The Russian Federation has not taken action yet, despite strained relations with the West. The possibility of downgrading diplomatic ties is being evaluated at the highest level. Russia is exploring responses to increased Western involvement in the Ukraine conflict. As of Thursday, June 27, the Kremlin said no decision had been made. Russian President Vladimir…

Russia is a top global exporter of natural gas to the European Union, but Russian exports have come under increasing sanctions following Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. European markets have also worked overtime to secure other energy sources since then. And while some nations like Libya could theoretically export more energy, they’re…

On June 19, Putin concluded a two-day trip to North Korea with the signing of a new comprehensive partnership pact that pledges mutual defense in the event of a war. The deal is seen as a threat to South Korea, which is subsequently reviewing the possibility of supplying weapons to Ukraine. Watch the above video as…

Every four years, billions of people across the globe tune into the Summer Olympics. The 2024 Games are set to be a spectacle, descending on Paris for the first time in 100 years. But sometimes, scoring the biggest sporting event on the planet is rife with corruption. And the scandals don’t stop after the winning…

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s June 20 visit to Hanoi, Vietnam has triggered some alarm bells in the West, where some observers worried that Vietnam may be drifting away from the U.S. orbit and more towards Russia. The Vietnamese and Americans fought a long war half a century ago, but have since repaired their relationship and…

Sens. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., and Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., introduced a bill that would require the Biden administration to designate Russia as a state sponsor of terror. It is the duo’s second attempt at pushing this through Congress. The senators first tried in May 2022 with a resolution that urged the secretary of state to make…

In the wake of the Ukraine war, Europe has expelled hundreds of Russian diplomats. NATO member Germany believes this has hampered Russia’s espionage activities, forcing them to resort to blackmail and cyberattacks. Recently, NATO General Jens Stoltenberg announced that the alliance will take tougher action against Russian spies in response to Putin’s “hostile activities.” Watch…

Russian President Vladimir Putin receives a grand welcome from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as the two leaders strengthen their partnership. And tense moments during the White House briefing as someone appeared to faint as dangerous temperatures grip the nation’s capital. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Wednesday, June 19, 2024.…

Ukraine is set to receive at least 60 F-16 fighter jets from allies in Belgium, Norway, Denmark and the Netherlands. Ukrainian forces have already begun employing the ATACMS artillery systems against Russian air defense batteries, with several recent successful strikes against the elite Russian Belbek S-400 air defense systems. Watch the above video as Straight…

President Joe Biden takes executive action to protect hundreds of thousands of undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens. And from wildfires to tropical storms to extreme heat, much of the country is under alert for severe weather. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Biden administration announces protection for undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens…