Germany’s leading role in supporting Ukraine makes it a prime target for Russia’s ongoing hybrid warfare, according to Major General Christian Freuding. While the cause of the recent DHL plane crash near Vilnius remains unclear, it highlights the Kremlin’s use of such tactics, including previous attacks targeting German logistics. Freuding emphasizes that Russia views established international norms as obsolete and that Germany must prepare for further hybrid offensives. Furthermore, Germany anticipates Russia’s potential for renewed aggression against a NATO member by 2029.
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Ukraine’s sophisticated electronic warfare capabilities are effectively countering Russia’s drone attacks. By “spoofing” satellite coordinates, Ukrainian forces redirect incoming Shahed drones, causing them to self-destruct over Russian and Belarusian territory. This tactic, used during a recent record-breaking drone assault, complements traditional air defenses and conserves precious resources. The successful diversion of a significant number of drones highlights the growing effectiveness of Ukraine’s electronic warfare systems in disrupting Russian operations.
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The Biden administration is urging Ukraine to significantly expand its military by lowering the conscription age to 18 and increasing mobilization efforts, aiming to address a critical troop shortage. This push comes as Ukraine faces a massive manpower deficit against Russia, exacerbated by the arrival of North Korean troops in the Kursk region. While the U.S. has provided substantial military aid, it believes Ukraine needs to drastically increase its troop numbers to sustain the fight. However, Ukraine has expressed concerns that lowering the draft age could negatively impact its already strained economy and sees this pressure as a deflection from Western delays in providing necessary equipment.
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To mitigate the ruble’s slide to its lowest level since the 2022 Ukraine invasion, the Central Bank of Russia announced a suspension of foreign currency purchases on the domestic market until the end of 2024. This decision, extending a previous suspension, aims to stabilize financial markets. These purchases will be postponed until 2025, while the bank will continue selling currency from its sovereign wealth fund to manage the situation. The ruble’s devaluation, while potentially beneficial for exports, also risks increasing inflation.
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President Biden’s administration has requested $24 billion in emergency funding for Ukraine, comprising $16 billion for replenishing US weapons stocks and $8 billion for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI). This request, submitted on November 25th, faces a December 20th deadline to avoid a government shutdown and has drawn criticism from some Republicans who believe it hinders peace negotiations. The USAI funds weapons production for Ukraine rather than depleting US reserves further. Despite this opposition, the administration remains committed to supporting Ukraine’s defense through 2025.
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The Russian ruble has fallen to its lowest level against the US dollar since the beginning of the Ukraine invasion, reaching 107 rubles per dollar—a two-year low. This significant depreciation is attributed to ongoing sanctions impacting the Russian economy, particularly the recent targeting of Gazprombank, hindering international payments and further reducing gas export revenue. The upcoming holiday season is expected to exacerbate the situation, increasing import demand and putting additional pressure on the ruble. While a weaker ruble may benefit exports, the resulting high inflation (currently 8.5 percent) and the Central Bank’s attempts to counteract it through interest rate hikes are proving insufficient to stabilize the currency.
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Norway’s initial 2025 budget proposed significantly reducing aid to Ukraine, but following parliamentary discussions, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre announced a potential increase to 30 billion kroner ($2.7 billion). This would more than double the proposed funding and represent a substantial commitment exceeding Norway’s current 2024 aid level. The final decision is pending, but the proposed sum would solidify Norway’s position as a major contributor to Ukrainian support efforts. This follows recent pledges, including a 500-million-euro aid package focused partly on military assistance.
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Russia’s newly deployed “Oreshnik” hypersonic missile, successfully used in a strike on Dnipro, is reportedly impervious to Western air defenses and can reach European capitals within minutes, according to Dmitry Medvedev. This claim, coupled with the missile’s potential for nuclear warhead deployment, has prompted concerns among Ukraine’s allies and an emergency NATO meeting. While Ukraine disputes the missile’s invulnerability and provided missile fragments for analysis, Russia asserts its right to retaliate against countries enabling attacks on Russian territory. The use of the Oreshnik follows Ukraine’s recent use of Western-supplied missiles against targets within Russia.
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Ukrainian forces repelled a recent Russian offensive near Kupiansk in Kharkiv Oblast, maintaining full control of the city and its environs. Russian attempts to cross the Oskil River have been met with heavy losses, with only a small fraction of attacking units successfully reaching the opposite bank. This success follows earlier repelling of Russian attempts to break into Kupiansk. The city’s strategic importance as a key transportation hub underscores the significance of this Ukrainian victory.
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Following reports from the Telegram channel “Ostorozhno, Moskva,” Moscow police conducted raids within the Tchaikovsky Moscow State Conservatory’s dormitory, issuing military summonses to students. One student, Daniil, recounted a surprise early morning detention, where police lacked proper identification and escorted him and others to the enlistment office. After a seven-hour detainment, Daniil was released with a summons for the following Monday but was left without his passport. The incident highlights the abrupt and potentially coercive methods used to fulfill Russia’s military mobilization efforts.
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John Q. Hosedrinker