Overnight drone attacks targeted at least seven Russian regions, leading to significant infrastructure damage. In Oryol Oblast, a thermal power plant was reportedly hit, causing disruptions to heating, electricity, and hot water supplies. A fire also erupted at the TogliattiAzot chemical plant, a major ammonia producer in the Samara region. Furthermore, Rostov Oblast reported damage to civilian infrastructure and power outages due to a severed high-voltage transmission line.
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Ukraine’s defense ministry has announced that it has been supplying its troops with approximately 950 interceptor drones daily since early December, a significant production milestone. These interceptors are designed to counter enemy Shahed-type UAVs and are often fast-moving quadcopters. Developed in response to Russia’s increased use of attack drones, these interceptors are designed to destroy aerial systems through direct impact or explosives. With a production goal of 1,000 interceptors a day, the Ukrainian government is working with multiple manufacturers and has placed further orders for next year.
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The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) successfully targeted a Russian “shadow fleet” tanker with drones in the Mediterranean Sea, marking a first for such an operation. The strike, conducted in neutral waters over 2,000 kilometers from Ukraine, caused significant damage to the tanker QENDIL, rendering it inoperable. The SBU source emphasized that the attack was a legitimate target, as the tanker was used to circumvent sanctions and fund Russia’s war. This incident follows a recent drone attack on a Russian oil tanker in Rostov-on-Don, resulting in casualties and damage.
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The European Union has agreed to provide Ukraine with a €90 billion ($105 billion) interest-free loan through 2027 to support its economy and military, though the use of frozen Russian assets to fund the loan remains a point of exploration for the bloc’s executive arm. While a consensus on using frozen Russian state funds was not reached, the agreement ensures Ukraine will not have to repay the loan until after the war ends and allows the EU to potentially use Russian assets for funding in the future. This move comes in response to funding gaps caused by the United States’ decreased funding, and it is viewed as a crucial step to strengthen Ukraine’s resilience and send a strong message to Russia. However, some member states voiced concerns, and there is an understanding that the transatlantic trust has diminished, increasing the need for Europe to secure its own security.
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According to Russian state news, Sergei Naryshkin, the head of Russia’s foreign intelligence, spoke with the new head of MI6, Blaise Metreweli, in a “rather lengthy telephone conversation.” Simultaneously, the EU is debating how to use frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine, but Belgium opposes the plan, fearing Russian retaliation. Meanwhile, Donald Trump’s envoys are set to meet with a top advisor to Vladimir Putin to discuss peace negotiations, as Trump believes a deal is nearing. Furthermore, Belarus has received Russia’s latest nuclear-capable missile system, as confirmed by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.
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On December 18, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) conducted a successful overnight strike on a Russian military airfield in occupied Crimea, specifically targeting the Belbek airbase. The SBU’s Alpha unit utilized long-range drones to destroy air defense equipment, including radar systems and a MiG-31 fighter jet, resulting in damage estimated to be worth hundreds of millions of dollars. These systems are critical for protecting military and logistical facilities in Crimea, and their destruction will significantly weaken Russia’s defense capabilities on the Crimean axis. The SBU has stated that they will continue to dismantle the occupiers’ defenses to restore Ukrainian control of Crimea.
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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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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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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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A wave of suspected Russian sabotage has been unfolding across Europe since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, with Poland and Estonia being major targets. This campaign, which includes incidents like train derailments and arson attacks, is believed to be orchestrated by Russian intelligence services, aiming to disrupt support for Ukraine and create division within Europe. While the damage from individual attacks has been relatively minor, the campaign is resource-intensive, straining European security services and fostering greater international cooperation. Moscow often employs foreign individuals with criminal backgrounds, making it difficult to fully prevent these attacks.
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John Q. Hosedrinker