A senior US military official reported that several hundred North Korean troops have suffered casualties, ranging from light wounds to fatalities, while fighting alongside Russian forces in the Kursk region. These inexperienced soldiers, deployed as part of a larger reinforcement effort, are reportedly suffering heavy losses against Ukrainian forces. This deployment follows a strengthened military pact between North Korea and Russia. The revelation comes amidst ongoing concerns about the future of US military aid to Ukraine under the incoming administration.
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In three days of fighting in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces reported eliminating 50 North Korean soldiers and wounding 47 more, supported by FPV drone footage. This follows earlier reports of North Korean troop deployments to the region by Russia, with Ukrainian sources claiming significant casualties during ground assaults. While the full extent of losses remains unclear due to reported Russian obfuscation, the Pentagon independently confirmed North Korean combat participation and casualties. These actions by the 8th Special Forces Regiment targeted not only personnel but also several pieces of military equipment.
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Ukraine ‘claims responsibility’ for killing a senior Russian general in Moscow via a scooter bomb, and the incident has ignited a firestorm of reactions. The Russian Investigative Committee reported that Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, head of the radiation, chemical, and biological protection forces, and his assistant were killed when an explosive device detonated near a residential building.
The sheer audacity of the attack, carried out in the heart of Moscow, is striking. A bomb concealed within an electric scooter, detonated remotely, resulted in significant damage to the building’s entrance and several nearby vehicles. Photographs circulating online depict a scene of devastation, with the remains of the scooter clearly visible amidst the wreckage.… Continue reading
The bomb killing the chief of Russia’s nuclear protection forces in Moscow, as reported by various media outlets, is a significant event with many potential implications. The fact that this occurred in Moscow itself suggests a high level of audacity and capability on the part of whoever carried out the attack. It speaks to either a serious failure in Russian security or a remarkably effective operation by hostile forces.
The timing of the bombing, so soon after Ukraine officially charged the general, General Kirillov, with using banned chemical weapons in Ukraine, is certainly noteworthy. This raises questions about potential motivation. Was this a targeted assassination carried out by Ukrainian operatives?… Continue reading
President Zelenskyy reported that North Korean soldiers are fighting alongside Russian forces, and preliminary data indicates Russia is attempting to hide the extent of resulting North Korean casualties. Ukrainian forces have documented the deaths of North Korean soldiers in Kursk Oblast, including an incident of friendly fire against Chechen troops. Intelligence suggests significant losses for North Korean units in mid-December, with estimates reaching at least 30 soldiers killed or wounded. The President emphasized the senselessness of North Korean deaths in this conflict.
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Following the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, Russia is bolstering its military presence in Libya. At least three Russian military cargo planes have flown from Belarus to Libya since December 8th, carrying defense materials. This move is likely a response to the increasingly precarious situation in Syria, forcing Russia to fortify its Libyan bases which serve as a crucial staging point for its African influence. Experts suggest this shift reflects Russia’s need to protect its expanded Libyan presence, now that its Syrian foothold is jeopardized. The evacuation of Russian personnel and equipment from Syria is underway.
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On December 15th, Ukraine launched a second wave of ATACMS missile strikes deep into Russia, targeting critical infrastructure. These strikes, employing a combined arms approach with Palen drones to overwhelm air defenses, successfully hit an airbase in Taganrog, an ammunition depot in Markine, and a Bryansk train depot. The high-explosive ATACMS missiles caused significant damage, disrupting Russian logistics, air operations, and impacting their war effort. The combined effect of these attacks is anticipated to reduce Russian offensive capabilities and force a reallocation of resources.
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In his first public statement since fleeing to Moscow, Bashar al-Assad denied resigning or seeking refuge, claiming his evacuation was arranged by Russia while overseeing combat operations in Latakia. He asserted his continued commitment to fighting the ongoing conflict and refuted the Russian foreign ministry’s claim that he had resigned. Assad’s statement contradicts initial reports from the Kremlin, which cited humanitarian reasons for granting him asylum. The situation highlights Russia’s continued involvement in Syria and the ongoing instability following the rebel takeover.
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Putin’s repeated accusations that the West is pushing Russia to its “red lines,” forcing a response, are becoming a familiar refrain. This narrative, however, feels increasingly hollow, like a broken record playing on repeat. It’s a tactic that attempts to shift blame and portray Russia as a reactive party, rather than the aggressor initiating the conflict in Ukraine.
The sheer number of alleged “red lines” crossed by the West, as described by Putin, suggests a strategic ambiguity designed to justify any action, regardless of its actual provocation. Each perceived transgression serves as a pretext for further escalation, blurring the lines between legitimate security concerns and thinly veiled justifications for aggression.… Continue reading
A railway district in Ulyanovsk, Russia, was recently struck by an explosion near a locomotive depot and motor plant. This incident follows similar attacks in Krasnodar and Bryansk, where fires and destruction of trains were reported. Ukrainian intelligence attributed these events to the ongoing effort to disrupt Russian military logistics. The statement concluded by emphasizing the inevitability of retribution for war crimes.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood