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Ukraine Claims Russian Summer Offensive Falls Short of Strategic Goals

A firefighter works at the site of an apartment building hit during a Russian drone and missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine in this handout picture released August 30, 2025. Ukraine’s armed forces have declared that Russia’s much-publicized summer offensive failed to secure full control of any major Ukrainian city, despite Moscow’s claims of significant territorial gains. Russian Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov stated that since March, Russian forces had captured over 3,500 square kilometers of territory and taken control of 149 settlements. However, Ukraine’s General Staff dismissed these figures as “grossly exaggerated,” asserting that no major urban centers were fully occupied by Russian troops. Military analysts note that Russia’s campaign, aimed at seizing the Donbas region and forcing Ukraine into concessions, devolved into a slow, attritional struggle rather than the decisive breakthrough Moscow had anticipated. While Russian ...

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Israeli Navy Intercepts Gaza-Bound Aid Ship 'Handala' in International Waters


Israeli naval forces intercepted the Gaza-bound aid vessel Handala on Saturday night, halting its mission to deliver humanitarian supplies to the besieged enclave. The ship, operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, was seized approximately 40 nautical miles off Gaza’s coast in international waters.

The Handala was carrying 21 civilians from 12 countries, including parliamentarians, journalists, lawyers, and human rights activists. Its cargo included essential items such as baby formula, diapers, food, and medicine. Livestream footage showed Israeli soldiers boarding the unarmed vessel, with passengers wearing life jackets and raising their hands in surrender before communications were cut.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the interception, stating the vessel was “illegally entering the maritime zone of the coast of Gaza” and is now being escorted to Israeli shores. All passengers are reported safe. The ministry emphasized that unauthorized attempts to breach the blockade are “dangerous, unlawful, and undermine ongoing humanitarian efforts.”

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition condemned the action as a violation of international maritime law and described the seizure as “maritime piracy.” Activists aboard have vowed to begin a hunger strike if detained.

This marks the third such interception of a Freedom Flotilla vessel this year, following similar actions against ships including the Madleen, which carried climate activist Greta Thunberg.


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