July 31 - Your Morning Digest

Nuclear threat, major arraignment, and more in this morning's digest

Today is July 31, 2023, and here is all the news you need to know about. If you enjoy my newsletter, please consider a monthly subscription to support my work, and to get access to Q&As, exclusive content, and more.

1) Former Russian President Issues Nuclear Threat

Former Russian President, Dmitry Medvedev, has issued a veiled nuclear threat to Ukraine and other countries in Eastern Europe. He asserted that if the Ukrainian offensive was successful in capturing land in the southeast, Russia will have no other option than to utilize strategic nuclear weapons. Medvedev is currently the Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council and stated: "[i]magine if the offensive, which is backed by NATO, was a success and they tore off a part of our land then we would be forced to use a nuclear weapon according to the rules of a decree from the president of Russia.” He specifically referred to Russia’s internal policy of using nuclear weapons when the country’s sovereignty is threatened. This is a serious threat and one that must be monitored. Stay tuned for more.

2) Zelensky Calls Out Russia

Meanwhile, President Zelensky has called out Russia as Ukraine has increased attacks on Russian territory. In recent weeks, Ukraine has successfully targeted a number of building in Moscow, the Russian capital. According to reports on the ground, these attacks have increased tension amongst citizens in Moscow. Zelensky recently asserted that the war is returning to Russia’s territory. Specifically, Zelensky stated: "Ukraine is becoming stronger. The war is gradually returning to Russian territory – to its symbolic centers and military bases, and this is an inevitable, natural, and absolutely fair process.” As Ukraine continues its attacks, it remains to be seen what Russia’s response is.

3) Donald Trump Co-Defendant To Be Arraigned

This morning, Donald Trump’s new co-defendant, Carlos De Oliviera, will be arraigned at a federal courthouse in Miami. As previously noted, De Oliviera, along with Donald Trump and Walt Nauta, have been indicted by the Special Counsel in the classified documents investigation. De Oliviera was an employee at Mar A Lago who helped move the boxes of classified documents and was responsible for flooding the Mar A Lago pool, which destroyed surveillance tapes.

The latest indictment keeps all of the original charges against Trump and adds several new charges alleging "Trump, Nauta and De Oliveria requested” that a Trump employee “delete security camera at the Mar-a-Lago Club to prevent the footage from being provided to a federal grand jury."

4) Possible Airstrikes in Niger

The situation in Niger continues to deteriorate this morning as the Military Junta currently in control of the country asserted that France is planning on launching airstrikes around the country to restore order and restore recently deposed-President, Mohamed Bazoum. Meanwhile, the ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF) which includes a military rapid-reaction force used by the economic community of West African states has reportedly been placed into an “Combat-Alert Status.” This comes after a coup removed President Bazoum and closed the country’s border. The situation is only getting worse within the country and civil unrest is likely to increase. Stay tuned for more information as we get it.