Articles in this Cluster
04-07-2025
Ukraine killed Major General Mikhail Gudkov, the deputy commander of Russia's navy, in a missile strike in Kursk, Russia. Meanwhile, the US halted some weapons deliveries to Ukraine, causing alarm in Kyiv and uncertainty among NATO allies. Ukraine's Foreign Ministry summoned the US Deputy Chief of Mission to stress that delayed support would encourage Russia to continue its war. President Trump had previously considered sending additional Patriot missile batteries to Ukraine. Moscow reacted positively to the news, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov calling it "a logical and overdue step." NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte urged Washington to remain flexible, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for increased European support for Ukraine.
04-07-2025
Russia has become the first country to formally recognize the Taliban government in Afghanistan, with the Afghan Foreign Minister calling it a "courageous" decision. Russia's foreign ministry stated that the recognition would give impetus to the development of bilateral cooperation, particularly in energy, transportation, and agriculture. The decision comes despite Western governments and humanitarian organizations condemning the Taliban for human rights violations, especially against women and girls. Russia had previously signed an economic deal with the Taliban in 2022 and removed them from its list of terrorist organizations in April this year, paving the way for a "full-fledged partnership".
04-07-2025
Russia launched a record 539 drones at Ukraine on July 4, 2025, striking multiple buildings and residential areas, just hours after a phone call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The attack, which lasted 13 hours, wounded at least 23 people, and Ukraine intercepted 476 of the drones. The strikes occurred as the Trump administration paused some weapons shipments to Ukraine, including air defense missiles, and Trump expressed frustration with stalled ceasefire negotiations with Putin, stating he made "no progress" towards a deal.
04-07-2025
Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed that Russia will continue its war efforts in Ukraine until it achieves its goals, despite a call from US President Donald Trump. Putin's diplomat Yuri Ushakov stated that Russia seeks a negotiated solution but will not back down from its objectives, which include eliminating the perceived threats that led to the conflict. The call came two days after the US paused some military aid to Ukraine, a move that security experts warned could embolden Putin. The two leaders also discussed the conflict in the Middle East, particularly regarding Iran and its nuclear program.
04-07-2025
A top Russian Navy commander, Major Gen. Mikhail Gudkov, was killed during combat operations in the Kursk region bordering Ukraine. Gudkov, who was appointed by Russian President Vladimir Putin in March, was the deputy commander of Russia's Navy and oversaw coastal and land forces. Unofficial Russian and Ukrainian military Telegram channels reported that he was hit by a Ukrainian missile attack, although the exact circumstances of his death are unclear. Gudkov, 42, had previously been accused of committing war crimes, including executing and beheading prisoners of war. His death comes as the US has paused some weapons shipments to Ukraine due to low reserves.
04-07-2025
President Donald Trump signed an executive order lifting most US sanctions on Syria, citing the country's new government and its steps to cooperate with the US on counterterrorism and inspections. Experts say this move reflects a growing recognition within the administration that Syria can be a key player in regional stability and a counter to Iranian influence. Syria has allowed IAEA inspections, shared intelligence on ISIS, and cooperated with American liaison officers, and its new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has distanced himself from Iran and blocked Hezbollah shipments. The US sees an opportunity to support a stable Syria and potentially bring it into the Abraham Accords, normalizing ties with Israel, although this remains a challenging and potentially volatile process.
04-07-2025
A senior Iranian official told Sky News that despite recent attacks by the US and Israel, back-channel efforts are underway to restart diplomatic talks with the US, and that Iran's foreign ministry is in indirect contact with countries like Oman and Qatar. Iran's foreign ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baqaei, stated that diplomacy "never ends" but that the US must show a genuine desire for peace, and that major issues such as Iran's nuclear enrichment programme need to be resolved.
