11 August 2025
Russia-US Summit on Ukrainian War
Trump and Putin will meet in Alaska on the 15th. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy dismissed the summit that excludes Ukraine’s involvement. Putin is expected to demand the surrender of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson Oblasts. European leaders are pushing to speak with Trump before he meets with Putin. As the feature photo suggests, the ball is indeed in Trump’s court on whether he will capitulate to Putin’s charms.
Israel – Gaza City Plans
Prime Minister Netanyahu states that Israel’s goal is not to occupy Gaza, but to ”free it from Hamas”. As Netanyahu described his five-point post-war plan: “Gaza will be demilitarized; Israel will have overriding security responsibility; a security zone will be established on Gaza’s border with Israel to prevent future terrorist incursions; a civilian administration will be established in Gaza that will seek to live in peace with Israel.” There have been discussions with the military on how to take over Gaza City within a few days and not a prolonged campaign.
Canada
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a 20% pay hike for new entry-level regular force and a 13% increase for reservists. Colonels and higher will receive an 8% increase. This pay package will cost the Canadian government $2 billion. It is aimed at increasing recruitment and retention. It may help with retention, but fundamental recruitment issues have not been resolved – as Chris Murray discussed in an earlier piece.
Mali
Malian authorities have arrested over two dozen soldiers in a supposed coup plot against the current military junta. Among those detained is General Abass Dembele, a former governor of the central Mopti region and respected general.
Pakistan
Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, is expected to make another trip to Washington, DC, to meet with US counterparts. Munir was treated to lunch with the President at the White House, which is an unprecedented gesture, back in June. This also comes at a time when US-India relations are at a low. Increased Pakistani presence in Washington will be considered irksome to the Indian government. This being said, Munir made some nuclear sabre-rattling comments in the US.
China-Philippines
While attempting to chase and corner a patrol boat with the Philippine Coast Guard near Bajo de Masinloc in the West Philippine Sea on Monday, a ship with the China Coast Guard (CCG-3104) collided with a Type 052D Destroyer of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (DDG-164).… pic.twitter.com/D1Ph8zkO7W
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) August 11, 2025
A Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessel that was chasing a Philippine Coast Guard vessel rammed into a Chinese warship. The ramming caused substantial damage to both Chinese ships. Video stills show the CCG vessel with a crumpled bow – it is reportedly no longer seaworthy. The Chinese destroyer seems to have fared much better, with only deep scratches visible.
Washington, D.C.
Donald Trump seems poised to deploy the National Guard on the streets of D.C. to “liberate” the city from crime. It was reported that the Pentagon is preparing for a deployment of hundreds of National Guardsmen. Trump will give an announcement at 10 AM EST.
Social Media Wires
Of gossamer and lace – what the fibre optic cable drones are leaving behind on the intense drone battlefield
Fields covered with fiber optics on the Pokrovsk front. pic.twitter.com/lXho5BehjU
— Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 (@bayraktar_1love) August 10, 2025