In response to the Trump administration’s pressure on Venezuela, the Russian government expressed its support for Venezuelan sovereignty and indicated a willingness to assist. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated they would respond to requests from Venezuela in light of “emerging threats.” Despite this warning, the Trump administration appears to be escalating its military campaign, considering strikes against targets linked to the Maduro regime and drug trafficking. While the administration claims the operation is popular and doesn’t require Congressional approval, some Republican lawmakers are calling for greater oversight.
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The 9M729 ground-launched cruise missile, a weapon whose development prompted the U.S. to withdraw from the INF Treaty, has been fired at Ukraine on multiple occasions, according to Ukrainian officials. This missile, which has a reported range of up to 1,200 kilometers, was banned under the 1987 treaty. The use of this missile in Ukraine has been interpreted as confirmation of previous concerns about Russia’s compliance and the need for the U.S. to leave the treaty. The recent strikes on Ukraine have further opened the door for new defense developments in the U.S.
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This week marks the third instance of a Russian aircraft being intercepted by NATO allies while approaching sovereign airspace with its transponder deactivated. The intercepted Russian reconnaissance plane was escorted by Polish MiG fighters over the Baltic Sea after failing to submit a flight plan. While the aircraft did not enter Polish airspace, this incident, along with previous airspace violations, has raised concerns, prompting NATO members to invoke Article Four. NATO emphasizes that Russian aircraft regularly operate near its airspace, although usually with flight plans and communication, and the Polish forces handled the situation according to established procedures.
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Russia’s refined fuel exports have plummeted to levels not seen since the start of the war, a result of refinery shutdowns and increasing Western sanctions. Overall seaborne oil product shipments in October reached their lowest volume since early 2022, despite stable diesel exports. Ukraine’s attacks on Russian energy facilities, combined with US sanctions and upcoming deadlines, are further disrupting Moscow’s energy revenue stream, a crucial source of income for the war. President Zelensky has indicated Ukraine’s intention to expand its long-range strike capabilities, hinting at further targeting of Russia’s oil industry.
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Recent investigations by the independent Russian outlet Verstka reveal an alarming increase in extrajudicial killings within the Russian military, referred to as “nullifying,” where soldiers are executed. This practice involves sending personnel on deadly missions without proper gear, as well as executing those who refuse to participate in suicidal assaults, often motivated by financial gain. Commanders are allegedly profiting from the situation through bribes and transferring salaries, with refusal to pay resulting in execution. These findings underscore the brutal tactics employed in Russia’s offensive in eastern Ukraine, where human wave assaults have led to heavy casualties.
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Since the beginning of the year, Ukrainian forces have significantly degraded Russia’s air defenses, according to the Head of the Security Service of Ukraine, Vasyl Maliuk. A notable achievement includes the destruction of 48% of Russia’s Pantsir surface-to-air artillery and missile systems. These systems are particularly effective against long-range drones, making their neutralization a key priority. While Russia manufactures 30 Pantsir systems annually, the number destroyed by Ukraine exceeds this production rate.
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Maria Corina Machado, a Venezuelan opposition leader, stated that military escalation is the only way to remove President Nicolas Maduro from power and facilitate a peaceful transition. Machado is actively organizing her movement, even with members imprisoned or in exile, and has a plan for the first 100 hours following a regime change. The Trump administration has reportedly considered military strikes inside Venezuela targeting military facilities linked to the Maduro regime and drug-trafficking organizations, including the Cartel de los Soles. These potential strikes aim to disrupt the Cartel de los Soles, and sources suggest that Maduro’s time in power is limited, with some generals reportedly willing to apprehend him.
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Canyon Anthony Amarys, a Kansas National Guard member, has been arrested and charged with attempting to violate the Export Control Reform Act. Allegedly, Amarys met with a suspected Russian intelligence agent and agreed to photograph a Fort Riley military installation and obtain a helicopter radio for the Russian military. As part of this agreement, Amarys purchased the radio in March 2025 and traveled to Kansas to send it to Romania. These actions violated U.S. export laws.
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Following reports of Russian nuclear breakthroughs, the Kremlin reversed course, asserting that tests of the Burevestnik cruise missile and Poseidon underwater drone were not nuclear. This shift came after President Trump announced the US would resume nuclear weapons testing, prompting the Kremlin to clarify its position and emphasize adherence to the global testing moratorium. The Russian spokesperson stated that the tests did not involve nuclear detonations and that Moscow would only reconsider its stance if another country abandoned the moratorium. The Kremlin also downplayed the prospect of a new arms race with the United States.
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Sources have confirmed the U.S. is poised to launch military strikes within Venezuela, targeting military installations believed to be utilized by the Cartel de los Soles, headed by Nicolás Maduro. These attacks, potentially imminent, are part of an escalating campaign against drug trafficking operations linked to the Maduro regime. The U.S. has significantly increased its military presence in the Caribbean, including deploying a carrier strike group and fighter jets, which will be used for targeted strikes. While officials have not confirmed Maduro’s direct targeting, they have doubled the reward for his capture and suggested that his time is running out.
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John Q. Hosedrinker