On the night of December 9-10, Ukraine initiated a large-scale drone attack on Moscow, as reported by Mayor Sergey Sobyanin. Russian air defenses successfully intercepted at least 31 UAVs approaching the city, and emergency services are currently managing debris from the crashes. Preliminary reports indicate no casualties or significant damage resulting from the attack. Temporary flight restrictions were implemented at multiple Moscow airports during the incident.
Read More
President Zelenskyy revealed in his evening address that Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service reported on Russia’s increasing economic dependence on China, highlighting an unprecedented surrender of sovereignty. He stated that Russia’s actions, particularly under Putin’s leadership, are significant, with the nation seemingly willing to pay any price to avoid ending the war. Zelenskyy emphasized his belief that the international community possesses the power to compel Russia to end the conflict and secure peace. Furthermore, he has directed Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service to closely monitor the evolving relationship between Russia and China.
Read More
European officials are considering a drastic economic response to potential geopolitical shifts involving the US and Russia, specifically if the US abandons its commitment to Ukraine. The plan involves the mass liquidation of the US Treasury securities held by European governments, a move that could destabilize the American economy. With the UK and EU holding approximately $2.34 trillion in US debt, a coordinated sell-off could trigger a financial crisis, potentially worse than the 2008 crash. Such action is being considered due to concerns over a potential deal between the Trump administration and Russia, which could undermine European security interests.
Read More
Poland is considering donating its remaining MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine, acknowledging the aircraft are nearing the end of their operational life. Discussions are underway regarding a potential technology swap, as the donation aligns with the alliance’s policy of supporting Ukraine and maintaining NATO’s eastern flank. The plan includes Poland replacing the MiG-29s with US-made F-16s and South Korean FA-50s. In return, Ukraine could share drone and missile technologies to jointly develop defense capabilities and industrial skills.
Read More
A recent analysis of court rulings by Vyorstka reveals that returning Russian soldiers have been responsible for over 1,000 deaths and injuries within Russia since the start of the Ukraine invasion. The review indicates at least 551 deaths and 465 serious injuries, with former prisoners who fought in Ukraine accounting for a significant portion of the casualties. Many of these incidents occurred during domestic disputes, frequently involving alcohol or drugs, and often targeted the veterans’ own relatives or acquaintances.
Read More
President Zelenskyy continued his diplomatic efforts in Europe, meeting with Pope Leo XIV and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome, while resisting US pressure to make territorial concessions to Russia. Prior to the Rome visit, Zelenskyy held discussions with leaders in London and Brussels regarding a revised US-proposed peace plan. This plan, reduced to 20 points, still faces hurdles concerning territorial control and security guarantees. Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine’s firm stance against ceding any territory, despite the Trump administration’s suggestion of ceding the Donbas region. The Italian government is considering renewing military aid to Ukraine, while emphasizing its commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defense.
Read More
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy continues to rally European support and is resistant to ceding any territory, despite U.S. pressure. Zelenskyy is working with American and European partners on several documents related to a peace proposal and Ukraine’s recovery. He met with Pope Leo and discussed diplomatic efforts for peace. A key point of contention is the U.S. proposal for Ukraine to cede control of the Donbas region, a suggestion strongly resisted by Ukraine and its allies.
Read More
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy clarified that the suggestion of Ukraine ceding Donetsk Oblast originated from Russia, not the United States. During a press briefing, Zelenskyy emphasized that Russia was the source of this idea, while Ukraine is focused on defending its territories. He also stated that Ukraine, Europe, and the United States are working on three documents to form the basis of a peace settlement, with Ukrainian and European proposals already prepared to be presented to the U.S.
Read More
A Russian An-22 military transport aircraft crashed in the Ivanovo region during a scheduled test flight after repairs, resulting in the presumed deaths of all seven crew members. The incident occurred near the Uvod Reservoir in the Furmanovsky District. This particular aircraft, based at the Ivanovo-Severny military airfield, was likely undergoing maintenance within a hangar before the flight. The An-22, a Soviet-era aircraft known for its large payload capacity and historic significance as the world’s largest turboprop aircraft, was originally slated for retirement in 2024, but may have been re-evaluated due to recent losses of other military transport aircraft.
Read More
European intelligence agencies have discovered a Russian sabotage network planning to bomb airplanes bound for the United States, utilizing explosives capable of a large-scale attack. This operation, involving explosions at logistics centers and plans for mid-air bombings, is part of a broader hybrid campaign by Moscow across Europe. Intelligence assessments and NATO reports suggest this activity reflects preparations for a potential major conflict, with Russia actively recruiting operatives and targeting infrastructure. Multiple sabotage attempts have been thwarted, indicating a wider threat, as analysts compare Russia’s current tactics to those of the KGB, placing Europe in a “pre-war” phase.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker