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Ukrainian Refugee Iryna Zarutska’s Look of Horror After She Was Fatally Stabbed on Train — As Her Final Moments Are Revealed

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Slaughtered Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska looked up at her killer with terror in her eyes after he repeatedly stabbed her with a pocket knife, as no passengers came immediately to her aid, disturbing newly-released surveillance footage shows.

The new extended clip from the Aug. 22 attack on the Lynx Blue Line train shows the 23-year-old cowering in fear and covering her face with her hands after the shocking, unprovoked attack, allegedly carried out by homeless repeat felon Decarlos Brown Jr.

Zarutska, who had come to the US in 2022 seeking safety after Russia invaded her country, pulls up her legs, which can be seen spattered with blood in the video.

It comes as the FBI announced on Monday that Brown was hit with federal charges on top of the state murder rap he already faces. The penalty includes the possibility of the death sentence if he is convicted.

She then falls to the floor about 15 seconds later, the video shows. (Read more from “Ukrainian Refugee Iryna Zarutska’s Look of Horror After She Was Fatally Stabbed on Train — As Her Final Moments Are Revealed” HERE)

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Russia Hammers Ukraine With One of the Largest Air Strikes of the War

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Russia launched one of its biggest aerial attacks of the year on Ukraine, firing 574 drones and 40 ballistic and cruise missiles overnight, the Ukrainian Air Force said Thursday, while a recent diplomatic push to stop the three-year war is trying to gain momentum.

The attack mostly targeted western regions of the country, the air force said, where much of the military aid provided by Ukraine´s Western allies is believed to be delivered and stored. The strikes killed at least one person and injured 15 others, according to officials.

It was Russia´s third-largest aerial attack this year in terms of the number of drones fired and the eighth-largest in terms of missiles, according to official figures. Most such Russian attacks have hit civilian areas.

The strikes occurred during a renewed U.S.-led effort to reach a peace settlement following Russia´s February 2022 invasion of its neighbor. U.S. President Donald Trump discussed the war with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska last week, and at the start of this week hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders at the White House. (Read more from “Russia Hammers Ukraine With One of the Largest Air Strikes of the War” HERE)

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Trump Clarifies Role American Troops May Play In Ukraine Peace Deal

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President Donald Trump told Fox and Friends the United States may give Ukraine air support as part of the peace deal with Russia.

Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office on Monday to discuss a possible peace deal between Ukraine and Russia. During the meeting, the president didn’t rule out American troops on the ground in Ukraine but on Tuesday, Trump suggested the U.S. would help by air.

“What did [the world leaders] say to you privately? It looks like they are on the same page as you are,” Fox and Friends host Lawrence Jones asked Trump.

“They are, they’re very good people, they are very good leaders of their country and they want to lead their country. They are consumed with this far more than we are because they are right there. We have an ocean separating us, a thing called an ocean. A big, beautiful ocean. They don’t. They are right there,” Trump began.

“It’s a different kind of a thing for them…when it comes to security, they are willing to put people on the ground, we’re willing to help them with things, especially, probably if you talk about by air because nobody has stuff we have, really they don’t have,” the president said.

(Read more from “Trump Clarifies Role American Troops May Play In Ukraine Peace Deal” HERE)

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Trump Departs for Historic Alaska Meeting with Putin in Bid for Peace Deal

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President Donald Trump departed Washington, D.C., on Friday morning, heading to Anchorage, Alaska, for a high-stakes meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. The talks are expected to address territorial disputes, sanctions, and the broader path toward a peace agreement involving both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Air Force One took off just after 8 a.m. ET, with Trump speaking briefly to reporters onboard. He emphasized that while his focus is on American interests, the mission is about preventing further bloodshed in Eastern Europe.

“Economically severe. Yes, it will be very severe. I’m not doing this for my health, okay,” Trump said. “I don’t need it. I’d like to focus on our country, but I’m doing this to save a lot of lives. Yeah, very severe.”

According to Trump, Russia will face significant economic repercussions if a deal is not reached. He also acknowledged that land swaps could form part of the negotiations but stressed that such decisions ultimately belong to Ukraine.

“[Territorial swaps will] be discussed, but I’ve got to let Ukraine make that decision, and I think they’ll make a proper decision,” he noted. “But I’m not here to negotiate for Ukraine. I’m here to get them at a table.”

While no concrete schedule for the Alaska talks has been released, the meeting’s location—halfway between Moscow and Washington—has been described as a symbolic midpoint for a potentially groundbreaking dialogue.

Trump reiterated his belief that Putin’s ambitions had been curtailed during his presidency.

“Look, Vladimir Putin wanted to take all of Ukraine. If I wasn’t president, he would, right now, be taking all of Ukraine, but he’s not going to do it,” Trump said.

Russia Set to Test ‘Unstoppable Doomsday’ Nuclear Missile as Fears of WW3 Surge

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Russia is reportedly preparing to carry out a new test of its doomsday nuclear-powered missile, as fears continue to grow that the Kremlin is preparing for a major war with NATO. Satellite imagery and activity at the Pankovo test range on the Novaya Zemlya archipelago suggest renewed preparations for a launch of the 9M730 Burevestnik.

At least four Russian vessels, previously anchored near the test site, have moved into observation positions in the eastern Barents Sea. The maneuver is a standard safety measure during large missile trials, according to military experts. Russian aviation authorities also issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) covering 40,000 square kilometers over Novaya Zemlya. . . 

The development of the Burevestnik was announced by Vladimir Putin in 2018 and is one of Russia’s next-generation strategic weapons.

Nicknamed the “flying Chernobyl”, it uses a nuclear-powered engine to achieve unlimited range.

In theory, the nuclear armed missile is able to loiter in flight waiting for a strike order, then approach its target via unexpected routes. The Russians believe that the missile will be therefore impossible to intercept by air defense systems. (Read more from “Russia Set to Test ‘Unstoppable Doomsday’ Nuclear Missile as Fears of WW3 Surge” HERE)

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Report: Putin Floats Proposal to End Ukraine War

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Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly indicated he would be willing to end the war in Ukraine if Kyiv agreed to surrender significant portions of its eastern territory, according to European and Ukrainian officials cited by The Wall Street Journal.

The proposal was allegedly made to U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff during talks on Wednesday. Putin’s offer, as described by officials briefed on the conversation, involved Ukraine ceding the Donbas region — a largely Russian-speaking area — in exchange for an end to active hostilities. The Donbas includes Donetsk and Luhansk, the latter of which Russia already fully controls. Moscow also holds territory in the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions, though it remains unclear if those areas would be part of any potential withdrawal.

President Donald Trump, who has pursued peace in the region since the start of his term, reportedly took part in the initial discussion alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Vice President JD Vance, and Witkoff. Follow-up calls on Thursday and Friday involved European officials and senior members of Trump’s team, focusing on the structure of Putin’s proposal.

According to Witkoff’s account to European diplomats, the plan would unfold in two stages. First, Ukrainian forces would withdraw from Donetsk, effectively freezing the current frontlines. The second stage would involve negotiations between Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and Putin to reach a longer-term agreement.

Ukrainian officials have reportedly signaled that Kyiv would require a ceasefire before entering into any such talks. The war, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, has resulted in hundreds of thousands of casualties on both sides and continues to reshape security dynamics across Europe.

Trump and Putin to Meet in Alaska, Zelensky May Join Talks

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Former President Donald Trump has confirmed that he will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday, August 15, 2025. The announcement, made on Trump’s Truth Social account, described the event as a “highly anticipated meeting” and promised further details in the coming days.

While Trump stated the date and location were set, a senior White House official reportedly noted that the plans remain “fluid.” According to that official, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky may also become involved in the discussions.

The meeting comes amid ongoing efforts to address the Russia–Ukraine conflict. Moscow had earlier indicated that it expected Trump and Putin to meet in person to discuss the war, with top Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov confirming that a venue had been agreed upon.

This development follows U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff’s recent visit to Russia, where he met directly with Putin. Those talks were described as a “last-bid attempt” to secure peace in Ukraine, though little concrete progress has been reported so far.

Observers note that Trump’s tone on the conflict has shifted over time—from initial optimism about diplomatic solutions to clear frustration at the lack of movement from Moscow.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump remains “open to meeting with both President Putin and President Zelensky” if it could help advance peace negotiations. The Alaska summit, if it proceeds as planned, could mark one of the most high-profile diplomatic events of the year.

Trump Issues Ultimatum to Putin as Russian Drones Breach NATO Airspace; Putin Agrees to Meet in Alaska

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Eastern Europe is once again on edge as Russian drones—some armed with explosives—have breached NATO airspace, triggering security concerns and drawing a pointed warning from U.S. President Donald Trump. President Trump has demanded a resolution to the escalating tensions, giving Russian President Vladimir Putin until Friday to make “meaningful progress” in peace negotiations or face sweeping sanctions targeting Russia’s war economy.

The warning comes as NATO allies in Eastern Europe grow increasingly uneasy over a string of drone incursions and missile strikes brushing up against alliance borders.

In recent days, an explosive-laden drone believed to have originated from Belarus entered Lithuanian airspace, traveling over 100 kilometers before crashing inside a military training zone near the capital, Vilnius. The drone was carrying approximately two kilograms of explosives and came within one kilometer of the Lithuanian president’s residence.

Another drone incident occurred earlier in July, when an unidentified aircraft crashed near the Šumskas border crossing, prompting the evacuation of government officials. Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovilė Šakalienė called the latest breach “unprecedented and alarming,” urging NATO to take the situation seriously and increase regional air defense cooperation.

“This is not merely about Lithuanian airspace—this is NATO territory,” Šakalienė warned. “We need a collective response that reflects the seriousness of the threat.”

Meanwhile, a separate Russian missile strike hit a Ukrainian gas depot just half a mile from Romania’s border, again raising questions about NATO’s preparedness. Although Romania’s air force scrambled F‑16s to patrol the skies, no drone crossed into Romanian airspace during the incident—an outcome Romanian officials attribute to new legislation passed in May that allows for immediate interception or destruction of unauthorized drones.

Romania’s swift response stood in stark contrast to NATO’s broader posture, which has remained muted despite multiple airspace breaches over the past year.

Experts say the incidents reflect a shift in Russia’s military strategy—away from conventional warfare and toward so-called “hybrid” tactics that blend psychological warfare, cyberattacks, and ambiguous military provocations.

“This is the future battlefield,” said Eitvydas Bajarūnas, former Lithuanian ambassador. “It’s not about tanks rolling across borders, it’s about uncertainty, pressure, and the erosion of public confidence in security guarantees.”

Bruno Kahl, head of Germany’s Federal Intelligence Service, has repeatedly warned that Russia is testing the limits of NATO’s unity, using drone incursions and disinformation to gauge how the alliance might respond to more serious provocations. “Russia doesn’t believe NATO will act on Article 5 unless directly challenged,” Kahl said earlier this summer, referencing the alliance’s foundational principle of collective defense.

Amid growing anxiety in Europe, Donald Trump has taken a more confrontational approach. Speaking during an interview on CNBC’s Squawk Box, Trump said Putin’s military adventurism was being fueled by high energy prices and vowed to collapse Russia’s oil-dependent economy if necessary.

“Putin will stop killing people if you get energy down another $10 a barrel,” Trump said. “He’s going to have no choice because his economy stinks.”

Trump warned that unless peace talks show tangible progress by the end of the week, he would push for aggressive sanctions targeting Russia’s energy sector—measures that could cut into the Kremlin’s ability to fund its ongoing war in Ukraine.

While Trump’s ultimatum may place renewed pressure on Moscow, some analysts worry it may also expose cracks in NATO’s deterrence strategy.

Andrew D’Anieri, a regional security expert with the Atlantic Council, noted that repeated incursions without any firm NATO response risk undermining the credibility of the alliance’s collective defense commitments.

“The concerning part is not just the drone flights,” D’Anieri said. “It’s the silence that follows.”

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Putin-Trump Meeting to Occur in Alaska on 8/15/25

By Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are scheduled to meet next week in Alaska to discuss an end to the three-year Russian war on Ukraine in the first in-person session between the two world leaders since Trump returned to the White House in January.

“The highly anticipated meeting between myself, as President of the United States of America, and President Vladimir Putin, of Russia, will take place next Friday, August 15, 2025, in the Great State of Alaska,” Trump wrote on Aug. 8 in a post on Truth Social. “Further details to follow. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

The announcement comes on the same day a Trump-imposed deadline on Putin to end the war in Ukraine expires. Talks have been floated for months and were initially supposed to include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, with Trump facilitating the negotiations. (Read more from this story HERE)

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Putin Drops Missile Pact, Sparking Fears of New U.S.-Russia Nuclear Arms Race

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In a chilling throwback to Cold War brinkmanship, arms race fears are mounting as Putin says Russia is no longer bound by missile treaty limits that once curbed the deployment of intermediate-range nuclear weapons. The announcement has escalated tensions between Moscow and Washington to dangerous new levels as both nations engage in an increasingly volatile military standoff centered around Ukraine.

On Monday, the Russian Foreign Ministry declared an end to its self-imposed moratorium on intermediate-range missile deployments, citing aggressive moves by the United States and NATO allies, particularly the planned stationing of American Typhoon and Dark Eagle missile systems in Germany next year. The ministry warned that such deployments near Russian borders are a “direct threat” to the country’s security and could have “significant harmful consequences” for regional and global stability.

“Russia no longer has any limitations,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. “Russia believes it has the right to take respective steps if necessary.”

While the statement stopped short of detailing where or when Russia might deploy its own systems, President Vladimir Putin has already announced the coming placement of Russia’s new Oreshnik intermediate-range missiles in Belarus later this year. Designed for maximum speed and devastation, the Oreshnik—capable of flying at Mach 10 and carrying conventional or nuclear warheads—can reportedly reach any target in Europe.

NATO’s Missile Moves Spark Russian Reaction

Russia’s Foreign Ministry justified the policy shift as a response to Washington’s missile plans and broader NATO military buildup. “Decisions on specific parameters of response measures will be made based on the scale of deployment of American and other Western missiles,” the ministry said, stressing the need for a flexible strategy as the international security landscape evolves.

The United States and Russia both abandoned the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty in 2019 after accusing each other of violations. Signed in 1987 by Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev, the INF Treaty had banned land-based missiles with ranges between 500 and 5,500 kilometers. Following the collapse of the agreement, Moscow pledged a voluntary halt in deployment—until now.

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, now deputy chairman of the country’s Security Council, celebrated the end of the moratorium as a “new reality” that “all our opponents will have to reckon with.” In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Medvedev warned, “Expect further steps.”

Trump Orders Submarine Repositioning

The Kremlin’s announcement follows a separate development that could compound tensions. Former President Donald Trump, now leading in the polls as the 2024 election nears, said Friday he had ordered the repositioning of two U.S. nuclear submarines. The move came after a defiant Medvedev dismissed Trump’s warning to accept a Ukraine peace deal or face severe consequences.

Trump said he was alarmed by Medvedev’s combative rhetoric and nuclear threats, noting the escalation as a sign of worsening nuclear brinkmanship. “Each new ultimatum is a threat and a step toward war,” Medvedev had replied to Trump’s peace proposal.

With Trump’s self-imposed deadline for a Ukraine deal approaching, the maneuvering of both Russian and American nuclear assets underscores the renewed volatility in U.S.-Russia relations and the looming threat of a broader conflict that could involve NATO states.

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Federal Grand Jury Investigates Ex-Obama Officials Over Alleged Trump-Russia Hoax

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A federal grand jury has been convened to investigate whether former Obama-era officials coordinated efforts to promote what turned out to be false claims of collusion between Donald Trump and Russia during the 2016 election cycle, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter.

The Justice Department’s probe is centered around the early days of “Crossfire Hurricane,” the FBI’s investigation into alleged ties between the Trump campaign and Russian operatives — an inquiry that ultimately resulted in no findings of collusion after years of scrutiny by Special Counsel Robert Mueller.

The investigation, which could lead to criminal charges, is said to focus on key intelligence figures including former CIA Director John Brennan, former FBI Director James Comey, and former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper. All three served under President Barack Obama and were involved in initiating or advancing the Russia probe.

President Trump and current Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard have both called for accountability, alleging the Russia narrative was a politically motivated operation designed to derail Trump’s presidency. Gabbard, a former Democrat congresswoman, submitted a criminal referral to Attorney General Pam Bondi last month, citing alleged misconduct by Obama-era intelligence officials and suggesting the former president himself may have orchestrated the effort.

Obama-Era Intelligence Under Scrutiny

Central to the investigation are claims that the infamous Steele dossier — a collection of salacious and unverified allegations compiled by former British spy Christopher Steele — was knowingly used to legitimize the Russia narrative. The dossier was funded by opposition research firm Fusion GPS, on behalf of Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign and the Democratic National Committee.

Documents obtained during the inquiry reportedly contradict Brennan’s 2023 congressional testimony, in which he claimed the CIA opposed inclusion of the Steele dossier in an intelligence assessment. At the time, Brennan had allegedly supported its inclusion, according to internal agency communications.

Comey is also facing renewed scrutiny following his 2023 interview with Secret Service agents regarding an image he posted online, interpreted by some as a threat against Trump. Republican lawmakers have long accused Comey of providing false testimony to Congress in 2017, which carries a potential five-year prison sentence — although that charge is subject to a statute of limitations.

Legal Hurdles and Political Fallout

The grand jury inquiry comes at a legally complex moment. In 2024, the Supreme Court ruled that former presidents are immune from criminal prosecution for official acts — a decision that likely shields Obama from direct legal consequences related to presidential directives.

However, DOJ officials are exploring whether lower-level officials knowingly misled Congress or manipulated intelligence for political ends. Treason, while historically rare and difficult to prove, remains on the table as a charge with no statute of limitations.

“Following the compelling case outlined by DNI Tulsi Gabbard, which exposed clear and blatant weaponization by corrupt intelligence officials acting at the behest of the Democrat Party and likely former President Obama, the Administration remains committed to conducting a thorough investigation,” said White House spokesman Harrison Fields.

Trump, who has faced multiple indictments himself in recent years, has argued that he was too forgiving of political rivals during his first term — referencing his decision not to prosecute Hillary Clinton for her use of a private email server while serving as Secretary of State.

“I let her off the hook for what?” Trump said during a recent interview. “Now we know they actually meant it — and it was all a hoax. I think they should pay a price.”

Political and Historical Significance

The grand jury proceedings signal a significant shift in how past political investigations may be scrutinized in future administrations. While many legal experts caution that pursuing charges against former national security leaders could further politicize the justice system, supporters argue it’s necessary to restore public trust.

The Justice Department has not announced a timeline for potential indictments, and sources say the location of the grand jury — whether in Washington, D.C. or another jurisdiction — remains undisclosed for now.

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