Debate beat: New Rules Helped Trump “Staged by CNN in an audience-free soundstage in which even competing reporters were banned, the Biden-Trump debate had more ground rules than an Ultimate Fighting match,” grumbles Politico’s Jack Shafer. In advance of the debate, “many assumed that these new rules would hurt Trump” given that “he feeds off live … Read more
Iran’s foreign minister downplayed an overnight attack on Iran, stating that there was no proven link to Israel. The attack involved drones that were downed after flying only a few hundred meters. Iranian media described the incident as an attack by “infiltrators” rather than by Israel. The attack targeted an Iranian Air Force base near Isfahan but did not cause major damage. Israel had previously said it would retaliate after a strike on April 13, but as of now, there has been no word on further action. The ongoing violence between Israel and Iranian proxies has raised fears of escalation into a direct conflict.
Russia is preparing 100,000 troops for a possible new offensive in Ukraine this summer or to replenish depleted units, according to the commander of Ukraine’s ground forces, Lieutenant-General Oleksandr Pavliuk. This statement was made following recent advances by Russian troops in eastern Ukraine, more than two years after Moscow’s full-scale invasion. The Kremlin has shifted its rhetoric, now stating it regards itself as at war due to Western intervention on Ukraine’s side, moving beyond its previous “special military operation” language. Russia plans to enhance its military capabilities by adding two new armies and 30 new formations by the end of the year. Ukraine is currently facing an ammunition shortage, with a reported disadvantage of seven to one against Russia in terms of ammunition availability, although efforts are underway to reduce this gap, including a Czech-led initiative to source artillery shells.