During his annual “Direct Line” call-in show, Vladimir Putin advocated for Russians to emulate Caucasus traditions of early marriage to combat the country’s declining birth rate, citing Chechnya’s leader Ramzan Kadyrov as an example. This call came as Russia faces a severe demographic crisis, with the fertility rate significantly below replacement levels and birth rates at their lowest since 1999. Putin framed having children as a moral duty and has implemented “family-centered” strategies. These strategies include campaigns promoting large families and restricting content that encourages a child-free lifestyle.
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India’s Foreign Ministry reported that 202 Indian nationals have been recruited into the Russian army since 2022, with 26 deaths and seven missing. The ministry’s official report, submitted to the Rajya Sabha, indicates that 50 Indians remain enlisted. India is actively working with Russia to secure the release and repatriation of these individuals. Additionally, the ministry has confirmed the repatriation of 10 bodies, while DNA samples have been provided to aid in identifying the dead and missing.
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Kenya is taking action against overseas recruitment networks after hundreds of its citizens were lured to Russia with false job promises, ultimately leading to their deployment to military camps and the front lines in Ukraine. The Kenyan government has repatriated 18 citizens and estimates over 200 Kenyans may have joined the Russian military, prompting tighter oversight of recruitment agencies. Recruitment networks are reportedly still active, with many Kenyans being tricked into signing contracts and receiving minimal training before being sent to fight. Reports indicate that some recruits, including those with no military experience, have been injured or killed in the conflict, and Kenya is now engaging with Moscow on the issue.
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During a recent visit to Poland, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed concerns regarding potential Russian interference in future elections. Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine will not allow Vladimir Putin to control its electoral processes, particularly concerning citizens in temporarily occupied territories. He criticized Putin’s statements about election participation as a tactic to gain control, highlighting the hypocrisy of Putin’s actions. Zelenskyy also asserted that Putin is merely seeking an excuse for the war rather than addressing its true causes.
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Progress has been made in talks to end the war in Ukraine, according to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He noted that the US has been actively involved in shuttle diplomacy after proposing a ceasefire plan last month, and that the negotiations are not about imposing a deal. Consultations are ongoing with Ukrainian and European officials, with a new round beginning Friday. The revised US proposal is now being considered by Ukraine, Europe, and Russia, although the most difficult issues still remain.
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During a recent televised event, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that there would be no further military operations after Ukraine if Russia is treated with respect and its interests are considered. Putin dismissed claims of planning attacks on European countries as “nonsense” while also adding that there would be no further invasions if the West did not repeat its perceived deception regarding NATO expansion. He reiterated his demands for peace in Ukraine, including Ukrainian forces withdrawing from occupied regions and abandoning NATO aspirations. Putin’s remarks coincided with a missile strike in Ukraine’s Odesa region and came amid discussions about peace proposals, including those from former US President Donald Trump.
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During a meeting with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the strength of their combined front against Russia. Tusk hailed Zelenskyy as a hero, reinforcing the idea that Ukraine’s fight is a shared struggle. Both leaders agreed that unity between the two nations is the greatest threat to Russia’s ambitions. Zelenskyy also noted that without a free Ukraine, Russia would target Poland next.
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A Russian-made Orlan-10 reconnaissance drone was discovered in a rural area of Kocaeli’s Izmit district on December 19, 2025, prompting an investigation by authorities. The Orlan-10, a multi-purpose unmanned aerial vehicle developed by Russia, is designed for various missions, including reconnaissance and electronic warfare. This incident is the second drone-related event in Turkey this week, following the earlier downing of an unidentified drone near Cankiri. The Orlan-10 drone, which has a wingspan of 3.1 meters and a flight range of 600 km, has been involved in similar incidents, with wreckage previously found in Turkish territory.
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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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John Q. Hosedrinker