President Zelensky believes a Trump presidency will expedite the end of the war in Ukraine, citing constructive dialogue and shared understanding of Ukraine’s peace vision. He emphasizes Ukraine’s independence and refusal to accept demands dictating its negotiating stance with Russia. While acknowledging the absence of a definitive end date, Zelensky anticipates a quicker resolution under the forthcoming Trump administration’s policies. This faster resolution, he states, is a key component of the incoming team’s approach and public pledge. A just peace, ensuring the sacrifices of Ukrainian citizens are not in vain, remains paramount.
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Russian forces, particularly the 810th Naval Infantry Brigade, are suffering heavy losses in their Kursk Oblast offensive, losing over 100 vehicles and potentially thousands of troops in just a few hundred yards of advance. This disastrous performance stems from flawed intelligence leading to ill-prepared assaults by the 810th, exacerbated by a pattern of deliberate misinformation from their own command. Ukrainian forces, notably the 95th Air Assault Brigade, have inflicted these losses through effective defense and counterattacks, highlighting the ongoing, brutal conflict despite potential future political shifts. The Ukrainian resistance remains resolute, regardless of any potential armistice.
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A large-scale Ukrainian drone attack targeted the Krymsk military airfield in Russia’s Krasnodar Krai on Friday. Russian authorities reported intercepting and destroying dozens of drones, with some drone debris falling on residential areas, though no casualties were reported. The airfield, home to fighter jets and helicopters, is strategically located near the Ukrainian border. This attack follows recent tensions, including a previous incident involving a missing Russian fighter jet from the same base and a recent Russian attack on Kupiansk.
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My recent call with Chancellor Scholz regarding his conversation with Putin has raised serious concerns. This contact risks diminishing Russia’s isolation without achieving concrete results, potentially emboldening Putin and allowing him to avoid accountability. Such negotiations, reminiscent of past failures like the Minsk agreements, risk legitimizing Russia’s aggression and hindering a just peace. Ukraine will not accept any agreements that fail to address our territorial integrity and hold Russia accountable for its war crimes.
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Chancellor Scholz directly spoke with Putin, demanding a Russian troop withdrawal from Ukraine and a commitment to peace negotiations. While the Kremlin indicated a willingness to discuss, contingent upon acknowledging “new territorial realities,” Zelenskyy expressed skepticism, viewing the call as a Russian attempt to alleviate isolation and avoid meaningful concessions. Simultaneously, Hungarian Prime Minister Orbán advocated for the EU to lift sanctions against Russia, claiming they are economically damaging. This call occurred amidst Scholz’s domestic political challenges and follows a week of significant political developments.
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Convincing evidence suggests Russia has established a drone factory in China’s Xinjiang province, producing lethal drones for use in the Ukraine war. This alleged operation, involving a sanctioned Russian arms company and possibly local specialists, raises serious concerns about China’s commitment to its stated neutrality. While the EU lacks definitive proof regarding production levels, drone shipment, and Chinese government awareness, the situation is considered a significant escalation, potentially prompting further sanctions against China. The EU is actively seeking clarification from Beijing, emphasizing the critical role China plays in supporting Russia’s war effort.
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Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Commander Mohsen Rezaei urged the formation of a pan-Islamic army to counter perceived American influence in the region, citing ongoing conflicts as evidence of a broader Western conspiracy. He framed this call to arms against a backdrop of statements by President-elect Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, portraying them as aggressive and hostile towards Muslims. Simultaneously, Iran’s foreign minister reiterated the country’s willingness to negotiate nuclear issues, but only without coercion from external pressures. This dual approach suggests a strategy of both military posturing and diplomatic engagement amidst rising international tensions.
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Hamas has declared its readiness for a Gaza ceasefire, contingent on a respected proposal and Israeli cooperation. We urge the incoming U.S. administration to pressure Israel to end its ongoing aggression, which continues to inflict heavy civilian casualties in Gaza and Lebanon. The conflict, sparked by Hamas’s October 2023 attack, has resulted in significant loss of life on both sides, and the recent suspension of Qatari mediation efforts adds further complexity to the already dire situation. Meanwhile, Israel’s continued strikes on Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah infrastructure, have caused further destruction and displacement.
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Following my call with Chancellor Scholz, I reiterated Russia’s justification for the Ukraine conflict as a response to NATO’s aggressive policies and the need to incorporate “new territorial realities” into any negotiations. I emphasized that Russia has never refused negotiations, but only on our terms. Regrettably, our conversation highlighted the deterioration of Russo-German relations due to Berlin’s unfriendly actions. Our assistants will maintain contact following this discussion.
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Thousands participated in nationwide protests against the Treaty Principles Bill, culminating in a large march to Wellington. The bill, introduced by ACT New Zealand, seeks to reinterpret the Treaty of Waitangi, sparking outrage from Māori who view it as undermining their rights. While the bill passed its first reading with support from coalition partners, Prime Minister Luxon and other parties confirmed they will not support further progress, signaling its likely failure. Indigenous leaders performed a haka in Parliament to demonstrate their opposition.
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John Q. Hosedrinker