The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) conducted a special operation resulting in a naval attack in the port of Novorossiysk. Underwater drones, “Sub Sea Baby,” were deployed to detonate a Russian 636.3 “Varshavyanka” class submarine, causing critical damage and rendering it inoperable. The submarine, which housed four Kalibr cruise missile launchers, is estimated to cost up to $500 million. This operation, a joint effort between the SSU and the Naval Forces of Ukraine, further hindered Russia’s naval capabilities.
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Ukrainian forces are steadily pushing Russian troops out of Kupiansk, with reports indicating a significant number of Russian soldiers are surrounded within the city. The operation’s slow pace is due to the presence of civilian hostages, including children, used as human shields by the Russians. Although the battle is ongoing, Ukrainian forces have managed to push Russians out of the city’s northwestern part. Limited supplies are being delivered to the surrounded Russian troops via drone.
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Europe’s water resources face significant challenges stemming from pollution, droughts, and floods, impacting vital ecosystems. Euronews is launching a series exploring these issues, examining the importance of ecosystem protection and improved wastewater management. The series will feature video reports, animated explainers, and live debates to highlight innovative water solutions across the continent. Ultimately, the program aims to shed light on the critical need to safeguard Europe’s water.
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In Berlin, Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with US envoys in an effort to end the war with Russia, with progress being made during the discussions. The Ukrainian president offered to drop Ukraine’s aspirations to join NATO, a significant concession that addresses one of Russia’s key demands. Discussions focused on a 20-point peace plan, with a ceasefire along current frontlines being considered. European allies, viewing this as a critical moment, are working to refine US proposals and support Kyiv’s finances.
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The author, drawing from their experiences studying Russia, observes concerning parallels between Putin’s Russia and the current state of the United States. They highlight how Russia, through policies, marginalized certain groups and enriched the elite, a characteristic of a fascist regime. This marginalization manifested in the removal of certain groups from public spaces and the prioritization of superficial consumerism over basic human needs. The author fears that the US is headed down a similar path, mirroring the social stratification and inequities observed in Putin’s Russia.
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The arrival of the sanctioned LNG carrier Valera at China’s Beihai terminal on December 8 marked a significant shift in trade practices. This delivery, transporting LNG from a Russian plant, occurred openly, contrasting with previous attempts at concealment. The shift suggests reduced reservations from China and a strategic partnership with Russia, enabled by a new American administration. The move allows China to secure cheap LNG while sending a message to the West, and Russia benefits politically.
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On the evening of December 14th, unidentified drones targeted the Moscow region, prompting reports of explosions and social media footage capturing both the drones and the blasts. While Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin remained silent, the Russian Ministry of Defense claimed to have intercepted 56 drones across multiple regions, including two over the Moscow region. This incident follows similar drone activity on December 11th and November 30th, leading to temporary airport closures and heightened security measures. No official comments regarding the impact on Moscow have been made.
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A pro-Russian agent network, linked to the Federal Security Service, was discovered in Austria running a disinformation campaign disguised as “Ukrainian Nazis.” The operation, led by Austrian citizen Jan Marsalek, formerly of Wirecard, and Bulgarian national Orlin Rusev, produced and disseminated far-right symbols and propaganda aimed at discrediting Ukraine and reinforcing Russian narratives across several European countries. The network created websites mimicking Ukrainian military groups, while simultaneously using far-right symbols in Ukrainian colors, and coupled them with offensive messaging to stir up animosity. Rusev was later arrested in London, alongside others convicted of spying for Russia.
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President Zelenskyy stated that a fair ceasefire option would involve both Ukrainian and Russian forces remaining in their current positions, acknowledging this is a sensitive point of contention. He believes it is unfair for Ukrainian troops to withdraw from any territory if Russian forces do not also withdraw an equal distance. Zelenskyy expressed concern over proposed compromises, such as creating buffer or economic zones managed by a police mission, questioning the equity of such arrangements without reciprocal withdrawal. He indicated the issue remains unresolved.
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The 429th Separate Drone Regiment “Achilles” announced the destruction of a pipeline used by Russian forces to infiltrate the front-line town of Kupiansk in Kharkiv Oblast, deeming it a crucial logistical channel. This operation, conducted in conjunction with other Ukrainian units, aimed to disrupt the Russian forces’ ability to reinforce and resupply. The “Achilles” regiment has been actively engaged in the Kupiansk sector since April, claiming to have inflicted significant casualties on Russian troops. This action directly followed reports of a successful Ukrainian counterattack north of Kupiansk, challenging Russia’s claims of capturing the town.
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John Q. Hosedrinker