Russia Outpacing U.S., Europe on Artillery-Shell Production Three to One: Report

Russia is producing three times as many artillery shells than the combined totals of the United States and its European allies.

A senior European intelligence official told CNN that Russia has been producing 250,000 shells per month — 3 million per year — while the combined defense-industrial capacities of both the U.S. and NATO limit production to about 1.2 million over the same span. The U.S. military set a goal of 100,000 rounds per month by the end of 2025, CNN reports, but that the goal is now unattainable given the $60 billion in Ukraine funding currently in congressional limbo.

The report comes as Russia gains the upper hand in its invasion of Ukraine, having recently captured the city of Avdiivka in the Donbas region. A NATO official told CNN that artillery is the most important aspect of the ongoing war, saying it is in that area where Russia has both “a significant production advantage” and “a significant advantage on the battlefield.”

The report also mentions that, aside from its own domestic production, Russia has imported large quantities of munitions. Iran sent Russia at least 300,000 artillery shells and North Korea delivered at least 6,700 containers carrying millions, according to the NATO official.

While U.S. and NATO leaders have said they do not expect Russia to make significant gains during a forthcoming offensive, Putin has recently begun targeting Ukrainian weapons factories with long-range missiles and drones. (Read more from “Russia Outpacing U.S., Europe on Artillery-Shell Production Three to One: Report” HERE)

Photo credit: Flickr

Report: Biden Trying to ‘Collapse’ Netanyahu Government, Mid-War

U.S. President Joe Biden is reportedly attempting to force the “collapse” of the Israeli government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the middle of a war against Hamas terrorists in Gaza and a potential war against Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Biden has been increasingly hostile to Netanyahu in his public remarks, recently saying that Netanyahu is “hurting” Israel more than he is helping it through his conduct of the war. (Netanyahu fired back, saying that Biden was “wrong.”)

Now, New York Magazine reports that the Biden Administration is actively looking for ways to force Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition, which has been remarkably unified, to fall apart, which would bring about early elections. It reported (original emphasis):

One Israeli expert frequently consulted by American officials says, “I have been asked by a serious administration figure what it is that will force the Netanyahu coalition to collapse. They were interested in the mechanics, what can we demand which will collapse his coalition.”

(Read more from “Report: Biden Trying to ‘Collapse’ Netanyahu Government, Mid-War” HERE)

WWIII WATCH: Putin Warns of Nuclear Consequences if Western Troops Enter Ukraine; Germany Appears to Have Inadvertently Revealed the UK and France have Soldiers in Ukraine

In a startling escalation of tensions, Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a stern warning that any deployment of Western troops in Ukraine could lead to global nuclear conflict. The ominous statement comes amidst rising concerns over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the potential for broader international involvement.

Putin declared Russia’s willingness to use its “entire arsenal” if the conflict in Ukraine does not go in its favor. The Russian leader accused Western allies of contemplating the deployment of troops to Ukraine and warned of severe consequences if such a move were to occur.

French President Emmanuel Macron recently stated that sending Western soldiers to Ukraine “could not be ruled out.” He emphasized the need to do everything possible to prevent Russia from prevailing in the conflict.

Putin, during his address, accused Western allies of selecting targets for striking Russian territory and discussed the possibility of sending a NATO contingent to Ukraine. He warned that the consequences for potential invaders would be “far more tragic” than in previous instances when foreign troops were sent to Russian territory.

In a somewhat taunting tone, Putin questioned whether Western leaders truly understood the gravity of the situation, suggesting that they were treating the conflict as a simulation. He asserted that these leaders, who he claimed hadn’t faced tough challenges, seemed to have forgotten the harsh realities of war.

The international community now faces a precarious situation, with diplomatic efforts likely to intensify to prevent further escalation and find a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine.

_______________________________________________

Germany Appears to Have Inadvertently Revealed the UK and France have Soldiers in Ukraine

By Breitbart. German Chancellor Scholz stands accused of handing Russia a propaganda coup in order to smooth over his own political difficulties as he claims the presence of British and French soldiers aiding Ukrainian forces.

Scholz has been accused of abusing intelligence and being a bad ally by angry NATO politicians after his remarks about the level of involvement he claims there is of the British and French in the deployment of the Storm Shadow / SCALP cruise missiles they have given to Ukraine, and which have been deployed with devastating effect. . .

It is a little-discussed fact that many NATO states have soldiers in Ukraine, but these troops are generally present only to protect the embassies of those nations in Kyiv, and to safeguard diplomatic staff. In some cases they have additional roles: the United States has been open about the fact it has a limited presence of soldiers who track what happens to the enormous amounts of high-tech weapons systems the West gives to Ukraine, for the sake of accountability. Indeed, that presence was re-confirmed only this week by John Kirby.

In the case of the United Kingdom, an apparently off-guard remark by a senior military officer in 2022 revealed there may be more going on behind the scenes, the Lieutenant General saying there had been “discreet operations in a hugely sensitive environment and with a high level of political and military risk”. The British government later strongly denied having any active troops in Ukraine, however, warning against “taking at face value allegations that have the potential to spread disinformation”. (Read more from “Germany Appears to Have Inadvertently Revealed the UK and France have Soldiers in Ukraine” HERE)

India and South Africa Derail China-Backed Investment Deal at WTO

In a surprising turn of events at the World Trade Organization (WTO) conference in Abu Dhabi, India and South Africa have put a roadblock in the passage of a significant investment agreement, potentially impacting investments worth hundreds of billions of dollars, particularly in China.

India and South Africa formally objected to the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement (IFD), supported by China and introduced by Chile and South Korea. The deal, estimated to cover projects ranging from $200 billion to $800 billion, faced resistance from the two nations, raising questions about the fate of these investments, often earmarked for developing nations in the “Global South.”

Exercising their right to file formal objections, India and South Africa expressed concerns that the IFD would compromise the multilateral essence of the WTO by imposing binding regulations on all member nations.

India suggested that negotiations for the IFD should take place outside the WTO, emphasizing that interested nations could reach an agreement independently. This stance aligns with a specific set of WTO procedures, necessitating unanimous agreement from all members for such agreements.

While not explicitly stated, India’s reservations hint at concerns that the IFD, often dubbed “China’s IFD” by Indian media, might serve as a strategic move by China and its allies in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). There are apprehensions about the potential favoritism towards countries heavily reliant on Chinese investments and those with substantial sovereign wealth funds. Efforts are underway by WTO leaders to persuade India and South Africa to withdraw their objections.

Photo credit: Flickr

Four Charged in Connection With Smuggling Iranian-Made Weapons; Operation Resulted in Tragic Deaths of Two Navy SEALs

Four foreign nationals are facing charges related to the transport of suspected Iranian-made weapons, following a recent interdiction by U.S. naval forces in the Arabian Sea. Tragically, two Navy SEALs lost their lives during the mission.

The incident occurred on January 11 when U.S. Navy Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Christopher J. Chambers was boarding a vessel, and due to high waves, slipped into a gap between the boat and the SEALs’ combatant craft. In an act of bravery, Navy Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class Nathan Gage Ingram jumped in to rescue Chambers, resulting in both SEALs losing their lives.

The criminal complaint alleges that the four defendants were transporting suspected Iranian-made missile components, specifically for weapons used by Houthi rebel forces in recent attacks. Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco highlighted the severity of the situation, stating that the flow of such weaponry from Iran to Houthi rebels in Yemen poses a direct threat to the people and interests of the United States and its regional partners.

In a news release, Monaco expressed the gravity of the situation, saying, “Two Navy SEALs tragically lost their lives in the operation that thwarted the defendants charged today from allegedly smuggling Iranian-made weapons that the Houthis could have used to target American forces and threaten freedom of navigation and a vital artery for commerce.”

The main defendant, Muhammad Pahlawan, faces charges of attempting to smuggle advanced missile components, including a warhead, with the knowledge that these would be used by Houthi rebels against commercial and naval vessels in the Red Sea and surrounding waters. Pahlawan is also charged with providing false information to U.S. Coast Guard officers during the boarding of the vessel.

His co-defendants, Mohammad Mazhar, Ghufran Ullah, and Izhar Muhammad, are also facing charges related to providing false information during the incident.

Former Dutch PM, Wife Die Together in Dual Euthanasia Procedure

Former Dutch Prime Minister Dries van Agt and his wife committed legally assisted suicide by simultaneous euthanasia this week, the non-profit organisation founded by the ex-Dutch leader has revealed.

Public broadcaster Nederlandse Omroep Stichting (NOS) reported on Friday that former Dutch Prime Minister Dries van Agt (93), who led the Netherlands from 1977 to 1982, and his wife Eugenie van Agt (93) opted on Monday to take their lives in a joint act of euthanasia, which is legally permitted under medical supervision in the Western European nation.

Gerard Jonkman, the director of The Rights Forum non-profit founded by Van Agt in 2009, said that the former prime minister had discussed the option of assisted suicide after suffering a brain haemorrhage in 2019, saying that he said it was an “option if life and suffering became unbearable.”

Since then, Van Agt’s health, as well as his wife’s, steadily declined, according to Jonkman, who said: “His health became more and more fragile, and he wanted to focus his attention on his wife, children and grandchildren.” He said that their decision to commit assisted suicide hand in hand came from a feeling that they “couldn’t live without each other”.

The couple, who were married for seven decades, were buried together on Thursday. The Dutch public broadcaster noted that assisted suicide was a curious decision by Van Agt, given that he was a lifelong Roman Catholic — a faith which preaches against suicide — and a former member of the socially conservative Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA). (Read more from “Former Dutch PM, Wife Die Together in Dual Euthanasia Procedure” HERE)

💪 Dependence on You:

We’ve weathered storms, but today, we rely entirely on your generosity to keep our platform alive. Your support is not just a donation; it’s a partnership in upholding the values that define us. Together, let’s defy challenges and ensure Restoring Liberty thrives for another two decades.

🌐 How You Can Make a Difference:

Your contribution is a vital lifeline for us. By donating HERE, you become an integral part of our mission. Every dollar is an investment in preserving a powerful conservative voice that resonates across the nation.

🙏 Join Us in Shaping the Future:

Help us overcome the financial hurdles that come with independence. Your donation paves the way for continued growth, impact, and influence. Together, let’s empower Restoring Liberty to shape the future of conservative values.

🔗 Donate HERE and be a Guardian of Liberty!

Thank you for being the backbone of Restoring Liberty. With your support, we’ll stand strong for another two decades and beyond!

U.S. Strike Takes Out Senior Member of Iran-Backed Kata’Ib Hezbollah in Baghdad

The United States carried out a drone strike in Baghdad on Wednesday night that killed at least one senior member of Kata’ib Hezbollah, U.S. Central Command confirmed.

Taking place around 9:30 p.m. local time, CENTCOM said the “unilateral strike” was a “response to the attacks on U.S. service members” of which there have been more than 160 since mid-October. The strike killed “a Kata’ib Hezbollah commander responsible for directly planning and participating in attacks on U.S. forces in the region,” CENTCOM reported.

(Read more from “U.S. Strike Takes Out Senior Member of Iran-Backed Kata’Ib Hezbollah in Baghdad” HERE)

💪 Dependence on You:

We’ve weathered storms, but today, we rely entirely on your generosity to keep our platform alive. Your support is not just a donation; it’s a partnership in upholding the values that define us. Together, let’s defy challenges and ensure Restoring Liberty thrives for another two decades.

🌐 How You Can Make a Difference:

Your contribution is a vital lifeline for us. By donating HERE, you become an integral part of our mission. Every dollar is an investment in preserving a powerful conservative voice that resonates across the nation.

🙏 Join Us in Shaping the Future:

Help us overcome the financial hurdles that come with independence. Your donation paves the way for continued growth, impact, and influence. Together, let’s empower Restoring Liberty to shape the future of conservative values.

🔗 Donate HERE and be a Guardian of Liberty!

Thank you for being the backbone of Restoring Liberty. With your support, we’ll stand strong for another two decades and beyond!

Iran-Backed Groups Attacked U.S. Bases Three Times Since Major Counterstrikes, Killing U.S. Allies

Iran-backed militant groups have attacked U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria three times since the U.S. launched massive retaliatory strikes on Friday, killing six partner troops at one of the bases, according to reports.

The U.S. struck 85 targets connected to Iran-backed militants in Iraq and Syria and the Iranian military command that oversees Tehran’s proxy operations on Friday in response to a Jan. 28 suicide drone attack that caused the first U.S. fatalities since the escalation of attacks. U.S.-backed forces confirmed an attack on Sunday at the Al-Omar oilfield in Syria on Sunday killed six Kurdish fighters, Reuters reported.

An explosive-laden drone crashed into the training academy on the U.S. base, resulting “in the martyrdom of six of our Commando fighters,” Farhad Shami, a spokesperson for the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) said in a social media post, Reuters reported.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq — an umbrella organization considered responsible for the deadly attack on U.S. troops — on Monday claimed responsibility for the attack.

Iranian proxies have attacked U.S. troops in Iraq, Syria and Jordan 169 times since Oct. 17, a Department of Defense (DOD) official said Monday, Politico reported. One attack took place at Mission Support Site Euphrates in Syria on Feb. 3, with no damage or injuries reported. (Read more from “Iran-Backed Groups Attacked U.S. Bases Three Times Since Major Counterstrikes, Killing U.S. Allies” HERE)

💪 Dependence on You:

We’ve weathered storms, but today, we rely entirely on your generosity to keep our platform alive. Your support is not just a donation; it’s a partnership in upholding the values that define us. Together, let’s defy challenges and ensure Restoring Liberty thrives for another two decades.

🌐 How You Can Make a Difference:

Your contribution is a vital lifeline for us. By donating HERE, you become an integral part of our mission. Every dollar is an investment in preserving a powerful conservative voice that resonates across the nation.

🙏 Join Us in Shaping the Future:

Help us overcome the financial hurdles that come with independence. Your donation paves the way for continued growth, impact, and influence. Together, let’s empower Restoring Liberty to shape the future of conservative values.

🔗 Donate HERE and be a Guardian of Liberty!

Thank you for being the backbone of Restoring Liberty. With your support, we’ll stand strong for another two decades and beyond!

Terror Groups Evacuate Their Positions After Biden Admin Tips Them off to Their Plans

The Iranian-backed terrorists responsible for murdering three U.S. soldiers, and injuring dozens more, in an attack over the weekend have started to evacuate their bases after President Joe Biden’s administration leaked to the media this week that they are gearing up to respond by carrying out a sustained bombing campaign.

The news comes after NBC News reported on Wednesday that the U.S. retaliatory strikes would be a “campaign” that lasts “weeks,” according to U.S. officials.

The officials went as far as to say that the U.S. would target “Iranian targets outside Iran, and the campaign will involve both strikes and cyber operations,” the report added.

CBS News reported late on Wednesday that the the terror groups that make up Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an Iranian-backed terrorist group, have “evacuated their bases in Iraq and Syria, fearing U.S. retaliatory strikes after Sunday’s attack.” (Read more from “Terror Groups Evacuate Their Positions After Biden Admin Tips Them off to Their Plans” HERE)

💪 Dependence on You:

We’ve weathered storms, but today, we rely entirely on your generosity to keep our platform alive. Your support is not just a donation; it’s a partnership in upholding the values that define us. Together, let’s defy challenges and ensure Restoring Liberty thrives for another two decades.

🌐 How You Can Make a Difference:

Your contribution is a vital lifeline for us. By donating HERE, you become an integral part of our mission. Every dollar is an investment in preserving a powerful conservative voice that resonates across the nation.

🙏 Join Us in Shaping the Future:

Help us overcome the financial hurdles that come with independence. Your donation paves the way for continued growth, impact, and influence. Together, let’s empower Restoring Liberty to shape the future of conservative values.

🔗 Donate HERE and be a Guardian of Liberty!

Thank you for being the backbone of Restoring Liberty. With your support, we’ll stand strong for another two decades and beyond!

Canada Delays Killing Mentally Ill People Amid Widespread Public Disgust

The Canadian government on Monday announced an indefinite delay in its plans to expand Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) to patients with mental illness, but no physical ailments.

Canada’s long march to assisted suicide seems to have finally stalled with the proposal to provide physician assistance for mentally ill people to kill themselves. Canadian doctors have gone from discussing euthanasia as a last resort to aggressively recommending it, even to patients who desire treatment rather than death. Critics fear that if MAID is extended to the mentally ill, Canada’s overburdened socialist healthcare system will be sorely tempted to use euthanasia to clean up long waiting lists for psychiatric care.

Assisted suicide is spreading faster in Canada than in any other nation in the world, than any other nation in history. MAID deaths quadrupled over the past five years and now account for four percent of all deaths in the country. If current trends hold, Canada might have more assisted suicides by the end of this year than countries like the Netherlands, which legalized the practice decades before Canada did.

The Toronto Star mused on Saturday that since “one in five Canadians are impacted by mental health challenges,” expanding MAID to cover mental illness could lead to a dizzying surge in the already huge number of assisted suicides.

Dr. Cheryl Rowe, a Toronto psychiatrist who supports expanding MAID, ominously described it as a “failure of medicine” that “there are so many doctors that believe that they have to keep their patients alive at all costs.” (Read more from “Canada Delays Killing Mentally Ill People Amid Widespread Public Disgust” HERE)

Photo credit: Flickr

🚀 Why Your Support Matters:

In the past 20 years, we’ve garnered hundreds of thousands of monthly views, expanded our influence with engaging articles, and delivered exclusive content every week. However, the journey to safeguard liberty online comes with its challenges. As pioneers, we faced the adversity of being one of the first political websites nationwide to be demonetized by Google.

💪 Dependence on You:

We’ve weathered storms, but today, we rely entirely on your generosity to keep our platform alive. Your support is not just a donation; it’s a partnership in upholding the values that define us. Together, let’s defy challenges and ensure Restoring Liberty thrives for another two decades.

🌐 How You Can Make a Difference:

Your contribution is a vital lifeline for us. By donating HERE, you become an integral part of our mission. Every dollar is an investment in preserving a powerful conservative voice that resonates across the nation.

🙏 Join Us in Shaping the Future:

Help us overcome the financial hurdles that come with independence. Your donation paves the way for continued growth, impact, and influence. Together, let’s empower Restoring Liberty to shape the future of conservative values.

🔗 Donate HERE and be a Guardian of Liberty!

Thank you for being the backbone of Restoring Liberty. With your support, we’ll stand strong for another two decades and beyond!