September 4, 2023 - Your Daily Digest

Ukraine war heats up, the tropics remain active, and chaos at Burning Man

Today is September 4, 2023 and here are three stories that you should be monitoring this weekend. If you enjoy these short digests, and want more, exclusive content or want to support my work, consider becoming a monthly subscriber here:

1) Ukraine War Heats Up

This weekend, the war in Ukraine continued to heat up as Russia launched significant attacks on port infrastructure near the border of Romania. According to the Ukrainian military, Russian drones fell and detonated on Romanian territory. This is significant as Romania is a NATO member, and if Russian drones attacked Romanian territory, even accidentally, that could trigger Article 5, which would require a larger response from the alliance. However, thus far, no other NATO member is corroborating Ukraine’s claim and Romania has denied the claim, although it remains to be seen what, if anything, comes as a result of this.

Meanwhile, President Zelensky announced that he will ask the Ukrainian parliament to officially dismiss Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov and replace him with Rustem Umerov. Many speculate that this comes as Ukraine’s counteroffensive has stalled a bit, but it is more likely that this has little to do with Reznikov’s leadership on the battlefield. President Zelensky ran for President on an anti-corruption platform. The same day that Reznikov was dismissed, Ukraine imprisoned Igor Kolomoisky, a Ukrainian oligarch. Although it is unclear whether these decisions were connected, it is likely that Reznkiov’s dismissal had more to do with corruption within the Ministry of Defense than lack of success on the battlefield.

Later this week, Kim Jong Un is expected to visit Russia for an official visit where the two dictators (him and Vladimir Putin) will discuss further military cooperation. Kim Jong Un is expected to announce additional military support for Russia’s war in Ukraine. The alliance between the two countries continues to grow as the two become even more alienated from the rest of the world.

2) Chaos in Burning Man

Over 60,000 people remain stranded at the Burning Man festival after torrential rain earlier this week prevented many from leaving the Nevada desert where the festival is held. Late this afternoon, officials have asserted that the “mass exodus has begun” as the land become more easily navigable. Despite this, the site remained “muddy and may be difficult to navigate in some neighborhoods and down certain streets” according to local officials. The desert area in Nevada was hit with about 0.8 inches of rain between Friday and Saturday morning. For perspective, this was more rain than the area receives in a two to three month time period. As a result, the desert sand turned into thick mud, trapping many of the festival attendees.

3) Watching the Tropics

Hurricane season is reaching its most active point in the next week and all eyes are on the tropics as a possible major hurricane will soon form near the Caribbean. Although some models currently have the storm turning out to sea, others have hinted at a possible landfall late next week on the east coast of the United States. Water temperatures remain extremely hot and the environment continues to be conducive for significant development. In any event, if you live on the east coast of the United States, be sure to keep a close eye on the Atlantic as hurricane season continues to quickly ramp up.