Boris Johnson blows up Trump-Russia narrative, silencing CNN's Jake Tapper



CNN talking head Jake Tapper gave former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson an opportunity this week to help the American media establishment advance its latest Trump-Russia smear.

Johnson, whose time as prime minister and foreign secretary overlapped Trump's first four years in the White House, not only proved unwilling to cosign the narrative but highlighted President Donald Trump's historic efforts to keep Russia in check — something the Biden-Harris administration has alternatively had difficulty with.

Johnson went on CNN to promote his new memoir, "Unleashed." While nominally interested in discussing the former prime minister's book, Tapper appeared far more intent on exploring some of the more sensational allegations in Bob Woodward's forthcoming book, particularly the disputed claim — from yet another unnamed source — that Trump has spoken to Putin as many as seven times since leaving the White House.

'None of ... these made-up stories by Bob Woodward are true.'

Democratic operatives and the liberal media are desperate to make something of this allegation. Former Obama U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice, for instance, gladly leaped to the conclusion Tuesday that Trump had violated the Logan Act, thereby committing a crime.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has also given the rumor oxygen, claiming, "If it is true, it is indeed concerning."

Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung told The Hill, "None of ... these made-up stories by Bob Woodward are true," adding that Woodward "suffers from a debilitating case of Trump derangement syndrome."

Woodward might have a chip on his shoulder on account of the president's $50 million lawsuit for releasing audio recordings of their interviews without consent.

"CNN is also reporting that in Woodward's book, according to a Trump aide, there have been multiple phone calls between former President Trump and Vladimir Putin. Maybe as many as seven since Trump left the White House in 2021," said Tapper. "What's your reaction to that?"

"I don't know if that's true, and I'm certainly not privy to the contents of those sorts of conversations," said Johnson.

"What I can tell our viewers is that when I had dealings with President Trump over Russia, like when the Russians poisoned people in the U.K., it was actually the Trump administration that really ... exceeded expectations. They expelled 60 Russian spies. It was the Trump administration that actually gave Ukrainians lethal weaponry — the Javelin missiles to use against Putin's troops."

After Russian former double agent Sergei Skripal and his adult daughter were poisoned in 2018, Trump ordered the expulsion of 60 Russian diplomats whom his administration identified as intelligence agents. He also had the Russian consulate in Seattle closed.

'Had he been president in 2022, there would have been no Russian invasion of Ukraine.'

As for the Javelins, Trump approved a plan to send the anti-tank missile systems to Ukraine in December 2017 — a step that former President Barack Obama had avoided, even when Russia annexed Crimea under his watch.

There was a pregnant silence after Johnson concluded his defense of Trump's record on Russia. Tapper then awkwardly changed the topic to the prime minister's book.

This is not the first time in recent days that the former prime minister has defended Trump.

In a recent interview with Britain's Times Radio, Johnson suggested Putin would not have invaded Ukraine on Trump's watch.

"I happen to believe that when Donald Trump says that had he been president in 2022, there would have been no Russian invasion of Ukraine, my view is that that is a credible assertion. I really do think that's credible," said Johnson.

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Smackdown: UFC's Dana White bets big on Power Slap



A few years ago, the only slap fight Americans could refer to was Will Smith’s notorious moment at the Oscars — a surreal episode that turned a once-prestigious awards ceremony into a meme machine.

Today, however, slap fighting has evolved into a mainstream spectacle. In fact, it’s now a recognized competitive sport.

In an age characterized by short attention spans and a voracious appetite for the bizarre, Power Slap stands at the intersection of 'Idiocracy' and 'Jackass.'

This brings us to Dana White and his prediction that Power Slap, his latest venture, will eclipse the UFC in popularity. While slap fighting might sound novel in a flashy American format, the reality is that it has strong Soviet roots. Shudder at the thought, I know.

From Russia with slaps

The origins of slap fighting can be traced back to Russia, where it's been embraced as a legitimate form of entertainment, existing alongside bodybuilding, powerlifting, and even dumpling-eating contests. The Russians really are a rare bunch.

Events like the Siberian Power Show, for instance, feature slap contests among their rather eclectic offerings. This reflects the Russian knack for absurdity, often expressed through "gulag humor," showcasing a culture that finds levity amid suffering, chaos, and the reddening of faces.

The appeal of slap fighting, if we can call it that, lies in its stark simplicity: two people, stripped down to just their hands, engaging in a battle that feels instinctual. There’s something inherently primal about slapping someone across the face — an expression of aggression that resonates on a fundamental level, breaking through cultural and linguistic barriers. It's a raw and unfiltered form of human expression, animalistic in the extreme. We've all, at one point in our lives, wanted to slap another person in the face. This fact is not lost on Dana White, the P.T. Barnum of modern America.

Method to the madness

In Power Slap, competitors take turns delivering open-handed slaps, with the order determined by a coin toss or seeding method that specifies who strikes or defends first. Each round provides only 30 seconds for the striker to make a hit, followed by a similar period for the defender to recover. Victory can be achieved through a knockout, technical knockout, or points, following a "10-point must system" similar to boxing. But this is where the similarities with boxing end. More on that shortly.

The mechanics of a proper slap may seem deceptively simple, but the execution is crucial. A well-timed slap connects with the heel of the palm, delivering raw concussive force rather than just a sting. Unlike punches, which involve the entire fist and can result in injuries for the striker, slaps minimize the risk of broken knuckles while maximizing the potential for a concussive impact.

The speed at which a competitor can turn his head significantly affects the likelihood of a concussion, making the slap — a rapid, head-spinning maneuver — an unexpectedly effective weapon in this bizarre athletic contest. Rather obviously, the risks are far from trivial. The threat of brain damage looms over every contest. The implications of repeated blunt force trauma to the brain are serious and cannot be overlooked. Each slap carries the potential for long-term neurological consequences.

From Ali to Idiocracy

If we’re feeling generous, we might say that Power Slap is simply Dana White delivering more of what the audience craves. But a less generous observer — like myself — could argue that the rise of Power Slap reflects a deeper cultural devolution, where the once-respected arts of boxing and martial arts have transformed into spectacles prioritizing entertainment over athleticism, silliness over actual skill. In an age characterized by short attention spans and a voracious appetite for the bizarre, Power Slap stands at the intersection of “Idiocracy” and “Jackass.” The cultural zeitgeist doesn’t just embrace a warped sense of humor and spectacle; it demands it.

We've gone from the glory days of Ali and prime Mike Tyson ... to this? It’s a clear reflection of broader decay — from Johnny Carson to Jimmy Kimmel, from Tina Turner to Taylor Swift, and from the brilliance of “Saturday Night Live” in the 1970s and 1980s to what it has become today. Just look at our trajectory, folks: from JFK to Joe Biden.

Power Slap's popularity, I suggest, can be attributed to its perfect fit for our fast-paced, distraction-driven culture, where content is consumed in bite-sized clips that can go viral in seconds. In an age characterized by "too long, didn't read" mentalities, the prospect of watching grown men and women — yes, women are invited to the slapfest — get knocked out with an open hand is hard to resist. The immediate thrill of a slap, captured in a quick video, offers instant gratification that reading a book simply can’t.

It's a perfect fit for TikTok and Instagram. In truth, Dana White's latest offering is a perfect fit for a society increasingly drawn to sensationalism over substance.

Luxury watch dealer who bought Trump sneakers for $9,000 stomps 'Russian oligarch' narrative



Luxury watch dealer Roman Sharf shelled out $9,000 Saturday for a pair of "Never Surrender" high-top sneakers signed by former President Donald Trump at Philadelphia's Sneaker Con. After securing the pair of limited-edition and now sold-out shoes at auction, Sharf underwent significant media scrutiny.

Despite migrating to the United States as a teen and reportedly serving in the U.S. military, the American entrepreneur was cast by various publications and online personalities as a Russian CEO. The Daily Mail went farther, characterizing Sharf as a Trump-supporting "Russian oligarch."

Sharf punched back in a Monday video in which he corrected his origin story, defended his purchase, and underscored his patriotism.

Quick background

Shoe aficionados flocked to the Philadelphia Convention Center over the weekend for Sneaker Con, a traveling event for collectors to buy, sell, and trade sneakers. Trump made an appearance, debuting a line of golden shoes featuring a "T" embossed on the tongue and an American flag on the ankle.

— (@)

According to the website that sold out of all 1,000 of the $399 limited-run shoes, "Trump Sneakers are not designed, manufactured, distributed or sold by Donald J. Trump, The Trump Organization or any of their respective affiliates or principals."

The Associated Press claimed that the shoe website was run by Trump's CIC Ventures LLC. However, the shoe company clearly states in its FAQ that CIC Ventures simply holds the trademarks for Trump's name and likeness and neither manages nor controls the company: "45Footwear uses Donald J. Trump's name, likeness and image under paid license from CIC Ventures LLC."

Extra to the "Never Surrender High Top Sneaker," the company advertised a pair of red laceless athletic shoes and a pair of white laceless shoes, reported NBC News.

"I've wanted to do this for a long time," Trump told an uproarious crowd. "I have some incredible people that work with me on things, and they came up with this ... and I think it's gonna be a big success."

Trump signed ten of the high-tops. Some collectors had an opportunity to get their hands on a pair Saturday.

Sharf, a self-described "sneaker head" and the CEO of the successful pre-owned luxury watch dealer Luxury Bazaar — founded in 2001 in Southampton, Pennsylvania — paid $9,000 at auction so that he could add the high-tops to his collection.

In a post to X, Sharf wrote, "Passing these down to my kids, but for now will display in the office."

Responding to Russian framing

Various publications and critics online leaned on the narrative that Sharf was a Russian businessman with an unhealthy affinity for Trump.

The Daily Mail ran an article entitled, "MAGA mania! Russian oligarch buys pair of autographed Trump sneakers for $9k at auction while others list limited edition kicks for $45,000 on eBay."

The New York Post recirculated an article by the Australian publication News.com.au, emphasizing in the body and title that Sharf was a "Russian CEO."

Various social media users with significant followings insinuated that the sneaker game presented an opportunity for Trump and Moscow to collude.

Olga Lautman, a senior fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis and co-host of the KremlinFile podcast, wrote, "How shocking[.] A shady Russian watch dealer paid $9.000 fo [sic] Trump’s gaudy sneakers. I can't figure if this is going to be a new way to move money or just plain stupidity."

Sharf set the record straight Monday with a pithy video.

"So, bought a pair of sneakers ... and apparently, they made me a Russian oligarch overnight," says Sharf. "Guys, I'm a sneaker head. I'm also a U.S. Army veteran. And yes, I am a Republican."

Referencing the Daily Mail headline, Sharf noted, "I actually came from Ukraine."

"At the time it was part of the Soviet Union. I came here at the age of 13 as a refugee," continued the watch dealer. "My dad had four dollars in his pocket. I busted my ass working every dirty job under the sun to get where I am today in order to be able to afford to buy this $9,000 pair of collectible sneakers."

He also singled out Lautman's remarks, claiming not only that is he from Ukraine but that his organization has allegedly helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for the beleaguered nation since its invasion by Russia.

Sharf acknowledged his apparent Ukrainian origin and immigrant story "would not get as many clicks as 'Russian oligarch.'"

After shaking off threats of a boycott on account of his purchase, Sharf stressed, "There's not a mean tweet in the world, there's not an IG post, there's not a news article that's gonna stop me from being who I am and that is a patriot of this country."

"You wanna hate me for wanting this country to be great again, go ahead and judge the sneaker head. But no matter what, I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all," added Sharf.

— (@)

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Vegan influencer reportedly died of starvation after living on fruit diet



Vegan blogger Zhanna Samsonova, a 39-year-old self-described food stylist and raw plant-based chef whose videos on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram have received tens of millions of views, has allegedly died of starvation.

The Russian influencer, who went by Zhanna D'Art online, died on July 21 in Malaysia, where she had been living, reported the Evening Kazan.

The New York Post indicated that she had subsisted exclusively on a diet of exotic fruit.

One friend explained that for the past seven years, Samsonova only consumed jackfruit and durian, a meaty fruit that comes in hundreds of different varieties in Malaysia.

One of Samsonova's friends reportedly told Newsflash, "A few months ago, in Sri Lanka, she already looked exhausted, with swollen legs oozing lymph. ... They sent her home to seek treatment. However, she ran away again. When I saw her in Phuket, I was horrified."

The influencer's friend recalled living one floor above her and every day fearing "finding her lifeless body in the morning. I convinced her to seek treatment, but she didn't make it."

Vera Samsonova, the decedent's mother, told reporters that she suspects her daughter's vegan diet had exhausted her body, leaving it susceptible to a "cholera-like infection."

"Zhanna's idle stagnation was causing her to melt before our eyes, but she believed everything was fine," her mother speculated. "Only her eyes, merry eyes, and gorgeous hair compensated for the dreadful sight of a body tortured by idiocy. Forgive me if it sounds harsh."

Samsonova long promoted her diet and lifestyle online, suggesting last year that though leaves and vegetable matter "will be easy to acquire, most will not offer much in terms of calories and satisfaction. When it comes to meat from any animals, while this source may offer a high amount of calories, it will not offer much satisfaction when raw and unflavored, and it is the hardest and most costly food source to acquire."

Instead, she claimed that "[f]rom an efficiency and sustainability perspective ... fruits have been the perfect human food for millennia, similar to that of many of our closest primate ancestors."

The Post indicated that Samsonova hyped her restrictive eating regimen, saying, "I see my body and mind transform every day. ... I love my new me and never move on to the habits that I used to use."

The blogger pushed for others to follow suit, writing, "I eat simple food, although I have a lot of experience as a raw food chef. I love creating my own recipes and inspiring people to eat healthier."

In May 2022, she posted a condemnation of "misinformation and contradictory information" in the field of nutrition, writing, "We have greatly lost sight of what healthy eating truly means. ... We have a subset of people who try to convince others that fruits are 'risky' to eat and a subset of people who believe this, and in turn fear eating fruits. Ridiculous, isn't it?"

Endocrinologist Dr. Shira Eytan told Health in December that vegan diets can result in various vitamin deficiencies, including iron, zinc, calcium and B12.

"Omega-3 fatty acids may also be deficient in a vegan diet," added Eytan.

A 2019 study published in the British Medical Journal found that vegetarians "had higher rates of haemorrhagic and total stroke" than meat eaters.

TheBlaze recently reported that self-described "diehard vegan" Kai-Lee Worsley nearly died after embracing a restrictive diet upon moving to California.

Like Samsonova, Worsley told Wales Online she ended up exhausted and unable to get out of bed.

"I didn't feel strong, like, honestly, I felt so weak. It was like a really slow process until one day I was in bed and I was like I don't think could ever get up again," she recalled. "I came to the point where I was like I might die right now. I might die right here in this tiny apartment in this random city that I moved to."

Survivalist Bear Grylls also learned the hard way that the vegan diet does not live up to the hype, going so far as to apologize for ever having promoted it.

Grylls told the Telegraph, "I was vegan quite a few years ago — in fact, I wrote a vegan cookbook — and I feel a bit embarrassed because I really promoted that. ... I thought that was good for the environment and I thought it was good for my health. And through time and experience and knowledge and study, I realised I was wrong on both counts."

Despite scientific and anecdotal evidence that vegan diets may have downsides, the Post reported that many of Samsonova's fans refuse to believe her eating choices got her killed, maintaining instead that chemicals in the fruits were responsible.

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CROWDER: Disney projected to lose $100 million on latest flick that promotes climate change and homosexual teen romance



Disney's latest film, "Strange World," is about a gay teen romance and climate change. Crowder and his team did the dirty work of watching the movie so you don't have to.

In this clip, Crowder shared clips from the flick and explained that Disney's "Strange World" is not just a gay teen romance. It's also a climate change commentary, and it is projected to cost the studio $100 million. In Crowder's view, the market has spoken, and Disney will have to pay the price for the flopped film.

"An area where you can be effective at boycotting is consistent consumption," Crowder said. Catch the full episode of "Louder with Crowder" here.


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Kathy Griffin's Twitter account gets suspended after impersonating Elon Musk, new CEO announces strict rules against impersonations



Comedian and progressive activist Kathy Griffin had her Twitter account suspended on Sunday after violating the social media platform's terms of service. Griffin had been impersonating Elon Musk on Twitter.

Griffin altered her Twitter account to make it appear that it was Musk's official page. She changed her feature image to the same photo that Musk has and renamed her account to "Elon Musk."

Screenshots show Griffin was also impersonating Musk in her tweets. In the impersonating tweets, Griffin instructed people to vote for Democrats in the midterm elections.

\u201cThese celebrities impersonating @elonmusk to attempt and influence people on how to vote is the weirdest celebrity trend. The latest is d lister @kathygriffin.\u201d
— Russian Bot Barbie \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8\ud83d\udc71\ud83c\udffc\u200d\u2640\ufe0f (@Russian Bot Barbie \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8\ud83d\udc71\ud83c\udffc\u200d\u2640\ufe0f) 1667762910
\u201cWelp, Kathy Griffin is about to be deleted from Twitter for impersonating @ElonMusk. And of course, she is trying to manipulate people to think he wants them to vote for the Democrats. Typical dirty tricks. #Midterms2022 #Election2022 #MAGA\u201d
— Gays For TRUMP (@Gays For TRUMP) 1667763547

Griffin's Twitter account was suspended.

\u201cBREAKING: @KathyGriffin has been permanently suspended from Twitter for impersonating @ElonMusk\u201d
— Benny Johnson (@Benny Johnson) 1667777736

Even before Musk took over Twitter, it was against the social media network's terms of service to impersonate someone.

You may not impersonate individuals, groups, or organizations to mislead, confuse, or deceive others, nor use a fake identity in a manner that disrupts the experience of others on Twitter.

We want Twitter to be a place where people can find authentic voices. That means one should be able to trust that the person or organization featured in an account’s profile genuinely represents the account owner. While you are not required to display your real name or image on your profile, your account should not engage in impersonation or pose as someone who doesn’t exist in order to deceive others. Accounts that use deceptive identities can create confusion, as well as undermine the integrity of conversations on Twitter. For this reason, you may not misappropriate the identity of another person, group, or organization, or create a fake identity for deceptive purposes.

Accounts that impersonate others face profile modifications, temporary account suspension, and permanent suspension.

On Sunday, Musk issued a stern warning for anyone thinking about impersonating other accounts.

"Going forward, any Twitter handles engaging in impersonation without clearly specifying 'parody' will be permanently suspended," Musk tweeted. "Previously, we issued a warning before suspension, but now that we are rolling out widespread verification, there will be no warning."

"This wil l be clearly identified as a condition for signing up to Twitter Blue," the Twitter CEO stated.

\u201cPreviously, we issued a warning before suspension, but now that we are rolling out widespread verification, there will be no warning. \n\nThis will be clearly identified as a condition for signing up to Twitter Blue.\u201d
— Elon Musk (@Elon Musk) 1667775222

Griffin previously besmirched Musk as a "white supremacist."

"Think of the damage Zuckerberg has done. Musk is a Piers Morgan level media thirsty, vindictive, white supremacist who is looking to convince you he is an innovative disruptor," Griffin said in April.

Musk replied, "The extreme antibody reaction from those who fear free speech says it all."

Musk added, "By 'free speech', I simply mean that which matches the law. I am against censorship that goes far beyond the law. If people want less free speech, they will ask government to pass laws to that effect. Therefore, going beyond the law is contrary to the will of the people."

NJ Democratic councilwoman defies dozens of Jersey City constituents demanding she resign after video of alleged hit-and-run goes viral: 'I am not resigning'



A New Jersey Democratic councilwoman disregarded pleas from her constituents for her to resign after reportedly being caught on video plowing into a bicyclist with her car and fleeing the crime scene in her vehicle.

Approximately 100 Jersey City residents spoke at Wednesday night's council meeting. Most of the constituents at the five-hour meeting were there to call for councilwoman Amy DeGise to resign. The residents demanded DeGise's resignation for an alleged hit-and-run incident involving a cyclist.

"Her behavior shows a disregard for human life," declared Molly Booth – a longtime Jersey City resident who said she had never spoken at a council meeting before. "Apparently it needs to be said: Valuing human life is a necessary qualification of public officials."

Gothamist reported, "The most emotional moment of the night came when Kenneth Bandes of Families for Safe Streets held up a photo of his daughter, who was run over and killed by a bus at the age of 19."

"The councilmember’s father seems to think that those who care about traffic safety are radicals," Bandes said. "My only radical agenda tonight is only to protect others from the heartache we experienced. The councilmember should step down and stay off the road."


\u201cKenneth Bandes of Families for Safe Streets holds photo of his daughter struck and killed by a bus. He calls for councilwoman Amy DeGise to step down and stay off the road. He\u2019s the only speaker so far to get a standing ovation.\u201d
— Brenda Flanagan (@Brenda Flanagan) 1660784134

Amy's father is Tom DeGise – Hudson County Executive and a self-described "progressive Democrat." He called the Jersey Journal a "rag" that has become an "attack dog for the radical left" for reporting on his daughter.

The Jersey Journal covered Amy DeGise's alleged hit-and-run as well as "her troubling driving record, dozens of parking tickets, an unpaid veterinarian bill and her residence in an apartment complex meant for low- to moderate-income families even though she earns nearly $200,000 a year," NJ.com reported.

Despite dozens of her own constituents demanding that she resign, Amy DeGise defiantly dismissed the wishes of the Jersey City voters.

“I am not resigning,” Amy DeGise proclaimed. “I remain committed to this position on the council.”

"When the legal process in traffic court is finished, I will have more to say and I can address outstanding concerns and questions. And in the meantime, I’m not resigning," the Jersey City councilwoman added.

“For those who call for my resignation, you are heard, and I understand that you have concerns and questions that I respect and would enjoy any type of dialogue or discussion with you after I go to court,” DeGise told the overcapacity crowd.

"I do not identify with the perception that you have of me, but adversity does make us work harder," DeGise said, according to the New York Post. "To those of you who believe in me, thank you. And to those of you who don’t, thank you for making me want to be a better leader."

"This has only made me stronger and I will use that strength to fight for the issues that help every resident," she continued.

"I'm a private person, more than you think. I know everyone thinks I enjoy this public eye [but], I’m a very private person," DeGise claimed. "And, I would like to deal with this privately and I would like that respect, but it has gone vulgar."

"I'm appreciative of everyone who came out and had to stay tonight," the Democratic councilwoman said. "I’m appreciative and so grateful for the people who have reached out to support me or just want to wait until that court process goes on to ask me any further questions [or] to pry anymore. I cannot make it through these days without you."

“I remain committed to this position on the council, no matter your perception of me," she concluded. "Please know that my commitment is genuine, as is my love for Jersey City, and it is as strong as ever. Thank you.”

\u201cCouncilwoman DeGise addressed the crowd after all the speakers finished, explaining the threats against her and how they, and the incident itself, have impacted her life.\n\nRepeated that she will elaborate more once her court case is over and that she is not resigning.\u201d
— John Heinis (@John Heinis) 1660785780

Gothamist reported, "DeGise's case has not yet gone to court. The case has been moved from Hudson County, where she’s so politically connected, to Essex County, another Democratic stronghold."

On the morning of July 19, DeGise was caught by a traffic surveillance camera driving her black SUV through an intersection in Jersey City and slamming into a bicyclist. DeGise's black Nissan Rogue caused 29-year-old UberEats deliveryman Andrew Black to catapult into the air because of the force of the collision. Black and his bike were tossed several feet into the intersection.

The embattled Jersey City councilwoman didn't stop to check on Black after smashing into him.

Black did run a red light in the accident.

DeGise turned herself in at police headquarters six hours after the crash. She was charged with leaving the scene of an accident.

DeGise has never publicly apologized to Black or her constituents.

(WARNING: Graphic video)

\u201cA New Jersey city councilwoman (D) is facing calls to resign after she was caught on video hitting a bicyclist with her SUV earlier this month and then driving away.\n\u201d
— Russian Market (@Russian Market) 1659254098
The Left (Predictably) MELTS DOWN Over Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade Overturn | Ep 527

The Left (Predictably) MELTS DOWN Over Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade Overturn | Ep 527

Ivanka Trump met with Ukrainian refugees during a recent visit to Poland



Ivanka Trump, the popular eldest daughter of former President Donald Trump, recently traveled to Poland to meet with Ukrainian refugees and deliver food to families.

The former president’s daughter shared the experience with her followers on social media, the New York Post reported.

She said, “Grateful to have spent the last few days in Krakow & Warsaw to meet Ukrainian and Polish faith leaders who have shown so much compassion & love to Ukrainian families in need & for the opportunity to bear witness to the love, strength & resilience within each of these families.”


Grateful to have spent the last few days in Krakow & Warsaw to meet Ukrainian and Polish faith leaders who have shown so much compassion & love to Ukrainian families in need & for the opportunity to bear witness to the love, strength & resilience within each of these families.pic.twitter.com/nq3ZD5ORRo
— Ivanka Trump (@Ivanka Trump) 1653225533

Ms. Trump shared photos of her playing the guitar alongside a young girl, chatting with teenage refugees, and standing with a mother and her newborn child.


Her trip materialized through an invitation from CityServe, a non-profit organization that has been delivering food and aid to refugees.

The Daily Mail reported that a spokesperson for the organization said, “There [Ivanka Trump] met with dozens of pastors serving Ukrainians on the frontlines, many of which helped support the one million meal distribution in March.”

“This week, they brought meals, financial support and toys to dozens of Ukrainian families seeking both short-term and long-term refuge in Poland until they can safely return to Ukraine,” the spokesperson added.

Reportedly, Ms. Trump has been involved in several efforts to provide relief to Ukrainians in need since March. CityServe says that she has purchased and helped distribute one million meals into Ukraine and was vital in delivering several cargo planes worth of requested medical supplies that will be distributed among hospitals and clinics throughout Ukraine.

Ms. Trump is just the latest high-profile American figure to visit the Ukrainian people.

In late April, U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss the U.S. federal government’s role in providing the Ukrainian military with more than $300 million in financing. In early May, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and a delegation of Congressional Democrats met with Zelenskyy to show support for the Ukrainian government. Shortly after Pelosi’s trip to Ukraine, First Lady Jill Biden made a surprise trip to Ukraine and met with her Ukrainian counterpart, Olen Zelenska.

About a week after the first lady’s trip to Ukraine, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell led a delegation of Congressional Republicans to meet with Zelenskyy in Ukraine’s capital city of Kyiv.

There are currently no known plans for President Joe Biden to visit Ukraine or host Zelenskyy.

Russian oil revenues up 50% as Western sanctions on oil exports prove ineffective



Russian oil revenues have risen by 50% since the beginning of the year despite Western nations attempting to isolate and weaken the Russian economy.

The Epoch Times reported that a new report released by the International Energy Agency (IEA) revealed that the Russian Federation had earned about $20 billion each month in 2022. Russian oil producers sold roughly eight million barrels of oil per day.

Russian oil companies were able to achieve this feat largely because Western nations were unable to come to a consensus on isolating Russia’s oil industry in response to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.

While the U.S. sanctioned Russian oil in early March, the European Union (EU) and its member states were unable to reach a unanimous agreement to ban the import of Russian oil by member nations. About two-thirds of the oil imported by EU member states comes from Russia, so the continued import of this oil, despite thorough sanctions on other sectors of the Russian economy, continues to provide Russia with a vital lifeline.

The European bloc continues to be the largest consumer of Russian oil. Despite the EU member nations presenting themselves as united in diplomatic and economic opposition to the Russian regime, they account for roughly 43% of all Russian oil exported in April.

Last March, economist Elana Ribakova suggested there might be a latent paradox that could arise should Western nations move to sanction Russian oil. Ribakova indicated that, in theory, imposing sanctions on Russia, which is one of the world’s leading exporters of natural gas and petroleum, would cause a scarcity of oil-based resources, causing prices to rise. These rising prices would in turn present Russia with an opportunity to collect higher revenues through exporting the products to countries not sanctioning the industry, thus rendering any sanctioning regime’s attempts counterproductive.

In early March Ribakova said, “10$ on oil price gives Russia [about] $20 [billion] of current account inflows per year. With imports collapsing[,] Russia’s 2022 current account could exceed $200 billion. Despite ~40% of $640 [billion] [Bank of Russia] reserves arrested, Russia could rebuild buffers from the current account surplus.”

10$ on oil price gives Russia ~ $20 bn of current account inflows per year. With imports collapsing Russia's 2022 current account could exceed $200 bn.\n\nDespite ~ 40% of $640 bn @bank_of_russia reserves arrested, Russia could rebuild buffers from the current account surplus.pic.twitter.com/z1gXkRGCby
— Elina Ribakova \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\udde6 (@Elina Ribakova \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\udde6) 1646609528

Countries like China and India have not shied away from purchasing Russian fuel since the Ukraine invasion commenced, and with some EU member states continuing to import Russian oil, Russia will likely survive any current and future sanction packages that don’t affect its ability to export oil.