Thank you to so many of you who joined this week’s episode of Pax Americana this week. We got through a lot in an hour, including America’s descent into fascism, the ongoing drama in the Putin-Trump relationship and so much more.

If you missed it, please watch it above. And please join us next Thursday at 11 AM ET for another episode.

Show notes, courtesy of Olga Lautman, are below.

* Fascism is Here

* Trump-Putin: During a Cabinet meeting, Trump criticized Putin’s rhetoric as “a lot of b******t,” dismissed his “very nice” but “meaningless” tone, and announced his intent to supply Ukraine with defensive weapons. This is after Trump ended Congressionally approved weapons shipments, already staged in Poland, last week. Actions speak louder than words. Source: Guardian

* State propaganda ordered to scold Trump after harsh remarks against Putin: After Trump called Putin’s words “b******t” and “pledged” more arms for Ukraine, Russian state media was instructed to lash out, accusing him of “Bidenization” and mocking his intelligence. Kremlin propagandists and bots flooded channels with insults. Source: Moscow Times Russian Edition

* Russian military launches a record-breaking air assault on Ukraine: Russia launched two massive aerial assaults on Ukraine this week—first with 728 drones and 13 missiles on Tuesday, then with 400 drones and 18 missiles on Thursday—and marked a shift in tactics with multi-directional, high-altitude strikes. Kyiv called for tougher sanctions as Zelenskyy warned of Russia’s escalating terror. Source: New York Times and CNN

* Säpo Reports Increase in Hybrid Threat Incidents in Sweden: Sweden’s Security Service (Säpo) reports a sharp increase in hybrid threat incidents, including sabotage of telecom masts, GPS disruptions, and cable breaks. While officials urge caution in blaming foreign actors, military intelligence warns Russia is growing bolder in exploiting instability and spreading propaganda to sow public distrust. Source: Sweden Herald

* Dutch and Norwegian F-35s to patrol Eastern European skies to deter threats from Russia: The Netherlands will deploy F-35 fighter jets to Poland from September 1 to December 1 as part of a NATO mission to protect the delivery of military aid to Ukraine. Operating alongside Norwegian F-35s, the jets will enforce NATO airspace under the alliance’s Quick Reaction Alert system, ready to intercept Russian aircraft. Source: The Insider

* Russia striking NATO while China invades Taiwan 'plausible' scenario, experts say: NATO officials are warning that a two-front war—with China invading Taiwan and Russia striking NATO—is now “plausible.” A statement from Secretary General Mark Rutte reveals concern that Beijing may coordinate with Moscow to divide and distract Western forces. Source: Kyiv Independent

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