Kazakhstan has urged Ukraine to cease attacks on the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) terminal after a Ukrainian naval drone attack caused significant damage and halted operations. The CPC, a major pipeline handling over 1% of global oil, includes shareholders from Russia, Kazakhstan, and the U.S., with Kazakhstan being its primary oil exporter. Kazakhstan’s foreign ministry protested the attack on the civilian infrastructure, viewing it as harmful to bilateral relations and expecting preventative measures from Ukraine. Russia has labeled the attacks as terrorism, while Ukraine defends its actions as self-defense against Russian aggression.
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The Caspian Pipeline Consortium’s marine terminal in Novorossiysk suspended oil loadings following a Ukrainian uncrewed surface vessel attack on November 29th, resulting in severe damage to the SPM-2 single point mooring unit. Cargo operations were halted, and tankers were moved out of CPC waters as a result. The attack triggered the shutdown of pipelines, preventing potential oil spills, and environmental monitoring is currently underway. This incident follows previous attacks on the terminal, and contributes to the ongoing disruption of Russian oil export infrastructure.
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On November 30, Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR) released footage detailing an operation in the occupied Zaporizhzhia Oblast. The operation allegedly disrupted the sale of stolen diesel by Chechen fighters, known as “Kadyrovites,” in the Berdiansk district. In cooperation with partisans, HUR reported that two explosions were orchestrated at the site on November 29, targeting vehicles involved in the scheme. While the exact number of casualties is still being assessed, this action represents part of Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to diminish Russian military capabilities in occupied territories.
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Ohio Representative Mike Turner expressed concerns about the White House-backed peace plan for Ukraine, suggesting it may be too favorable to Russia and emphasizing the need to view Russia as a skeptical adversary. Turner, speaking on “Face the Nation,” highlighted that any peace arrangement must prioritize Ukraine’s sovereignty, acknowledging comments made by Senator Marco Rubio in Miami. The plan has undergone revisions following initial criticism. Turner also expressed concern over reports suggesting a potential orchestration of communication, giving Russia preferential positioning prior to speaking with the President.
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Poland’s Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski has voiced strong concerns over secret U.S.–Russia talks regarding a potential Ukraine deal, comparing it to the detrimental Nord Stream pipeline project. These back-channel negotiations, reported by the Wall Street Journal, involve figures like Jared Kushner and Kirill Dmitriev, potentially exploring a trade of Ukrainian territory for U.S. corporate access to Russia. Both Sikorski and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk have criticized these proposals, emphasizing that they prioritize business interests over peace and security in Ukraine. Sikorski warned that despite the uncertainty of the U.S. administration’s involvement, the situation presents a dangerous moment for Europe.
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Recent reports indicate Russia is increasingly deploying assault troops without helmets or body armor, particularly in the Lyman axis in eastern Ukraine. Ukrainian commanders have observed this tactic becoming more prevalent, supported by video evidence showing Russian soldiers advancing without protective gear. The practice of sending ill-equipped troops reflects Russia’s reliance on expendable forces and high-casualty tactics, exacerbated by significant losses and economic constraints. These inadequately equipped soldiers face severe conditions, with reports of insufficient supplies, poor logistics, and even being forced to retrieve gear from fallen comrades.
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Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla resigned from parliament after allegations surfaced accusing her of involvement in recruiting 17 South African men to fight for Russia in Ukraine. The MK party, led by her father, stated her resignation was voluntary, though authorities are working to repatriate the South African citizens. The MK party denies any involvement in sending the men abroad but has pledged support for their families. Ukrainian authorities have warned of the presence of numerous foreign mercenaries fighting alongside Russian forces, highlighting the need for increased prevention efforts.
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On November 27, Russia deployed Tu-22M3 long-range bombers armed with Kh-32 supersonic cruise missiles over the Baltic Sea, accompanied by fighter jets. The five-hour flight in international airspace was monitored by foreign military aircraft, including Swedish Air Force QRA fighters who intercepted and identified the Russian bombers. The bombers originated from Olenya air base, recently reactivated for long-range aviation, and the mission rehearsed a maritime strike profile targeting NATO assets. This exercise, along with a separate Arctic Ocean patrol by a Tu-160 bomber, is considered part of routine long-range aviation training, but is seen by NATO as strategic signaling.
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French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot asserts that Vladimir Putin must agree to a ceasefire to avoid new sanctions, citing significant Russian losses on the battlefield and the targeting of civilian infrastructure. Barrot suggests Putin should seriously consider a new US peace plan, which is being revised to be more favorable to Ukraine after an initial version favored Russia. This plan, expected to be finalized during a meeting between Presidents Zelenskyy and Trump, is currently under negotiation with a Ukrainian delegation traveling to the US for further talks alongside a visit from Trump’s envoy to Moscow.
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The core of President Trump’s plan to end the Russia-Ukraine war appears to prioritize profit over peace, with envoys like Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner negotiating with Russian officials to position U.S. businesses for financial gains. These negotiations center around revitalizing Russia’s economy through joint ventures, including the potential use of $300 billion in frozen Russian assets for investments and reconstruction in Ukraine. Key figures, like Trump megadonors, are in talks to acquire stakes in lucrative projects such as Arctic gas ventures and the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. While the plan aims to create economic opportunities for both Russia and the U.S., it has faced criticism for potentially sacrificing Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
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John Q. Hosedrinker