Saturday, July 30, 2022

Kremlin Strongly Supports China On Taiwan. Warns US Against 'Provocative' Moves Toward China

Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin. kremlin.ru  

Moscow Times/AFP: Kremlin Expresses Solidarity With China Over Taiwan 

The Kremlin expressed "solidarity" on Friday with China's stance on Taiwan after Chinese President Xi Jinping warned U.S. leader Joe Biden not to "play with fire" over the self-ruled island. 

"Certainly we are in solidarity," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. 

"We respect China's sovereignty and territorial integrity and believe that no country in the world should have the right to question this or take any inflammatory or other steps," he added. 

"We are convinced that such behavior on the international arena can only cause additional tension."  

Read more ....  

Update #1: Kremlin warns US against 'provocative' moves toward China (AP)  

Update #2: Russia Supports 'One China' Policy on Taiwan, Lavrov Says (Reuters)  

WNU Editor: The Russia - China alliance continues to grow.

Friday, July 29, 2022

Chinese Army Tells Citizens To ‘Prepare For War’

PLA Army soldiers look through the sights of their rifles as they provide security for the hovering transport helicopter during an inter-Services maritime coordinated training exercise with the PLA Navy at an undisclosed sea area on August 3, 2020. They are assigned to an army aviation brigade under the PLA 73rd Group Army. Photo:China Military 

 Global Times: PLA’s post ‘Preparing for war’ draws wide support from netizens ahead of Army Day 

"Preparing for war!" This short social media post by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) 80th Group Army generated over 300,000 thumbs-up in 12 hours on Friday, amid high morale among Chinese soldiers ahead of the 95th anniversary of the founding of the PLA and escalating tensions across the Taiwan Straits.

The post on Sina Weibo had received more than 19,000 comments as of press time, with many netizens commenting excitedly "PLA soldiers, fighting! We support you guys!" 

Some veterans said that they are always prepared to return to the PLA whenever the country needs them, and some netizens also expressed their wish for reunification of the two sides of the Taiwan Straits soon.  

Read more ....  

Update #1: Chinese Army Tells Citizens To ‘Prepare For War’ Amid Warnings To US Over Pelosi’s Taiwan Trip (Daily Caller)  

Update #2: Chinese army ‘preparing for war’ (RT)

WNU editor: Chinese leaders have been telling its citizens to "prepare for war" for as long as I can remember. But I sense the tempo has increased this year, especially as the Russia - Ukraine war continues to grind on.

Chinese Commentator On State Media Suggests Shooting Down Pelosi's Plane If She Flies To Taiwan

Daily Mail: China says it WILL shoot Pelosi's plane down IF she travels to Taiwan under US fighter escort: Speaker refuses to confirm trip - as Beijing warns it would 'cross a red line' and aircraft carrier holds drills in the South China Sea 

* 'If US fighter jets escort Pelosi's plane into Taiwan, it is invasion' Hu Xijin, a commentator with the Chinese state-affiliated Global Times, wrote on Twitter 

* 'The PLA has the right to forcibly dispel Pelosi's plane and the US fighter jets, including firing warning shots and making tactical movement of obstruction' 

* 'If ineffective, then shoot them down' Hu said 

* Pelosi has not confirmed reports she will travel to Taiwan, only saying that she does not comment on her foreign travel plans for 'security reasons' 

* The threat is a dramatic escalation in rhetoric as China grows increasingly agitated at the U.S.'s posture with Taiwan 

China fired its most direct warning shot yet amid reports that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi may visit Taiwan on Friday, saying that if the speaker's plane is accompanied by U.S. fighter jets, they would not rule out shooting them down. 

 'If US fighter jets escort Pelosi's plane into Taiwan, it is invasion. The PLA has the right to forcibly dispel Pelosi's plane and the US fighter jets, including firing warning shots and making tactical movement of obstruction. If ineffective, then shoot them down,' Hu Xijin, a commentator with the Chinese state-affiliated Global Times, wrote on Twitter.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: Hu Xijin is not a Chinese government spokesperson. But his call to shoot down Pelosi's plane if she flies to Taiwan is receiving widespread support in China. 

Chinese Commentator On State Media Suggests Shooting Down Pelosi's Plane If She Flies To Taiwan  

Chinese state media personality suggests shooting down Pelosi's plane in Taiwan -- FOX News  

Propagandist warns China could down Nancy Pelosi’s plane during Taiwan trip -- NYPost  

China Warns: Pelosi Trip Marks ‘Invasion’ and Military Has Right to Fire on Her Plane -- Washington Examiner  

Chinese Propagandist Calls for Pelosi’s Plane to Be Shot Down If She Visits Taiwan -- National Review

U.S. And Russia Discuss Prisoner Swap

 

Daily Mail: Russia wants a convicted murderer to be included in US prisoner swap that would see 'Merchant of Death' Viktor Bout traded for Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan 

* US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to release of WNBA star Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan, an ex-US Marine 

* In order to release the Americans, US officials said they offered to hand over Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, known as the 'Merchant of Death' 

* Russian officials also reportedly requested for a convicted murderer and Kremlin spy Vadim Krasikov to be included in the prisoner swap 

* The request was made by Russia's backchannel spy agency, the FSB, but sources said the US is not considering Krasikov's inclusion in the deal 

* Griner was arrested for carrying cannabis oil in February, and Whelan was convicted of espionage in 2020, which the U.S. said were false 

Russia requested that a convicted murder to be included in a proposed swap with the US that would see 'Merchant of Death' convicted arms dealer Viktor Bout traded for WNBA star Brittney Griner and another American detainee. 

Although Moscow's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said he was not aware of a trade deal until Friday, it was revealed that Russian officials had requested the US help free Kremlin spy Vadim Krasikov in exchange for Griner and Paul Whelan, a former Marine from Michigan, CNN reported.  

Read more .... 

WNU Editor: Yesterday Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov said he was not going to talk to US Secretary Blinken when Blinken requested a phone conversation. Today he is talking to to US Secretary Blinken. Someone ordered Lavrov to talk Blinken, and there is only one person in the Kremlin who has the authority to do that.

For reasons only known to the Kremlin and the White House, both sides now want the issue of detained Russians and Americans resolved as quickly as possible. Makes one wonder on what do they know that we do not. 

 U.S. And Russia Discuss Prisoner Swap  

Blinken and Russia's Lavrov have 'frank' discussion about detained citizens -- Reuters 

Blinken, Russian top diplomat speak about Griner, Whelan -- AP  

Blinken says he had 'frank' discussion with Russian foreign minister in first call since Ukraine war began -- CNN  

CNN Exclusive: Russian officials requested adding convicted murderer to Griner/Whelan prisoner swap -- CNN 

Blinken held ‘frank’ talk with Russia’s Lavrov for release of Griner and Whelan -- The Hill  

Blinken Holds ‘Frank’ Discussion With Russian FM on Prisoners, Ukraine -- Moscow Times/AFP  

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russia's Sergei Lavrov discuss prisoner exchange in phone call -- ABC News Australia  

Blinken urged Russia to accept proposal for release of Griner and Whelan -- Axios  

US and Russia hold first top level call since February -- RT  

Blinken, Lavrov discuss Ukraine issue, prisoner exchange -- TASS

Russia - Ukraine War Maps -- July 29 2022 (Click on Image to Enlarge)

Tweets On The Russia - Ukraine War

Tweets Of The Day

Time To Move To Russia

WNU Editor: Yup. That is the Russia I know. If you can ignore all the negatives.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi Is Second In Line To The Presidency

WNU Editor: OMG!!!

Picture Of The Day

A view shows the reconstruction works on the site of the Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral in Paris, France, July 28, 2022. Geoffroy Van Der Hasselt/Pool via REUTERS  

WNU Editor: The above picture came from this photo-gallery .... Rebuilding the fire-damaged Notre-Dame Cathedral (Reuters). 

You have to be patient and meticulous to do this type of work.

Russian Foreign Ministry Brushes Off Call Request From The US State Department

FILE PHOTO: U.S. Secretary of State Blinken meets with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov, in Geneva. © Reuters/POOL  

RT: Russia will grant US call request ‘when time allows’  

Washington said it was seeking a conversation between State Secretary Antony Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov  

Moscow has acknowledged receiving a call request from Washington on Thursday. A conversation between the two nation’s top diplomats might take place as soon as the busy schedule of Russia’s top diplomat, Sergey Lavrov, makes it possible, the Foreign Ministry said. 

Lavrov will “pay attention to this request when time permits,” the ministry’s spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, told journalists, referring to Washington’s request for a phone conversation between Lavrov and US State Secretary Antony Blinken.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: The US State Department is still optimistic that this phone call will happen .... State Dept says still expecting Blinken-Lavrov call to happen in coming days (Reuters). I am not that optimistic.

Thursday, July 28, 2022

Former Russian President Medvedev Presents What A Future Map Of Ukraine May Look Like

RT: Former Russian president presents future map of Ukraine  

Medvedev offers Kiev a visual on its worst case scenario 

Ukraine is more likely to be reduced to Kiev and its surroundings than to ever re-encompass Crimea and the Donbass republics, former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev said on his Telegram channel on Wednesday. 

The one-time president and long-time prime minister who now heads the national security council also posted two maps helpfully illustrating his argument.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: Medvedev has been pushing this idea of a redrawn Ukraine map for the past month .... Russia's former president says Ukraine might not 'even exist on the world map' in 2 years in latest genocidal message (Insider).

Afghanistan News Updates -- July 28, 2022

 

VOA: Afghanistan Food Program Faces Massive Funding Shortfall  

Afghanistan is again facing risks of mass starvation in coming months as critical relief operations suffer substantial funding shortfalls. 

The World Food Program (WFP) says it faces a net funding shortage of $960 million to sustain humanitarian operations over the next six months. 

"Funding shortfalls and skyrocketing prices mean WFP has been forced to take hard decisions earlier this year to cut down activities to the bare minimum from June to August, temporarily focusing assistance on 10 million people who face the most urgent and life-threatening needs," Philippe Kropf, the WFP's head of communication in Afghanistan, told VOA.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: This money (if released) will be gone in a flash .... US, Taliban Discuss Unlocking $3.5 Billion in Afghan Reserves (Bloomberg). 

More News On Afghanistan  

The Taliban's Neighbors Fear Rising Terrorism in Afghanistan -- Foreign Policy 

IS terrorists in Afghanistan increased to 6,000 since Taliban takeover: Russia -- The Print  

Taliban supreme leader warns foreigners not to interfere in Afghanistan -- CNN  

Taliban presiding over extensive rights abuses in Afghanistan, says UN -- The Guardian 

Afghanistan: Taliban’s ‘suffocating crackdown’ destroying lives of women and girls – new report -- Amnesty International  

CIA director ‘proud’ of Afghanistan analysis despite disastrous Taliban takeover -- Washington Examiner  

Sullivan on Afghanistan war: 'It had to come to an end' -- Politico

Iraq's Political Crisis Continues. Iraqi Sadrist Protesters Storm Parliament

 

Euronews/AP: Al-Sadr followers protest in Iraq's parliament against Iran-backed PM candidate 

Hundreds of Iraqi protesters breached Baghdad's Green Zone parliament on Wednesday chanting anti-Iran curses in a demonstration against a nominee for prime minister by Tehran-backed parties. 

Most of the protesters were said to be followers of influential Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. 

The demonstrators were seen singing and waving Iraqi flags, while some walked on tables on the parliament floor, leafed through folders, and sat in lawmakers' chairs. 

The incident raised the stakes in the political struggle for Iraq nearly 10 months after federal elections.  

Read more .... 

WNU Editor: It has been almost 20 years since the US invasion of Iraq, and the chaos just continues. 

 Iraq's Political Crisis Continues 

Followers of cleric enter Iraqi parliament in show of force -- AP  

Hundreds of protesters storm Iraq parliament in support of cleric Moqtada al-Sadr -- The Guardian/AFP  

Iraqi Sadrist protesters storm parliament -- Al-Monitor

Iraqi protesters break into parliament denouncing the nomination of new premier -- CNN 

Supporters of populist cleric storm Baghdad's Green Zone over rival's PM nomination -- UPI  

Pro-Iranian groups, mass protests erode Iraq's stability - analysis -- Jerusalem Post  

Iraq’s political chaos: Why did protesters storm the parliament? -- Al Jazeera

Kremlin Says There Is No Deal For A Prisoner Swap With The U.S.

 

Reuters: No deal yet with U.S. on Griner swap for arms dealer Bout, Russia says 

LONDON (Reuters) -Russia said on Thursday there was no deal yet with the United States on swapping detained U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner and a former Marine for an imprisoned Russian called by American prosecutors one of the world's most prolific arms dealers. 

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday the United States has made a "substantial offer" to Russia to release American citizens held in Russia. A source said that Washington was willing to exchange convicted arms trafficker Viktor Bout, known as the "Merchant of Death." 

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressed surprise at the public remarks from Blinken. 

Russia has cautioned the United States that such discussions are best conducted in private. "So far, there are no agreements in this area," Peskov told reporters in Moscow. "When discussing such topics, you don't conduct information attacks."  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: The Kremlin spokesman looked surprised when told that the US has offered a deal to do a prisoner swap. 

Kremlin Says There Is No Deal For A Prisoner Swap With The U.S.  

Russia: No deal reached on release of Griner and Whelan -- Axios  

Russia says ‘no agreements’ yet on swap for Brittney Griner, Paul Whelan -- NYPost  

Russian officials respond to US offer for Brittney Griner, Paul Whelan: 'No agreements have been finalized' -- FOX News  

Russia Responds To Blinken: "No Deal" Reached On Detained Americans -- Zero Hedge

After 50 Years Of Service The F-15 Jet Has Never Been Shot Down In Combat

 

13WMAZ: Behind the Lines: 'We've never lost one in combat from any type of enemy fire' 50 years of the F-15 jet 

One of the Air Force's top combat jets couldn't perform without the help of Robins Air Force Base. 

ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. — This July marks 50 years since the first flight of an F-15 fighter jet. It is still one of the Air Force's top combat mission planes. 

 "We've never lost one in combat from any type of enemy fire," says Scott Smith, an F-15 test pilot at Robins Air Force Base.

"No other fighter aircraft has the capacity to carry the number of weapons and the size of weapons that the F-15 can carry," says F-15 Program Director Jesse Warren. 

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: Impressive!

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban Says EU Heading For ‘War Economy’

Viktor Orban attends a joint press conference with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer at the Federal Chancellery in Vienna, Austria, July 28, 2022 © AFP / Alex Halada  

RT: EU heading for ‘war economy’ – Orban 

The Hungarian leader said his citizens want Brussels to stay out of the country’s energy policy 

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has lambasted an EU plan to reduce gas consumption by 15%. Unless the bloc pushes for peace in Ukraine, he warned that Europe will face an energy crisis, a recession, and political turmoil. 

Speaking following a meeting with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer in Vienna on Thursday, Orban said that Hungary determines its own energy policy, and any attempt by Brussels to interfere with this “will not find favor with the Hungarians.”  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: Orban is not the only one talking about a war economy in the EU .... French President Macron Says France Is Now On A "War Economy" Footing (June 14, 2022).

North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un Issues Nuclear Warning

 

ABC News Australia: Kim Jong Un threatens to mobilise nuclear weapons, takes aim at new South Korea president 

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un says his country is ready to mobilise its nuclear war deterrent and counter any US military clash. 

He made the remarks during a speech at an event to mark the 69th anniversary of the July 27 Korean War armistice, which left the two Koreas technically still at war. 

That confrontation with the United States had posed nuclear threats since the 1950-53 war and required the North to achieve an "urgent historical task" of beefing up its self defence, Mr Kim said, according to the official KCNA news agency.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: It looks like North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has gained some weight after losing a lot of weight last year. 

North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un Issues Nuclear Warning  

North Korea: Kim Jong Un says he's ready to use nuclear weapons against US and South Korea -- SKY News 

N.Korea's Kim says nuclear deterrent is ready, slams South's Yoon -- Reuters  

North Korea's Kim Jong Un threatens to use nuclear weapons in potential conflicts with South Korea and United States -- AP 

North Korea's Kim says 'ready to mobilise' nuclear weapons -- France 24  

North Korea ready to use nukes in conflict with U.S., Kim Jong Un says -- UPI  

North Korea issues nuclear warning -- RT

U.S. Lawmaker Says U.S. Intelligence Told Lawmakers In A Classified Briefing That 75,000+ Russians Have Been Killed Or Wounded

Business Insider: More than 75,000 Russian troops in Ukraine have been killed or injured, US says — one of the highest estimates so far 

* US officials think more than 75,000 Russians were killed or injured in Ukraine, reports said. 

* Estimates for Russian troop losses have varied, but this is one of the highest given so far. 

* Russia has not released its troop loss figures in months, and is accused of covering up its dead. 

US officials said that more than 75,000 Russians have been killed or injured as part of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, according to multiple reports. 

The figure would represent around half the total number of troops Russia sent to Ukraine at the start of its invasion. It is significantly higher than estimates US officials have given in public. 

CNN reporter Michael Cohen tweeted on Wednesday that Rep. Elissa Slotkin told CNN she and other House lawmakers had been given the 75,000 figure that day by US officials.  

Read more ....  

Update #1: Russian Casualties in Ukraine Surpass 75,000: U.S. Intelligence (Newsweek)  

Update #2: Russia has suffered an estimated 75,000 casualties in Ukraine invasion, U.S. officials say (Yahoo News)  

WNU Editor: If this 75,000 number is true, Russia would have already lost the war, and a full retreat will be underway.

Update #3: The Kremlin has responded to this 75,000 casualty number .... Kremlin comments on military casualty claims (RT).

China's Defense Ministry Issues A New Warning Over Pelosi's Potential Visit To Taiwan

Wu Qian. Photo: CFP  

Global Times: China’s defense ministry issues fresh, rare warning ‘action the most powerful language’ over Pelosi’s Taiwan visit; reinforces resolve 

Action is the most powerful language, said the Chinese Defense Ministry on Thursday as its spokesperson stressed the sensitivity of the Taiwan question again after China issued six warnings against US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's potential visit to Taiwan island over the past few days. 

The frequency of Chinese warnings and the remarks different departments use fully demonstrate China's determination to take any necessary military measures to counter US provocations and safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, analysts said.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: This warning was issued before today's phone call between Presidents Biden and Xi.

China Holds Snap Naval Drills In Response To US Carrier Strike Group In South China Sea Traveling To Taiwan

Radio Free Asia: China holds new naval drills as US carrier transits South China Sea  

China often holds military exercises at short notice in response to U.S. naval activities in disputed seas. 

China has staged another military exercise off the back of a five-day large-scale drill near the Paracel islands–just as the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan docked in Singapore after spending over a week in the South China Sea. 

The U.S. carrier and its strike group were slated to visit Vietnam this month but the visit has been called off, said two Vietnamese sources with knowledge of the matter who wish to stay anonymous because they’re not authorised to speak to the media.  

Read more ....  

Update #1: China Holds Snap Military Drills In Response To US Carrier Entering South China Sea (Zero Hedge)  

Update #2: China and US deploy naval strike groups as Taiwan holds massive military drills amid war fears over Pelosi visit (The SUN)  

WNU Editor: Now is not the time to send a US carrier group to Taiwan. Tensions are already incredibly high, and from the Chinese perspective they feel they have no choice but to respond. I can only hope that the Chinese response will not be a reckless one that can quickly escalate into a disaster.

Gun Battles Rage In Haiti's Port-au-Prince

 

BBC: Haiti gang violence: Gun battles rage in Port-au-Prince 

A war between Haitian gangs which has left hundreds dead since it flared up three weeks ago has spread to the centre of the capital, Port-au-Prince. 

Gang members engaged in a fierce gun battle with each other and with police on Wednesday. 

The city's temporary cathedral caught fire amid the fighting. 

It is not yet known how many people were killed in this latest battle but UN figures suggest more than 200 died between 8 and 17 July. 

Previously, the focal points of the battle between the G9 criminal alliance and a rival alliance calling itself G-PΓ¨p had centred around the impoverished neighbourhood of CitΓ© Soleil. But on Wednesday, video showed police confronting gang members not far from the presidential palace. 

Read more .... 

Gun Battles Rage In Haiti's Port-au-Prince

Haiti Gangs Wage Battles in Downtown Port-Au-Prince -- Reuters  

Haiti: 471 people dead, mass kidnappings in one week of gang war in Port-au-Prince, says UN -- Times Now 

United Nations says more than 200 people have been killed in Haiti's capital of Port-au-Prince in just 10 days -- NZHerald 

Prosecutor accuses gang of setting Haiti courthouse on fire -- AP

In Phone Call Chinese President Xi Issues Blunt Warning To President Biden Over Taiwan: 'Play With Fire And You Will Get Burned'

 

Daily Mail: 'Play with fire and you will get burned': China's Xi's fierce warning to Biden on Taiwan in two-hour call as tensions reach boiling point and White House braces for potential military response to Nancy Pelosi's trip 

* President Joe Biden spoke with Chinese President Xi Jinping Thursday morning amid rising tensions with Taiwan 

* Xi said during the two-hour call, according to Chinese state media: 'Those who play with fire will only get burnt. Hope the U.S. side can see this clearly' 

* The call is the fifth time the leaders spoke since Biden took office last year 

* Chinese press reports that Taiwan will 'bear the wrath of Beijing' should House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to the island go forward 

China's President Xi Jinping warned Joe Biden 'those who play with fire will get burned' during a two-hour call Thursday morning amid rising tensions over Taiwan, according to Chinese state media. 

The fifth call between the world leaders since President Biden took office comes amid simmering tensions and a potential impending visit to Taiwan from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: It looks like this phone call did not end well. 

Chinese President Xi Issues Blunt Warning To President Biden Over Taiwan: 'Play With Fire And You Will Get Burned'  

Xi gives Biden fiery warning on Taiwan, Beijing says -- AP 

In call with Biden Xi warns against 'playing with fire' over Taiwan -- Reuters  

Xi Jinping tells Joe Biden not to ‘play with fire’ over Taiwan in two-hour call -- The Guardian  

Biden, Xi hold talks as concerns over Pelosi visiting Taiwan grow -- DW  

Xi warns Biden not to "play with fire" on Taiwan in 2-hour call -- Axios

U.S. Economy Now In A Recession After Second Straight GDP Decline

US gross domestic product shrank 0.9 percent in the second quarter, following a decline of 1.6 percent decline in the first quarter. Two consecutive quarters of shrinking GDP is the classic definition of a recession  

Daily Mail: America goes into RECESSION after second straight quarter of negative growth but Biden insists: 'We are on the right path' 

* US gross domestic product shrank 0.9% last quarter, the Commerce Department said on Thursday 

* It marked two consecutive quarters of GDP decline, the classic and informal definition of a recession 

* But White House has insisted that the alarming data doesn't mean the economy is in a recession 

* Technically, a recession has to be officially declared by private research group's panel of economists 

* 'We are on the right path and we will come through this transition,' Biden said in response to the grim news 

* Critics furiously blasted the administration for 'deflecting blame' and trying to 'redefine a recession' 

President Joe Biden is facing fierce criticism for refusing to acknowledge that America has entered a recession, after the US economy met the classic definition of a downturn by contracting for the second straight quarter. 

The Commerce Department confirmed in a report on Thursday that US gross domestic product shrank 0.9 percent in the second quarter, following a decline of 1.6 percent decline in the first quarter.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: President Biden has a different take, saying the economy is "on the right path" .... Biden rejects recession label, declares nation is 'on the right path' despite shrinking economy (USA Today). More here .... Joe Biden denies recession despite GDP decline in consecutive quarters (NYPost). 

U.S. Now In A Recession After Second Straight GDP Decline  

GDP fell 0.9% in the second quarter, the second straight decline and a strong recession signal -- CNBC  

US economy shrinks for a 2nd quarter, raising recession fear -- AP  

US economy contracts again, fueling recession fears -- CNN  

Recession semantics aside, the new GDP numbers are bad -- Axios

Russia - Ukraine War: Military Summary And Analysis For 28.07.2022

 

WNU Editor: The main battles continue in the Donbas, but Ukrainian forces have launched a number of attacks near Kherson in the south-west part of the country.

Russia - Ukraine War Maps -- July 28 2022 (Click on Image to Enlarge)

Tweets On The Russia - Ukraine War

Tweets Of The Day

Today Is 'Earth Overshoot Day' When Demand Exceeds The Planet's Yearly Resources

Graph shows the change in date from 1971 to 2022 of Earth Overshoot Day which designates the date when humanity has consumed all natural resources that the Earth can renew in a year  

Daily Mail: We've already 'busted the planet's budget': Earth Overshoot Day is earlier than EVER before due to an overwhelming demand for food, land, timber and new infrastructure in 2022 

* Earth Overshoot Day comes when demand exceeds the planet's yearly resources 

* Humans 'busted Earth's budget' as of Thursday (July 28), earlier than ever before 

* For the rest of the year forests are depleted and CO2 builds up in the atmosphere 

As of today, humans have already used a year's worth of natural resources in 2022 – a calendar event known as Earth Overshoot Day. 

The annual date marks the point at which humanity has used all the biological resources that the Earth can regenerate during that year. 

But in 2022 it's earlier than ever before, largely due to a demand for food, land, timber and new urban infrastructure to cater to a growing population. 

Demand for these resources outstrips the Earth's biocapacity – its ability to renew those resources – meaning we now effectively have gone into overdraft.  

Read more ....  

Update #1: Alarm as Earth hits 'Overshoot Day' Thursday: NGOs (France 24)  

Update #2: Earth Overshoot Day 2022: Humanity has already used its resources for the year (DW)  

WNU Editor: Not having cheap and reliable energy is the impact that the world is now experiencing. Fresh water and affordable food are next.

U.S. Deploys F-22s To Poland

A dozen F-22's are being sent to Poland to support NATO's air shielding against Russian threats. US Air Force/DVIDS 

Insider: US F-22 Raptors are on their way to Poland to boost NATO's air shield against Russian threats 

* The US Air Force is sending six F-22 Raptors to support NATO's "air shielding" mission in Poland. 

* The F-22s will bolster NATO's eastern flank amid Russian aggression in Ukraine. 

* The Air Force says the Raptor is unmatched by "any known or projected" aircraft. 

The US Air Force is sending F-22 Raptor fighter jets to Lask, Poland to support NATO's "air shielding" mission and bolster deterrence against potential Russian threats. 

The fifth-generation stealth fighter jets of the 90th Fighter Squadron, which just arrived at RAF Lakenheath, England from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska, will soon make their way to the 32nd Tactical Air Base in Lask, Poland, according to a statement from US Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa.  

Read more .... 

 U.S. Deploys F-22s To Poland  

F-22 Raptors Are Heading To Poland -- Warzone/The Drive  

Air Force Moves F-22s to Poland in Bid to Protect Allies Against Russia -- Military.com  

Headed to Poland to Boost NATO, F-22s Arrive in UK -- Air Force Magazine

Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov Meeting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi In Tashkent

WNU Editor: Another sign on how close Russia and China have become.

Ukraine President Zelensky And His Wife On The Cover Of Vogue

Volodymyr Zelensky and his wife, Olena Zelenska, have graced the cover of Vogue amid the ongoing war in their home country

Daily Mail: 'Read the room!' Zelensky and wife raise eyebrows by posing for glossy Vogue cover with famed photographer Annie Leibowitz as Ukraine's war against Russia rages on 

* Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his wife Olen Zelenska's decision to sit down for a Vogue photoshoot has divided the internet 

* Many are pointing to the massive amounts of aid given to the war torn country since the beginning of the Russian invasion in February 

* They say Zelensky's decision to pose for the glossy shoot is frivolous and makes a mockery of the war 

* Congresswoman Lauren Boebert said of the Ukrainian leadership: 'These people think we are nothing but a bunch of suckers' 

* Others have defended him, and hailed Zelensky for continuing to keep the conflict in the spotlight 

* While a Ukrainian citizen wrote online: 'Thank you Vogue for bringing awareness about Ukraine from the voices of actual Ukrainians' 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his wife Olena Zelenska have raised eyebrows after appearing in a glossy photoshoot for US Vogue. 

The pair were pictured together for the piece by renowned photographer Annie Leibowitz - although the article primarily focused on Zelenska, 44. 

It's titled: 'Portrait of Bravery: Ukraine's First Lady Olena Zelenska.'  

Read more .... 

Update: Zelenskys' 'Vogue' Photoshoot in War-Torn Ukraine Divides Public (Newsweek)  

WNU Editor: This photo-shoot was only done to influence and shape a certain narrative in the West. The people in Ukraine have other things on their minds right now to be bothered to read Vogue. 

The Vogue article and photo-shoot is here .... Portrait of Bravery: Ukraine’s First Lady, Olena Zelenska (Vogue).