In late 2024, French special forces conducted Exercise Persée, simulating a Belarusian attack on Ukraine. The extensive drills, involving over 3,000 commandos and diverse technological assets including satellites, drones, and cyber warfare capabilities, mirrored the terrain near Kyiv. The exercise aimed to refine tactical responses to a potential conflict and included testing a mixed fleet of drones, highlighting a potential gap in French military technology. President Macron’s recent discussions with UK Prime Minister Starmer likely included a briefing on these maneuvers and the possibility of European deployment to Ukraine.
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During a joint press conference, Polish President Andrzej Duda urged immediate NATO invitation for Ukraine, emphasizing this as the most effective security guarantee despite ongoing hostilities. While acknowledging full membership is currently impossible, Duda believes an invitation would provide crucial security assurances. This call follows similar statements from Ukrainian officials, who also view NATO accession as paramount for national security. The proposal gains momentum as more NATO leaders reportedly favor inviting Ukraine.
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Putin would demand Ukraine never join NATO in any talks with a potential US counterpart, particularly one perceived as weak or easily manipulated. This isn’t a negotiation tactic born of genuine security concerns; it’s a thinly veiled attempt to ensure future Russian aggression remains a viable option. The core objective is to leave Ukraine vulnerable, stripping away its capacity for self-defense and leaving it at the mercy of Russia’s whims.
Such a demand fundamentally misunderstands the nature of international relations and the inherent distrust surrounding Russia. It’s essentially a demand that a victim disarm, guaranteeing future victimhood. The historical precedent, where Russia disregarded prior agreements following Ukraine’s denuclearization, further underscores the absurdity of expecting good faith from Moscow.… Continue reading
Accusations of Russian involvement in attacks on European transportation infrastructure are mounting. These range from alleged sabotage of railways and GPS jamming to the recent downing of an Azerbaijani passenger jet, mirroring the 2014 MH17 tragedy. While Russia denies responsibility, multiple countries have voiced concerns about a pattern of hybrid warfare tactics employed by Moscow. The Kremlin’s response to these accusations has consistently been denial.
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Russia’s war financing involves a dual strategy: a publicized defense budget and a covert system of state-directed, off-budget loans to defense contractors totaling hundreds of billions of dollars. This off-budget lending, initiated after the Ukraine invasion, has resulted in soaring corporate debt and crippling interest payments, with interest rates reaching 21%. The resulting financial strain is causing concern about potential bankruptcies and a broader economic crisis, potentially overshadowing the officially reported defense spending. Analysts warn that this hidden debt burden, exceeding official military spending, poses a significant threat to Russia’s financial stability.
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Following a recent battle in Kursk, Ukrainian forces discovered evidence suggesting North Korean soldiers fighting alongside Russia are engaging in self-detonation upon capture. This is corroborated by testimonies from defectors and intelligence reports indicating widespread brainwashing and a willingness to sacrifice oneself for Kim Jong Un. Ukrainian assessments suggest approximately 11,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed, with significant casualties, and videos of captured soldiers have been released. The deployment marks North Korea’s most significant military involvement since the Korean War, raising concerns about their combat readiness and the potential consequences for regional stability.
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Russia reported a large-scale Ukrainian drone and missile attack involving U.S. and UK-supplied weaponry, targeting multiple locations including the Bryansk and Saratov regions. Moscow claimed to have intercepted all missiles and drones, vowing retaliation for what it deemed an escalation supported by Western powers. The attack caused damage to industrial sites and prompted flight restrictions in several Russian regions. A Ukrainian source claimed responsibility, targeting an airbase and other key facilities.
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Facing its first annual loss in 24 years, due largely to Western sanctions stemming from the war in Ukraine, Gazprom is considering a significant restructuring. A board member’s proposal suggests a 40% reduction in its St. Petersburg headquarters staff, decreasing the headcount from 4,100 to 2,500. This measure, aiming to align Gazprom’s management-to-employee ratio with Rosatom’s, is driven by a need to reduce management costs, currently at approximately $486.5 million annually. The savings would potentially fund performance bonuses for retained employees, and increased reliance on automation and digitalization.
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Three Russian oil tankers, part of a “shadow fleet” designed to circumvent sanctions, are reportedly stranded off the coast of China. These vessels, carrying over two million barrels of oil, were prevented from docking following recent, extensive U.S. sanctions targeting Russia’s energy sector. This action aims to reduce Russia’s ability to fund its war in Ukraine by limiting access to crucial revenue streams. The tankers’ inability to offload their cargo highlights the effectiveness of the sanctions and potentially foreshadows challenges for Russia’s ability to maintain trade with China.
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South Korea’s intelligence agency reported that two captured North Korean soldiers fighting in Ukraine with Russian forces have not requested asylum in South Korea, despite President Zelenskyy’s offer to facilitate an exchange for Ukrainian POWs. The agency confirmed its involvement in questioning the soldiers and stated its willingness to cooperate with Ukrainian authorities should a request for asylum arise. Approximately 300 North Korean soldiers are estimated to have died fighting in Ukraine, highlighting their struggles adapting to modern warfare and unfamiliar terrain. Concerns remain in Seoul regarding the potential for North Korea to gain valuable combat experience and technological advancements through this conflict.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood