Russian regional court websites have systematically removed tens of thousands of case records related to missing or deceased persons, significantly hindering the ability to estimate Russia’s military casualties in Ukraine. This action, uncovered by Mediazona, has resulted in the disappearance of roughly 70,000 court case cards tied to missing-person claims from public databases. These records, crucial for independent analysts to assess battlefield losses, have been a reliable indirect indicator of casualties, especially as official figures remain classified. The removal of these records blocks the independent verification of casualty trends, coinciding with persistent high casualty rates since the start of the full-scale invasion.
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Construction work is underway on bridges near the Belarusian border in Lithuania as part of fortification measures agreed upon last July. This initiative, confirmed by the Lithuanian Armed Forces, is part of preparations for a Baltic defense line along the borders with Russia and Belarus, involving the installation of engineering structures for explosives on key bridges and roads. The military is also establishing storage sites for anti-tank obstacles, planting protective trees, and deepening irrigation ditches. Officials are aiming to balance defensive actions with a need to avoid causing panic, emphasizing the importance of consistent communication and long-term preparedness, as stated by Major Gintautas Ciunis of the Lithuanian Armed Forces Strategic Communications Department.
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Spanish investigators have determined the Russian cargo ship Ursa Major, which sank off the coast of Cartagena in December 2024, was carrying undeclared nuclear reactor components likely intended for North Korea. The ship, part of Russia’s shadow fleet, was en route from St. Petersburg to Vladivostok, with its manifest falsely listing only port equipment. The vessel sank after a distress signal, with evidence suggesting an external strike, and was followed by the arrival of a Russian warship and deep-sea recovery vessel, potentially to retrieve or destroy the sensitive cargo.
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Following a meeting at Mar-a-Lago, President Zelenskyy announced that US security guarantees for Ukraine were fully agreed upon. He also revealed that a 20-point peace plan was 90% agreed, with an economic revitalization plan nearly finalized. While acknowledging the success of the talks, President Trump indicated that the territorial partition issue remained unresolved and that Europe would play a significant role in Ukraine’s future security. The discussions included a phone call with European leaders, showing good progress toward finalizing documents, possibly within the next month, as hoped by Zelenskyy.
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During a joint press conference, President Trump stated that Vladimir Putin expressed a desire for Ukraine’s success and indicated Russia’s willingness to assist with its reconstruction. Trump claimed Putin was generous in his sentiment towards Ukraine, even mentioning the possibility of providing energy and other resources at low prices. Trump was responding to a question regarding discussions about Russia’s role in Ukraine’s post-war rebuilding. The former President concluded that “a lot of good things came out of that call today”.
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In a recent statement, Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Ukraine of lacking a desire for peace, suggesting that Moscow would achieve its objectives through military means if a peaceful resolution was not pursued. These comments came after a significant Russian attack, prompting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to express his desire for peace while indicating Russia’s intention to continue the war. Putin’s remarks coincided with a meeting between Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump, aimed at resolving the conflict. Furthermore, Russia claimed to have captured several towns in eastern Ukraine, a claim disputed by Ukrainian military officials who reported ongoing defensive operations in the affected areas, adding to the complexities of the ongoing conflict.
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Due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, Hyundai is unable to repurchase its former manufacturing plant in Russia, according to a source familiar with the internal deliberations. The automaker sold the plant in St. Petersburg in 2024 to AGR Automotive Group, including a buyback option set to expire in January. Although a final decision has not been made, the source cited the conflict as the primary reason for the situation, making a buyback impossible. This development mirrors a trend among foreign carmakers exiting the Russian market, with several other companies also facing expiring buyback options.
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Following a reported Ukrainian drone attack on Vladimir Putin’s residence, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of fabricating the event to justify further attacks, particularly on Kyiv, and to undermine peace efforts with the US. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated Moscow would review its negotiating position in response to the alleged attack, which Russia claimed to have repelled. Meanwhile, former US President Donald Trump, who met with Zelenskyy, expressed being “angry” about the news and suggested it was not the “right time” for such actions, without condemning Russia’s actions. Zelenskyy proposed a demilitarized zone and a referendum on a peace plan, while also seeking longer-term security guarantees from the US.
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A Russian submarine was deployed alongside a spy ship, the Yantar, to map critical undersea infrastructure near Britain, as revealed by a declassified Ministry of Defence photo. The image shows the submarine shadowing the Yantar, which was reportedly surveying the gas pipeline between Britain and Ireland, alongside an anti-submarine helicopter and a British submarine. This is one of several operations where Russian submarines have accompanied the Yantar near the British Isles, prompting concern about increased Russian incursions into UK waters. The UK is responding with increased defense spending and advanced anti-submarine technology as part of its Atlantic Bastion program.
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Following a meeting with military commanders, Russian President Vladimir Putin has directed the military to advance its offensive and capture Zaporizhzhia. Putin also reiterated the need to establish a “security zone” along Ukraine’s northern border in the Sumy and Kharkiv regions. These instructions mirror previous directives issued in November and May. These actions were taken not long after US President Donald Trump commented on Moscow’s potential interest in ending the war.
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John Q. Hosedrinker