A recent Levada Center poll reveals that 39% of Russians believe nuclear weapons use could be justified in the Ukraine war, a figure that has risen steadily alongside escalating Russian nuclear rhetoric. This increase coincides with President Putin’s approval of a revised nuclear doctrine and renewed nuclear threats. Conversely, opposition to nuclear weapons use has decreased from 52% in June to 45% in November. These findings highlight a growing acceptance among Russians of nuclear escalation, mirroring broader pro-war sentiment and support for Putin’s actions.
Read More
A Turkish-backed coalition of Islamist militant groups, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, launched a significant offensive in Syria’s Aleppo governate on November 27th. Reports suggest Ukrainian special forces may have provided training to these rebels, focusing on tactics used in the Ukraine war, although this remains unverified. The offensive, fueled by Russia’s troop deployment to Ukraine, has resulted in rebel gains, including the capture of numerous villages and military equipment. The swift rebel advance, coupled with attacks by the SDF, has reportedly surprised Syrian and Russian forces, leading to a tactical withdrawal and civilian casualties.
Read More
Following significant Russian troop losses in Syria, attributed to a successful offensive by Turkish-backed rebels, General Sergey Kiselyov was dismissed as commander of Russian forces and replaced by General Alexander Chayko. These losses, including hundreds of missing soldiers, reportedly prompted the Kremlin’s action. Admiral Alexander Moiseev’s presence at the Tartus naval base further highlights the situation’s gravity. Ukrainian intelligence suggests that Ukrainian special forces provided training to the rebels involved in these offensives.
Read More
A Russian sailor, deployed from the Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier to fight in Ukraine, suffered severe injuries including a concussion and shrapnel wounds. Following this, while serving aboard an unspecified naval vessel in an undisclosed “unfriendly nation,” he was exposed to radioactive water, resulting in acute radiation sickness and severe tissue damage. His lawyer, Petr Portnyagin, cites this case as evidence of the perilous conditions and inadequate safety measures faced by Russian servicemen due to aging equipment. The sailor’s prognosis is grim, but his lawyer hopes his condition will lead to his discharge from military service.
Read More
A new amphibious warfare training center in Sørreisa, Norway, facilitates joint training for U.S., British, and Dutch personnel, bolstering NATO’s presence near Russia’s Arctic border. This initiative follows Norway’s significant investment in military infrastructure in the Troms region, totaling nearly $1.44 billion since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The center’s establishment underscores heightened regional tensions, exemplified by recent Russian spy ship activity near Norwegian critical infrastructure. Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram emphasized the importance of collaborative training for regional and NATO security.
Read More
On November 30th, the Third Assault Brigade destroyed a North Korean Bulsae-4 self-propelled anti-tank missile system in Kharkiv Oblast using FPV drones. The operation, documented in a released video, also resulted in the destruction of Russian vehicles and inflicted casualties on Russian infantry. This engagement highlights the growing involvement of North Korean military assets in the conflict, with reports suggesting thousands of North Korean soldiers are operating in Russia and receiving weapons and resources in exchange for their participation. The use of the Bulsae-4, a long-range anti-tank system, underscores the escalating nature of the conflict.
Read More
Despite initial appearances of victory, the Assad regime in Syria faces a renewed and significant threat. A recent, swift offensive by the opposition, fueled by the weakened state of Assad’s allies (Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah), has led to the collapse of government forces in northern Syria and advances toward Hama. This offensive exploits the stretched resources of Assad’s key supporters, who are preoccupied with conflicts elsewhere. The Assad dynasty’s long reign, marked by corruption and mismanagement, highlights the eventual fragility of even the most entrenched regimes.
Read More
Jihadist rebels seized control of Aleppo, Syria, in a major blow to President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, marking the largest challenge to his authority in years. Following days of intense fighting, Syrian Army forces withdrew from the city, leaving rebel fighters in control of key locations, including the city center and citadel. While the rebels claimed control of the airport, government troops reportedly remained present, and all flights were suspended. Russia launched airstrikes against the rebels, while Iran and Russia publicly expressed support for Syria and condemned the attacks.
Read More
Following a meeting between Ukrainian and Turkish parliamentary friendship groups, it was confirmed that Turkey will not endorse any peace plan requiring Ukraine to cede territory or freeze the conflict. Turkish officials reaffirmed their support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, including Crimea. This stance counters Russian claims of Turkish support for a territorial compromise. The discussions also addressed Turkey’s ongoing efforts to ensure continued aid to Ukraine, regardless of potential shifts in U.S. policy.
Read More
The EU is proposing its fifteenth sanctions package against Russia, targeting entities aiding the war effort in Ukraine. This includes asset freezes for six Chinese companies and one Chinese individual, along with visa bans for 54 individuals and asset freezes for 29 companies, primarily Russian. The sanctions aim to further restrict Russian access to resources and international cooperation. Despite previous sanctions impacting visa access, Russian tourist and business visa applications to the EU have still increased significantly.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker