Larry Lee
The Latest
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Putin Approves Record Defense Budget Amid EU Pledge of Continued Ukraine Support
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed off on a 2025 budget that dedicates a record-breaking 32.5% of its spending, or more than $145 billion, to national defense. The increase underscores Moscow's determination to sustain its military campaign in Ukraine, Europe's largest conflict since World War II. 
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed off on a 2025 budget that dedicates a record-breaking 32.5% of its spending, or more than $145 billion, to national defense. The increase underscores Moscow's determination to sustain its military campaign in Ukraine, Europe's largest conflict since World War II. -
Israel Targets Hezbollah Weapons Smuggling Sites in Syria, Testing Fragile Ceasefire
Israeli airstrikes targeted Hezbollah weapons smuggling sites along Syria's border with Lebanon on Saturday, the Israeli military announced, citing violations of a fragile ceasefire. The strikes, which Israeli officials claim were necessary to stop weapons transfers to Lebanon, underscore the tenuous nature of the truce brokered by the United States and France just days earlier. There was no immediate comment from Hezbollah, Syrian authorities, or conflict monitors in Syria. 
Israeli airstrikes targeted Hezbollah weapons smuggling sites along Syria's border with Lebanon on Saturday, the Israeli military announced, citing violations of a fragile ceasefire. The strikes, which Israeli officials claim were necessary to stop weapons transfers to Lebanon, underscore the tenuous nature of the truce brokered by the United States and France just days earlier. There was no immediate comment from Hezbollah, Syrian authorities, or conflict monitors in Syria. -
Israeli Airstrikes in Gaza Kill Dozens, Including Aid Workers, Amid Renewed Ceasefire Talks
Israeli airstrikes in Gaza on Saturday claimed the lives of at least 46 Palestinians, including civilians seeking aid and three humanitarian workers, according to Palestinian health officials and local reports. The strikes came as a Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo for renewed ceasefire discussions with Egyptian officials. 
Israeli airstrikes in Gaza on Saturday claimed the lives of at least 46 Palestinians, including civilians seeking aid and three humanitarian workers, according to Palestinian health officials and local reports. The strikes came as a Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo for renewed ceasefire discussions with Egyptian officials. -
Syrian Rebels Seize Aleppo in Lightning Assault, Government Troops Retreat
Syrian opposition forces have captured significant portions of Aleppo, Syria's second-largest city, in a lightning assault that marks their most significant advance in years. The offensive, spearheaded by Hay'et Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) fighters, broke through government-held territory this week, reigniting conflict in an area that had remained largely stagnant since government forces reclaimed the city in 2016. 
Syrian opposition forces have captured significant portions of Aleppo, Syria's second-largest city, in a lightning assault that marks their most significant advance in years. The offensive, spearheaded by Hay'et Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) fighters, broke through government-held territory this week, reigniting conflict in an area that had remained largely stagnant since government forces reclaimed the city in 2016. -
Zelensky Open to Diplomacy Over Occupied Territories in Peace Plan With NATO Guarantees
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has proposed a significant shift in his approach to the ongoing war with Russia, suggesting a possible ceasefire if NATO extends a protective umbrella over the territories currently under Kyiv's control. In an interview with Sky News on Friday, Zelensky revealed his willingness to temporarily set aside the issue of Russian-occupied regions for future diplomatic negotiations. 
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has proposed a significant shift in his approach to the ongoing war with Russia, suggesting a possible ceasefire if NATO extends a protective umbrella over the territories currently under Kyiv's control. In an interview with Sky News on Friday, Zelensky revealed his willingness to temporarily set aside the issue of Russian-occupied regions for future diplomatic negotiations. -
Syrian Insurgents Seize Strategic Ground in Aleppo After Surprise Offensive
Syrian insurgents breached the city of Aleppo on Friday, marking the first major attack on the city since 2016. The unexpected offensive, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has displaced thousands of residents and raised concerns over escalating violence in a region already reeling from multiple conflicts. 
Syrian insurgents breached the city of Aleppo on Friday, marking the first major attack on the city since 2016. The unexpected offensive, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has displaced thousands of residents and raised concerns over escalating violence in a region already reeling from multiple conflicts. -
Russia’s ‘Reckless’ Sabotage Campaign Exposed by UK Spy Chief
Richard Moore, chief of Britain's Secret Intelligence Service, known as MI6, accused Russia of orchestrating a "staggeringly reckless campaign of sabotage" in Europe, endangering the collective security of the West. Speaking in Paris alongside Nicolas Lerner, head of France's external intelligence agency, Moore detailed efforts by Western allies to counter Russian aggression while emphasizing the stakes of failing to support Ukraine. 
Richard Moore, chief of Britain's Secret Intelligence Service, known as MI6, accused Russia of orchestrating a "staggeringly reckless campaign of sabotage" in Europe, endangering the collective security of the West. Speaking in Paris alongside Nicolas Lerner, head of France's external intelligence agency, Moore detailed efforts by Western allies to counter Russian aggression while emphasizing the stakes of failing to support Ukraine. -
Putin Warns of 'All Means of Destruction' if Ukraine Acquires Nuclear Weapons
Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a stark warning during a press conference in Astana, Kazakhstan, stating that Russia would use "all means of destruction" if Ukraine were to acquire nuclear weapons. The remarks, delivered amid escalating tensions between the two nations, underscored the Kremlin's growing unease over Western support for Kyiv and fears of nuclear proliferation in the region. 
Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a stark warning during a press conference in Astana, Kazakhstan, stating that Russia would use "all means of destruction" if Ukraine were to acquire nuclear weapons. The remarks, delivered amid escalating tensions between the two nations, underscored the Kremlin's growing unease over Western support for Kyiv and fears of nuclear proliferation in the region. -
Fragile Ceasefire Falters as Israel and Hezbollah Exchange Accusations on Day 2
Tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border flared less than 48 hours into a U.S. and French-brokered ceasefire, as both Israel and Hezbollah traded accusations of breaches. The truce, which was intended to halt more than a year of hostilities, came under scrutiny Thursday following reports of Israeli tank fire and Hezbollah's claims of attacks on civilians returning to their homes. 
Tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border flared less than 48 hours into a U.S. and French-brokered ceasefire, as both Israel and Hezbollah traded accusations of breaches. The truce, which was intended to halt more than a year of hostilities, came under scrutiny Thursday following reports of Israeli tank fire and Hezbollah's claims of attacks on civilians returning to their homes. -
Israel-Hezbollah Ceasefire Begins as Civilians Return to Devastated South Lebanon
A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah took effect early Wednesday, raising cautious optimism in a region ravaged by over a year of conflict. The agreement, brokered by the United States and France, aims to end cross-border hostilities that have killed thousands and displaced millions. 
A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah took effect early Wednesday, raising cautious optimism in a region ravaged by over a year of conflict. The agreement, brokered by the United States and France, aims to end cross-border hostilities that have killed thousands and displaced millions.
