Hackers have broken into servers belonging to the UK Ministry of Defense, Sky News reported. Authorities did not name suspects behind the breach.

The cyberattack affected the payroll system for active servicemen and some veterans with names and bank details reportedly being disclosed, according to the news agency.

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Israeli forces are preparing to seize control of the Palestinian-controlled section of the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza within the next few hours, as part of Israel's ongoing military operation in the southern city of Gaza, Axios reported, citing two sources.

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Is Biden pushing for “another Nakba” with Gaza aid pier ploy?

Various observers have suggested US President Joe Biden’s “humanitarian pier” project in Gaza is not all that it seems, fearing the port could be used to expel Palestinians in the enclave to other countries. Journalist Elijah Magnier joined Sputnik’s Fault Lines program to offer analysis as Israel signals an imminent assault on the southern Gazan city of Rafah.

“Netanyahu doesn't want the deal,” Magnier claimed as Hamas signals its approval of a ceasefire negotiated with the help of Egypt. “It is not in his advantage to reach any deal. He only wants all the prisoners and the hostages to be released to [resume] the war.”

IDF spokespeople have confirmed that a “significant” proportion of the Hamas-held hostages are Israeli military personnel captured during Hamas’ attack on security installations tasked with overseeing the illegal occupation of Palestinian territory. Hamas is also calling for the release of prisoners held by Israel, which reportedly detains thousands of Palestinian civilians without charge.

White House officials have promoted the administration’s “humanitarian pier” concept as a way to ensure the provision of aid to relocated Palestinians. But Magnier claimed the port is being built not to allow food to be brought into Gaza, but to facilitate Palestinians being removed from the enclave.

“They want to close the crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip and, most probably, push the Palestinians for another Nakba through the pier they are going to construct,” the reporter proposed.

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The first manned launch of Boeing's Starliner to the International Space Station (ISS) has been postponed by US aerospace manufacturer United Launch Alliance (ULA), which owns the Atlas V launch vehicle, the company said.

"ULA Launch Director Tom Heter III has made the decision to the launch team that launch operations will not continue tonight for AtlasV and Starliner," the company said.

According to NASA, the reason for the cancellation of the launch was a malfunction of the oxygen valve in the second stage of the launch vehicle.

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Climbing the ‘escalation ladder’: French, British threats provoke Russian warning

“While defending our own vital interests, nuclear powers must avert those confrontations which bring an adversary to a choice of either a humiliating retreat or a nuclear war,” said former US President John F. Kennedy during an address at American University in 1963.

Half a century later the slain leader’s realization has been forgotten, claimed former CIA analyst Ray McGovern on Sputnik’s The Critical hour program.

“Things are getting pretty intense and the Russians are pretty much saying, ‘okay, that's enough,’” said McGovern, responding to the latest statement from Russian government officials. British Foreign Secretary David Cameron was quoted by media saying Ukraine could use UK-supplied weapons to strike within Russian territory during a visit to Kiev last week. The comment provoked a strong response from Moscow suggesting Russia could target British military assets in Ukraine or elsewhere in response to such an attack on its territory.

The stance has predictably caused the US and allies to accuse Moscow of “nuclear saber rattling.” But McGovern claimed the threat is a response to an unprecedented deterioration of relations between Russia and the West.

“Russia has experienced an existential threat,” said McGovern. “At all times during the Cold War the notion of inflicting a strategic military defeat on either one was verboten… But now the US is doing this by proxy. That’s new.”

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A court in the Russian city of Vladivostok has arrested the US soldier, Gordon Black, on charges of stealing until July 2, the court press secretary, Elena Oleneva, told Sputnik.

On Monday, US Army spokeswoman Cynthia Smith confirmed to Sputnik that Russian authorities detained an American soldier on charges of criminal conduct in Vladivostok. US media reported that the soldier was stationed in South Korea before travelling to Russia.

"The Pervomayskiy District Court in Vladivostok arrested the American soldier, Gordon Black, until July 2 under the article ‘Theft," Oleneva said.

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Ukraine's mission to the United Nations has filed requests to New York City Hall in an attempt to disrupt the “Immortal Regiment” march launched to immortalize the memory of Soviet soldiers and victims of World War II, a source told Sputnik.

According to the source, Ukrainian diplomats also approached “activists” to accuse the march of serving as “pro-Russian propaganda."

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The IDF tanks have entered the territory of the Rafah checkpoint and are moving along the Philadelphia corridor, local media reporting.

Israeli tanks entered Gaza near Rafah, reaching as close as 200 meters (650 feet) from the Rafah Crossing terminal with neighboring Egypt, a Palestinian security official and an Egyptian official told The Times of Israel.

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“A shot across the bow”: Moscow will not allow NATO attacks on Russian civilians

More than a month out from a horrific terrorist attack at Moscow Crocus City Hall, officials have made clear they will not allow civilian life to be threatened on Russian soil. The Kremlin expressed its position during meetings with diplomats from France and the UK amid rumors the countries may send troops to Ukraine or participate in an attack on the Crimean Bridge.

“I can tell you both of them were taken out behind the woodshed and given a huge whoop-ass beating by the Russians,” said American filmmaker Regis Tremblay on Sputnik’s The Critical Hour program.

“They were told in no uncertain terms that if their missiles – and I'm talking about those Storm Shadow missiles from the UK and France and the ATACMS from the United States – if they are used to attack deep into Russia, and that means Crimea, they will meet with a devastating retaliation,” the filmmaker highlighted.

Russia’s history has taught the country to take all threats seriously, Tremblay emphasized.

“It's been stated very clearly that the policy of the United States and, therefore, of these idiotic, crazy European leaders, is the strategic defeat of Russia,” he said. “The Russians understand exactly what that means.”

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🇷🇺🇦🇺 Pro-Russian motorcade kicks off in Australia to celebrate President Vladimir Putin’s inauguration and Victory Day.

One of the attendees is none other than the stepson of Ukrainian commander in chief Oleksandr Syrsky.

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Coolest moments from Putin’s past inaugurations

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to be sworn in as president on Tuesday, with the ceremony set to be accompanied by all the pomp and grandeur that might be expected from such an occasion.

Putin’s past inaugurations have become the stuff of internet lore, turned into memes and racking up tens of millions of views online. Watch some of the most memorable moments from Putin’s past inaugurations going back to the year 2000.

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❗️The Australian stepson of Ukrainian commander in Chief Syrsky is leading a pro-Russian convoy in Sydney.

Ivan Syrsky told Sputnik that he’s taking part in the event to congratulate Russian President Vladimir Putin on his inauguration and to commemorate his great grandfather, who fought in the Great Patriotic War.

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💥 Australian stepson of Ukrainian top general Oleksandr Syrsky congratulates Russian President Vladimir Putin on his inauguration

“Congratulations, Vladimir Vladimirovich, I wish you further success in developing and improving the lives of Russians, and making our Motherland, Russia, greater, thank you,” Ivan Syrsky told Sputnik.

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The IDF confirmed launching "a targeted counter-terrorism operation" in the eastern area of Rafah city, publishing a video.

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