Ukraine is offering its front lines as a live testing ground for cutting-edge foreign weapons through a new initiative called “Test in Ukraine,” launched by Brave1 — a government-backed defense technology incubator. The program invites allied arms manufacturers to trial their latest systems in real combat conditions against Russian forces. In exchange, Brave1 provides comprehensive battlefield performance data, real-time feedback for enhancements, and opportunities for co-production and rapid deployment in partnership with Ukrainian defense firms.

A new assessment of last month’s strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, part of the Trump administration’s broader review of Tehran’s nuclear program, has been shared in recent briefings with members of Congress, the Department of Defense, and key allies. The report concludes that the Fordow site—long considered the most fortified due to its deep location within a mountain in central Iran—was “mostly destroyed,” delaying Iran’s uranium enrichment capabilities at the facility by approximately two years. In contrast, the other two targeted sites—Natanz and Isfahan—sustained less severe damage and could potentially resume enrichment activities within months if Iran accelerates efforts. NBC News also reports that prior to the strikes, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) proposed a more expansive military operation, dubbed the “All-In Plan,” to President Trump. This alternative plan involved targeting three additional nuclear sites through a sustained air campaign lasting several weeks. While some officials within the administration supported the broader offensive, President Trump ultimately rejected it, opting for a limited one-night operation to avoid prolonged military conflict with Iran.

General Christopher T. Donahue, Commander of U.S. Army Europe and Africa (USAREUR-AF), recently revealed that NATO has formulated a plan to seize Russia’s heavily fortified Kaliningrad exclave “within an unprecedented timeframe” should a full-scale war with Russia erupt. This planning effort is part of a broader shift under NATO’s new “Eastern Flank Deterrence Line” strategy, which aims to strengthen ground forces, streamline defense production, and implement unified digital systems and launch platforms for faster, more coordinated operations across the alliance. Speaking on the evolving nature of modern warfare, Donahue emphasized the growing significance of land power: “The land domain is not becoming less important—it’s becoming more important. You can now neutralize anti-access and area-denial zones from the ground. You can dominate sea from the ground. We’re seeing all of this play out in Ukraine.”

Germany 🇩🇪: “One in every 210 participants showed signs of serious side effects from the vaccine. What is going on?” says an article from the German newspaper Die Welt about the COVID-19 vaccines.

"Well, we negotiated with them. Hundreds of times. And every time they violated it." - Commander of the Sheikh Mansur Battalion, Cheberloevsky.

“If there is no ceasefire in Ukraine within 50 days, Russia will face very high tariffs and secondary sanctions.” — said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. She emphasized that countries purchasing oil from Russia will also be subject to sanctions.

Syrian President Al-Sharaa held phone conversations with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to discuss the latest developments in Syria, with a focus on the escalating situation in the south.

Today, July 17, 2025, marks 11 years since Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 (MH17) was shot down by Russian-backed separatists over the Donbas region of Eastern Ukraine. The tragedy claimed the lives of all 298 people on board, including 193 Dutch citizens, 43 Malaysians, 27 Australians, 12 Indonesians, and many others. Subsequent international investigations concluded that the aircraft was downed by a Russian-supplied “Buk” 9M38 surface-to-air missile system. Russia has been formally held responsible for the attack by multiple countries and institutions, including the European Court of Human Rights.

A Russian glide bomb struck a store in Dobropillia, located in the Donetsk region, resulting in the deaths of four people and injuries to 27 others. Emergency rescue operations have since concluded, according to the State Emergency Service. In total, crews removed approximately 11 tons of debris from the destroyed building.

A dangerous precedent has been set, as sectarian violence begins to spread across Syria following recent developments in Suwayda. Tensions are rapidly escalating between the Druze forces aligned with the Suwayda Military Council (SMC)—now increasingly perceived as aligned with Israel rather than Damascus—and Bedouin tribes, as well as other Druze militias loyal to the Syrian regime. Reports from Suwayda indicate a surge in reprisal killings by Druze-majority militias, with several Bedouins reportedly killed. The situation has been further destabilized by the Syrian Army’s withdrawal from the region, a move intended to avoid provoking additional Israeli military responses but which has left the Bedouin population without formal protection. Meanwhile, tensions have also erupted in northern Syria. At Aleppo University, a large altercation broke out earlier today, with Muslim students demanding the expulsion of Druze students and their relocation to the Suwayda Governorate, underscoring the growing risk of nationwide sectarian unrest.