko/Suspilne Ukraine/JSC “UA:PBC”/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;What a night.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The overnight hours were filled with the sounds of anti-aircraft machine gun fire, explosions, and the ever-present, sneering sound of Shaheed drones.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;For the first time, I saw a green laser targeting incoming Russian drones.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;At a certain point you lose track of the number of blasts, but then get shaken back awake with a surge of adrenaline when something explodes nearby – far closer than you typically expect.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;One explosion occurred near &lt;em&gt;The Counteroffensive&lt;/em&gt;’s offices, where I sleep, shaking the entire building and setting off car alarms across the neighborhood.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Another strike took place on the building next to our colleague Liza, who captured the fire across the street.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“I saw the pure terror in my parent’s eyes. Dad’s shaky voice while he was calling firefighters and standing there and seeing terrifying results of the strike just 50 meters from us,” Liza said, about the moment of strike.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!KYja!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F133e0808-03d0-4fc7-aee3-e7534bb10140_1200x1600.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f133e0808-0.jpg&#34; width=&#34;318&#34; height=&#34;424&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/133e0808-03d0-4fc7-aee3-e7534bb10140_1200x1600.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1600,&#34;width&#34;:1200,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:318,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M3 12a9 9 0 0 1 9-9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1 6.74 2.74L21 8&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 3v5h-5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 12a9 9 0 0 1-9 9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1-6.74-2.74L3 16&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M8 16H3v5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;The building opposite Liza’s on fire. Windows in her building were blown out by the shockwave, but her apartment got ‘lucky’. Photo by Liza.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Here’s the damage across the city:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;Last night Russia &lt;a href=&#34;https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official/16871?single&#34;&gt;launched&lt;/a&gt; 430 drones and 18 missiles at Ukraine, according to President Zelenskyy. The main target was Kyiv and the region.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;Almost every one of the capital’s ten districts &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.rbc.ua/rus/news/zhertva-postrazhdali-ta-ruynuvannya-dsns-1763094926.html&#34;&gt;was hit&lt;/a&gt; with 30 buildings on fire, damaged or destroyed.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;p&gt;23 drones and missiles &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.bbc.com/ukrainian/articles/c1lq10yn553o&#34;&gt;hit&lt;/a&gt; directly 13 locations around Ukraine, 44 shrapnel fragments from shot down targets fell in 44 locations.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;One of the rescuers had to &lt;a href=&#34;https://glavcom.ua/kyiv/video/ataka-na-kijiv-rjatuvalnik-hasiv-vlasnu-kvartiru-video-1088309.html&#34;&gt;put the fire out&lt;/a&gt; at his own apartment.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“People ran out of the apartment just naked - they grabbed the children and ran out,” a neighbor said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!o8QI!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F6f31117e-b51c-4dc7-8ed3-c6bb09f6815b_850x204.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f6f31117e-b.png&#34; width=&#34;850&#34; height=&#34;204&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/6f31117e-b51c-4dc7-8ed3-c6bb09f6815b_850x204.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:204,&#34;width&#34;:850,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Managing Editor Myroslava checks in with members of the team to ensure everyone is safe.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;The attack &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.radiosvoboda.org/a/news-ataka-rf-zahybli-kyyiv/33591603.html&#34;&gt;killed&lt;/a&gt; four people, some of whose bodies are still under the rubble. 27 people were injured, including two kids and a pregnant woman who was rushed to the hospital.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;The description for video: A woman clenching over Shaheed drone flying really close, not knowing whether it will hit her building, text in the video: “And here I said ‘goodbye’ to my life”. Video from kyiv_life_  Instagram page.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-component-name=&#34;VideoPlaceholder&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;mediaUploadId&#34;:&#34;ebdffa86-6990-44fe-a177-c4accfe4d71e&#34;,&#34;duration&#34;:null}&#39; data-sanitized-class=&#34;native-video-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Here’s an illustrative map of the struck buildings and fires in Kyiv in each district:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!VrfM!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ffbe0f935-1f98-4295-ad5b-a5e2542851a4_1080x1080.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2ffbe0f935-1.png&#34; width=&#34;366&#34; height=&#34;366&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/fbe0f935-1f98-4295-ad5b-a5e2542851a4_1080x1080.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1080,&#34;width&#34;:1080,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:366,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M3 12a9 9 0 0 1 9-9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1 6.74 2.74L21 8&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 3v5h-5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 12a9 9 0 0 1-9 9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1-6.74-2.74L3 16&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M8 16H3v5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Shaheed hit the building and caused a fire right across from Liza’s home. Video from Liza.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-component-name=&#34;VideoPlaceholder&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;mediaUploadId&#34;:&#34;000cb946-62b8-413b-8540-2fe4234a066f&#34;,&#34;duration&#34;:null}&#39; data-sanitized-class=&#34;native-video-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!A7Bv!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4fa687a0-9b95-4982-a319-7659524fa380_1200x1600.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f4fa687a0-9.jpg&#34; width=&#34;252&#34; height=&#34;336&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/4fa687a0-9b95-4982-a319-7659524fa380_1200x1600.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1600,&#34;width&#34;:1200,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:252,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M3 12a9 9 0 0 1 9-9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1 6.74 2.74L21 8&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 3v5h-5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 12a9 9 0 0 1-9 9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1-6.74-2.74L3 16&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M8 16H3v5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;The building opposite Liza’s in the morning. The fire was put out. Photo by Liza.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;The situation in Ukraine is getting significantly worse, and one of the most worrying parts is that we are not even in the depths of winter yet. Power and internet connections are spotty at best – we’re expecting to have lights and electricity less than half the day.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Heating, already curtailed by Russian attacks, will pose a serious problem this winter as the temperature drops. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;The situation will likely continue to degrade as Russian strikes outstrip the capability of Ukraine to defend/repair critical infrastructure.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!0CBd!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2ae5a237-2caf-4407-a1f2-e92a8941d6f4_594x334.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f2ae5a237-2.jpg&#34; width=&#34;594&#34; height=&#34;334&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/2ae5a237-2caf-4407-a1f2-e92a8941d6f4_594x334.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:334,&#34;width&#34;:594,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M3 12a9 9 0 0 1 9-9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1 6.74 2.74L21 8&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 3v5h-5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 12a9 9 0 0 1-9 9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1-6.74-2.74L3 16&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M8 16H3v5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;People look on damaged residential building after Russian drone-and-missile attack on November 14, 2025 in Kyiv. (Photo by Andriy Zhyhaylo/Oboz.ua/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor’s Note: &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Given the constant power outages, we are fundraising for batteries for each of our team: Myroslava, Mariana, Zoriana, Sashko, Nastia, Liza and Tania. They will cost approximately $2,800.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;We are also trying to rent a small place outside of the city for the winter, so that we can arrange for our own heating and power in a relatively safer place – we expect that it will cost approximately $4,000.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Help us keep reporting: upgrade to a paid subscription or hit the tip jar today!&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Get Full Access!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Get Full Access!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Tip Jar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Tip Jar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;DOG OF WAR:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;One evening Nastia was craving McDonald’s, but when arrived, an air raid alert started and the restaurant was forced to close until the alert passed.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;She waited in the company of this exhausted dog, who had to wait with his owner, too.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!mfwK!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F9ec8d45c-27d3-4305-a0a9-bf327cd5a4cf_882x1280.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f9ec8d45c-2.png&#34; width=&#34;882&#34; height=&#34;1280&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/9ec8d45c-27d3-4305-a0a9-bf327cd5a4cf_882x1280.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1280,&#34;width&#34;:882,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M3 12a9 9 0 0 1 9-9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1 6.74 2.74L21 8&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 3v5h-5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 12a9 9 0 0 1-9 9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1-6.74-2.74L3 16&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M8 16H3v5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Stay safe out there. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Best,&lt;br&gt;Tim&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/newsflash-close-misses-in-kyiv-last&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian anti-corruption official investigated over possible leak in Mindich case, top prosecutor says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/14/160038.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2025 15:00:38 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/14/160038.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/5331a1c49e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian anti-corruption official investigated over possible leak in Mindich case, top prosecutor says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The statement follows reports that President Volodymyr Zelensky&#39;s former business partner Timur Mindich and businessman Oleksandr Tsukerman tipped off about possible searches and was able to leave the country beforehand.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-anti-corruption-official-investigated-over-possible-leak-in-mindich-case-top-prosecutor-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>German parliament&#39;s budget committee supports hiking Ukraine aid to 11.5 billion euros in 2026</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/14/german-parliaments-budget-committee-supports.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2025 15:00:05 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/14/german-parliaments-budget-committee-supports.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2022275339.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;German parliament&#39;s budget committee supports hiking Ukraine aid to 11.5 billion euros in 2026&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius also announced that Berlin has agreed to allocate an additional 150 million euros ($175 million) in military aid to Kyiv under the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/german-aid-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>URGENT! Kyiv under a combined RUSSIAN strike — details of the night attack!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/14/urgent-kyiv-under-a-combined.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2025 15:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/14/urgent-kyiv-under-a-combined.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/5d91b41ea7.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;URGENT! Kyiv under a combined RUSSIAN strike — details of the night attack!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OffpSOZpcs&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Hungary to sue EU over ban on Russian gas</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/14/hungary-to-sue-eu-over.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2025 13:49:27 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/14/hungary-to-sue-eu-over.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2243575211.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Hungary to sue EU over ban on Russian gas&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;We do not accept this obviously unlawful solution contrary to European values,&#34; Orban said on a weekly radio show. &#34;We are turning to the European Court of Justice.&#34;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/hungary-to-sue-eu-over-ban-on-russian-gas/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest live: Ukraine downs 14 Russian missiles, strikes back with &#39;Long Neptunes,&#39; Zelensky says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/14/ukraine-war-latest-live-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2025 13:38:26 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/14/ukraine-war-latest-live-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2239753794-1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest live: Ukraine downs 14 Russian missiles, strikes back with &#39;Long Neptunes,&#39; Zelensky says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Live coverage of Russia’s war against Ukraine with breaking news and frontline updates, updated 3 times today.  President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine&#39;s air defenses shot down 14 Russian missiles overnight, including two aeroballistic and six ballistic missiles, after what he described as renewed Russian attacks on Kyiv and energy infrastructure.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-live-update-2025-11-14/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Macron to host Zelensky in Paris on Nov. 17 to discuss French support</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/14/macron-to-host-zelensky-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2025 11:28:47 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/14/macron-to-host-zelensky-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/3723b3dca6.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Macron to host Zelensky in Paris on Nov. 17 to discuss French support&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The two leaders will discuss bilateral cooperation in the &#34;energy, economic, and defense fields,&#34; as well as progress in preparing security guarantees for Ukraine under the &#34;Coalition of the Willing&#34; framework.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-to-visit-france-on-nov-17-to-discuss-support-with-macron/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia plans to import 12,000 North Koreans to work in its massive Shahed drone plant, HUR says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/14/russia-plans-to-import-north.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2025 11:04:35 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/14/russia-plans-to-import-north.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/000899c5b2.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia plans to import 12,000 North Koreans to work in its massive Shahed drone plant, HUR says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russia has actively recruited, hoodwinked and kidnapped workers for its war machine from across the developing world.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-plans-to-import-12-000-north-koreans-to-work-in-its-massive-shahed-drone-plant/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Suspicious drone sightings reported at key French gunpowder factory</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/14/suspicious-drone-sightings-reported-at.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2025 10:42:37 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/14/suspicious-drone-sightings-reported-at.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2158480098.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Suspicious drone sightings reported at key French gunpowder factory&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;An unidentified drone was sighted over a gunpowder plant in southwestern France on Nov. 12, following similar incidents just two days earlier, BFM TV reported, citing prosecutors.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/drone-flies-over-key-french-ammunition-factory-for-second-time-in-recent-days/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Merz asks Zelensky to reduce outflow of young Ukrainian men to Germany</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/14/merz-asks-zelensky-to-reduce.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2025 08:43:45 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/14/merz-asks-zelensky-to-reduce.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/7f70fe3836.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Merz asks Zelensky to reduce outflow of young Ukrainian men to Germany&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Following a phone call with Zelensky, Merz said that young Ukrainian men should remain to &#34;serve in their own country.&#34;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/merz-asks-zelensky-to-reduce-outflow-of-young-ukrainian-men-to-germany/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>⚡️ Kyiv is under attack from Russian ballistic missiles and drones. Shocking aftermath #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/14/kyiv-is-under-attack-from.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2025 08:18:22 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/14/kyiv-is-under-attack-from.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/22bc3a69f6.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡️ Kyiv is under attack from Russian ballistic missiles and drones. Shocking aftermath #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/UZbg6ylbhdw&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian drones strike oil refinery in Russia&#39;s Saratov, locals say</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/14/ukrainian-drones-strike-oil-refinery.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2025 06:30:49 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/14/ukrainian-drones-strike-oil-refinery.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/saratov.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian drones strike oil refinery in Russia&#39;s Saratov, locals say&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;If confirmed, this would mark the fourth time Ukraine has hit the Saratov oil refinery in fall 2025.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-drones-strike-oil-refinery-in-russias-saratov-locals-say/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Major Russian oil terminal in Novorossiysk on fire following reported Ukrainian drone strikes</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/14/major-russian-oil-terminal-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2025 03:45:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/14/major-russian-oil-terminal-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-484708142.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Major Russian oil terminal in Novorossiysk on fire following reported Ukrainian drone strikes&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukrainian drones struck the Russian port city of Novorossiysk on Nov. 14, damaging an oil terminal and sparking a large fire, multiple Russian Telegram channels reported.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-oil-terminal-in-novorossiysk-on-fire-following-ukrainian-drone-strikes/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ballistic missiles, drones strike residential buildings in Kyiv amid large-scale attack on Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/14/ballistic-missiles-drones-strike-residential.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 23:42:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/14/ballistic-missiles-drones-strike-residential.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/75489b759e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ballistic missiles, drones strike residential buildings in Kyiv amid large-scale attack on Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russia launched a large-scale missile and drone attack on Kyiv overnight on Nov. 13-14, launching hundreds of projectiles towards the capital.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-attack-nov-13-2025/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Military releases video of Ukrainian drones striking &#39;Orion&#39; drone base in occupied Crimea</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/13/military-releases-video-of-ukrainian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 21:55:08 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/13/military-releases-video-of-ukrainian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/a328f7184d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Military releases video of Ukrainian drones striking &#39;Orion&#39; drone base in occupied Crimea&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukrainian drones struck a military base in occupied Crimea used for the storage and maintenance of Russian &#34;Orion&#34; drones, Robert &#34;Madyar&#34; Brovdi, the commander of Ukraine&#39;s Unmanned Systems Forces, reported on Nov. 13.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/video-shows-ukrainian-drones-striking-orion-drone-base-in-occupied-crimea/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>🧨 &amp;amp;quot;DOOMSDAY WEAPON&amp;amp;quot;: Russian propaganda discuss NUCLEAR WAR – again! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/13/223007.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 21:30:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/13/223007.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/e42cab507f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🧨 &amp;quot;DOOMSDAY WEAPON&amp;quot;: Russian propaganda discuss NUCLEAR WAR – again! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/LkYe9-6MqsI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Explainer: How is Ukraine&#39;s biggest corruption scheme linked to Russia?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/13/explainer-how-is-ukraines-biggest.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 21:05:49 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/13/explainer-how-is-ukraines-biggest.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/b0e3e21e6a.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Explainer: How is Ukraine&#39;s biggest corruption scheme linked to Russia?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Suspects in a major corruption case centered around the state nuclear power monopoly Energoatom are linked to a Russian official and could have transferred money to Russia, according to audio tapes released by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/nabu/&#34;&gt;NABU&lt;/a&gt; has charged eight suspects with bribery, embezzlement, and illicit enrichment.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/explainer-how-is-ukraines-biggest-corruption-scheme-linked-to-russia/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Putin &amp;amp;quot;missed&amp;amp;quot; another FLAMINGO while provoking a NUCLEAR WAR!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/13/putin-ampquotmissedampquot-another-flamingo-while.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 21:00:19 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/13/putin-ampquotmissedampquot-another-flamingo-while.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/9c2adadd39.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Putin &amp;quot;missed&amp;quot; another FLAMINGO while provoking a NUCLEAR WAR!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxYcEGGctHI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>After Pokrovsk, another SPOT on the front line is about to explode! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/13/after-pokrovsk-another-spot-on.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 20:30:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/13/after-pokrovsk-another-spot-on.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/af7d61aa33.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;After Pokrovsk, another SPOT on the front line is about to explode! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/qv_O-q36eUs&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
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      <title>MAJOR SETBACK FOR THE OFFENSIVE: Forces under SYRSKYI stop the Russians!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/13/major-setback-for-the-offensive.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 20:01:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/13/major-setback-for-the-offensive.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/113c07c49c.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;MAJOR SETBACK FOR THE OFFENSIVE: Forces under SYRSKYI stop the Russians!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJziTwA9sQE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Zelensky to visit Greece on weekend to sign energy deal, source says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/13/zelensky-to-visit-greece-on.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 19:55:19 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/13/zelensky-to-visit-greece-on.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-1614142484.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky to visit Greece on weekend to sign energy deal, source says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to visit Greece over the weekend to sign an agreement in the energy sector, a source close to the Presidential Office told the Kyiv Independent on Nov. 13.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-to-visit-greece-on-weekend-to-sign-energy-deal-source-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Crime, shifting allegiances, and a Russian passport —  How Odesa&#39;s longtime mayor fell from grace</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/13/crime-shifting-allegiances-and-a.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 19:47:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/13/crime-shifting-allegiances-and-a.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/upd-amamdjian-28.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Crime, shifting allegiances, and a Russian passport —  How Odesa&#39;s longtime mayor fell from grace&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;ODESA, Ukraine — &lt;/strong&gt;Hennadiy Trukhanov&#39;s day-to-day is not what it used to be. Once the all-powerful mayor is now under house arrest, his passport stripped by presidential decree. He invites the Kyiv Independent to his guest house and pleads his innocence.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Trukhanov admits that his political career is&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/crime-shifting-allegiances-and-a-russian-passport-how-odesas-longtime-mayor-fell-from-grace/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
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      <title>&amp;amp;quot;Unknown UAVs&amp;amp;quot; – Russia conceals its INVASION into Europe! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/13/ampquotunknown-uavsampquot-russia-conceals-its.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 19:30:34 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/13/ampquotunknown-uavsampquot-russia-conceals-its.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/224b9f9e14.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&amp;quot;Unknown UAVs&amp;quot; – Russia conceals its INVASION into Europe! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/MurSPdeIudI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Unknown UAVs over military bases, and airfields in EUROPE! Russia’s secret invasion has begun!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/13/unknown-uavs-over-military-bases.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 19:00:30 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/13/unknown-uavs-over-military-bases.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/77a3ec1151.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Unknown UAVs over military bases, and airfields in EUROPE! Russia’s secret invasion has begun!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3AkeYXwwTk&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Georgia&#39;s imprisoned ex-leader asks Zelensky for status of &#39;civilian captive&#39; in Russia-Ukraine war</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/13/georgias-imprisoned-exleader-asks-zelensky.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 18:52:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/13/georgias-imprisoned-exleader-asks-zelensky.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/43591b997a.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Georgia&#39;s imprisoned ex-leader asks Zelensky for status of &#39;civilian captive&#39; in Russia-Ukraine war&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Saakashvili requested the status &#34;with the corresponding legal consequences,&#34; adding that &#34;Ukrainians never abandon their own.&#34; Kyiv has previously managed to free civilian Ukrainian captives during exchanges with Moscow.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/georgias-imprisoned-ex-leader-asks-zelensky-for-status-of-civilian-captive-in-russia-ukraine-war/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Brazilian foreign fighters in Ukraine sound alarm about infiltration by South American gangs</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/13/brazilian-foreign-fighters-in-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 18:21:50 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/13/brazilian-foreign-fighters-in-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/brazil.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Brazilian foreign fighters in Ukraine sound alarm about infiltration by South American gangs&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;At first glance, a YouTube interview with Philippe Marques Pinto looks like one of dozens of others in Ukraine’s long-running campaign to recruit South American soldiers to bolster its ranks in the fight against Russia.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“I worked as a private security guard in Brazil, and when I&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/from-rios-favelas-to-the-front-line-soldiers-in-ukraine-sound-alarm-after-brazilian-gang-linked-fighter-appears-in-video/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>EVERY DAY – &amp;amp;quot;LONG-RANGE SANCTIONS&amp;amp;quot; against RUSSIA in action #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/13/183024.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 17:30:24 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/13/183024.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/b6360463f1.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;EVERY DAY – &amp;quot;LONG-RANGE SANCTIONS&amp;quot; against RUSSIA in action #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/xZU_Wn4NU1Q&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>US sanctions Ukrainian firms accused of helping supply parts for Iran’s Shahed drones used by Russia</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/13/us-sanctions-ukrainian-firms-accused.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 17:29:53 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/13/us-sanctions-ukrainian-firms-accused.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/august-2024-national-aerospace-park-tour-for-journalists-20-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;US sanctions Ukrainian firms accused of helping supply parts for Iran’s Shahed drones used by Russia&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The two Ukrainian companies targeted were Ekofera and Imperative Ukraine, which the U.S Treasury says are Ukrainian front corporations.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/iran-buys-shahed-components-from-within-ukraine-us-treasury/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
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      <title>As Ukraine reparation loan talks drag on, EU provides billions to cover Kyiv&#39;s financial needs</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/13/as-ukraine-reparation-loan-talks.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 17:23:51 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/13/as-ukraine-reparation-loan-talks.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2229839831.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;As Ukraine reparation loan talks drag on, EU provides billions to cover Kyiv&#39;s financial needs&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;BRUSSELS, Belgium - The European Commission on Wednesday delivered another tranche of short-term financial relief to Kyiv as talks over a much larger reparations loan based on frozen Russian assets remain mired in political deadlock.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The European Commission on Nov. 13 announced that Ukraine received 5.9 billion euros from&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/eu-provides-kyiv-with-6-billion-euros-to-cover-financial-needs-as-talks-on-ukraine-reparation-loan-drag-out/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian &amp;amp;quot;long-range sanctions&amp;amp;quot;! China and India reject Russian oil</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/13/180048.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 17:00:48 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/13/180048.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/c04fb9e6b4.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian &amp;quot;long-range sanctions&amp;quot;! China and India reject Russian oil&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tk18XdQEm54&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>⚡ Zelenskyy in the Zaporizhzhia sector: the front and the rear are holding! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/13/zelenskyy-in-the-zaporizhzhia-sector.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 16:25:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/13/zelenskyy-in-the-zaporizhzhia-sector.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/ff8c927190.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡ Zelenskyy in the Zaporizhzhia sector: the front and the rear are holding! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/vAyA_MFYME8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Rubio says Hungary received only 1-year sanctions waiver on Russian oil, gas</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/13/rubio-says-hungary-received-only.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 15:58:44 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/13/rubio-says-hungary-received-only.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2245848825.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Rubio says Hungary received only 1-year sanctions waiver on Russian oil, gas&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Rubio also confirmed that the U.S. is not interfering in the expansion of a Hungarian nuclear power plant by a Russian company. &#34;We want them to be able to complete it because we want them (Hungary) to be energy independent,&#34; he said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/rubio-confirms-hungary-received-only-1-year-sanctions-waiver-on-russian-oil-gas/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Amid renewed Russia threat, Germany prepares new conscription model ahead of potential draft return in 2026</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/13/amid-renewed-russia-threat-germany.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 15:55:38 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/13/amid-renewed-russia-threat-germany.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2216491140.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Amid renewed Russia threat, Germany prepares new conscription model ahead of potential draft return in 2026&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Germany is preparing to reintroduce compulsory military service under a new model agreed by the country&#39;s main political parties during joint consultations on Nov. 13, Tagesschau reported, citing ARD&#39;s Berlin bureau. A formal press conference is expected later on Nov. 13.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/germany-prepares-new-conscription-model-ahead-of-potential-draft-return-in-2026/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>⚡ Ukrainian BORDER guards set a TRAP for RUSSIANS #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/13/ukrainian-border-guards-set-a.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 15:30:56 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/13/ukrainian-border-guards-set-a.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/637276cb69.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡ Ukrainian BORDER guards set a TRAP for RUSSIANS #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/tuUfekGtetk&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Corruption investigation reveals link between defense company Fire Point, Zelensky&#39;s associate Mindich</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/13/corruption-investigation-reveals-link-between.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 15:10:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/13/corruption-investigation-reveals-link-between.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/mindhich-fursenko.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Corruption investigation reveals link between defense company Fire Point, Zelensky&#39;s associate Mindich&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ihor Fursenko, one of the key members of the group allegedly laundering money from the scheme, was formally employed at Fire Point to save him from mobilization and allow him to travel outside of Ukraine, according to a snippet of dialogue released in the trial.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/money-man-for-mindich-energy-corruption-scheme-was-employed-by-flamingo-maker-fire-point/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia KILLS civilians in Kharkiv region. Europe approves €6 billion AID to Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/13/russia-kills-civilians-in-kharkiv.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 15:00:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/13/russia-kills-civilians-in-kharkiv.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/b79ef81f16.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia KILLS civilians in Kharkiv region. Europe approves €6 billion AID to Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-q3WIq2ulaw&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>LIVE | 4 MILLION DRONES A YEAR! Ukraine launches a LARGE-SCALE TECH FRONT against Russia!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/13/live-million-drones-a-year.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 14:26:04 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/13/live-million-drones-a-year.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/6de168c424.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;LIVE | 4 MILLION DRONES A YEAR! Ukraine launches a LARGE-SCALE TECH FRONT against Russia!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5B2Y-vWHP4&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Nordics, Baltics pledge $500 million arms package for Ukraine under NATO-led scheme</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/13/nordics-baltics-pledge-million-arms.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 14:16:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/13/nordics-baltics-pledge-million-arms.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2221233544.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Nordics, Baltics pledge $500 million arms package for Ukraine under NATO-led scheme&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden have agreed on a joint arms donation intended to strengthen &#34;air defense and support for the Ukrainian Air Force,&#34; the Danish Defense Ministry said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/nordics-baltics-announce-500-million-arms-packe-for-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Don’t get fooled by Lukashenko</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/13/dont-get-fooled-by-lukashenko.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 13:39:25 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/13/dont-get-fooled-by-lukashenko.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/idnqwidunqnwuidqw.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Don’t get fooled by Lukashenko&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The man who enabled Russia’s invasion of Ukraine from Belarusian territory is now looking for a “deal” with the West.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Aleksandr Lukashenko — the self-proclaimed “president” who stole an election, crushed peaceful protests, and turned Belarus into Europe’s harshest dictatorship — suddenly&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/dont-get-fooled-by-lukashenko/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>&#39;Not a guest house for Putin worshippers&#39; — Controversial Russian rapper banned from entering Lithuania</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/13/not-a-guest-house-for.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 13:25:38 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/13/not-a-guest-house-for.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/1920px-morgenshtern-3-2018-.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;Not a guest house for Putin worshippers&#39; — Controversial Russian rapper banned from entering Lithuania&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russian rapper Morgenshtern has been banned from entering Lithuania for 10 years after the government deemed him a potential &#34;threat to national security.&#34;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/controversial-russian-rapper-banned-from-entering-lithuania-for-10-years-deemed-potential-threat-to-national-security/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest live: &#39;Nobody is pushing them to die for the sake of ruins,&#39; Zelensky says of Pokrovsk defense</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/13/ukraine-war-latest-live-nobody.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 13:10:32 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/13/ukraine-war-latest-live-nobody.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2245056019.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest live: &#39;Nobody is pushing them to die for the sake of ruins,&#39; Zelensky says of Pokrovsk defense&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Live coverage of Russia’s war against Ukraine with breaking news and frontline updates, updated 5 times today. President Volodymyr Zelensky has insisted that Ukrainian soldiers are not being &#34;pushed to die for the sake of ruins&#34; in the defense of Pokrovsk, as concerns mount over the defense of the embattled city.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/urkaine-war-latest-update-2025-11-13/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine confirms use of Flamingo missiles in strikes on Crimea, Zaporizhzhia, targets inside Russia</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/13/ukraine-confirms-use-of-flamingo.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 13:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/13/ukraine-confirms-use-of-flamingo.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/photo-2025-11-13-13-50-58.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine confirms use of Flamingo missiles in strikes on Crimea, Zaporizhzhia, targets inside Russia&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukrainian Defense Forces reportedly struck &#34;several dozen&#34; targets.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-confirms-use-of-flamingo-bars-and-liutyi-missiles-in-strikes-on-crimea-zaporizhzhia-and-targets-inside-russia/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian innovators at Europe’s top tech event – Web Summit 2025 #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/13/ukrainian-innovators-at-europes-top.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 12:21:22 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/13/ukrainian-innovators-at-europes-top.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/9758cc9055.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian innovators at Europe’s top tech event – Web Summit 2025 #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/mtUIcr4L9jA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Pokrovsk not encircled but remains Russia’s main target, Syrskyi says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/13/pokrovsk-not-encircled-but-remains.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 10:40:41 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/13/pokrovsk-not-encircled-but-remains.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2243639100.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Pokrovsk not encircled but remains Russia’s main target, Syrskyi says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russia has not taken control of Pokrovsk, but the area remains Russia’s primary offensive focus, with the highest number of daily assaults and a significant concentration of Russian forces, Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said on Nov. 13.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/pokrovsk-is-not-captured-but-remains-russias-main-offensive-target-syrskyi/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Explosions in Russia&#39;s Oryol Oblast following reported Ukrainian missile and drone attacks</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/13/explosions-in-russias-oryol-oblast.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 09:08:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/13/explosions-in-russias-oryol-oblast.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/oryol-sky.png&#34; alt=&#34;Explosions in Russia&#39;s Oryol Oblast following reported Ukrainian missile and drone attacks&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Explosions were reported in the Russian city of Oryol overnight as authorities simultaneously declared missile and drone threats in the region, according to local residents and Russian media.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/explosions-in-russias-oryol-oblast-following-reported-ukrainian-missile-and-drone-attacks/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Congress votes to reopen government after longest shutdown in US history</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/13/congress-votes-to-reopen-government.html</link>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 03:49:23 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/13/congress-votes-to-reopen-government.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-1853768802.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Congress votes to reopen government after longest shutdown in US history&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation on Nov. 12 to reopen the federal government and end a 43-day shutdown, the longest in U.S. history, multiple outlets reported.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/congress-votes-to-reopen-government-after-longest-shutdown-in-us-history/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Biggest corruption scandal of Zelensky’s presidency is in his own ranks</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/13/biggest-corruption-scandal-of-zelenskys.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 12 Nov 2025 23:34:31 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/13/biggest-corruption-scandal-of-zelenskys.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2242659801.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Biggest corruption scandal of Zelensky’s presidency is in his own ranks&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;During his presidential campaign, Volodymyr Zelensky highlighted two key failings of then-President Petro Poroshenko: corruption and nepotism.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Six years into his own presidency,&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/volodymyr-zelensky/&#34;&gt; Zelensky&lt;/a&gt; has found himself on the receiving end of the exact same criticism, drowning in a &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/explainer-who-is-implicated-in-ukraines-biggest-ongoing-corruption-case-and-what-are-they-accused-of/&#34;&gt;corruption scandal&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;These days, Ukraine is being rocked by the largest&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/biggest-corruption-scandal-of-zelenskys-presidency-is-in-his-own-ranks/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>🧊 From ANTARCTICA to DONBAS: a Ukrainian POLAR explorer&#39;s journey #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/13/from-antarctica-to-donbas-a.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 12 Nov 2025 23:30:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/13/from-antarctica-to-donbas-a.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/5d0eae5f1f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🧊 From ANTARCTICA to DONBAS: a Ukrainian POLAR explorer&#39;s journey #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/88gxc3PAnAo&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>SCIENCE WARRIORS: From Antarctica — STRAIGHT INTO BATTLE! Polar defenders showed their double front</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/13/science-warriors-from-antarctica-straight.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 12 Nov 2025 23:00:51 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/13/science-warriors-from-antarctica-straight.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/691701b990.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;SCIENCE WARRIORS: From Antarctica — STRAIGHT INTO BATTLE! Polar defenders showed their double front&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llI0sLrvBZE&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>MAJOR RUSSIAN OIL REFINERY – destroyed by UKRAINIAN BOMBER #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/12/major-russian-oil-refinery-destroyed.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 12 Nov 2025 21:30:04 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/12/major-russian-oil-refinery-destroyed.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/8baaef9e17.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;MAJOR RUSSIAN OIL REFINERY – destroyed by UKRAINIAN BOMBER #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Suw8QBLduac&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>⚡ 150-170 thousand Russians – on the outskirts of Pokrovsk #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/12/thousand-russians-on-the-outskirts.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 12 Nov 2025 21:00:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/12/thousand-russians-on-the-outskirts.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/0c27266e67.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡ 150-170 thousand Russians – on the outskirts of Pokrovsk #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/43ug1_hACS8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine&#39;s plan: 4 million drones per year — 77,000 Russian targets destroyed in one month!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/12/ukraines-plan-million-drones-per.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 12 Nov 2025 21:00:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/12/ukraines-plan-million-drones-per.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/7698c59aa9.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine&#39;s plan: 4 million drones per year — 77,000 Russian targets destroyed in one month!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HOP-VvbCAw&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Brazilian fighter on South American crime links to foreign volunteers in Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/12/brazilian-fighter-on-south-american.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 12 Nov 2025 20:26:15 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/12/brazilian-fighter-on-south-american.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/img-1064.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Brazilian fighter on South American crime links to foreign volunteers in Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Kyiv Independent’s Jared Goyette sat down with Brazilian volunteer fighter Everson Neves about his experience of fighting for Ukraine and the growing concerns over South American soldiers and their possible links to organized crime.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/brazilian-fighter-on-south-american-crime-links-to-foreign-volunteers-in-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Prosecutors describe influence-peddling network in Ukraine&#39;s biggest graft case</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/12/prosecutors-describe-influencepeddling-network-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 12 Nov 2025 20:21:08 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/12/prosecutors-describe-influencepeddling-network-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/6ad888e622.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Prosecutors describe influence-peddling network in Ukraine&#39;s biggest graft case&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Specifically, suspects in the Energoatom corruption case have discussed who should be appointed to Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko&#39;s Cabinet and whether Justice Minister Halushchenko should be appointed as ambassador to the U.S.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/prosecutors-describe-major-influence-peddling-network-in-ukraines-biggest-graft-case-2/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Analysis: With all eyes on Pokrovsk, Russia drives forward in Zaporizhzhia Oblast</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/12/analysis-with-all-eyes-on.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 12 Nov 2025 20:03:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/12/analysis-with-all-eyes-on.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2235131431.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Analysis: With all eyes on Pokrovsk, Russia drives forward in Zaporizhzhia Oblast&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;While Ukraine, Russia, and the world have been watching the dramatic final act of the Battle of Pokrovsk unfold, Russian gains in the eastern parts of Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk oblasts — a section of the frontline that has been dynamic but chronically overlooked — have picked up speed.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;On November&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/analysis-with-all-eyes-on-pokrovsk-russia-drives-forward-in-zaporizhzhia-oblast/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>⚡ POKROVSK right now: 300 RUSSIANS try TO BREAK into THE CITY!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/12/pokrovsk-right-now-russians-try.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 12 Nov 2025 20:00:03 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/12/pokrovsk-right-now-russians-try.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/9353217312.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡ POKROVSK right now: 300 RUSSIANS try TO BREAK into THE CITY!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=112QCKJexas&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>An investor&#39;s guide to Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/12/an-investors-guide-to-ukraine.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 12 Nov 2025 19:43:27 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/12/an-investors-guide-to-ukraine.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2226281048.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;An investor&#39;s guide to Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;section data-sanitized-class=&#34;PhotoQuoteCenter&#34;&gt;
    &lt;p data-sanitized-class=&#34;PhotoQuoteCenter_text&#34;&gt;
      Created in partnership with KPMG Ukraine Gateway
    &lt;/p&gt;
    &lt;img width=&#34;200px&#34; src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/upd-logo-kpmg-1-.jpg&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;PhotoQuoteCenter_text&#34;&gt;
&lt;/section&gt;&lt;p&gt;It&#39;s a scene all too familiar for those who frequent&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/an-investors-guide-to-wartime-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Human safari in KHERSON: it&#39;s still hard to realize! – Zabrisky #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/12/human-safari-in-kherson-its.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 12 Nov 2025 19:30:23 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/12/human-safari-in-kherson-its.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/8d75e1a187.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Human safari in KHERSON: it&#39;s still hard to realize! – Zabrisky #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/89Q-DftfLds&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia, Kazakhstan sign strategic partnership declaration</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/12/russia-kazakhstan-sign-strategic-partnership.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 12 Nov 2025 19:26:58 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/12/russia-kazakhstan-sign-strategic-partnership.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2245792209.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia, Kazakhstan sign strategic partnership declaration&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Kazakhstan&#39;s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said the document, signed during his visit to Russia, would &#34;open a new era in bilateral relations&#34; between Moscow and Astana.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-kazakhstan-sign-strategic-partnership-declaration/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Kherson Human Safari: Journalist ZARINA ZABARSKI documents the HORRORS of WAR</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/12/kherson-human-safari-journalist-zarina.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 12 Nov 2025 19:00:59 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/12/kherson-human-safari-journalist-zarina.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/d9687b1bcf.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Kherson Human Safari: Journalist ZARINA ZABARSKI documents the HORRORS of WAR&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpn80WsrUhw&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine&#39;s foreign minister meets Rubio, other G7 partners to push for defense, energy support</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/12/ukraines-foreign-minister-meets-rubio.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 12 Nov 2025 18:31:26 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/12/ukraines-foreign-minister-meets-rubio.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/g5kra5zxyaatkjo.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine&#39;s foreign minister meets Rubio, other G7 partners to push for defense, energy support&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;After talking to Rubio at the G7 meeting in Canada, Sybiha praised Trump&#39;s &#34;peace efforts and very effective energy sanctions against Russia.&#34;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-foreign-minister-rubio-discuss-sanctions-war-during-g7-summit-in-canada/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>&amp;amp;quot;Europe&#39;s plan to conquer Russia&amp;amp;quot; – new nonsense on Russian TV #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/12/ampquoteuropes-plan-to-conquer-russiaampquot.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 12 Nov 2025 18:30:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/12/ampquoteuropes-plan-to-conquer-russiaampquot.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/9f022bb666.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&amp;quot;Europe&#39;s plan to conquer Russia&amp;quot; – new nonsense on Russian TV #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/TXc6_nS30m4&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>RIGHT TO STRIKE FIRST! Kremlin mouthpieces prepare Russia for war with NATO</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/12/right-to-strike-first-kremlin.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 12 Nov 2025 18:01:40 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/12/right-to-strike-first-kremlin.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/d61915a04f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;RIGHT TO STRIKE FIRST! Kremlin mouthpieces prepare Russia for war with NATO&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=va9w9lolyD8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Today we start a new chapter</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/12/today-we-start-a-new.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 12 Nov 2025 17:47:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/12/today-we-start-a-new.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/dsc-9487-2.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Today we start a new chapter&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This is Olga Rudenko, editor-in-chief of the Kyiv Independent.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I’m here to invite you to share something special with us, with me. I can hardly believe I’m writing these words:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;On Nov. 11, 2025, we celebrated the fourth birthday of the Kyiv Independent.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;What were the&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/today-we-start-a-new-chapter/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>DUE TO DENSE FOG – Russians leak into POKROVSK #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/12/due-to-dense-fog-russians.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 12 Nov 2025 17:30:27 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/12/due-to-dense-fog-russians.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/e2d820a784.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;DUE TO DENSE FOG – Russians leak into POKROVSK #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Zd-KL5avhMQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>150,000 to the death! Russia throws &amp;amp;quot;everyone&amp;amp;quot; at Pokrovsk! AFU repel attacks</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/12/to-the-death-russia-throws.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 12 Nov 2025 17:00:45 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/12/to-the-death-russia-throws.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/c2c1981e25.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;150,000 to the death! Russia throws &amp;quot;everyone&amp;quot; at Pokrovsk! AFU repel attacks&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjfgRUgc5Jo&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Suspects in Energoatom corruption scheme funded luxury houses for ex-deputy prime minister, journalists say</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/12/suspects-in-energoatom-corruption-scheme.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 12 Nov 2025 16:58:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/12/suspects-in-energoatom-corruption-scheme.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2193587294.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Suspects in Energoatom corruption scheme funded luxury houses for ex-deputy prime minister, journalists say&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Chernyshov was charged by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) on Nov. 11 with illicit enrichment as part of the Energoatom corruption case, which involves Timur Mindich, a close associate of Zelensky.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/suspects-in-energoatom-corruption-scheme-funded-luxury-houses-for-ex-deputy-prime-minister-journalists-say/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia establishes Unmanned Systems Forces, Ukraine says it&#39;s just &#39;copying our successful approaches&#39;</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/12/russia-establishes-unmanned-systems-forces.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 12 Nov 2025 16:30:29 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/12/russia-establishes-unmanned-systems-forces.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2213713396.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia establishes Unmanned Systems Forces, Ukraine says it&#39;s just &#39;copying our successful approaches&#39;&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;A separate branch of Ukraine&#39;s Armed Forces dedicated to unmanned systems was formed in 2024.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russia-establishes-its-unmanned-systems-forces-copying-ukraines-successful-approaches/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>⚡ Record! Ukraine – global HUB for UAV production #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/12/record-ukraine-global-hub-for.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 12 Nov 2025 15:30:30 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/12/record-ukraine-global-hub-for.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/1fe4416590.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡ Record! Ukraine – global HUB for UAV production #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/_3nTSKNzMOA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>UK backchannel contacts failed to develop, Kremlin says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/12/uk-backchannel-contacts-failed-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 12 Nov 2025 15:24:39 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/12/uk-backchannel-contacts-failed-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2216871764.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;UK backchannel contacts failed to develop, Kremlin says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The comments follow reporting by the Financial Times (FT) that British national security advisor Jonathan Powell tried to open a backchannel with Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov earlier this year.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/uk-backchannel-contacts-failed-to-develop-kremlin-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>HELLISH 217 CLASHES! Russia launched 121 drones and Ukraine responded. &amp;amp;quot;Stavrolen&amp;amp;quot; plant is on fire!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/12/hellish-clashes-russia-launched-drones.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 12 Nov 2025 15:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/12/hellish-clashes-russia-launched-drones.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/216df085d7.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;HELLISH 217 CLASHES! Russia launched 121 drones and Ukraine responded. &amp;quot;Stavrolen&amp;quot; plant is on fire!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7I01v2NOHs&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Zelensky to impose sanctions against close associate following large-scale corruption probe, source says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/12/zelensky-to-impose-sanctions-against.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 12 Nov 2025 14:50:33 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/12/zelensky-to-impose-sanctions-against.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/mvcxlv-c900x455x0sx30s-8a228f429c2da3d736c441b98166f374.png&#34; alt=&#34;Zelensky to impose sanctions against close associate following large-scale corruption probe, source says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Editor&#39;s Note: This is a developing story and is being updated.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to impose sanctions against Oleksandr Tsukerman and his close associate Timur Mindich, implicated in a large-scale corruption scandal, a source in the President&#39;s Office told the Kyiv Independent.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;On Nov.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-to-impose-sanctions-against-his-close-associate-mindich-following-large-scale-corruption-probe-sources-say/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>SBU exposes Russian agent from Crimea planning terrorist attacks on Kyiv metro and malls</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/12/sbu-exposes-russian-agent-from.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 12 Nov 2025 14:17:04 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/12/sbu-exposes-russian-agent-from.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2170792436.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;SBU exposes Russian agent from Crimea planning terrorist attacks on Kyiv metro and malls&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;A 55-year-old resident of Crimea, the alleged organizer of terrorist attacks, has been charged in absentia.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-exposed-russian-agent-planing-terrorist-attacks-in-kyivs-metro-and-large-shopping-centers/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine withdraws from another settlement in Zaporizhzhia Oblast amid ongoing Russian offensive</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/12/ukraine-withdraws-from-another-settlement.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 12 Nov 2025 13:54:27 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/12/ukraine-withdraws-from-another-settlement.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/022dbb479c.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine withdraws from another settlement in Zaporizhzhia Oblast amid ongoing Russian offensive&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukrainian forces withdrew from the village of Rivnopillia in northeastern Zaporizhzhia Oblast late on Nov. 11, Ukraine&#39;s Southern Defense Forces reported.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-withdraws-from-another-settlement-in-zaporizhzhia-oblast-amid-ongoing-russian-offensive/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest live: Russian army redeploys forces near Pokrovsk amid reported reserve shortage, partisans say</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/12/ukraine-war-latest-live-russian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 12 Nov 2025 12:23:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/12/ukraine-war-latest-live-russian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2239287529-2.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest live: Russian army redeploys forces near Pokrovsk amid reported reserve shortage, partisans say&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Live coverage of Russia&#39;s war against Ukraine with breaking news and front-line updates, updated 6 times today. Russia is deploying additional forces near Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast due to a shortage of reserves, the Atesh partisan group reported on Nov. 12.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-update-2025-11-12/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine&#39;s Special Forces confirm &#39;successful fire attack&#39; on Russia&#39;s Stavrolen petrochemical plant</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/12/ukraines-special-forces-confirm-successful.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 12 Nov 2025 11:13:54 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/12/ukraines-special-forces-confirm-successful.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/2025-11-12-11-24-43.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine&#39;s Special Forces confirm &#39;successful fire attack&#39; on Russia&#39;s Stavrolen petrochemical plant&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukraine&#39;s Special Operations Forces confirmed its &#34;successful fire attack&#34; on Stavrolen petrochemical enterprise, a Lukoil-owned petrochemical complex in Budyonnovsk, southern Russia, overnight on Nov. 12.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/explosion-in-russian-lukoil-amid-reported-drone-attack/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukrainian minister implicated in nuclear power corruption scandal suspended</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/12/ukrainian-minister-implicated-in-nuclear.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 12 Nov 2025 09:21:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/12/ukrainian-minister-implicated-in-nuclear.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/59755f8c92.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukrainian minister implicated in nuclear power corruption scandal suspended&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Halushchenko is being investigated by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) as part of a large-scale corruption case into Energoatom involving Timur Mindich, a close associate of President Volodymyr Zelensky.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/minister-implicated-suspended/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Romania moves to take control of Lukoil assets ahead of US sanctions deadline</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/12/romania-moves-to-take-control.html</link>
      <pubDate>Wed, 12 Nov 2025 06:12:23 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/12/romania-moves-to-take-control.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/4f52bd3c13.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Romania moves to take control of Lukoil assets ahead of US sanctions deadline&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Romania must take control over the local subsidiary of Russia’s Lukoil to protect its national energy system and enforce international sanctions, Romanian Energy Minister Bogdan Ivan said on Nov. 12.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/romania-moves-to-take-control-of-lukoil-assets-ahead-of-us-sanctions-deadline/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>💥 Kill zone in POKROVSK and ASSAULTS on apartment blocks – EXCLUSIVE #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/12/kill-zone-in-pokrovsk-and.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2025 23:30:02 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/12/kill-zone-in-pokrovsk-and.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/0f6740c782.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;💥 Kill zone in POKROVSK and ASSAULTS on apartment blocks – EXCLUSIVE #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/4IesUW8l-TM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>JUST IN! Pokrovsk becomes for Russia a BAKHMUT in losses! Ukraine is crushing the ENEMY</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/12/just-in-pokrovsk-becomes-for.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2025 23:00:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/12/just-in-pokrovsk-becomes-for.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/fa76f29df9.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;JUST IN! Pokrovsk becomes for Russia a BAKHMUT in losses! Ukraine is crushing the ENEMY&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0De6fitWwkQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine reportedly strikes thermal power plant in occupied Donetsk Oblast</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/11/ukraine-reportedly-strikes-thermal-power.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2025 21:57:45 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/11/ukraine-reportedly-strikes-thermal-power.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/screenshot-2025-11-11-155445.png&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine reportedly strikes thermal power plant in occupied Donetsk Oblast&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Purported videos posted on social media appear to show a large explosion and subsequent fire emanating from the Starobesheve power plant in the occupied community of Novyi Svit in Donetsk Oblast, following a projectile strike on the target.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-reportedly-strikes-thermal-power-plant-in-occupied-donetsk-oblast/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>👀 MYSTERIOUS disappearance of LAVROV and rumors of a SPLIT in the KREMLIN #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/11/mysterious-disappearance-of-lavrov-and.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2025 21:30:13 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/11/mysterious-disappearance-of-lavrov-and.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/453262a9c2.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;👀 MYSTERIOUS disappearance of LAVROV and rumors of a SPLIT in the KREMLIN #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/W0BYUEylGmQ&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Putin is FURIOUS! Lavrov secretly DISAPPEARED? Ukrainian DRONES STRIKE Saratov!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/11/putin-is-furious-lavrov-secretly.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2025 21:00:40 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/11/putin-is-furious-lavrov-secretly.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/cc7b81ee5b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Putin is FURIOUS! Lavrov secretly DISAPPEARED? Ukrainian DRONES STRIKE Saratov!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtgFn9jjMWI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Explainer: What is going on with Ukraine&#39;s biggest new corruption case?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/11/explainer-what-is-going-on.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2025 20:47:33 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/11/explainer-what-is-going-on.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/488220037-1250705633727881-156194692397608074-n.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Explainer: What is going on with Ukraine&#39;s biggest new corruption case?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The corruption probe centered around the state nuclear power company Energoatom is turning into one of Ukraine&#39;s largest political scandals on record.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The alleged ringleader is &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/tymur-mindich/&#34;&gt;Timur Mindich&lt;/a&gt;, a close &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/who-is-timur-mindich/&#34;&gt;associate&lt;/a&gt; of President Volodymyr Zelensky and a co-owner of the president&#39;s Kvartal 95 production company. Mindich&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/explainer-who-is-implicated-in-ukraines-biggest-ongoing-corruption-case-and-what-are-they-accused-of/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Smell of BURN SKIN was everywhere! Russians ARE BURNING their own soldiers! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/11/smell-of-burn-skin-was.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2025 20:30:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/11/smell-of-burn-skin-was.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/8d8f649446.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Smell of BURN SKIN was everywhere! Russians ARE BURNING their own soldiers! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/0vUAVKtpuR0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>🎥 War-torn Kherson: occupation, flood, human safari | Documentary Film</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/11/wartorn-kherson-occupation-flood-human.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2025 20:01:04 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/11/wartorn-kherson-occupation-flood-human.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/a7f02f840d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🎥 War-torn Kherson: occupation, flood, human safari | Documentary Film&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaAUV3JmxwM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>POKROVSK: fighting firsthand! Russians in the grey zone! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/11/pokrovsk-fighting-firsthand-russians-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2025 19:30:16 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/11/pokrovsk-fighting-firsthand-russians-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/27eee89330.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;POKROVSK: fighting firsthand! Russians in the grey zone! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/6NUYr2LSU-8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>MAGYAR promises BLACKOUT to Moscow! CRIMEA on fire, and Ukrainian ARMY is destroying the ENEMY rear</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/11/magyar-promises-blackout-to-moscow.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2025 19:00:21 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/11/magyar-promises-blackout-to-moscow.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/ce3807d869.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;MAGYAR promises BLACKOUT to Moscow! CRIMEA on fire, and Ukrainian ARMY is destroying the ENEMY rear&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzQoVmYpZX8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>‘Compared to Bakhmut, this is already a different war’ — novelist Myroslav Laiuk on his wartime reporting</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/11/compared-to-bakhmut-this-is.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2025 18:52:42 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/11/compared-to-bakhmut-this-is.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/upd-dsc-5753.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;‘Compared to Bakhmut, this is already a different war’ — novelist Myroslav Laiuk on his wartime reporting&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As the full-scale war enters into its fourth year, novelist and poet Myroslav Laiuk has found himself drawn to front-line reporting. He has traveled everywhere, from Bakhmut to Pokrovsk and Kherson, documenting the war and those living through it.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;His novel “The World Is Not Yet Made” is&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/compared-to-bakhmut-this-is-already-a-different-war-novelist-myroslav-laiuk-on-his-wartime-reporting/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>⚫ Black OCTOBER for the RUSSIAN ARMY! Most LOSSES in POKROVSK! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/11/black-october-for-the-russian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2025 18:30:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/11/black-october-for-the-russian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/1fd7b3c76c.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚫ Black OCTOBER for the RUSSIAN ARMY! Most LOSSES in POKROVSK! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/0QFPW0MHMaM&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Chart of the week: Europe doubles down on US weapons as Russian threat grows</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/11/chart-of-the-week-europe.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2025 18:01:26 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/11/chart-of-the-week-europe.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/us-to-eu-arms-sales-take-2-01.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Chart of the week: Europe doubles down on US weapons as Russian threat grows&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The United States is the biggest exporter of military equipment in the world. But who&#39;s buying?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Until last week, there was no public, systemic accounting of U.S. weapons sales. A new dataset from the Brussels-based think tank Bruegel now fills that gap, revealing a sharp increase in&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/chart-of-the-week-europe-doubles-down-on-us-weapons-as-russia-threat-grows/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Putin is losing a staggering number of troops! Pokrovsk is bleeding the occupiers dry</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/11/putin-is-losing-a-staggering.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2025 18:00:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/11/putin-is-losing-a-staggering.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/bb5816ce8f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Putin is losing a staggering number of troops! Pokrovsk is bleeding the occupiers dry&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SasU1bT23s&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>🤡 LUKASHENKO has FINALLY decided to ruin relations with NEIGHBORS! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/11/lukashenko-has-finally-decided-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2025 17:30:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/11/lukashenko-has-finally-decided-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/c189856e62.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🤡 LUKASHENKO has FINALLY decided to ruin relations with NEIGHBORS! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/0p4bt6gJizc&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>The Kyiv Independent marks its 4-year anniversary and launches its biggest membership drive</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/11/the-kyiv-independent-marks-its.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2025 17:18:33 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/11/the-kyiv-independent-marks-its.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/kyiv-independent-anniversary-2025-membership-campaign-banner-16x9.png&#34; alt=&#34;The Kyiv Independent marks its 4-year anniversary and launches its biggest membership drive&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The Kyiv Independent marks its 4-year anniversary and launches its biggest membership drive&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/the-kyiv-independent-marks-its-4-year-anniversary-and-launches-its-biggest-membership-drive/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>EU ministers to meet in Lviv to discuss Ukraine&#39;s integration progress, sources say</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/11/eu-ministers-to-meet-in.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2025 17:13:59 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/11/eu-ministers-to-meet-in.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2201176806.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;EU ministers to meet in Lviv to discuss Ukraine&#39;s integration progress, sources say&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The gathering aims to demonstrate political support for Ukraine&#39;s EU aspirations as Kyiv faces opposition from Hungary, which has the power to block any future steps in the accession process.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/eu-ministers-to-meet-in-lviv-to-discuss-ukraines-integration-progress/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Chaos in MINSK! Lukashenko threatens with &amp;amp;quot;Oreshnik&amp;amp;quot; while NATO seriously prepares for a STRIKE</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/11/chaos-in-minsk-lukashenko-threatens.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2025 17:01:24 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/11/chaos-in-minsk-lukashenko-threatens.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/dd33cad2ad.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Chaos in MINSK! Lukashenko threatens with &amp;quot;Oreshnik&amp;quot; while NATO seriously prepares for a STRIKE&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uC0TPs1RPKg&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>&#39;Explosions and fire recorded&#39; — Russia&#39;s Orsk oil refinery hit in Ukrainian strike, General Staff says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/11/explosions-and-fire-recorded-russias.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2025 16:58:56 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/11/explosions-and-fire-recorded-russias.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/photo-2025-11-11-17-38-30.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;Explosions and fire recorded&#39; — Russia&#39;s Orsk oil refinery hit in Ukrainian strike, General Staff says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The attack targeted Orsknefteorgsintez, a refinery in the city of Orsk that produces over 30 types of petroleum products.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russias-orsk-oil-refinery-hit-in-ukrainian-strike-general-staff-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine&#39;s Security Council chief heads to Turkey to &#39;unblock&#39; POW exchanges</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/11/ukraines-security-council-chief-heads.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2025 16:10:30 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/11/ukraines-security-council-chief-heads.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-1240574010.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine&#39;s Security Council chief heads to Turkey to &#39;unblock&#39; POW exchanges&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;There will be meetings in the coming days, particularly in Turkey,&#34; National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/security-council-chief-heads-to-turkey-to-unblock-pow-exchanges/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>&#39;Justice prevails&#39; as Ukrainian oligarchs ordered to pay $3 billion in decade-old PrivatBank case</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/11/justice-prevails-as-ukrainian-oligarchs.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2025 15:41:06 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/11/justice-prevails-as-ukrainian-oligarchs.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-1700284968.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;Justice prevails&#39; as Ukrainian oligarchs ordered to pay $3 billion in decade-old PrivatBank case&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A London court ordered Ukrainian oligarchs Ihor Kolomoisky and Hennadiy Boholyubov to pay more than $3 billion in damages and costs on Nov. 10, marking a major milestone in an almost decade-long saga revolving around once Ukraine&#39;s most powerful oligarch.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The decision concerns a case involving Ukraine&#39;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/justice-has-finally-prevailed-ukrainian-oligarchs-ordered-to-pay-3-billion-fine-after-decades-long-case/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>These KHERSON residents survived CAPTIVITY and OCCUPATION #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/11/these-kherson-residents-survived-captivity.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2025 15:30:01 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/11/these-kherson-residents-survived-captivity.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/28f45b99f2.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;These KHERSON residents survived CAPTIVITY and OCCUPATION #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/1-FFNqOL9cI&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>&#39;The situation is quite difficult&#39; — Ukraine pulls back from positions near 5 settlements in Zaporizhzhia Oblast</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/11/the-situation-is-quite-difficult.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2025 15:23:39 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/11/the-situation-is-quite-difficult.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/6feb9f429d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;The situation is quite difficult&#39; — Ukraine pulls back from positions near 5 settlements in Zaporizhzhia Oblast&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukrainian troops have pulled back from positions near five settlements in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, fully withdrawing from the villages of Uspenivka and Novomykolaivka in the Polohy district.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-forces-pull-back-from-positions-near-5-settlements-in-zaporizhzhia-oblast/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Kherson - three years of freedom. Russia still hasn’t recovered! Ukraine continues to strike back.</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/11/kherson-three-years-of-freedom.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2025 15:00:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/11/kherson-three-years-of-freedom.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/c269e4e57b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Kherson - three years of freedom. Russia still hasn’t recovered! Ukraine continues to strike back.&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGVa7MToom0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>KHERSON TODAY! Unbreakable under the occupier&#39;s ATTACKS #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/11/kherson-today-unbreakable-under-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2025 14:55:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/11/kherson-today-unbreakable-under-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/e52fee6170.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;KHERSON TODAY! Unbreakable under the occupier&#39;s ATTACKS #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/742IboBDaY4&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Under heavy fog, Russia presses into Pokrovsk — Ukraine says 300 troops enter city</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/11/under-heavy-fog-russia-presses.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2025 14:34:47 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/11/under-heavy-fog-russia-presses.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/bfc3047071.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Under heavy fog, Russia presses into Pokrovsk — Ukraine says 300 troops enter city&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russian forces are advancing into Pokrovsk from the southern outskirts, using light equipment, according to the 7th Corps of Ukraine&#39;s Air Assault Forces.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-army-intensifies-push-in-pokrovsk-300-troops-enter-city-ukraines-military-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>⚡ Zelenskyy in KHERSON: Three years ago, the RUSSIANS FLED from here! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/11/zelenskyy-in-kherson-three-years.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2025 14:34:22 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/11/zelenskyy-in-kherson-three-years.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/c649b724f6.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡ Zelenskyy in KHERSON: Three years ago, the RUSSIANS FLED from here! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ujnvbdUyNSA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest live: Ukrainian forces hit oil refinery in Russia, oil terminal, warehouse in occupied areas, General Staff reports</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/11/ukraine-war-latest-live-ukrainian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2025 11:11:41 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/11/ukraine-war-latest-live-ukrainian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/photo-2025-11-11-11-16-21.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest live: Ukrainian forces hit oil refinery in Russia, oil terminal, warehouse in occupied areas, General Staff reports&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Live coverage of Russia&#39;s war against Ukraine with breaking news and front-line updates, updated 1 time today. Ukrainian forces struck an oil refinery in Russia&#39;s Saratov Oblast and several targets in Russian-occupied territory, the General Staff reported on Nov. 11.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-live-ukrainian-forces-hit-oil-refinery-in-russia-oil-terminal-warehouse-in-occupied-areas-general-staff-reports/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Romania says drone likely fell on its territory during Russian attack on Ukraine</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/11/romania-says-drone-likely-fell.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2025 10:44:40 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/11/romania-says-drone-likely-fell.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2166191636.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Romania says drone likely fell on its territory during Russian attack on Ukraine&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Romanian troops received a report of a drone crash near the village of Grindu, about 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the Ukrainian border.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/romania-says-drone-likely-fell-on-its-territory-during-russian-attack-on-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Trump hosts Syria’s al-Sharaa at the White House for the first time, Washington extends sanctions relief</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/11/trump-hosts-syrias-alsharaa-at.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2025 06:16:14 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/11/trump-hosts-syrias-alsharaa-at.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/trump-syria.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Trump hosts Syria’s al-Sharaa at the White House for the first time, Washington extends sanctions relief&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the White House on Nov. 10, marking the first visit to Washington by a Syrian head of state since 1946.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/trump-hosts-syrias-al-sharaa-at-the-white-house-for-the-first-time-washington-extends-sanctions-relief/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Explosions reported at Saratov oil refinery amid alleged drone strike</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/11/explosions-reported-at-saratov-oil.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2025 02:04:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/11/explosions-reported-at-saratov-oil.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/screenshot-2025-11-10-at-8-05-48-pm.png&#34; alt=&#34;Explosions reported at Saratov oil refinery amid alleged drone strike&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;An oil refinery in Saratov, Russia, was reportedly attacked overnight on Nov. 11, according to local Telegram channels that shared footage appearing to show explosions at the facility.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/explosions-reported-at-saratov-oil-refinery-amid-alleged-drone-strike/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Giving Ukraine fighter jets was not a crime, Slovak prosecutor says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/11/giving-ukraine-fighter-jets-was.html</link>
      <pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2025 01:27:58 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/11/giving-ukraine-fighter-jets-was.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/f13611b3b7.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Giving Ukraine fighter jets was not a crime, Slovak prosecutor says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Slovakia&#39;s transfer of MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine in 2023 was not a crime, the Bratislava prosecutor&#39;s office said Nov. 10, according to POLITICO.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/giving-ukraine-fighter-jets-was-not-a-crime-slovak-prosecutor-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>HIMARS is now THE MOST POPULAR in the WORLD #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/10/himars-is-now-the-most.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 10 Nov 2025 21:30:05 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/10/himars-is-now-the-most.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/bc83a4cc0d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;HIMARS is now THE MOST POPULAR in the WORLD #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/U3DRhd2WsL0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Over 1,000 losses in 24 hours! Russia burns near POKROVSK. Putin threatens in agony!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/10/over-losses-in-hours-russia.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 10 Nov 2025 21:00:28 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/10/over-losses-in-hours-russia.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/67c3393fbe.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Over 1,000 losses in 24 hours! Russia burns near POKROVSK. Putin threatens in agony!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LD8zXX1dBe8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Prosecutors probe possible leak as Zelensky ally reportedly flees prior to searches</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/10/prosecutors-probe-possible-leak-as.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 10 Nov 2025 20:11:41 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/10/prosecutors-probe-possible-leak-as.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/3aa460258a.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Prosecutors probe possible leak as Zelensky ally reportedly flees prior to searches&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The probe follows reports that President Volodymyr Zelensky&#39;s former business partner, Timur Mindich, was tipped off about the possible searches and was able to leave the country beforehand.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/anti-corruption-prosecutor-probes-possible-leak-after-zelensky-ally-flees/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>&#39;Gift for Putin&#39; — Czech public raises money for 1 Flamingo missile for Ukraine, Fire Point to provide 2</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/10/gift-for-putin-czech-public.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 10 Nov 2025 20:00:47 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/10/gift-for-putin-czech-public.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/8179c635be.png&#34; alt=&#34;&#39;Gift for Putin&#39; — Czech public raises money for 1 Flamingo missile for Ukraine, Fire Point to provide 2&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The additional funds raised will be distributed based on a public vote.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/czech-volunteers-fundraised-money-for-two-flamingo-missiles-to-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>The cost of war: Is Russia running out of money to continue the fight?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/10/the-cost-of-war-is.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 10 Nov 2025 18:19:56 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/10/the-cost-of-war-is.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-1258442554.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;The cost of war: Is Russia running out of money to continue the fight?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In early October, the Russian government released the full draft of its 2026–2028 federal budget, outlining President Vladimir&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/tag/vladimir-putin/&#34;&gt; Putin&#39;s&lt;/a&gt; key policy priorities for the coming years.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In his&lt;a href=&#34;https://thinktank.4freerussia.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Digital-November-Russias-Budget-Crisis-Explained-.pdf&#34;&gt; report&lt;/a&gt; for the Free Russia Foundation think tank, shared with the Kyiv Independent, Russian opposition politician Vladimir Milov&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/the-cost-of-war-is-russia-running-out-of-money-to-fight-its-war/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>🔥 RUSSIANS experienced a BLACKOUT firsthand! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/10/russians-experienced-a-blackout-firsthandshorts.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 10 Nov 2025 17:32:40 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/10/russians-experienced-a-blackout-firsthandshorts.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/929cc21a48.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🔥 RUSSIANS experienced a BLACKOUT firsthand! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/rsfBWX_ofas&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Payback for the blackout! Drones over Kursk and Belgorod, and Tuapse is portless!</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/10/payback-for-the-blackout-drones.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 10 Nov 2025 17:28:15 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/10/payback-for-the-blackout-drones.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/1a27934ec3.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Payback for the blackout! Drones over Kursk and Belgorod, and Tuapse is portless!&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5o3Dsd3FqU0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>‘Destroying our memory’ — YouTube wipes Ukrainian memorial channel, erasing stories of the fallen</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/10/destroying-our-memory-youtube-wipes.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 10 Nov 2025 16:29:48 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/10/destroying-our-memory-youtube-wipes.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/screenshot-2025-11-10-at-2-32-29-pm.png&#34; alt=&#34;‘Destroying our memory’ — YouTube wipes Ukrainian memorial channel, erasing stories of the fallen&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;The nature of the mass reports&#39; accusations, unrelated as they are to the channel&#39;s actual content, is a clear sign of a coordinated Russian operation, according to the project&#39;s deputy editor.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/memorial-of-heroes-youtube-channel-deleted-without-right-of-appeal-after-coordinated-reports-editor-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>🔴 Putin’s situation is a stalemate — that’s why he resorts to terror, – Zelenskyy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/10/putins-situation-is-a-stalemate.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 10 Nov 2025 16:01:45 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/10/putins-situation-is-a-stalemate.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/d305ac20ed.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🔴 Putin’s situation is a stalemate — that’s why he resorts to terror, – Zelenskyy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/swU_8DdHkf4&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>MANIPULATION: Russia ensures the well-being of Ukrainian children, while Ukraine uses them in propaganda</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/10/manipulation-russia-ensures-the-wellbeing.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 10 Nov 2025 15:32:57 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/10/manipulation-russia-ensures-the-wellbeing.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;single-post-lead&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Verification within Meta’s Third-Party Fact-Checking Program&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Russian Telegram channels are &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://t.me/bear007/77451&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;spreading&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; information claiming that Russia cares about Ukrainian children and ensures their well-being, while Ukraine itself allegedly uses them for propaganda purposes. As “evidence,” they cite the words of Donald Trump’s wife, Melania, who said that Russia helps to “reunite Ukrainian children with their families.”&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;This is manipulation. Numerous investigations by independent media, organizations, and international institutions prove that Russia abducts Ukrainian children and imposes its propaganda.&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span&gt;  &lt;/span&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2026/rosiya-zabezpechuye-dobrobut.png&#34; alt=&#34;&#34; width=&#34;500&#34; height=&#34;604&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;aligncenter wp-image-189463&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;single-post-footnote&#34;&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Screenshot of the &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://t.me/bear007/77451&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;post&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;On October 10, 2025, U.S. First Lady Melania Trump &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/whitehouse/status/1976665027336712480?s=61&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;stated&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; that she has an “open channel” of communication with Putin. He allegedly agreed to cooperate with her on the issue of returning previously abducted Ukrainian children: “&lt;/span&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt;Since then, President Putin and I have had an open channel of communication regarding the welfare of these children. We have agreed to cooperate with each other for the benefit of all people involved in this war.”&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;At the same time, she did not state that Russia itself ensures their well-being. Melania &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/melania-trump-putin-communicating-children-affected-war/story?id=126397912&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;noted&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; that Russia, like Ukraine, is only cooperating with her team on the return of the children: “&lt;/span&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt;He (Putin) responded in writing signaling a willingness to engage with me directly and outlining details regarding the Ukrainian children residing in Russia&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;span&gt;.”&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;The contact with Putin was preceded by a letter which, according to the American &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.foxnews.com/politics/first-lady-melania-trumps-peace-letter-putin-it-time?intcmp=tw_fnc&amp;taid=68a0e55adb6427000120a9cd&amp;utm_campaign=trueanthem&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=twitter&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;outlet&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; Fox News, Melania passed to Putin in August of this year through Donald Trump. It spoke about protecting children’s future, but without reference to Ukraine. Ultimately, in her October 10 &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/whitehouse/status/1976665027336712480?s=61&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;video address&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt;, Melania spoke about the return of eight children and the continuation of work in this direction.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Does Russia really ensure the well-being of Ukrainian children?&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;In fact, numerous &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://life.pravda.com.ua/columns/deportaciya-ukrajinskih-ditey-tragediya-oleshkivskogo-internatu-ta-vikliki-povernennya-306477/&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;investigations&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; by Ukrainian independent newsrooms prove that Russia removed Ukrainian children from occupied territories and abducted them, deported them, and adopted them into Russian families. According to the presidential adviser–commissioner for children’s rights, Daria Herasymchuk, as of early 2025, Russia, according to official &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://suspilne.media/crimea/937491-ak-rosia-vikradae-ukrainskih-ditej-istoria-pidlitka-akogo-primusovo-vivezli-do-krimu/&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;data&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt;, had taken out at least 20,000 Ukrainian children.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Some of them end up in “reeducation” camps, where, for example, they are forced to sing the Russian anthem or learn military skills. These facts were &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://suspilne.media/crimea/937491-ak-rosia-vikradae-ukrainskih-ditej-istoria-pidlitka-akogo-primusovo-vivezli-do-krimu/&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;confirmed&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; by the children themselves whom Ukraine managed to return: “&lt;/span&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span&gt;We had to disassemble weapons, assemble them, march in formation, throw grenades. They literally led us there by the hand&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;span&gt;.”&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Russian occupation forces also abducted children with disabilities. In 2022, Russians &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://life.pravda.com.ua/columns/deportaciya-ukrajinskih-ditey-tragediya-oleshkivskogo-internatu-ta-vikliki-povernennya-306477/&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;removed&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; 84 children with disabilities from the Oleshky boarding school to temporarily occupied Crimea, as well as to Russia’s Krasnodar Krai. According to investigators, most of them were minors, and they were moved without the consent of relatives or legal representatives.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Researchers from the Humanitarian Research Lab at the Yale School of Public Health &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://files-profile.medicine.yale.edu/documents/e6294def-3f80-4d71-9cc7-91f6af70a523&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;established&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; that there are at least 210 institutions in Russia and in the occupied territories where Ukrainian children are being “reeducated.” And in occupied Luhansk Oblast, Russia even &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.thetimes.com/world/russia-ukraine-war/article/orphans-adoption-website-children-3bfnd2k5d?fbclid=IwY2xjawNcSzpleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE1Z09od1hjZkg2TUpJZGF2AR7cJz-yT0k580OmAM84stZziHT4b6BIA8naNaS5ezMywQnte8eHq85vcq9hrg_aem_PF0K2qeSJC-y-0Oy79FUCA&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;created&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; an online database of children aged 2 to 17 for their further adoption.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;The abduction of children has been repeatedly confirmed not only by independent organizations or investigative journalists, but also by international institutions. Thus, on March 17, 2023, the International Criminal Court &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.icc-cpi.int/news/situation-ukraine-icc-judges-issue-arrest-warrants-against-vladimir-vladimirovich-putin-and&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;issued&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; arrest warrants for Putin and Russia’s children’s rights commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova precisely for the abduction, removal, and deportation of Ukrainian children. The same year, at the UN General Assembly, 49 countries &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://x.com/SergiyKyslytsya/status/1643611335739965440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1643611335739965440%7Ctwgr%5E166843ca42ef63403d6906db7aa8d73bd5f5d7e6%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fsuspilne.media%2F436617-majze-50-krain-svitu-zasudili-rf-za-deportaciu-ukrainskih-ditej%2F&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;condemned&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; Russia’s actions in a joint statement.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Despite this, Ukraine is working on their return, in particular within the framework of the &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.bringkidsback.org.ua/&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Bring Kids Back UA&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; initiative, and is &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.president.gov.ua/news/tridcyat-visim-krayin-razom-iz-radoyu-yevropi-ta-yes-zaklika-99337&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;engaging&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; other countries in this effort. As Olena Zelenska &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/live/9wQ4if4oj4c?si=VMuspSuA5q8JXo_M&amp;t=1094&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;reported&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span&gt; on September 23, 2025, Ukraine has so far returned 1,625 children.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://voxukraine.org/en/manipulation-russia-ensures-the-well-being-of-ukrainian-children-while-ukraine-uses-them-in-propaganda&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>🪖 Defense of POKROVSK – situation on the OUTSKIRTS #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/10/defense-of-pokrovsk-situation-on.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 10 Nov 2025 15:30:31 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/10/defense-of-pokrovsk-situation-on.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/e60a3ed345.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;🪖 Defense of POKROVSK – situation on the OUTSKIRTS #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/JWr5rA83cIs&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>⚡ Russian drones over Europe: there’s no smoke without fire, – Zelenskyy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/10/russian-drones-over-europe-theres.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 10 Nov 2025 15:25:00 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/10/russian-drones-over-europe-theres.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/dc2bdaf154.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡ Russian drones over Europe: there’s no smoke without fire, – Zelenskyy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/dn5-IkX1IiA&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russia’s disturbing human ‘safaris’</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/10/russias-disturbing-human-safaris.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 10 Nov 2025 15:13:40 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/10/russias-disturbing-human-safaris.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f76056de3-c.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia’s disturbing human ‘safaris’&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!jPId!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fdc4611f8-c7cb-4203-b6f6-50ead313917c_1500x500.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2fdc4611f8-c.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;485&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/dc4611f8-c7cb-4203-b6f6-50ead313917c_1500x500.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:485,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:true,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; 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y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Featured Subscriber’s Comment:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“I can afford a few subs these days, but The Counteroffensive is one of the most critical to me in terms of the importance of what your team does.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I hope more people will subscribe so you can keep up the valuable work of humanising the people of Ukraine so they are not just nameless faceless mentions on a news item about the latest bombing or aborted peace talks etc 🫂 plus of course be able to buy the equipment you need to keep safe.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;By: Cindy&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Get Full Access!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Get Full Access!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Subscribe for free!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Subscribe for free!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;DISCLAIMER&lt;/strong&gt;: This story includes descriptions and images which may be disturbing for some readers.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!9lVi!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F18e17a60-4b6b-44c4-82ef-0444ddad4c65_1600x1200.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f18e17a60-4.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;1092&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/18e17a60-4b6b-44c4-82ef-0444ddad4c65_1600x1200.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1092,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:false,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M3 12a9 9 0 0 1 9-9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1 6.74 2.74L21 8&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 3v5h-5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 12a9 9 0 0 1-9 9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1-6.74-2.74L3 16&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M8 16H3v5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;A civilian car hit by an FPV drone, photo provided by Serhii.&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Yana had a promising job at a hospital in the Kherson region, but at some point, her commute to work became marked by traffic jams.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The sides of the road leading to her hospital had started to become littered with burned-out cars that no one had cleared away.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The same went for the bodies that had charred inside them.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“You couldn’t pull them out, they were fused,” she said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The term ‘human safari’ originates from the Kherson region. The city of Kherson is separated from the Russians only by the Dnipro River, making it prone to short range drone attacks. Dozens of civilians still suffer each day from this bloody game invented by the Russians to entertain themselves on the battlefield.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;First Person View (FPV) drones have changed not only the Russian-Ukrainian war but also warfare practices around the world. Now, a $400 drone can effectively strike military equipment that costs millions. They’re highly convenient for precise attacks: they’re small, fast, and easy to control.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Countries with high crime rates and authoritarian regimes are already studying FPV-drones’ capabilities. FPV drones were recently &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/oct/28/brazil-rio-at-war-police-drug-raids-favelas&#34;&gt;used&lt;/a&gt; by drug traffickers in the clashes between authorities and drug cartels in Brazil.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Yana and her family lived in the village of Shyroka Balka, just 10 kilometers from Russian positions, up until a few months ago.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;They left because they did not want to be targets anymore.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Yana, 31, had lived there since childhood. The area is known for its vast steppes and, before the invasion, a wide river, numerous farms, and the sweetest watermelons.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In summertime, people flocked to the countryside from nearby cities to spend holidays, swim, and go to dance clubs. Just before the invasion, Yana was offered a job as the head of the local hospital’s laboratory.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;But the arrival of the Russians and their drones changed everything.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!XpDd!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F911b220c-418b-4c32-adb2-08301dee87d5_1040x692.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f911b220c-4.png&#34; width=&#34;1040&#34; height=&#34;692&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/911b220c-418b-4c32-adb2-08301dee87d5_1040x692.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:692,&#34;width&#34;:1040,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M3 12a9 9 0 0 1 9-9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1 6.74 2.74L21 8&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 3v5h-5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 12a9 9 0 0 1-9 9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1-6.74-2.74L3 16&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M8 16H3v5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;A man with a white flag in Kruhliakivka, Kharkiv region, was killed on November 3, 2025. Screenshot by 77th Separate Airborne Brigade.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;All along the frontline, Russian soldiers are targeting Ukrainian civilians in very personal ways. Last week, a video spread across social media showing Russian forces killing two elderly men with a dog as they tried to leave a frontline area in the Kharkiv region under a white flag. An FPV drone first fatally struck one man, then killed the other.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!CDEm!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5e30dddd-334f-4ace-bfb0-c2a268d29458_1600x1068.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f5e30dddd-3.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;972&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/5e30dddd-334f-4ace-bfb0-c2a268d29458_1600x1068.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:972,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M3 12a9 9 0 0 1 9-9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1 6.74 2.74L21 8&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 3v5h-5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 12a9 9 0 0 1-9 9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1-6.74-2.74L3 16&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M8 16H3v5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;A Ukrainian serviceman sets up an FPV drone in Zaporizhzhia region, 2023 (Photo by Elena Tita/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images).&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;For civilians like Yana on the ground just trying to survive, it begins with the quiet, annoying buzz of a drone.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The first instinct is to run and hide.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“You can tell by the sound whether the FPV is empty or loaded. If the sound is light and monotonous, it means there is something light inside, perhaps a self-igniting mixture or some kind of grenade,” said Yana.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If the drone’s sound is heavier, she said, it might contain a grenade launcher or other heavier ammunition.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;But if you can see it, it’s already too late. Running is not an option, as the drone can reach speeds of 150 km/h or more.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;So you pray.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“A drone can land somewhere in the bushes, detect a person walking or a car driving by, and suddenly take off. It stares at you, you stare at it. There’s nothing you can do. Nowhere to run. Either it has something attached to it, or it’s flying with something. If it drops on you, your arms are in two, your legs are in two,” Yana said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Yana headed a hospital lab where she often witnessed people seeking medical care and describing yet another Russian war crime. Sometimes she heard about the victims from her colleagues.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;She was also often ‘hunted’ herself.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“I found myself in a situation where I couldn’t see [the FPV] yet, but I could already hear it. It was green then, and you run somewhere into the trees and wait. And sometimes it sees a person running, and then it can wait there, just buzzing and mocking the person,” Yana said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;id&#34;:403109}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;PollToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;poll-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;An FPV drone operator sees what the drone sees, as a small camera is mounted on the copter in the direction of flight, and the video is transmitted to the pilot’s remote control.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This means the operator can maneuver to pursue a target while the drone flies, making FPVs effective against moving targets – and especially useful for identifying the target before the moment of impact.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This distinguishes FPV drone strikes from strikes with other kinds of weapons, especially when it comes to strikes on civilians. Unlike with missiles and mortars and artillery, it’s hard to argue that the strikes aren’t deliberate.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!QpvC!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F675a845a-1e0c-4773-a6f7-a14e80a7cb58_1600x900.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f675a845a-1.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;819&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/675a845a-1e0c-4773-a6f7-a14e80a7cb58_1600x900.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:819,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M3 12a9 9 0 0 1 9-9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1 6.74 2.74L21 8&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 3v5h-5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 12a9 9 0 0 1-9 9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1-6.74-2.74L3 16&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M8 16H3v5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;A damaged bus after the Russian drone attack on a civilian passenger bus in Kherson on January 06, 2025. As a result of the hit, one person was killed. Photo by Kherson Regional Military Administ./Anadolu via Getty Images.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Between April and October this year alone, 73 people &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.slidstvo.info/news/cherez-ataky-fpv-droniv-za-ostanni-piv-roku-na-khersonshchyni-zahynulo-ponad-70-liudey-prokuratura/&#34;&gt;were killed&lt;/a&gt; in the Ukrainian-controlled territory of the Kherson region as a result of FPV drone attacks.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“An elderly man was riding his bike. They [Russians] dropped something from a drone. That’s it, the man is lying dead, and it’s impossible to retrieve him. You won’t go there. The body was taken away in a day,” Yana told The Counteroffensive.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;According to her, it’s often impossible to take away the body of a killed civilian by ambulance. Russians wait for someone to come get the body so that they can strike again.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Yana said they don’t care who comes: a child, a woman, a social worker, a doctor, or even a dog.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Still, there are ways to counter the drone threat, like using anti-drone nets, electromagnetic warfare (EW), or simply shooting down drones with shotguns.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!R2nM!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F792b24b8-c3ef-45a1-af3b-abf14f1b22cf_1200x1600.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f792b24b8-c.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1200&#34; height=&#34;1600&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/792b24b8-c3ef-45a1-af3b-abf14f1b22cf_1200x1600.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1600,&#34;width&#34;:1200,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M3 12a9 9 0 0 1 9-9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1 6.74 2.74L21 8&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 3v5h-5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 12a9 9 0 0 1-9 9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1-6.74-2.74L3 16&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M8 16H3v5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Soldiers get to positions on electric scooters because driving a car is too dangerous. Photo provided by Serhii.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Anti-drone nets could be an effective solution, ideally with both city streets and intercity roads shielded from drones with nets: metal, durable, and long-lasting.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The drones get tangled up in them before they can hit their target and fail to detonate. If an area is not covered with such a net, however, anyone driving a car near the front does so at their own risk, said the commander of a Ukrainian unit, Serhii*.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f76056de3-c.jpg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/07deba1fe3.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;820&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/76056de3-ceae-4834-bb9e-c48436518551_1600x901.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:820,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M3 12a9 9 0 0 1 9-9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1 6.74 2.74L21 8&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 3v5h-5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 12a9 9 0 0 1-9 9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1-6.74-2.74L3 16&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M8 16H3v5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Torn anti-drone nets on the Kostiantynivka direction. Photo provided by Serhii.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Currently, anti-drone nets are not widely used. Both Serhii and another serviceman serving on the Kostiantynivka axis, in the Donesk region, confirmed to &lt;em&gt;The Counteroffensive &lt;/em&gt;that such nets are scarce in their area.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Right now, my biggest concern is about the Druzhkivka-Kostiantynivka highway. There are nets installed there, but they are made of rope, which burns in two seconds. There are metal ones in storage that could save many lives. But for some reason, no one wants to install them,” the serviceman told &lt;em&gt;The Counteroffensive&lt;/em&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;The Counteroffensive&lt;/em&gt; reached out to the Ministry of Defense and local authorities for comment on the matter, but received no response by the time of publication. Kostiantynivka has been under the Russian offensive since late spring.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The situation in the Kherson region is slightly better.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In a comment to &lt;em&gt;The Counteroffensive&lt;/em&gt;, the deputy head of the Kherson Regional Military Administration, Oleksandr Tolokonnikov, said authorities are working on a three-level defense against drones, which includes EW, mobile fire teams that shoot down drones, and anti-drone nets.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;According to Tolokonnikov, as of last week, 96% of all FPV-drones attacking the Kherson region were neutralized.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“It’s good that they [local authorities] are putting up nets, but they should have done it sooner,” said Yana.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!8bhq!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F63dfd9d3-54fc-424a-b48b-7d068586248b_1600x1200.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f63dfd9d3-5.png&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;1092&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/63dfd9d3-54fc-424a-b48b-7d068586248b_1600x1200.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1092,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M3 12a9 9 0 0 1 9-9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1 6.74 2.74L21 8&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 3v5h-5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 12a9 9 0 0 1-9 9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1-6.74-2.74L3 16&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M8 16H3v5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;People installing anti-drone nets in Kherson, 28 August 2025. Photo by &lt;a href=&#34;https://suspilne.media/kherson/1101540-sitki-proti-rosijskih-droniv-na-hersonsini-potribno-zakriti-264-km-dorig/&#34;&gt;Suspilne Kherson&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Locals are also trying to protect themselves on their own. They buy analyzers, or specialized devices that intercept FPV frequencies and show what Russian pilots and FPV drones see. Yana says that at one point, her entire village chipped in to buy anti-drone nets and then installed them themselves.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-component-name=&#34;VideoPlaceholder&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;mediaUploadId&#34;:&#34;42188dbe-28bf-475d-bae7-134d96b5bd00&#34;,&#34;duration&#34;:null}&#39; data-sanitized-class=&#34;native-video-embed&#34;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;An intercepted broadcast from a Russian FPV drone showing the hunting of a farmer in the Donetsk region. Video by 12th Special Forces Brigade “Azov”&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1YCFezGipo/&#34;&gt; Facebook&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!pObI!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Faf91ad1b-1c2e-4661-9805-56d92fcc1d3b_1600x978.png&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2faf91ad1b-1.png&#34; width=&#34;1456&#34; height=&#34;890&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/af91ad1b-1c2e-4661-9805-56d92fcc1d3b_1600x978.png)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:890,&#34;width&#34;:1456,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M3 12a9 9 0 0 1 9-9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1 6.74 2.74L21 8&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 3v5h-5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 12a9 9 0 0 1-9 9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1-6.74-2.74L3 16&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M8 16H3v5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;figcaption data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-caption&#34;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Screenshot from the Deep State map, cities Kherson, Nikopol, and Marhanets (Dnipropetrovsk region) are underlined in red — cities that have suffered constant Russian terror since 2022 due to their immediate proximity to the line of contact.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/figcaption&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Meanwhile, civilians remain defenseless. From January to October 2025, in the Dnipropetrovsk region cities of Nikopol and Marhanets alone, there &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.slidstvo.info/news/cherez-ataky-fpv-droniv-za-ostanni-piv-roku-na-khersonshchyni-zahynulo-ponad-70-liudey-prokuratura/?tztc=1&#34;&gt;have already been &lt;/a&gt;twice as many attacks and civilian deaths from FPV drones as all of last year.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Why do they hit roads, civilian objects? To minimize the number of cars and civilians on the street. So that civilians are afraid to travel. If you drive on the roads, it means [according to the Russians] you are a combatant,” Serhii explained.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Many locals do not want to leave their hometowns despite the ongoing Russian onslaught. Apart from Kostiantynivka with its approximately 5,000 holdouts, about 1,000 people &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.ukrinform.ua/rubric-regions/4052841-u-pokrovsku-zalisautsa-se-1256-civilnih-evakuacia-majze-nemozliva-filaskin.html&#34;&gt;remain &lt;/a&gt;in Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region, where fighting has been going on for a year and a half.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Yana left her village, Shyroka Balka, in August after her house had been attacked by FPV-drones around 21 times, and her brother, who served in the army, was killed by an FPV-drone during a combat mission in the Kherson region.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;There is almost nothing left of her house now, she said, only two walls.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Civilians are also unable to rely on some of the tricks they’d used before to protect themselves, as the Russians have upgraded the weapons they use for their ‘hunts.’ A year ago, it was easier to intercept their frequencies with analyzers, but now they’ve developed radio-wave drones and are starting to use fiber-optic drones, which are impossible to intercept.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“You can hear it [the drone] is above you post factum. At that moment, there’s no point in running,” Yana said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Away from home, she feels unwanted and wants to go back.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“Who needs us? To live as homeless people in someone else’s house when I have my own?” Yana said, “They [other people] are far from this. They don’t understand what it’s like to leave home and not know if you’ll return. Whether you’ll get from point A to point B.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;*This character’s name has been changed for security purposes.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pullquote&#34;&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Featured Subscriber’s Comment:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“I can afford a few subs these days, but The Counteroffensive is one of the most critical to me in terms of the importance of what your team does.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I hope more people will subscribe so you can keep up the valuable work of humanising the people of Ukraine so they are not just nameless faceless mentions on a news item about the latest bombing or aborted peace talks etc 🫂 plus of course be able to buy the equipment you need to keep safe.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;By: Cindy&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Get Full Access!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/subscribe&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Get Full Access!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;url&#34;:&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34;,&#34;text&#34;:&#34;Tip Jar!&#34;,&#34;action&#34;:null,&#34;class&#34;:null}&#39; data-component-name=&#34;ButtonCreateButton&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button-wrapper&#34;&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://donate.stripe.com/fZe29k5II6HNbE4dQQ&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;button primary&#34;&gt;&lt;span&gt;Tip Jar!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;NEWS OF THE DAY:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;By: Oleksandra Khelemendyk&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;UKRAINE’S SECURITY AT RISK DURING SHUTDOWN: &lt;/strong&gt;Due to the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, $5 billion worth of U.S. weapon exports to Denmark, Croatia and Poland is &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.axios.com/2025/11/09/government-shutdown-arms-sales-nato-ukraine&#34;&gt;delayed&lt;/a&gt;, the State Department said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The final destination of the weapons in question, which include AMRAAM missiles, Aegis combat systems, and HIMARS, is unclear, but arms sales to NATO allies are often transferred to assist Ukraine.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;AUSTRALIA BUYS RUSSIAN OIL THROUGH LOOPHOLE IN SANCTIONS:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Australia has &lt;a href=&#34;https://babel.ua/news/122898-avstraliya-znayshla-sposib-kupuvati-rosiysku-naftu-cherez-dirku-v-sankciyah&#34;&gt;imported&lt;/a&gt; more than 3 mln tonnes of Russian oil since 2023 through a port part-owned by Singaporean Macquarie Bank, researchers found. This happened due to a loophole in Australian sanctions against Russia.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Australia’s sanctions allow businesses to buy oil from third countries, thus leaving a risk of indirectly funding the destruction of Ukraine by Russian armed aggression.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;POWER CUT IN THE PRESIDENTIAL RESIDENCE:&lt;/strong&gt; The power was &lt;a href=&#34;https://hromadske.ua/viyna/254436-pid-chas-interviu-zelenskoho-v-mariyinskomu-palatsi-dvichi-znykalo-svitlo&#34;&gt;cut off&lt;/a&gt; twice in the presidential residence of Mariinsky Palace during the interview of President Zelenskyy with The Guardian.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;During the interview, the President said that Ukraine is planning to buy 27 Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems and noted the contribution that King Charles III made to convince Donald Trump to continue his support to Ukraine.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;CAT OF CONFLICT:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;Mariana’s cat, Simba, casually sleeps on the floor, as if he works night shifts to feed his 3 children (he is just too relaxed).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;captioned-image-container&#34;&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/%24s_!RoHZ!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0a9dad88-5c98-4734-a5b9-22d4a9cb3e96_1200x1600.jpeg&#34; data-component-name=&#34;Image2ToDOM&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link image2 is-viewable-img&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image2-inset&#34;&gt;&lt;picture&gt;&lt;source type=&#34;image/webp&#34;&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/https3a2f2fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com2fpublic2fimages2f0a9dad88-5.jpg&#34; width=&#34;1200&#34; height=&#34;1600&#34; data-attrs=&#39;{&#34;src&#34;:&#34;[substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/im...](https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/0a9dad88-5c98-4734-a5b9-22d4a9cb3e96_1200x1600.jpeg)&#34;,&#34;srcNoWatermark&#34;:null,&#34;fullscreen&#34;:null,&#34;imageSize&#34;:null,&#34;height&#34;:1600,&#34;width&#34;:1200,&#34;resizeWidth&#34;:null,&#34;bytes&#34;:null,&#34;alt&#34;:null,&#34;title&#34;:null,&#34;type&#34;:null,&#34;href&#34;:null,&#34;belowTheFold&#34;:true,&#34;topImage&#34;:false,&#34;internalRedirect&#34;:null,&#34;isProcessing&#34;:false,&#34;align&#34;:null,&#34;offset&#34;:false}&#39; alt=&#34;&#34; loading=&#34;lazy&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;sizing-normal&#34;&gt;&lt;/picture&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;image-link-expand&#34;&gt;&lt;div data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset&#34;&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image&#34;&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M3 12a9 9 0 0 1 9-9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1 6.74 2.74L21 8&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 3v5h-5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M21 12a9 9 0 0 1-9 9 9.75 9.75 0 0 1-6.74-2.74L3 16&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;path d=&#34;M8 16H3v5&#34;&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;button tabindex=&#34;0&#34; type=&#34;button&#34; data-sanitized-class=&#34;pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image&#34;&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;15 3 21 3 21 9&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;polyline points=&#34;9 21 3 21 3 15&#34;&gt;&lt;/polyline&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;21&#34; x2=&#34;14&#34; y1=&#34;3&#34; y2=&#34;10&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;line x1=&#34;3&#34; x2=&#34;10&#34; y1=&#34;21&#34; y2=&#34;14&#34;&gt;&lt;/line&gt;&lt;/button&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/figure&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Stay safe out there. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Best,&lt;br&gt;Tania&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/russias-disturbing-human-safaris&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Europe OFFICIALLY AT WAR? Zelenskyy’s statement breaks the internet! Ukraine buys more Patriots</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/10/europe-officially-at-war-zelenskyys.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 10 Nov 2025 15:00:04 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/10/europe-officially-at-war-zelenskyys.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/4f7e3d52e7.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Europe OFFICIALLY AT WAR? Zelenskyy’s statement breaks the internet! Ukraine buys more Patriots&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FtCLiBDBik&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>LIVE | Putin’s army is bleeding, but the WEST still can’t get it – GLEN GRANT﻿ about &amp;quot;strong Russia&amp;quot;</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/10/live-putins-army-is-bleeding.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 10 Nov 2025 14:35:53 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/10/live-putins-army-is-bleeding.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/b40268691e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;LIVE | Putin’s army is bleeding, but the WEST still can’t get it – GLEN GRANT﻿ about &amp;quot;strong Russia&amp;quot;&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAZOCWqyv_0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Who is Timur Mindich, Zelensky&#39;s close associate at the center of a major corruption probe?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/10/who-is-timur-mindich-zelenskys.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 10 Nov 2025 12:33:08 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/10/who-is-timur-mindich-zelenskys.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/42323e80db.png&#34; alt=&#34;Who is Timur Mindich, Zelensky&#39;s close associate at the center of a major corruption probe?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Timur Mindich, a businessman who is reportedly at the center of a major corruption probe, is a close associate of President Volodymyr Zelensky with interests in multiple industries.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Mindich has allegedly profited from his ties with Zelensky and dramatically increased his clout in recent years, according to journalist &lt;a href=&#34;https://www.pravda.com.ua/articles/2025/11/06/8006063/&#34;&gt;investigations&lt;/a&gt;. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;An&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/who-is/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Who is Timur Mindich, Zelensky&#39;s secretive associate at the center of a major corruption probe?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/10/133308.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 10 Nov 2025 12:33:08 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/10/133308.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/1ccedf3ed7.png&#34; alt=&#34;Who is Timur Mindich, Zelensky&#39;s secretive associate at the center of a major corruption probe?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Timur Mindich, a businessman who is reportedly at the center of a major corruption probe, is a close associate of President Volodymyr Zelensky with interests in multiple industries.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Mindich, a co-owner of the president&#39;s Kvartal 95 production company, has allegedly profited from his ties with Zelensky and dramatically&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/who-is-timur-mindich/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Ukraine war latest live: Kyiv denies Pokrovsk encirclement again, admits logistics difficult</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/10/ukraine-war-latest-live-kyiv.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 10 Nov 2025 12:27:18 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/10/ukraine-war-latest-live-kyiv.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/a10f2d627e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest live: Kyiv denies Pokrovsk encirclement again, admits logistics difficult&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Major Andrii Kovalev, a spokesman for Ukraine&#39;s General Staff, told Ukrainian newspaper Ukrainska Pravda that logistics to Pokrovsk still exist, and the troops, including wounded soldiers, are being rotated in and out.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-update-2025-11-10/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Explosion in Russian Black Sea port of Tuapse amid reported sea drone attack</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/10/explosion-in-russian-black-sea.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 10 Nov 2025 11:40:53 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/10/explosion-in-russian-black-sea.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/f279e6e28949d5ab13ff7a76780e0b3e.webp&#34; alt=&#34;Explosion in Russian Black Sea port of Tuapse amid reported sea drone attack&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Later, the official Telegram channel of Krasnodar Krai confirmed the attack, claiming that four Ukrainian sea drones had been destroyed.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/explosion-in-russian-black-sea-port-of-tuapse-amid-reported-sea-drone-attack/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>NABU raids properties tied to Zelensky’s ex-business partner Tymur Mindich amid expanding corruption probe</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/10/nabu-raids-properties-tied-to.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 10 Nov 2025 09:06:53 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/10/nabu-raids-properties-tied-to.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/f04d6520e3.png&#34; alt=&#34;NABU raids properties tied to Zelensky’s ex-business partner Tymur Mindich amid expanding corruption probe&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;In recent months, Mindich has been in the spotlight, with the National Anti-Corruption Bureau  looking into the businessman&#39;s activity.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/anti-corruption-agency-searches-home-of-zelensky-ally-mindich-as-he-reportedly-leaves-ukraine/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>3 drones reportedly spotted flying over Belgian nuclear power plant</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/10/drones-reportedly-spotted-flying-over.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 10 Nov 2025 04:33:24 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/10/drones-reportedly-spotted-flying-over.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-1258612215.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;3 drones reportedly spotted flying over Belgian nuclear power plant&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Three drones were spotted flying over the Doel Nuclear Power Plant in northern Belgium on the evening of Nov. 9&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/3-drones-reportedly-spotted-flying-over-belgian-nuclear-power-plant/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine is looking to order 27 Patriot air defense systems, Zelensky says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/10/ukraine-is-looking-to-order.html</link>
      <pubDate>Mon, 10 Nov 2025 00:35:12 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/10/ukraine-is-looking-to-order.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/ab1a0dab1b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine is looking to order 27 Patriot air defense systems, Zelensky says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukraine would like to order 27 Patriot air defense systems from U.S. companies and is looking to borrow the crucial system from its European allies in the meantime, President Volodymyr Zelensky said.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-is-looking-to-order-27-patriot-air-defense-systems-zelensky-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>⚔️Battle for Pokrovsk: Russians storm, Ukrainian troops hold their ground #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/09/battle-for-pokrovsk-russians-storm.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 09 Nov 2025 22:00:24 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/09/battle-for-pokrovsk-russians-storm.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/0ba55220dc.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚔️Battle for Pokrovsk: Russians storm, Ukrainian troops hold their ground #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/MxvRXi7KpS0&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine reportedly strikes Russian oil depot in occupied Crimea</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/09/ukraine-reportedly-strikes-russian-oil.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 09 Nov 2025 21:40:10 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/09/ukraine-reportedly-strikes-russian-oil.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/photo-2025-11-09-15-07-22.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine reportedly strikes Russian oil depot in occupied Crimea&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ukraine&#39;s military reportedly struck a Russian oil depot near the village of Gvardeyskoye in occupied Crimea late on Nov. 9, Russian Telegram media channel ASTRA reported.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-reportedly-strikes-russian-oil-depot-in-occupied-crimea/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Glen Grant: “Putin’s Army Is Bleeding, But the West Still Doesn’t Get It” | Wrap-Up Analytics</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/09/glen-grant-putins-army-is.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 09 Nov 2025 21:00:17 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/09/glen-grant-putins-army-is.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/139b6ba69b.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Glen Grant: “Putin’s Army Is Bleeding, But the West Still Doesn’t Get It” | Wrap-Up Analytics&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9l-q2nUuWo&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>EU&#39;s 20th sanctions package against Russia to be prepared &#39;within a month,&#39; Zelensky says</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/09/eus-th-sanctions-package-against.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 09 Nov 2025 20:42:20 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/09/eus-th-sanctions-package-against.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/3428c04c6a.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;EU&#39;s 20th sanctions package against Russia to be prepared &#39;within a month,&#39; Zelensky says&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Zelensky said Kyiv will propose that the 20th sanctions package target &#34;Russian legal entities and individuals that are still profiting from energy resources.&#34;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/eus-20th-sanctions-package-against-russia-to-be-prepared-within-a-month-zelensky-says/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>⚡️ The White House has denied Budapest&#39;s claim that US sanctions have been lifted indefinitely</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/09/the-white-house-has-denied.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 09 Nov 2025 19:30:32 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/09/the-white-house-has-denied.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/ec84b5965d.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;⚡️ The White House has denied Budapest&#39;s claim that US sanctions have been lifted indefinitely&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/KTv1uuTyFQ8&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>❗️Russia continues the war. The response to this must be strong pressure! – Zelenskyy #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/09/russia-continues-the-war-the.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 09 Nov 2025 19:28:04 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/09/russia-continues-the-war-the.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/fdc16bc88f.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;❗️Russia continues the war. The response to this must be strong pressure! – Zelenskyy #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ej1bGUByCFw&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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      <title>Ukraine war latest: Russia launches &#39;one of the largest&#39; attacks on Ukraine&#39;s energy infrastructure since start of war</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/09/ukraine-war-latest-russia-launches.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 09 Nov 2025 19:15:53 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/09/ukraine-war-latest-russia-launches.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2245800967-612x612.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine war latest: Russia launches &#39;one of the largest&#39; attacks on Ukraine&#39;s energy infrastructure since start of war&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Key developments on Nov. 8-9:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Kyiv faces over 12 hours of emergency power cuts following &#39;one of the largest&#39; Russian attacks on Ukraine&#39;s energy infrastructure&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Russia&#39;s Lavrov says he is ready to meet Rubio in person to discuss war in Ukraine&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Ukraine slaps new&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-125/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Stolen childhood: Russia deports Ukrainian children and destroys their future #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/09/stolen-childhood-russia-deports-ukrainian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 09 Nov 2025 19:00:49 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/09/stolen-childhood-russia-deports-ukrainian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/bb95f6e648.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Stolen childhood: Russia deports Ukrainian children and destroys their future #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/nZ071KK8E2w&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>20TH PACKAGE OF SANCTIONS! Will Ukraine receive Russia&#39;s FROZEN ASSETS?</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/09/th-package-of-sanctions-will.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 09 Nov 2025 19:00:07 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/09/th-package-of-sanctions-will.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/c5bff02357.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;20TH PACKAGE OF SANCTIONS! Will Ukraine receive Russia&#39;s FROZEN ASSETS?&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OhoMnx9qEg&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Russia&#39;s air defenses are wide open — there&#39;s just one problem</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/09/russias-air-defenses-are-wide.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 09 Nov 2025 18:25:31 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/09/russias-air-defenses-are-wide.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2245004302.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Russia&#39;s air defenses are wide open — there&#39;s just one problem&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ukrainian drones — and the occasional missile — have been causing havoc across Russia for months.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;According to Ukraine&#39;s Security Service (SBU), nearly &lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-hits-nearly-160-russian-oil-facilities-in-2025-sbu-says/&#34;&gt;160 successful strikes&lt;/a&gt; have been conducted in 2025 against oil extraction and refining facilities, leading to fuel shortages and a 37% drop in refining capacity.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russias-air-defenses-are-wide-open-theres-just-one-problem/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
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    <item>
      <title>Trump nominates John Coale as special envoy for Belarus, aims to secure release of additional political prisoners</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/09/trump-nominates-john-coale-as.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 09 Nov 2025 18:03:23 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/09/trump-nominates-john-coale-as.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/gettyimages-2234203892-612x612.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Trump nominates John Coale as special envoy for Belarus, aims to secure release of additional political prisoners&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&#34;He has already successfully negotiated the release of 100 Hostages, and is going for an additional 50,&#34; Trump wrote on his Truth Social account.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/trump-nominates-john-coale-as-special-envoy-for-belarus-aims-to-secure-release-of-additional-political-prisoners/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>RUSSIA IS DESTROYING LIVES! Ukrainian children deprived of their childhood by war | Special report</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/09/russia-is-destroying-lives-ukrainian.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 09 Nov 2025 18:00:53 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/09/russia-is-destroying-lives-ukrainian.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/6e0d5e785e.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;RUSSIA IS DESTROYING LIVES! Ukrainian children deprived of their childhood by war | Special report&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ta1S3q7aHCg&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Ukraine slaps new sanctions on Putin&#39;s team and propagandist publishers</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/09/ukraine-slaps-new-sanctions-on.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 09 Nov 2025 16:40:24 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/09/ukraine-slaps-new-sanctions-on.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/abb842a278.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;Ukraine slaps new sanctions on Putin&#39;s team and propagandist publishers&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Names on the list include Russian President Vladimir Putin&#39;s special envoy for investment Kirill Dmitriev, Agriculture Minister Oksana Lut, and FSB agent Aleksey Komkov.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-slaps-new-sanctions-on-putins-team-and-propaganda-publishers/&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>☢️Russia attacks substations near nuclear power plants – a nuclear threat to Europe! #shorts</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/09/russia-attacks-substations-near-nuclear.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 09 Nov 2025 16:17:29 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/09/russia-attacks-substations-near-nuclear.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/688504b341.jpg&#34; alt=&#34;☢️Russia attacks substations near nuclear power plants – a nuclear threat to Europe! #shorts&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://www.youtube.com/shorts/QR5buRV3z1s&#34;&gt;Source&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
    </item>
    
    <item>
      <title>Russian attacks kill 3 and injure 18 in Donetsk and Kherson oblasts over past day</title>
      <link>https://benborges.xyz/2025/11/09/russian-attacks-kill-and-injure.html</link>
      <pubDate>Sun, 09 Nov 2025 15:09:15 +0100</pubDate>
      
      <guid>http://benb.micro.blog/2025/11/09/russian-attacks-kill-and-injure.html</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&#34;https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/screen-shot-2025-11-09-at-15-37-46.png&#34; alt=&#34;Russian attacks kill 3 and injure 18 in Donetsk and Kherson oblasts over past day&#34;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Russian forces launched 69 drones at Ukraine overnight, with 32 hitting nine locations across the country, Ukraine’s Air Force reported.&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&#34;https://kyivindependent.com/russian-attacks-kill