General David Petraeus, former US military leader and CIA director, asserts that Ukraine's upcoming offensive against Russian-occupied territories will be successful, focusing on southern Ukraine with fresh troops. He highlights the strategic importance of cutting the land bridge between Crimea and eastern Ukraine and causing significant Russian retreats. Petraeus criticizes the Russian military's inability to learn from its mistakes and praises Ukraine's resilience and adaptability. He emphasizes the need for continued Western support in what he views as a clear contest between good and evil.

Humanity faces two significant challenges: the accumulation of destructive energy in the hands of individuals and the persistence of tyrannical rulers. The war in Ukraine highlights these issues. The article argues for minimizing the number and potential use of powerful weapons through international agreements and better political mechanisms to control executive power. It emphasizes the need for global efforts to decouple political power from destructive capabilities to prevent catastrophic outcomes.

Molfar's OSINT community has investigated 37 Russian private military companies (PMCs), revealing their connections to the Kremlin and their operations in various countries, primarily Ukraine. The investigation highlights the illegal nature of PMCs under Russian law, their funding sources, and their roles in hybrid warfare. Key PMCs like Wagner, Patriot, and Redoubt are linked to high-profile individuals and state institutions. The article underscores the threat these PMCs pose to Ukraine's national security and details their involvement in human rights abuses and illegal activities.

The Polish government has simplified the export process for military-use drones to Ukraine, allowing multiple shipments under a single permit. This policy change, effective April 28, aims to expedite drone deliveries, crucial for Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression. The decision follows significant delays and advocacy from Ukrainian officials and volunteers. The move is expected to save lives and strengthen Ukraine's military capabilities. Despite these advancements, Ukraine still relies heavily on foreign components for drone production, highlighting the need for further support and development in this sector.

The article argues against the notion of the U.S. halting arms shipments to Ukraine to focus on defending Taiwan from China. It states that Taiwan cannot resist a Chinese invasion by land and would be vulnerable to a naval blockade. The author suggests that the U.S. can prevent a Chinese attack by maintaining deterrence and showing willingness to fight, as evidenced by supporting Ukraine against Russia. The piece concludes that showing strength is essential for peace and implies that U.S. inaction in Ukraine could lead to Taiwan's downfall.

Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin's decision to relocate a major mosque has sparked criticism from Russia's Muslim minority, highlighting ongoing tensions and complaints of second-class treatment. The demographic shift in Russia, with a growing Muslim population, is also reflected in the military, where ethnic minorities are disproportionately represented among those killed in action in Ukraine. Expert Kimberly St Julian Varnon links this to historical imperial practices of using colonial troops. The article underscores the significant and lasting demographic changes in Russia, particularly in Moscow, which is likely the largest Muslim city in Europe.

The article discusses the challenges faced by governments and companies in enforcing and complying with Western economic sanctions against Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. The sanctions are complex, targeting not only listed entities but also their obscure connections. Lawyers and data firms are working to map these connections, but Russia has made this difficult by restricting access to corporate registries and data. Meanwhile, Russian companies are transferring assets to avoid sanctions, often with legal documents that maintain the original owner's control. However, investigators are receiving tips from insiders outraged by Russia's actions in Ukraine. Organizations like Bellingcat and the Russian Tanker Tracking Group are leveraging these tips to expose sanction violations. The article also highlights the role of informal networks in identifying illicit trade, with examples from TankerTrackers and Molfar. The CIA has even published instructions for Russians to send secure tips. Despite the challenges, the collective efforts to monitor and report on sanction breaches are ongoing.

The article discusses the aftermath of the Bucha massacre, where Russian soldiers are accused of committing war crimes. Artem Starosiek, the CEO of Molfar, a risk-assessment and analysis firm, has redirected his company's resources to assist in the investigation of these crimes. Molfar, which usually serves corporate clients, is now collaborating with international researchers and the cyberpolice of Ukraine to identify the Russian soldiers involved. They have successfully identified 80 out of 1,060 troops by using social media and other investigative techniques to gather personal information, including phone numbers and criminal records.

Ukrainian forces reportedly exploited the use of mobile phones by Russian military commanders to gain a strategic advantage, leading to the elimination of twelve Russian officers in late February. The roaming signals from the invading troops' phones allowed for triangulation of their positions. Despite the risk, Russia has not destroyed Ukraine's mobile network, which they rely on for communication, highlighting a lack of independent communication networks compared to other military powers.

Following the Russian military's arrival in Bucha, Ukraine, on March 3, evidence of war crimes against civilians began to surface. Vitalij Zsivotoszkij, a local engineer, witnessed Russian soldiers bringing civilians into his basement, where they were beaten and killed. Investigations by Reuters and Ukrainian authorities, aided by online detectives, have identified several Russian soldiers from the 76th Air Assault Division and the 64th Motor Rifle Brigade as potential perpetrators. Personal items left behind, such as a love letter from a soldier's girlfriend and a mobile phone with photos, have been crucial in identifying individuals. Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenskij has stated that these brutalities make peace talks difficult. The Ukrainian prosecutor general, Irina Venediktova, has published names and photos of ten soldiers from the 64th Brigade, and one National Guard soldier, Szergej Koloszej, is suspected of murder and torture. The first Russian soldier has been brought to trial for a separate killing in Chupakhivka village.