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Vladimir Putin has stated that he “agrees” with the US-proposed 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, but as expected, there are conditions attached. The Russian president is raising questions about what happens during the truce and setting demands that could complicate the deal.

Putin is not committing to the ceasefire without ensuring that certain stipulations are met. He insists that the agreement must address what he considers to be the “root causes” of the war. One of his main conditions is that Ukraine must stop mobilising troops and training during the truce. He has also expressed concerns that Ukrainian forces might use the pause to regroup and prepare for further military action. Additionally, Putin is demanding that Kyiv cease receiving military support from its allies, arguing that continued assistance would undermine the ceasefire. Furthermore, he has questioned whether Ukrainian forces would willingly withdraw from Russian-claimed territories or attempt to hold their positions, potentially leading to further conflict.

The United States and Ukraine are pushing hard for the ceasefire, viewing it as a crucial step toward peace. US envoy Steve Witkoff has travelled to Moscow to engage in discussions with Russian officials. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dismissed Putin’s comments as “manipulative” and accused Russia of using the negotiations as a delay tactic. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has reiterated that the next move is up to Russia, as the ceasefire agreement requires cooperation from both sides.

Adding further complexity to the situation, tensions remain high in Russia’s Kursk region. Reports indicate that Ukrainian forces launched a cross-border incursion in August 2024, escalating hostilities. In response, Russia claims to have retaken significant territory, including the strategically important town of Sudzha. Putin has expressed concerns about allowing Ukrainian forces to withdraw without facing consequences, which could influence Russia’s stance on the ceasefire terms.

Despite the challenges, the US and Ukraine remain cautiously optimistic while standing firm on their positions. Ukraine has agreed to the ceasefire, but only if Russia adheres to it without violations. Marco Rubio has once again emphasised that Russia must now take the necessary steps to ensure the ceasefire holds. In an effort to solidify the agreement, a US special envoy is continuing discussions in Moscow. Key points of contention in these talks include territorial disputes and control over critical infrastructure, which remain major obstacles to achieving lasting peace.

While the proposed ceasefire presents an opportunity for de-escalation, the numerous conditions and underlying tensions suggest that the path to peace remains fraught with challenges.

The Australian Army is known for its cutting-edge military technology and powerful combat vehicles designed for defence, mobility, and firepower. In 2025, the Australian Defence Force continues to upgrade its fleet with state-of-the-art tanks, armoured personnel carriers, and advanced artillery systems, ensuring superior performance on the battlefield. From heavily armed land combat vehicles to high-tech multi-role machines, these beasts are built to dominate any terrain and mission.

In this video, we take a closer look at the Top 10 most powerful military vehicles of the Australian Army in 2025. These machines are engineered with next-generation firepower, superior armour protection, and advanced battlefield technologies to tackle modern warfare challenges. Some are designed for rapid deployment, while others focus on unmatched firepower and survivability. Stay tuned as we unveil these incredible war machines and showcase why they are among the best in the world!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAI39KLlHiw

Rheinmetall has unveiled new footage of its Skyranger35, a 35 millimeter anti-aircraft turret mounted on the reliable Leopard-1 chassis. This genius combination has sparked discussions about the potential evolution of the legendary Gepard anti-aircraft system, leading some to dub this merger “the New Gepard-2”. The concept of integrating a state-of-the-art air defence system into an existing tank chassis is a game changer in modern military defence strategies.

Staff Cadets from the Royal Military College – Duntroon had their leadership tested during Exercise SHAGGY RIDGE, which was conducted at the Majura Training Area near Canberra over 15-19 February 2025. In an arduous environment, the exercise required 158 Staff Cadets to demonstrate their character as leaders and make sound ethical decisions under stress and fatigue, and push the limits of their physical and mental endurance. Exercise SHAGGY RIDGE references the Battle of Shaggy Ridge, which was one of a number of engagements Australian troops fought against the forces of Imperial Japan in Papua New Guinea in World War II. The Royal Military College – Duntroon prepares commissioned leaders of character in support of Army’s contribution to the Joint Force in peace and war.

eWise Blog

Australians are facing yet another punishing increase in electricity bills, with the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) warning that prices will rise by up to nine per cent from July 1. This comes as a crushing blow to households already struggling with the cost-of-living crisis and raises serious concerns about the Albanese government’s renewable energy strategy.

The AER’s draft decision outlines increases ranging from three per cent to six per cent in Queensland and South Australia, with New South Wales bearing the brunt of a nine per cent rise. These hikes follow years of soaring energy prices, with some regions experiencing increases of up to 40 per cent in just two years. The reason? A reckless rush towards renewables without ensuring reliable baseload power remains available.

The Albanese government continues to champion a transition to renewable energy, but the reality is that solar and wind power alone cannot provide the stability needed for an affordable and reliable electricity grid. While federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen insists that long-term reforms will eventually bring prices down, Australians are seeing their bills skyrocket in the meantime.

Consumers were promised relief, with the Labor government pledging to reduce electricity prices by $275 per year before the 2022 election. Instead, average power bills have increased by more than $600. Households and businesses are being left to suffer while policymakers push an agenda that is failing to deliver.

The solution is clear: Australia must maintain coal-fired power stations until nuclear energy can be introduced as a viable alternative. While renewables have their place in the energy mix, the premature shutdown of coal plants is putting unbearable strain on the grid and driving up costs.

Despite the government’s claims that keeping coal in the grid raises prices, the opposite is proving true. As affordable coal-fired generators are retired, the wholesale price of electricity is increasingly set by the higher costs of gas, hydro, and battery storage. The result? Power bills continue to climb, and households are left footing the bill.

Nuclear energy presents the best long-term option for Australia’s energy security, offering a clean, stable, and reliable power source. However, establishing nuclear power infrastructure takes time, meaning coal must remain in the mix until nuclear plants can be built and operational.

With another round of price hikes looming, it’s time for the government to rethink its energy policy. Australia needs a pragmatic approach that prioritises affordability and reliability over ideological commitments. Coal-fired power stations must continue operating until nuclear energy is a reality. Otherwise, Australian households will continue to bear the brunt of reckless policy decisions that put politics before people.

The Albanese government must act now to secure energy affordability before it’s too late. The future of Australia’s power grid depends on it.

This is the most informative interview I have heard on the ABC radio.

To the best of my knowledge it has never again seen the light on any ABC or SBS TV which is interesting

“You are being conned” nuclear DOES lower power bills, Dr Adi Paterson

CLICK LINK to read this article from The Strategist by Malcolm Roberts

For a waterbombing reserve, adapt ADF aircraft | The Strategist

ED: This is a well-reasoned and practical proposal that makes excellent use of existing Defence assets without compromising their primary role. The ability to quickly convert Chinooks, Hercules, and Black Hawks into waterbombers when civilian resources are stretched is a smart, cost-effective contingency plan. Investing in proven solutions like MAFFS and Helitak tanks ensures that Australia is better prepared for our fire seasons while maintaining flexibility in Defence operations. A proactive approach like this would give Australians confidence that the government is planning ahead, rather than scrambling to react when disaster strikes.

CLICK LINK to read this article

Government and prospective ADF recruits ‘feeling the frustration’, says Deputy PM – Defence Connect

ED: A 300-day waiting period for ADF recruitment is utterly unacceptable, especially given the ongoing personnel shortfall and the critical need for a strong defence force. The government’s acknowledgment of the issue, coupled with vague reassurances and bureaucratic excuses, does little to inspire confidence. If the Defence Strategic Review already identified the urgency of streamlining recruitment over a year ago, why has there been no meaningful progress? The time for investigations and talk is over—immediate, decisive action is required to cut through red tape and ensure recruitment happens in days, not nearly a year.

ED: This arrived in my inbox this morning from Bob Buick – So now it’s todays smile.