The Kyiv Independent celebrates its third anniversary, having reached millions of readers through its free and accessible journalism. This success is attributed to the support of approximately 12,000 members, a fraction of its readership. To sustain its mission and prepare for the challenges of 2025, the publication is seeking 1,000 additional members. Continued support ensures the Kyiv Independent can remain a vital source of information.
A Russian SU-24 airstrike on Aleppo University Hospital in Syria resulted in nine deaths and ten injuries. The attack occurred amidst ongoing fighting between Assad regime forces and anti-regime groups in Aleppo’s city center, escalating the conflict and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The targeting of a civilian hospital highlights the increasing danger to non-combatants. Local sources reported the incident, with emergency services responding to the significant damage and casualties.
In a show of support, EU officials visited Kyiv on Sunday, coinciding with the signing of Russia’s 2025 budget by President Vladimir Putin. This budget allocates a record 13.5 trillion rubles (€119 billion), or 32.5 percent, to national defense, a significant increase from the current year’s allocation. The substantial military spending reflects Russia’s continued aggression in Ukraine. This action follows the Russian legislature’s approval of the budget plans in November.
Following a May anti-trafficking operation in Thailand, 961 highly endangered tortoises and lemurs, seized from an illegal wildlife trade, are being repatriated to Madagascar in three flights starting Saturday. This marks the largest such repatriation between the two countries, representing a significant victory against the illegal wildlife trade. The operation underscores Thailand’s commitment to combating wildlife trafficking and prioritizing the welfare of seized animals, aiming to deter future illegal activity. This collaborative effort between Thailand and Madagascar highlights the international cooperation needed to address the global wildlife trafficking crisis.
The Biden administration’s cooperative approach to the transition of power stands in stark contrast to Trump’s actions in 2020. While Biden has pledged an orderly transfer and even plans to attend Trump’s inauguration, Trump and his allies view this as humorous “capitulation,” mocking Biden’s civility. This contrasts sharply with Trump’s previous refusal to cooperate during the 2020 transition, including delaying discussions and withholding resources. The Biden administration’s actions prioritize upholding democratic norms, while Trump’s team focuses on perceived political advantage.
Calls by prominent Trump supporters to revoke the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote, signal a potential broader attack on the electoral system. This movement, fueled by Christian nationalism, frames the repeal not as disenfranchisement, but as restoring a “family vote” where men represent their households. This echoes historical anti-suffragist arguments and aligns with Project 2025, a far-right plan outlining aggressive voter suppression tactics. The ultimate goal appears to be the establishment of a Christian nationalist state, where women’s rights are significantly curtailed or eliminated.
President-elect Trump issued a threat on Truth Social to impose 100 percent tariffs on BRICS nations—including Russia and China—unless they commit to using the U.S. dollar as their reserve currency and refrain from developing alternative currencies. This follows the BRICS nations’ exploration of “de-dollarization” to reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar for global trade. Trump’s statement expresses confidence in the dollar’s continued dominance, despite economists’ skepticism regarding a successful BRICS alternative. The threat comes amidst ongoing negotiations with Canada and Mexico regarding potential tariffs on their goods, highlighting Trump’s hardline stance on trade.
Following a Dublin jury’s guilty verdict in a civil sexual assault case, Conor McGregor faced widespread backlash in Ireland and abroad. Brands severed ties, retailers removed his products, and public memorials were erased, demonstrating a significant shift in public opinion. McGregor, once celebrated as an Irish sporting icon, now faces the consequences of multiple controversies, impacting both his brand and career trajectory. While his appeal is pending, the verdict has sparked crucial conversations in Ireland about sexual assault and its victims. This seismic shift underscores the severity of the situation and its lasting consequences.
Overnight on November 29th, Ukrainian forces conducted drone strikes on critical Russian oil infrastructure, targeting the Atlas oil depot in Rostov Oblast and an oil refinery near Tuapse. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine confirmed the Rostov attack, which caused significant fires at the Atlas depot, a key supplier to the Russian military. Simultaneous explosions were reported near Tuapse, though the extent of the damage remains unclear. These attacks represent a continuation of Ukraine’s strategy to disrupt Russia’s military logistics and fuel supply lines deep within Russian territory.
Republicans narrowly secured a House majority, with their 220-215 advantage (soon to be 217-215) hinging on three North Carolina seats gained through extreme gerrymandering. This partisan map manipulation, enabled by the Supreme Court’s refusal to address gerrymandering claims, significantly skewed the playing field in favor of the GOP, despite Democrats receiving a higher share of the national popular vote. The resulting House map, heavily gerrymandered in multiple states, does not accurately reflect the national popular will, rendering the national vote totals largely meaningless. Ultimately, control over state legislative map-drawing processes proved decisive in determining the outcome of the House elections.
John Q. Hosedrinker