Financial Times:
🟢 Videos shared on social media have shown Ukrainian men being picked off the streets and brutally crammed into vans, while angry locals are lashing out at military recruiters. Authorities on Wednesday said they opened an investigation into the death of a man in the southern city of Mykolayiv who reportedly jumped from a bridge in an attempt to flee from draft officers.
🟢 A tense stand off unfolded on Friday in the central Ukrainian city of Vinnytsia when around 80 people gathered in the late evening near a stadium to demand the release of recently mobilised men who had been brought there. Some of the protesters tried to break into the stadium, according to local police.
🟢 Similar incidents have occurred in western Ukraine, with villagers in the region of Ternopil last month surrounding a police car accompanying draft officers on patrol. In May, around 100 people blocked off a recruiters’ vehicle making the rounds in the western city of Kamianets-Podilskyi, shouting abuse at the officers and slashing their tyres.
🟢 Zelenskyy has said that his armed forces are able to draft up to 27,000 conscripts per month. While Ukrainian authorities decline to quantify the country’s frontline manpower gap for security reasons, commanders and soldiers routinely warn about defensive positions being undermanned and further exhausting the remaining troops.
By contrast, independent analysts say Russia is probably recruiting more than 30,000 soldiers every month — mostly volunteers attracted by significant sign-on bonuses.
But Ukraine still has to rely mostly on conscription, with only about 10 per cent of the fresh recruits being volunteers, according to Fedir Venislavsky, a member of the parliamentary committee on intelligence and national security.
🟢 A survey performed in April 2025 by the Info Sapiens social research agency found that 77 per cent of respondents expressed distrust in the draft offices — even as 93 per cent trusted the military as a whole.
“This is partly a reflection of the distrust of the state in general,” said Inna Volosevych, deputy director of Info Sapiens. “There’s a similar level of distrust expressed towards judges or law enforcement agencies.”
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They've finally started to acknowledge this?
🌒 @EastCalling
By contrast, independent analysts say Russia is probably recruiting more than 30,000 soldiers every month — mostly volunteers attracted by significant sign-on bonuses.
But Ukraine still has to rely mostly on conscription, with only about 10 per cent of the fresh recruits being volunteers, according to Fedir Venislavsky, a member of the parliamentary committee on intelligence and national security.
“This is partly a reflection of the distrust of the state in general,” said Inna Volosevych, deputy director of Info Sapiens. “There’s a similar level of distrust expressed towards judges or law enforcement agencies.”
They've finally started to acknowledge this?
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Brief Frontline Report – August 4th, 2025
Report by Marat Khairullin and Mikhail Popov.
Increased activity on the Seversk axis:
In our previous report dated 30.07.2025, we detailed developments on the Izyum axis where the Russian Armed Forces are preparing operations to eliminate the Borovaya salient. In early August, new reports indicate activity has shifted to adjacent areas southward, near the village of Novoselovka, southeast of Seversk.
Forward detachments of the RF have entered Novoselovka and commenced clearing operations. This development creates pressure on a new sector, compelling Ukrainian command to respond by maneuvering forces to prevent potential encirclement of Seversk from the south. Such redeployment requires rapid allocation of forces - meaning they must be drawn from adjacent sectors. But which ones?
The northern Izyum axis would be too dangerous to weaken. The southern Konstantinovka axis presents even greater risks...
The Ukrainian fortified area of Slavyansk-Kramatorsk-Druzhkovka-Konstantinovka constitutes a complex, well-prepared defensive network with interconnected fortifications. (Druzhkovka is spelled "Дружкiвка" on the map. It is south of Kramatorsk.) This zone serves as a critical logistical hub for Armed Forces of Ukraine, containing stockpiles of weapons, ammunition, and other materiel. Neutralizing this "spider's nest" will require methodical isolation through interdiction of supply routes and lines of communication.
Preparatory conditions for these operations are currently being established.
Read this report and many others on Marat's Substack! That's where I post the high-definition maps. Any questions for Marat and Mikhail will be answered there.
🌒 @EastCalling
Report by Marat Khairullin and Mikhail Popov.
Increased activity on the Seversk axis:
In our previous report dated 30.07.2025, we detailed developments on the Izyum axis where the Russian Armed Forces are preparing operations to eliminate the Borovaya salient. In early August, new reports indicate activity has shifted to adjacent areas southward, near the village of Novoselovka, southeast of Seversk.
Forward detachments of the RF have entered Novoselovka and commenced clearing operations. This development creates pressure on a new sector, compelling Ukrainian command to respond by maneuvering forces to prevent potential encirclement of Seversk from the south. Such redeployment requires rapid allocation of forces - meaning they must be drawn from adjacent sectors. But which ones?
The northern Izyum axis would be too dangerous to weaken. The southern Konstantinovka axis presents even greater risks...
The Ukrainian fortified area of Slavyansk-Kramatorsk-Druzhkovka-Konstantinovka constitutes a complex, well-prepared defensive network with interconnected fortifications. (Druzhkovka is spelled "Дружкiвка" on the map. It is south of Kramatorsk.) This zone serves as a critical logistical hub for Armed Forces of Ukraine, containing stockpiles of weapons, ammunition, and other materiel. Neutralizing this "spider's nest" will require methodical isolation through interdiction of supply routes and lines of communication.
Preparatory conditions for these operations are currently being established.
Read this report and many others on Marat's Substack! That's where I post the high-definition maps. Any questions for Marat and Mikhail will be answered there.
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The Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs made it clear that the country does not intend to give up trade with Russia.
The ministry issued this statement in response to new threats of tariffs from Trump, who called on India not to buy oil from Russia.
🌒 @EastCalling
The ministry issued this statement in response to new threats of tariffs from Trump, who called on India not to buy oil from Russia.
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China has rejected US demands to stop buying oil from Russia, reports the Associated Press.
"China will always ensure its energy supplies in ways that meet our national interests. Coercion and pressure will achieve nothing. China will resolutely defend its sovereignty, security, and development interests," said the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent earlier noted that when it comes to purchasing Russian oil, "the Chinese take their sovereignty very seriously."
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Crazy, I know.
🌒 @EastCalling
"China will always ensure its energy supplies in ways that meet our national interests. Coercion and pressure will achieve nothing. China will resolutely defend its sovereignty, security, and development interests," said the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent earlier noted that when it comes to purchasing Russian oil, "the Chinese take their sovereignty very seriously."
Crazy, I know.
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Trump has trapped himself, by shortening the deadline for an agreement on Ukraine, noted former French ambassador to Russia Bermann.
According to her, he "is now forced to find a solution that allows him to save face. <...> Hence the sending of Whitkoff to Moscow."
Source: TASS
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🌒 @EastCalling
According to her, he "is now forced to find a solution that allows him to save face. <...> Hence the sending of Whitkoff to Moscow."
Source: TASS
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Trump plans to add more gold to the Oval Office interior, NBC News reports.
In particular, the ceiling of the office will be additionally decorated with gold trim, the channel notes.
Source: TASS
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By gods. Somebody, please stop him at least from spoiling the office...
🌒 @EastCalling
In particular, the ceiling of the office will be additionally decorated with gold trim, the channel notes.
Source: TASS
By gods. Somebody, please stop him at least from spoiling the office...
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Medvedev called Moscow's lifting of the moratorium on the deployment of the INF Treaty a new reality that Russia's opponents will have to reckon with.
Medvedev announced "further steps" after Russia lifted the moratorium on the deployment of medium- and shorter-range missiles.
Source: TASS
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🌒 @EastCalling
Medvedev announced "further steps" after Russia lifted the moratorium on the deployment of medium- and shorter-range missiles.
Source: TASS
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❗️More and more reports that the previously almost canceled Witkoff's visit to Moscow will take place for negotiations on the fate of NATO officers captured in Ukraine
Earlier, several specialized media reported that Russia captured active NATO officers Lieutenant Colonel Richard Carroll and Colonel Edward Blake.
Both are active officers of the British Army, and an unidentified MI-6 (British intelligence) agent was also captured.
Here is how veterans of French special services write about the special operation to capture:
"My longtime intelligence colleague, whom I know from working in the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) and whom I fully trust, told me that Russian special forces landed from several ships and infiltrated the command center of the Ukrainian armed forces. They captured British soldiers who coordinated the use of British missiles and drones against Russian troops and civilian targets"
Note that there have been no official statements on this matter, although the first reports of the capture of high-ranking NATO officers appeared on veteran Western forums on the night of August 2. Interestingly, the Norwegian publication Steigan, which confirmed this capture of NATO officers citing sources in NATO and intelligence agencies, deleted the material less than an hour and a half after publication.
Source: СВЕЖЕСТИ
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🌒 @EastCalling
Earlier, several specialized media reported that Russia captured active NATO officers Lieutenant Colonel Richard Carroll and Colonel Edward Blake.
Both are active officers of the British Army, and an unidentified MI-6 (British intelligence) agent was also captured.
Here is how veterans of French special services write about the special operation to capture:
"My longtime intelligence colleague, whom I know from working in the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) and whom I fully trust, told me that Russian special forces landed from several ships and infiltrated the command center of the Ukrainian armed forces. They captured British soldiers who coordinated the use of British missiles and drones against Russian troops and civilian targets"
Note that there have been no official statements on this matter, although the first reports of the capture of high-ranking NATO officers appeared on veteran Western forums on the night of August 2. Interestingly, the Norwegian publication Steigan, which confirmed this capture of NATO officers citing sources in NATO and intelligence agencies, deleted the material less than an hour and a half after publication.
Source: СВЕЖЕСТИ
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Réseau International - Site de réflexion et de réinformation
La Russie capture des officiers militaires de l’OTAN en service actif et un agent des services secrets en Ukraine - Réseau International
par Hal Turner. Les forces spéciales de la Fédération de Russie ont capturé plusieurs officiers de l'OTAN en Ukraine. Il s'agit de la première preuve concrète que l'OTAN elle-même mène activement une guerre contre la Russie.
The potential is that there could be a continuation of US-Russian collaboration in space
A report by RT underlines the importance of the visit of Roscosmos director Dmitry Bakanov to the U.S. over July 29-31. Both sides, of course, agreed to continue work in the International Space Station. Russia, however, which had previously said it would leave the station in 2028 to concentrate on its own space station, with the U.S. remaining on the ISS until 2032, is now inclined, as Russia’s presidential envoy on space cooperation Sergei Krikalev indicated, to continue the ISS collaboration until 2030.
RT also underlined the role of Krikalev in the delegation. Krikalev, in his sixties, is the most senior Russian cosmonaut, who has been working at the top level in Roscosmos since he ceased working as an active cosmonaut. He spent seven missions, probably more time in space than most cosmonauts, and was the last Soviet cosmonaut serving on the MIR space station in 1991 when the Soviet Union collapsed. RT points out that his “hinting” to a possible Russian agreement on the ISS is more important than Bakanov’s statements, who would have to wait until the government formally makes that decision before confirming it.
Bakanov also noted that the two sides also discussed cooperation on the Russian space station (which will be in a polar orbit), as well as discussions regarding deep space missions. RT moots the possibility that further discussions could involve continuing on the ISS until 2035, or even collaboration on an ISS-2, perhaps even with BRICS nations.
🌒 @EastCalling
https://www.rt.com/news/622430-us-and-russia-space/
A report by RT underlines the importance of the visit of Roscosmos director Dmitry Bakanov to the U.S. over July 29-31. Both sides, of course, agreed to continue work in the International Space Station. Russia, however, which had previously said it would leave the station in 2028 to concentrate on its own space station, with the U.S. remaining on the ISS until 2032, is now inclined, as Russia’s presidential envoy on space cooperation Sergei Krikalev indicated, to continue the ISS collaboration until 2030.
RT also underlined the role of Krikalev in the delegation. Krikalev, in his sixties, is the most senior Russian cosmonaut, who has been working at the top level in Roscosmos since he ceased working as an active cosmonaut. He spent seven missions, probably more time in space than most cosmonauts, and was the last Soviet cosmonaut serving on the MIR space station in 1991 when the Soviet Union collapsed. RT points out that his “hinting” to a possible Russian agreement on the ISS is more important than Bakanov’s statements, who would have to wait until the government formally makes that decision before confirming it.
Bakanov also noted that the two sides also discussed cooperation on the Russian space station (which will be in a polar orbit), as well as discussions regarding deep space missions. RT moots the possibility that further discussions could involve continuing on the ISS until 2035, or even collaboration on an ISS-2, perhaps even with BRICS nations.
https://www.rt.com/news/622430-us-and-russia-space/
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Beyond a Political Scandal, Evidence Shows Russiagate Was About a (Nuclear?) Showdown
—The Senate Judiciary Chairman Charles Grassley released some damning material, the just-declassified “Annex” to the May 12, 2023 report by Special Counsel John Durham. Grassley’s press release stressed the lower level dirty operations run by the Democrats—and they are undeniable.
1. The infamous “Hillary Clinton plan” of July 2016 (at the time of her nomination at the Democratic convention)—to divert attention away from the fixing of the Democratic primary process in her favor, and from the scandal over her use of a private email account to hide certain official business—was actually afoot at least four months before. An email from Leonard Benardo, to DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz shows this. Grassley does state it, but it means the plan was not a reaction to Julian Assange’s public announcement and releases of June and July.
According to the Durham Annex, at the time, the “Clinton staff, with support from special services, is preparing scandalous revelations of business relations between Trump and the ‘Russian Mafia.’”
2. However, what the actual Durham Annex proceeds to report on the Benardo email goes way beyond political dirty tricks. Immediately following is this: “In addition, it is presumed in the FBI that in the future, any clumsy propaganda campaign by the GRU is bound to lead to the emergence of more reliable indications of Moscow’s involvement, which would imminently intensify the U.S. confrontational tendencies toward Russia.”
The CrowdStrike operation had reported on June 14 that the DNC computers had been hacked, with the hacker clumsily leaving behind some Cyrillic (Russian language) characters. (Of note, the CIA’s Marble Framework operation was specifically designed to mimic foreign IPC addresses of five languages, including Russian.) Now, the plan is that the GRU protestations over the CrowdStrike claim will prompt reactions amongst Western intelligence, and the snowball effect will be to “intensity the U.S. confrontational tendencies toward Russia.”
———
So maybe the benefit of releasing all the "Russiagate" operations against Trump could be used to expose the "War with Russia" crowd that still infects the US Government.
🌒 @EastCalling
—The Senate Judiciary Chairman Charles Grassley released some damning material, the just-declassified “Annex” to the May 12, 2023 report by Special Counsel John Durham. Grassley’s press release stressed the lower level dirty operations run by the Democrats—and they are undeniable.
1. The infamous “Hillary Clinton plan” of July 2016 (at the time of her nomination at the Democratic convention)—to divert attention away from the fixing of the Democratic primary process in her favor, and from the scandal over her use of a private email account to hide certain official business—was actually afoot at least four months before. An email from Leonard Benardo, to DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz shows this. Grassley does state it, but it means the plan was not a reaction to Julian Assange’s public announcement and releases of June and July.
According to the Durham Annex, at the time, the “Clinton staff, with support from special services, is preparing scandalous revelations of business relations between Trump and the ‘Russian Mafia.’”
2. However, what the actual Durham Annex proceeds to report on the Benardo email goes way beyond political dirty tricks. Immediately following is this: “In addition, it is presumed in the FBI that in the future, any clumsy propaganda campaign by the GRU is bound to lead to the emergence of more reliable indications of Moscow’s involvement, which would imminently intensify the U.S. confrontational tendencies toward Russia.”
The CrowdStrike operation had reported on June 14 that the DNC computers had been hacked, with the hacker clumsily leaving behind some Cyrillic (Russian language) characters. (Of note, the CIA’s Marble Framework operation was specifically designed to mimic foreign IPC addresses of five languages, including Russian.) Now, the plan is that the GRU protestations over the CrowdStrike claim will prompt reactions amongst Western intelligence, and the snowball effect will be to “intensity the U.S. confrontational tendencies toward Russia.”
———
So maybe the benefit of releasing all the "Russiagate" operations against Trump could be used to expose the "War with Russia" crowd that still infects the US Government.
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Trump's threats to impose sanctions on India for purchasing Russian oil have undermined New Delhi's trust in Washington. This was reported by the British newspaper The Guardian, citing Indian political scientist Pratap Bhanu Mehta.
Trump's threats to impose higher tariffs on Indian goods due to the country's trade with Russia will not lead to a cooling of Russian-Indian relations. This was reported by the Times Now TV channel.
Source: TASS
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🌒 @EastCalling
Trump's threats to impose higher tariffs on Indian goods due to the country's trade with Russia will not lead to a cooling of Russian-Indian relations. This was reported by the Times Now TV channel.
Source: TASS
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The Indian delegation, led by the National Security Advisor to Prime Minister Modi, will visit Russia today.
The purpose of the visit is to strengthen defense and energy ties between the two countries.
Source: Военный обозреватель
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🌒 @EastCalling
The purpose of the visit is to strengthen defense and energy ties between the two countries.
Source: Военный обозреватель
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A man pulled out a grenade and pulled the pin to avoid being taken to the TCC (Ukrainian draft wagons)
🟢 Another incident occurred in Cherkassy, demonstrating the intensity of emotions around mobilization: a man stopped by the TCC for document checks pulled out a grenade and pulled the pin.
🟢 Local media, citing TCC employees themselves, claim that he tried to take one of them hostage. However, nothing like that is visible in the video. But a pistol he had with him is clearly visible.
🟢 Negotiations were held with him, and the man was eventually detained.
Source
🌒 @EastCalling
Source
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🇷🇺 Units of the 37th Guards Motorized Rifle Brigade of the 36th Army of the "East" group of forces have liberated Yanvarskoe (Ukrainian: Sichneve) in the Dnepropetrovsk region.
Map: divgen.ru
🌒 @EastCalling
Map: divgen.ru
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Media is too big
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The footage from "Izvestia" shows the work of the "Molniya" drone crew of the 1st Slavic Brigade of the 51st Army of the Southern Military District on the Pokrovsk direction. Russian troops struck a Ukrainian Armed Forces dugout.
said Izvestia correspondent Dmitry Astrakhan.
In the Pokrovsk area, a female FPV drone operator of the airplane type with the call sign "Radistka" is working. She is one of the most experienced pilots and was awarded the Order of Courage for battles in the liberation of Avdiivka. "Izvestia" accompanied the "Radistka" crew on a combat mission and observed how the "Molniya" drones support the advance of our assault troops and destroy enemy fortifications.
Source: Izvestia
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🌒 @EastCalling
From the box of parts to a ready-to-fly strike drone 'Molniya' takes only 10 minutes of the crew's work. These cheap mass-produced drones have become one of the main strike forces of our troops on the Pokrovsk direction,
said Izvestia correspondent Dmitry Astrakhan.
In the Pokrovsk area, a female FPV drone operator of the airplane type with the call sign "Radistka" is working. She is one of the most experienced pilots and was awarded the Order of Courage for battles in the liberation of Avdiivka. "Izvestia" accompanied the "Radistka" crew on a combat mission and observed how the "Molniya" drones support the advance of our assault troops and destroy enemy fortifications.
Source: Izvestia
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