A $1.25 billion military aid package for Ukraine is expected to be announced on Monday, comprising munitions for advanced air defense systems, Stinger missiles, and artillery rounds. This presidential drawdown authority funding will leave approximately $4.35 billion in previously allocated Pentagon funds. The aid aims to bolster Ukraine’s position before a potential negotiation with Russia, though concerns remain about the incoming administration’s commitment to continued support. This latest package brings total U.S. security assistance to Ukraine to over $64 billion since the February 2022 invasion.
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Ukrainian forces captured several seriously wounded North Korean soldiers, some of whom later died from their injuries; these are believed to be the first North Korean prisoners of war taken by Ukraine. Intelligence suggests thousands of North Korean troops have been deployed to the Kursk region, suffering significant casualties due to minimal protection provided by Russia. Russia’s alleged attempts to conceal these losses include falsifying identification documents and burning the bodies of deceased soldiers. Ukraine warns of the potential for further North Korean troop deployments to Russia.
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Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico warned of potential retaliatory measures against Ukraine, including electricity supply cuts, should Ukraine cease Russian gas transit after January 1st. This decision follows a meeting between Fico and Vladimir Putin, and comes amid Ukraine’s refusal to renew a gas transit deal with Russia. Fico argues that halting transit would harm EU competitiveness and highlighted Slovakia’s reliance on Russian gas despite increased EU efforts to diversify energy sources. The move reflects a shift in Slovakia’s foreign policy under Fico, causing concern among Ukraine and its European allies.
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Ukrainian forces report significant North Korean troop losses in the Kursk region, with both Russian and North Korean commanders viewing them as expendable, resulting in heavy casualties and a lack of protection. The US estimates over 1,000 North Korean soldiers were killed or wounded last week alone. Simultaneously, the US plans to deliver further military aid to Ukraine, including air defense systems, while Slovakia offers to host potential peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, a proposition raising concerns in Kyiv. Finally, Ukraine received its first US LNG shipment, bolstering its energy independence.
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On December 27, Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence (HUR) announced the successful elimination of three senior Russian officers—Captains Dmitry Nagorny, Grigory Krokhmalyov, and Yuri Fomin—during a precision HIMARS strike targeting a command meeting in Zaporizhzhia. The operation, coordinated with the Tavria Operational Group, UAV forces, and Ukraine’s Security Service, also destroyed five Russian vehicles. Intelligence gathering and verification preceded the strike, which was followed by a drone attack on the evacuation team. This follows the reported death of another Russian officer, Salim Pashtov, on December 25.
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Russia’s recent warnings against the United States conducting nuclear tests, particularly under a potential Trump presidency, are raising eyebrows. The timing is certainly interesting, considering Russia’s own withdrawal from the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. This leaves one wondering if these warnings are genuine concerns about escalating tensions or simply a calculated tactic for domestic consumption and international posturing.
The Kremlin’s pronouncements often seem designed to paint a picture of a world teetering on the brink of nuclear conflict, where every nuclear power is a potential aggressor. This narrative is likely intended to rally support at home and perhaps deflect attention from Russia’s own actions in Ukraine and its weakened global standing.… Continue reading
Ukraine confirms it destroyed a major Russian ammunition depot, a significant blow to Russia’s military capabilities. The reported destruction of the depot, located at the Kadamovsky training ground in Russia’s southern Rostov region, is being hailed as a major victory. The sheer scale of the operation, and its success, underscores Ukraine’s evolving tactical prowess and ability to strike deep within Russian territory.
Ukraine confirms it destroyed the depot in a large-scale operation conducted by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) overnight on December 21-22. This targeted strike, executed with precision and efficiency, resulted in the complete destruction of the depot and a massive fire.… Continue reading
South Korea’s National Intelligence Service confirmed reports that Ukrainian forces captured a wounded North Korean soldier near Kursk, Russia. The confirmation, based on intelligence sharing with an allied nation, follows a report by Ukrainian news outlet Militarnyi. The incident marks the first known capture of a North Korean soldier by Ukraine. This event comes amidst reports of significant North Korean troop deployments to Russia, with estimates suggesting thousands of soldiers already sent.
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In response to Russia’s Christmas Day missile attacks on Ukraine, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk condemned Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s characterization of Vladimir Putin as an “honest partner.” Orban’s statement starkly contrasted with the reality of the devastating Russian assault, which injured multiple Ukrainians. This incident underscores Hungary’s continued close ties with Moscow, including its opposition to EU sanctions and military aid for Ukraine. Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry previously criticized Hungary’s stance as manipulative and supportive of Ukrainian surrender.
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Ukrainian Special Operations Forces captured a North Korean soldier in Kursk Oblast on December 26th, marking the first confirmed capture of a North Korean fighting in the war. The operation also yielded a Russian BTR-82 armored personnel carrier and other materials. This follows earlier reports of North Korean troop deployments to Russia, with estimates ranging from 10,000 to 12,000 soldiers undergoing training. The captured soldier’s condition is currently unknown.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood