On the situation in Ukraine:
Ukraine's Ministry of the Interior reports 42,000 Ukrainian citizens as missing. This number does not inclure some 19,000 kidnapped minors deported to Russia, Belarus or the occupied territories. The number of Ukrainian personnel held as prisoners of war is 2,384. (
Source)
On the geostrategic situation:
Following in the footsteps of ex-British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has outlined Donald Trump's Ukraine strategy if he is re-elected in November. According to his 'Wall Street Journal' opinion piece, America under Trump would neither recognise Russia's conquests in Ukraine nor require Ukraine to do the same. Pompeo claims that Trump would massively expand the existing lend-lease programme for Ukraine to a total amount of some $500 billion, on the provision that America's NATO allies raise at least $100 billion of their own. All restrictions and caveats imposed on Ukraine would be lifted so as to force Russia back to the negotiating table. Pompeo adds that Trump would also see to it that Ukraine could join NATO and the European Union as swiftly as possible. (
Source)
– That's a positive surprise and hopefully true. I see two reasons to remain skeptical, though: It's only possible for Pompeo and Johnson to tell the truth if Trump has radically changed his mind on Ukraine. Has he changed his mind? Moreover, why would the Trump campaign use two high-profile right-wing politicians to put his plan out to the media many months in advance? Trump isn't the kind of guy who wants to put his critics at ease. So, both articles might just be test balloons to gauge the reaction of the American right. What happens if they do not approve?
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