NATO Military Committee Chair Rob Bauer asserts that while Russia’s military has expanded since the war began, its effectiveness has diminished, affording the West time to bolster defenses. He stresses the need for increased defense industry investment and adaptation to potential wartime scenarios, citing Russia’s and China’s control over vital resources like energy and rare earth minerals as vulnerabilities. Bauer emphasizes the strategic implications of Western reliance on these resources and advocates for proactive measures, including preemptive strikes on Russian territory in the event of an attack. This shift reflects NATO’s evolving strategic posture, moving away from a purely reactive defense.
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Europeans will ramp up military support for Ukraine, a move driven by a growing recognition of Russia’s aggressive actions and the limitations of relying solely on the United States for global security. The need for increased European defense spending has become undeniable, reflecting a shift in geopolitical realities. A prolonged conflict necessitates sustained support for Ukraine, a commitment extending beyond mere financial aid. This escalation of military assistance acknowledges that the current situation demands a more robust and self-reliant European defense posture.
Europeans are recognizing the need for a significant increase in defense spending, a shift prompted by a clearer understanding of the long-term consequences of inaction.… Continue reading
Prime Minister Trudeau firmly opposes Russia retaining any Ukrainian territory seized during its invasion, emphasizing that such a concession would embolden other nations to act similarly. He underscored the importance of continued support for Ukraine to uphold the rules-based international order, countering arguments that such aid is not a priority. Trudeau defended Canada’s commitment of over $19.5 billion in aid to Ukraine while addressing criticisms of insufficient defense spending, attributing past shortfalls to previous administrations. He cautioned against isolationism, arguing that robust international collaboration is crucial to deter further aggression and maintain global stability.
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Following a deadly DHL cargo plane crash near Vilnius, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock raised the possibility of outside involvement. She suggested the incident could be a “hybrid incident,” similar to recent suspected sabotage of Baltic Sea telecom cables. The statement indicates a consideration of both accidental and intentional causes for the crash. A full investigation is underway to determine the definitive cause.
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Utilizing open-source intelligence, analysts confirmed the first Ukrainian use of US-provided ATACMS missiles, specifically those with cluster warheads, targeting the Kursk-Vostochny airfield in Russia’s Kursk Oblast on November 24-25. Evidence included photographic proof of submunition detonation within the airfield’s aircraft parking area, corroborated by a Russian military blogger. The strike, reportedly involving eight missiles, followed President Biden’s authorization of ATACMS use against Russia. This represents a significant escalation in the conflict.
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Lieutenant General H.R. McMaster criticized certain Republicans, including Tulsi Gabbard, for echoing Vladimir Putin’s rhetoric and displaying an “affection” for the Russian leader. McMaster specifically highlighted Gabbard’s acceptance of Putin’s justifications for invading Ukraine, contradicting U.S. intelligence assessments. This criticism follows concerns raised by Democrats regarding Gabbard’s past actions and potential allegiances, including a meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The concerns underscore broader anxieties about Gabbard’s suitability for a national security role.
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Cabinet minister Pat McFadden will warn of Russia’s use of AI to enhance cyberattacks against UK infrastructure, citing a “daily reality” of cyberwarfare. A new £8.2 million Laboratory for AI Security Research (LASR), collaborating with GCHQ, will counter these threats, focusing on preventing potential attacks like power grid disruptions. This initiative comes amidst heightened tensions following Russia’s threats and increased cyberattacks targeting the UK and NATO allies supporting Ukraine. The growing use of AI in cyberattacks, exemplified by North Korea’s actions, underscores the urgency of this research.
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Growing cooperation between North Korea and Russia, including the reported deployment of North Korean troops to Ukraine, is causing unease in China. While China has remained publicly silent, US officials suggest this silence stems from concern that the deepening relationship between Pyongyang and Moscow could negatively impact China’s interests, potentially emboldening North Korea and strengthening US alliances in the region. However, some analysts dispute the extent of China’s discomfort, arguing that China’s support for Russia implicitly endorses North Korea’s actions. Ultimately, China’s position appears to be one of uneasy observation rather than outright opposition.
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In the past week, Russia has unleashed a barrage of over 800 bombs, nearly 460 drones, and 20 missiles against Ukraine, prompting near-daily air raid sirens. This assault included the debut of a new Russian intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM), used in an attack on Dnipro. President Zelensky condemned these actions, highlighting the urgent need for increased air defense systems and emphasizing Ukraine’s status as a sovereign nation, not a weapons testing ground. He has instructed the defense minister to secure advanced air defense capabilities from international allies. The attacks follow a reported Ukrainian strike on a Russian military target using U.S.-supplied missiles.
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Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence head, General-Lieutenant Kyrylo Budanov, revealed that Russia prepared “execution lists” targeting prominent Ukrainian citizens before the full-scale invasion. These lists, encompassing teachers, veterans, journalists, and religious leaders, were part of a broader plan to eliminate key societal elements under occupation. This included logistical preparations like mobile crematoria and instructions on mass grave locations. These actions, exemplified by atrocities in cities like Bucha and Mariupol, demonstrate a Kremlin-directed genocidal strategy. Earlier reports corroborate these findings, revealing documented plans for suppressing dissent and establishing internment camps.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood