Leaked Russian documents reveal the production of a new Iskander 1000 ballistic missile, a modernized 9M723-2 variant with a range of up to 1,000 kilometers, capable of striking numerous European cities. This extended range significantly expands the threat beyond Ukraine, especially as the missiles can be deployed from Russian territory or Kaliningrad. Despite existing sanctions, the missile relies on Western-made components, and not all involved companies are sanctioned. Experts suggest the EU should increase sanctions, improve enforcement, and address the use of Chinese technology to counter this threat.
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Moscow has moved to terminate military cooperation agreements with eleven European countries, including Germany, Poland, and the United Kingdom. These agreements, signed between 1992 and 2002, facilitated defense cooperation and mutual assistance. The decision encompasses both EU member states and those with special status in European security. This follows a previous termination of a military-technical cooperation agreement with Germany in July, citing its incompatibility with current relations.
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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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John Q. Hosedrinker