Putin’s recent decision to forgive debt arrears for new Russian recruits fighting in the Ukraine war is a move that speaks volumes about the current state of affairs. It’s a stark, almost desperate measure, revealing the lengths to which the Kremlin is willing to go to bolster its flagging military efforts.
The immediate implication is straightforward: financial burdens are removed as an obstacle to enlistment. This means that individuals previously hesitant due to crippling debt can now join the ranks without worrying about leaving their families in dire straits. It’s a cynical calculation, essentially offering a lottery where the prize is freedom from debt, and the cost is potentially one’s life.… Continue reading
Following the G20 summit in Brazil, President Zelensky criticized the group’s weak condemnation of Russia’s war in Ukraine, particularly highlighting Brazilian President Lula da Silva’s perceived insufficient response. The final communiqué, devoting only one paragraph to the conflict, avoided directly condemning Russia’s actions, omitting references to nuclear threats and attacks on infrastructure. This muted response, Zelensky argued, emboldened Putin, leading to further aggression, including the recent use of new weaponry. The Ukrainian Presidential Office emphasized the need for a strong, unified stance from major global powers to deter further Russian intimidation.
Read More
France has implicitly authorized Ukraine to use French-made Scalp missiles against Russia, citing self-defense, mirroring similar decisions by the US and UK; the missiles’ deployment remains unconfirmed. Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot advocates for unrestricted Western support for Ukraine, rejecting the imposition of limitations. In response to this escalation, Russia plans increased production of its new hypersonic Oreshnik missile, capable of striking European targets.
Read More
A Ukrainian strike using UK-supplied Storm Shadow missiles on November 20th reportedly killed approximately 500 North Korean troops and a Russian general, Lt-Gen Valery Solodchuk, at a Russian command post and military facility. The attack also allegedly resulted in the deaths of 18 other Russian officers and wounded 18 more. These casualties remain unconfirmed by Russian authorities, who have responded with threats of retaliatory strikes against the UK and US, including the potential use of new long-range ballistic missiles. The involvement of North Korean troops highlights the expanding scope of the conflict.
Read More
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot affirmed unwavering French support for Ukraine, stating that aid will continue for as long as necessary to counter the escalating threat to European security. This includes allowing Ukraine to use French long-range missiles for self-defense, even if that means striking Russian territory. Barrot also suggested increased Western defense spending is needed, and hinted at the possibility of Ukraine’s eventual NATO membership. A recent successful Ukrainian missile strike on a Russian command post, utilizing Western weaponry, underscores the escalating conflict.
Read More
A Norwegian student in his twenties, employed as a security guard at the U.S. Embassy in Oslo, was arrested and charged with espionage for Russia and Iran. The suspect, who also runs a security company, admitted to collecting and sharing information but denies espionage charges, claiming he obtained information potentially harming third-country security. Authorities are investigating the security company’s license and confirmed the man’s intelligence-related activity damaged national security. This marks the second espionage case involving the Arctic University of Norway in recent years, highlighting heightened security concerns given Norway’s proximity to Russia.
Read More
Sweden will provide significant financial aid to Ukraine for the mass production of long-range missiles and drones, utilizing the “Danish model” of direct funding to the Ukrainian defense industry. This approach avoids depleting Swedish military stockpiles while simultaneously bolstering Ukraine’s long-term defense capabilities and fostering stronger bilateral economic ties. The funding follows similar initiatives by Denmark and Norway, and allows Ukraine to utilize the weapons as it sees fit, including on Russian territory. This commitment underscores Sweden’s continued support for Ukraine’s self-defense efforts.
Read More
A security guard at the U.S. Embassy in Norway, Mohamed Orahhou, 27, has been accused of espionage, allegedly sharing sensitive information with both Russian and Iranian intelligence services. This revelation has sparked a flurry of online reactions, ranging from humorous speculation to serious concerns about national security.
The gravity of the situation cannot be understated. Orahhou’s alleged actions represent a serious breach of trust and a potential compromise of sensitive U.S. interests within Norway. The fact that he reportedly cooperated with both Russian and Iranian intelligence agencies suggests a sophisticated and potentially deeply embedded operation, raising questions about the extent of the damage and the methods used to recruit him.… Continue reading
Republican senators, particularly those on the Senate Intelligence Committee, are privately expressing concerns about Tulsi Gabbard’s nomination as director of national intelligence, driven by her past alignment with Russia and support for Edward Snowden. Their interest in reviewing Gabbard’s FBI file suggests a belief that undisclosed information, potentially related to foreign contacts, may exist. While publicly deferring to President-elect Trump, senators hint at potential future opposition depending on the contents of the file and Gabbard’s testimony. The senators’ concerns center on Gabbard’s past support for Snowden and her stances on the Ukraine and Syrian conflicts, which have echoed Russian narratives.
Read More
Following a Thursday test launch targeting Dnipro, President Putin announced further testing of the hypersonic Oreshnik missile under combat conditions, citing escalating security threats. He ordered the missile, capable of Mach 10 speeds, into serial production, emphasizing its significance for Russia’s security and claiming global technological superiority in this area. This deployment was framed as a direct response to Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory using Western-supplied weaponry. Putin asserted Russia’s right to retaliate against military facilities in supplying nations.
Read More
Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker