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Ukraine Targets Russian Shadow Fleet with Sea Baby Drones Amid Sanctions

Ukraine Targets Russian Shadow Fleet with Sea Baby Drones Amid Sanctions

Ukraine has launched attacks on Russian oil tankers in the Black Sea using 'Sea Baby' drones, targeting vessels that are part of Russia's shadow fleet. These operations, conducted by the Ukrainian Navy and the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), aim to disrupt Russia's ability to evade international sanctions and continue its oil sales. The attacks have reportedly disabled ships capable of transporting oil worth millions, thereby impacting Russia's financial resources for its war efforts. Despite multiple rounds of sanctions from Europe and the U.S., the shadow fleet continues to operate, with vessels linked to various illicit activities, including transporting stolen Ukrainian grain.
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Congress Faces Decision on SPEED Act to Reform Energy Permitting and Boost U.S. Competitiveness

Congress Faces Decision on SPEED Act to Reform Energy Permitting and Boost U.S. Competitiveness

The U.S. Congress is considering the Standardized Permitting and Expediting Development Act (SPEED Act), a bipartisan bill aimed at reforming the permitting process for energy projects. The current system, governed by the National Environmental Policy Act, has been criticized for causing delays due to extensive reviews and litigation, which hinder project development. The SPEED Act, introduced by House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman and Rep. Jared Golden, seeks to streamline these processes, providing certainty for investors and reducing project timelines. The bill is seen as crucial for meeting the growing energy demands driven by advancements in artificial intelligence and data centers, which require significant new electricity generation capacity.
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Ukraine Targets Russian Oil Tankers Amid Sanctions Evasion Efforts

Ukraine Targets Russian Oil Tankers Amid Sanctions Evasion Efforts

Ukraine has reportedly targeted several Russian oil tankers operating off the coasts of Turkey and West Africa. These actions are part of Ukraine's efforts to disrupt Russia's 'shadow fleet,' which is used to circumvent international sanctions and continue oil sales. Ukrainian intelligence agencies have claimed responsibility for these attacks, which have occurred outside Russian territorial waters. The targeted vessels are accused of violating bans on Russian oil sales and engaging in risky ship-to-ship crude oil transfers. The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) has been actively working to undermine Russia's financial capabilities to fund its war efforts against Ukraine.
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Officials Dispute President Trump's Claim of Ukraine Losing War

Officials Dispute President Trump's Claim of Ukraine Losing War

President Trump has claimed that Ukraine is losing the war against Russia and that Moscow has the 'upper hand.' However, multiple officials have told CNN that there are no new assessments indicating significant changes on the battlefield. While Russia has made small gains, the overall situation remains challenging for both sides. Ukrainian forces continue to hold key supply lines, and the conflict remains at a stalemate with high casualties on both sides.
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UK's Oshen Develops Fleet of USVs for Maritime Surveillance with U.S. Collaboration

UK's Oshen Develops Fleet of USVs for Maritime Surveillance with U.S. Collaboration

The UK-based company Oshen is advancing its development of unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) in collaboration with the UK Ministry of Defence and the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The initiative aims to create a network of small, persistent maritime early warning systems. Oshen's C-Star USVs are designed to operate in large numbers, providing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities across vast oceanic areas. These vehicles are equipped with passive acoustic sensors for anti-submarine warfare and electro-optic/infrared sensors for visual surveillance. A significant milestone was achieved when a C-Star USV successfully captured and transmitted data from inside a category 5 hurricane, Humberto, demonstrating its resilience and capability in extreme conditions.
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Ukraine to give revised peace plans to US as Kyiv readies for more talks with its coalition partners

Ukraine to give revised peace plans to US as Kyiv readies for more talks with its coalition partners

Ukrainian officials are expected to present new peace proposals to U.S. negotiators Wednesday
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USAID Funding Freeze by Trump Administration Sparks Global Humanitarian Concerns

USAID Funding Freeze by Trump Administration Sparks Global Humanitarian Concerns

President Trump has frozen much of the work carried out by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which has been a significant player in international assistance and development. This decision has sparked varied reactions, with some mourning the loss of life-saving aid and others supporting the freeze to reduce perceived wasteful spending. The freeze has raised concerns about the potential for Russia or China to fill the void left by the U.S. in international development. The suspension of USAID funding is seen as a critical juncture that could lead to decolonizing aid, although it poses immediate challenges to ongoing humanitarian programs.
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U.S. Charges Ukrainian Hacker for Cyberattacks on Critical Infrastructure Backed by Russian Groups

U.S. Charges Ukrainian Hacker for Cyberattacks on Critical Infrastructure Backed by Russian Groups

The U.S. Department of Justice has charged Victoria Eduardovna Dubranova, a Ukrainian national, for her alleged involvement in cyberattacks on critical infrastructure as part of Russian-backed operations. Dubranova is accused of working with CyberArmyofRussia_Reborn (CARR) and NoName057(16), groups that have targeted water systems, food processing facilities, and government networks in the U.S. and allied countries. The groups are said to have received support from Russia's GRU and have conducted numerous attacks since 2022. Dubranova faces multiple charges, including conspiracy to damage protected computers, and has pleaded not guilty.
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Ukraine at Critical Juncture as European Allies Increase Pressure on Russia

Ukraine at Critical Juncture as European Allies Increase Pressure on Russia

Ukraine's European allies have declared the war at a 'critical moment' as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy prepares to share a revised peace plan with the U.S. Zelenskyy met with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and French President Emmanuel Macron in London to discuss Ukraine's territorial integrity and security. The leaders emphasized the importance of U.S.-led peace talks and the need for robust security guarantees for Ukraine. Discussions also included using frozen Russian assets for Ukraine's reconstruction. The European leaders agreed to increase support for Ukraine and economic pressure on Russia.
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Trump says Zelenskyy 'hasn't read' a US-authored proposal to end Russia-Ukraine war

Trump says Zelenskyy 'hasn't read' a US-authored proposal to end Russia-Ukraine war

President Donald Trump is claiming Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy “ hasn’t read” a U
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Diesel Fuel Costs Higher Than Gasoline in the U.S. Due to Taxes and Demand

Diesel Fuel Costs Higher Than Gasoline in the U.S. Due to Taxes and Demand

Diesel Fuel Costs Higher Than Gasoline in the U.S. Due to Taxes and Demand
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Ukraine at 'Critical Moment' as European Allies Increase Pressure on Russia

Ukraine at 'Critical Moment' as European Allies Increase Pressure on Russia

Ukraine's European allies have declared the war at a 'critical moment' as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy prepares to present a revised peace plan to the U.S. Zelenskyy met with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and French President Emmanuel Macron in London to discuss the importance of U.S.-led peace talks and the need for robust security guarantees for Ukraine. The European leaders emphasized the necessity of a just and lasting peace, while also discussing the use of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine's reconstruction. The U.K. and France are advocating for a 'Coalition of the Willing' to ensure Ukraine's security post-war. Zelenskyy acknowledged Ukraine's reliance on both U.S. and European support in the ongoing conflict.