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CNN: CIA Director Bill Burns on Thursday warned that unless US sends more military support, Ukraine could “lose” the war against Russia by the end of the year.

Reuters: The European Union sees signs that China is supplying components to Russia that could be used to make weapons, and fears China could be emboldened to increase shipments if the West's resolve to oppose Russia's war in Ukraine weakens, a top EU official said on Thursday.

Critical Threats: The Chadian junta may begin aligning with the Russian-backed Sahelian juntas and Russia itself, which would boost Russia’s long-standing goal of increasing its influence in the country.

BBC News: Burkina Faso's military junta has expelled three French diplomats, accusing them of "subversive activities". The expulsions are the latest sign of worsening relations between the two nations since Captain Ibrahim Traoré seized power in a coup in 2022. He has pivoted Burkina Faso towards Russia, ending its close ties with France.

Reuters: JPMorgan Chase sued Russia's state-owned VTB Bank on Thursday to halt its efforts to recover $439.5 million from an account that was blocked after Russia invaded Ukraine and VTB was hit with sanctions.

The Kyiv Independent: Moscow attempted to undermine the democratic political process in Austria using a Russian spy and a political party he was associated with, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer said.

AP News: A Polish man has been arrested on allegations of being ready to spy on behalf of Russia’s military intelligence in an alleged plot to assassinate Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Polish prosecutors said Thursday.

POLITICO: American troops will have no choice but to fight Russian invaders in Europe if Putin defeats Ukraine, former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence said Thursday.

The Kyiv Independent: Denmark has become the first country to buy weapons and equipment for Ukraine's Armed Forces from a domestic manufacturer as part of a military aid package, Strategic Industries Minister announced.

Reuters: Russia is making overseas travel harder for some officials due to fears that foreign powers may try to gain access to state secrets. FSB is putting pressure on employees across government ministries not to leave Russia at all, even to visit so-called 'friendly' countries that have not imposed sanctions against Moscow.

AFP: The Kremlin on Thursday denounced the seizure in France of a villa allegedly owned by Russian businessman Artur Ocheretny, the new partner of Putin's ex-wife. The property was seized in December 2023 as part of an investigation into money laundering, prosecutors said Wednesday.

Reuters: Ukraine needs $42 billion in budgetary support this year as it continues to fight against Russia's invasion, the head of the International Monetary Fund said on Thursday, adding that she saw global support for Ukraine remaining firm.

Bloomberg: As the US intensifies sanctions pressure on Moscow, Russia’s crude trade with India has begun to resemble a game of oil whack-a-mole. Just as one trader begins to gain prominence, another pops up (archive).

Reuters: Raiffeisen Bank International expects to be told by European regulators to slash lending and payments involving Russia, the Austrian bank said on Thursday, ratcheting up pressure on the biggest Western bank in Russia.

Bloomberg: Russia is preparing to enlist more contract soldiers as it presses its invasion of Ukraine, aiming to avoid at least for now another mass call-up that could undermine 'popular support for the war.' (archive)

Reuters: German Economy Minister Robert Habeck arrived in Kyiv on Thursday morning, saying his visit came at a time when Ukraine needed all the support it can get in its fight for freedom.

FT: Fears grow in the Baltic region that Putin could test Nato’s resolve with provocations or the ‘nightmare scenario’ of an outright attack (archive).

Reuters: European Union countries must send their anti-missile systems to bolster Ukraine's air defences as Russia pounds its cities, the EU's top diplomat said on Thursday, warning that Europe cannot just rely on the United States to help Kyiv.

FT: One of the largest private western investors in Ukraine has claimed that corrupt officials in the country’s security services and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s administration are trying to extort tens of millions of euros from him (archive).

Reuters: Two German-Russian nationals have been arrested in Germany on suspicion of plotting sabotage attacks, including on U.S. military facilities, in what officials called a serious effort to undermine military support for Ukraine.

worth mentioning

Russia may be ready to attack NATO in 5-8 years, German official says

Fewer Russians getting married despite state's encouragement to start families

Top Russian hypersonic scientist sentenced to 7 years for treason

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