Why is the United States turning a blind eye to Armenia's circumvention of sanctions against Russia?

— Samantha Power, the head of the US Agency for International Development, recently visited Armenia and highlighted the country's economic growth, citing a 30 percent increase since 2018 and an 87 percent rise in average salaries.

— However, she did not elaborate on the methodology behind these figures.

— Armenia has managed to increase its trade volume by circumventing Western sanctions imposed on Russia due to the Ukraine war.

— How does it accomplish this? By leveraging its membership in the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), which includes Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia.

— The EEU allows for unrestricted trade among member states, enabling Armenia to facilitate Russian imports despite sanctions.

— Additionally, Armenia utilizes its Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the European Union to assist Russia in bypassing sanctions.

— Countries under US sanctions, such as Russia and Iran, use Armenia as a conduit to circumvent these restrictions.

— The pressing question is: why does the US, which expects Western countries to adhere to sanctions, seemingly overlook Armenia's role in helping Russia circumvent them?

The U.S. Air Force (USAF) is developing a new air-launched precision munition called the Extended-Range Attack Munition (ERAM) for use by Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.

— Designed to be low-cost and quickly developed.

— 16 undisclosed companies have expressed interest.

— Target range of 250 nautical miles (288 miles).
— 500-lb class munition.
— Warhead capable of blast and fragmentation on open targets, including armored targets.
— Minimum speed of Mach 0.6.
— GPS-independent navigation.
— At least 50% of munitions should land within a 10-meter radius of the aim point.

Source: Aviation Week

Kherson fishermen almost shot down a Russian drone by throwing a fish at it.

Italy's PM Giorgia Meloni looking at Hungary's Orban.

Contract Russian soldier shot three colleagues and escaped from a military unit in Belgorod region.

2 Russian soldiers were killed.

The shooter fled. He may have crossed the border to Ukraine.

Polish M-346 Bielik training aircraft crashed and burst into flames at Gdynia Air Base today.

The pilot couldn't eject, he died.

Footage clearly showing Polish M-346 Bielik aircraft crash today at Gdynia Air Base.

Four Ukrainian FPV drones simultaneously attack Russian soldier.

New Hamas ambush in Gaza.

Meanwhile Russian MoD:

“In a week, Russia destroyed 7 American HIMARS and foreign operators , 2 Patriot launchers, 3 HAWK launchers and 4 launchers with the S-300 radar.”

Ukraine expects to get 6 x F-16s this summer and up to 20 by the end of the year.

This falls short of Ukraine's request for 300 jets.

Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Norway are supplying or pledging jets.

Source: Bloomberg

Turkish President Erdogan: I do not see the risk of World War III.

We must speak peace rather than war.

All countries need to make efforts to build a climate of peace and tranquility, not tension.

Revealed: The US military has been conducting covert flights to Israel from RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus since the bombing of Gaza began in October 2023.

— 18 unmarked C-295 and CN-235 aircraft, believed to be used by US special forces, have flown from RAF Akrotiri to Tel Aviv since October 7, 2023.

— These planes are thought to be operated by the 427th Special Operations Squadron, described as the USAF's "most secretive squadron."

— 6 additional unmarked C-130 planes have also made similar journeys.

— 6 C-17 military transport aircraft, have arrived at RAF Akrotiri since October 2023. These planes are capable of transporting large numbers of personnel and heavy military equipment.

— In November 2023, a US military official revealed that American special forces were in Israel "actively helping the Israelis."

— The Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported in October 2023 that over 40 US transport aircraft had already flown to RAF Akrotiri, with about half delivering military aid.

— RAF Akrotiri is described as a key node in the international effort to arm and provide logistical support for Israel's assault on Gaza.

Source: Declassified UK

Argentina designated Hamas as a terrorist organization in a largely symbolic move as President Javier Milei seeks to align Argentina strongly with the U.S. and Israel.

“Argentina must once again align itself with Western civilization,” Milei’s office said

This is the moment when Israel bombed civil defense teams while they were trying to retrieve the killed civilians and wounded in Khan Yunis, Gaza.

And the aftermath.

Over 300 casualties in the attack, of which 130 are killed by Israel.

First moments of Israeli airstrikes in Khan Yunis, Gaza today.