By the end of 2025, Russia’s irrecoverable losses in the war are projected to reach 1.2 million, a figure unseen since World War II, despite starting the war with approximately 1 million active-duty troops. This represents the effective destruction and rebuilding of the Russian army, now expanded to 1.5 million active personnel. The casualty rate includes those killed and severely wounded, with the proportion of killed soldiers rising annually. Despite these staggering losses and minimal territorial gains, the Kremlin shows no sign of relenting, continuing its strategy of relentless infantry assaults. This echoes the brutal tactics of the Soviet Union during World War II, prioritizing relentless attacks over the value of human life.
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Berlin prosecutors have charged a member of the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party with performing a Nazi salute in parliament. The incident allegedly occurred in June 2023, where the suspect greeted a colleague with a Hitler salute at the Reichstag building. The accused, identified by Bild as Matthias Moosdorf, denies the gesture and had his parliamentary immunity removed in October. Moosdorf, a former foreign policy spokesperson, has faced scrutiny due to his pro-Russia stance and holds an honorary professorship at a Moscow music academy.
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On Thursday evening, NSW Police detained seven men in Sydney’s south-west, following information suggesting a potential violent act. Tactical operations police intercepted two vehicles as part of the investigation. Images from the scene show damaged cars and heavily armed officers detaining the men. Authorities have stated that, at this time, there is no connection to the ongoing Bondi terror attack investigation.
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Following the national address, President Trump admitted to journalists that he was instructed to give the speech by his chief of staff, Susie Wiles. The address, a rapid-fire delivery of falsehoods and attacks on his predecessor, came shortly after a Vanity Fair profile of Wiles was published. In the profile, Wiles made candid remarks, and it was speculated that Trump’s speech was orchestrated as damage control after the negative press surrounding her. While staff members praised the speech, sources indicated the speech was considered puzzling by allies.
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House Republicans have moved their Christmas recess forward, scheduling their final votes for Thursday afternoon, a day earlier than initially planned. This shift coincides with the deadline for the Department of Justice to release unclassified materials related to Jeffrey Epstein under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, signed into law by President Trump. While there is no direct evidence linking the early recess to the document release, some Democratic lawmakers and online commentators have speculated about the timing, given past reluctance from the GOP to fully disclose information about the Epstein case. The DOJ is expected to release the files on Friday, and Congress will resume its session on January 6 after the holiday break.
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President Zelenskyy’s recent visit to Kupiansk demonstrably impacted discussions with Western partners. According to Zelenskyy, the visit refuted Russian claims about the city’s status and provided crucial evidence of Moscow’s misrepresentations. The Ukrainian president stated the visit influenced conversations with both American and European leaders, reinforcing Ukraine’s position in negotiations. His presence in Kupiansk, a strategic rail hub, served to highlight the reality on the ground amidst conflicting reports from Russia.
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Texas authorities have compiled a list of over 100 transgender individuals, raising concerns about privacy and potential misuse of the information. The state began collecting this data in August 2024, when the Attorney General changed the rules for updating gender markers on driver’s licenses, forwarding the information of those denied marker changes to an internal email address. Despite requests, officials have refused to explain the list’s purpose, but historical precedents suggest the collection of such data could be harmful. This action follows previous attempts to gather similar information and comes amid anti-transgender legislation in Texas.
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The BBC has drawn criticism for its description of the First Intifada as a “largely unarmed and popular uprising” within a report concerning the arrest of individuals chanting “Globalize the Intifada” at a UK protest. The controversial phrasing appeared in a news segment addressing the UK Police’s decision to take action following an antisemitic terror attack in Bondi Beach. The article’s critics have raised concerns over the potential minimization of violence and downplaying of the conflict’s complexities through this specific wording. The statement has sparked a wider debate about the responsible use of language when reporting on sensitive topics.
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Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has strongly urged EU leaders to approve funding for Ukraine, warning that a failure to do so could result in further bloodshed, not only in Ukraine but throughout Europe. Tusk emphasized the crucial nature of this decision, stating that the choice is between providing financial support now or facing increased conflict later. He highlighted the urgency, urging European leaders to rise to the occasion and make a definitive decision. The Prime Minister’s plea follows reports that the EU is considering using frozen Russian assets to provide a “reparations loan” to Ukraine, a decision which rests with the European Council meeting.
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John Q. Hosedrinker