Free Republic

Ben Hodges tells DW he remains optimistic of Ukraine's prospects for victory over the next 12 months. Speaking to Tim Sebastian for a Conflict Zone special, the former US Army Europe commander said it might be “too early to plan a victory parade" but Ukraine had made “irreversible gains.” Hodges also said he expected Ukrainian forces to retake Crimea from Russia in 2023. Moscow illegally annexed the territory in 2014. Let us know what you think in the comments below and thanks for watching.

Incoming House Foreign Affairs Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX) called for arms to Ukraine to help destroy the Russian military as public officials have increasingly warned about the prospect of a “major war” between the West and Russia. CBS News asked McCaul about House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy’s (R-CA) claim that a House Republican majority would not send a “blank check” to Ukraine.

A growing number of “family friendly” drag queen story hours and dance performances open to children are becoming a mainstay of June pride month celebrations. The social media account Libs of TikTok has posted dozens of viral tweets over the past weeks showing public schools, libraries, parks, gay nightclubs and even a Florida church including young children in pride events featuring professional drag queens. On Wednesday, Libs of TikTok shared flyers for the San Antonio Zoo’s second annual “Night Out at the Zoo” on June 17 — a “family-friendly ticketed event for all ages” that will feature performances by the...

A regiment of elite Russian fighters have suffered heavy losses at the hands of the fierce Ukrainian resistance, it has been reported. The 331st Guards Parachute Regiment are considered among the most fearsome and well-trained in the Russian army, having fought for the city of Ilovaisk in the Donbas in 2014. Their involvement in Russia's invasion of Ukraine this year, and fatalities they've suffered, is indicative of how the invasion hasn't gone as planned. The regiment's commanding officer, Col Sergei Sukharev, was killed in Ukraine on 13 March - a major blow for any military unit. His deputy Major Sergei...