Addressing the French military, President Macron urged Europe to increase defense spending to lessen dependence on the U.S., particularly given anticipated shifts in American foreign policy under a returning Donald Trump. He highlighted the need for sustained support for Ukraine, including potential peacekeeper deployment, to ensure a strong negotiating position and prevent renewed conflict. Macron emphasized Europe’s responsibility in safeguarding any peace agreement and adapting to evolving geopolitical landscapes. The potential for European troop deployment, however, carries inherent risks, including escalating conflict with Russia.
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The arrest of a Ukrainian engineer on suspicion of leading a Russian spy network underscores the brutal realities of a nation at war. This isn’t simply a matter of espionage; it’s a betrayal of immense proportions, potentially costing countless Ukrainian lives. The gravity of the situation transcends typical discussions of treason; this is a man accused of aiding an enemy actively engaged in the systematic destruction of his homeland.
The engineer’s alleged actions, if proven true, represent far more than a violation of national security. He stands accused of providing intelligence that directly contributed to the deaths of Ukrainian soldiers and civilians.… Continue reading
Following its liberation in November 2022, Kherson, Ukraine, has faced relentless Russian attacks. These attacks include indiscriminate shelling and, since June, daily drone strikes targeting civilians, creating a terrifying environment described as a “safari” by residents. The destruction of the Kakhovka dam further compounded the city’s suffering, flooding low-lying areas. Consequently, Kherson’s population has plummeted to 80,000, a fraction of its pre-war size, as its citizens endure a new wave of hardship.
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In a joint meeting, Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov urged the Ministry of Defense to prepare for potential military conflict with NATO within the next ten years. This preparedness is deemed necessary alongside the ongoing war in Ukraine. Belousov’s statement follows President Putin’s warning about Western aid to Ukraine nearing a “red line.” The comments contrast with President-elect Trump’s call for a swift end to the Ukraine conflict.
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Former Ukrainian lawmaker and businessman Vadym Novynskyi, a wealthy individual and sponsor of a Moscow-backed church, has been charged in absentia with high treason and incitement to religious hatred by Ukrainian authorities. The State Bureau of Investigation alleges Novynskyi, a member of the banned Opposition Bloc, promoted pro-Russian narratives and acted as a handler for the Russian Orthodox Church in Ukraine, following the instructions of Patriarch Kirill. He fled Ukraine after the full-scale invasion began and continues to engage in subversive activities abroad. A conviction could result in a prison sentence of up to 15 years.
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Reports indicate that Australian national Oscar Jenkins, a prisoner of war in Russia, may have been killed. Following these reports, the Australian government has expressed grave concern and summoned the Russian ambassador, vowing the strongest possible action if harm befell Jenkins. This would mark the first death of an Australian POW in over 50 years. Australia has repeatedly condemned Russia’s actions in Ukraine and provided substantial aid to the country.
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Following a Russian drone attack on Ukraine near the Romanian border on January 17th, Romanian airspace was violated. Two F-16 fighter jets were scrambled, and subsequent investigations uncovered potential drone impact traces near Plauroo. The Romanian Ministry of Defense condemned the attacks, maintained constant contact with allies, and continues monitoring the situation. The affected area is currently secured pending further investigation.
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Russia’s war in Ukraine has resulted in the deaths of at least 6,083 elite soldiers, representing a significant loss of highly trained personnel. These casualties, spanning various elite units including Airborne Forces and GRU special forces, highlight the substantial human cost of the conflict. While initially relying heavily on these elite units, Russia has increasingly depended on mobilized personnel and convicts, indicating significant depletion of its trained military forces. The actual number of Russian casualties is likely considerably higher than open-source data suggests, potentially reaching as high as 196,000.
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In response to a January 15th Russian missile and drone attack on Ukraine, two Norwegian F-35 fighter jets, based in Poland, were deployed for the first time to actively defend Polish airspace. This action underscores NATO’s commitment to its eastern flank, following a previous instance of Russian ordnance entering Polish airspace. Poland simultaneously announced an increase in its air force readiness, deploying additional fighter jets and enhancing ground defenses. This escalation comes despite previous advice for restraint regarding airspace violations and despite differing opinions on the appropriate response to such incursions.
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Ukraine launched its most extensive air offensive yet, striking multiple Russian regions with drones and missiles over 1000 kilometers from the border. The sophisticated attacks, utilizing decoys to overwhelm defenses, targeted military and industrial sites including oil refineries and airbases. This demonstrates Ukraine’s growing long-range capabilities and reliance on domestically produced drones and missiles, a shift driven partly by Western hesitancy to authorize strikes within Russia. These attacks are not only disrupting Russian logistics but also undermining the Kremlin’s narrative of invincibility and bolstering Ukrainian morale.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood