First, links to reports from the Associated Press, Reuters, and National Public Radio; others are accessible by clicking on the organizations’ names below. Then, via Popular Resistance, a link to Moon of Alabama’s assessment of NATO countries’ likelihood to increase their combat readiness. — MCM
– – –
Russia claims pivotal Ukraine city; Kyiv says fight ongoing, by Oleksandr Stashevskyi and Francesca Ebel | The Associated Press KYIV — Russia today claimed control over the last Ukrainian stronghold in an eastern province that is key to achieving a major goal of its invasion. But Ukraine’s president said the fight for the city of Lysychansk was ongoing. If confirmed, a Russian seizure of Luhansk province would provide its forces a stronger base to capture Donetsk, the other province that makes up the Donbas . . . READ MORE . . .
– – –
Blasts Kill 3 In Russian Border City, Lawmaker Blames Ukraine, by Pavel Polityuk, Simon Lewis and Nick Starkov | Reuters * At least three people killed, buildings damaged in Belgorod * Regional governor says attack intentionally targeted civilians * Ukraine has not claimed responsibility for strikes in Russia | At least three people were killed and dozens of residential buildings damaged in the Russian city of Belgorod near the Ukraine border, the regional governor said, in what Moscow said was a Ukrainian missile attack. . . . At least 11 apartment buildings and 39 houses were damaged, including five that were destroyed, Belgorod Vyacheslave Gladkov said on . . . READ MORE . . .
– – –
Ukraine’s farmers face Russia’s blockade and ordnance in their farms this harvest. Reported by Peter Granitz | National Public Radio MYKOLAIV OBLAST, Ukraine — It only took Mykhailo Liubchenko homemade vodka to salvage some of his business. Liubchenko, 72, farms wheat and sunflowers on the front lines of the Ukraine war’s southern campaign. He says he paid off Russian soldiers with samogon — moonshine — so they wouldn’t torch his fields or steal his equipment in the early weeks of the war in February. “They were completely drunk,” he . . . Click HERE to listen and read.
– – –
As tech evolves, deepfakes will become even harder to spot. Shannon Bond of NPR speaks with UC Berkeley professor Hany Farid about the prevalence of fake images and information generated by artificial intelligence and other technologies. Click HERE to listen and, one day, read.
– – –
The U.S. ambassador to NATO outlines the challenges ahead for the alliance. Michel Martin of NPR hears from Julianne Smith, United States Permanent Representative to NATO, some “key takeaways from this year’s summit — and the challenges that lie ahead for the alliance.” Click HERE to listen and read.
– – –
What the U.S. enhancing its military presence in NATO nations could look like. Reported by Michel Martin | NPR The Commander of the NATO Combined Air Operations Centre in Torrejon, Spain, says more American bases on European soil will make it easier for NATO to activate troops. Click HERE to listen and read.
– – –
No, NATO Will Not Get Ready for War, by Moon of Alabama | Educate! NATO does not have 300,000 troops to put on high alert. The troops are controlled by member states and I see no willingness by any of them to shoulder the costs that a real high alert status would have. Units on high alert means that they fully manned with no one on vacation and with enough supplies ready to sustain weeks of battle. All of that costs money. Member states will instead . . . READ MORE . . .
– – –
TO BE CONTINUED