The Biden administration is committed to providing Ukraine with significant aid to help them defend against Russia’s invasion in the coming year. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the urgency of this effort, stating that the US will work to ensure Ukraine has the necessary resources to fight effectively or negotiate peace from a position of strength. The US is adapting its support by providing updated equipment, despite political uncertainty surrounding the incoming Trump administration’s potential changes to US policy towards the conflict. The urgency of the situation is highlighted by the ongoing Russian attacks on Ukraine, including the recent deployment of North Korean troops to bolster Russian forces in the Kursk region.
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The United States is opening a new air defense base in Redzikowo, Poland, marking the first permanent U.S. military base in the country. This base, part of NATO’s missile shield, is strategically located near Russia’s Kaliningrad exclave and is intended to deter potential threats from Russia and Iran. While the project has been in development for over a decade, its opening comes amidst rising tensions with Russia and uncertainty surrounding the upcoming Trump administration. Despite concerns about potential disruptions to NATO’s unity, the base signifies the enduring strength of the U.S.-Poland alliance and highlights the importance of bolstering defenses on NATO’s eastern flank.
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Following an Israeli airstrike near our air base in Latakia, Syria, we have requested that Israel desist from such actions in the future. The attack, which occurred close to the Russian base and one of Syrian President Bashar Assad’s strongholds, poses a serious threat to the safety of our personnel. Our military has conveyed to Israeli officials that these strikes are unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
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A briefing paper prepared for the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence argues that Ukraine could build a rudimentary nuclear bomb within months if the US withdraws military support. The report claims Ukraine could utilize plutonium from spent fuel rods to create a weapon similar to the “Fat Man” bomb, albeit with a significantly lower yield. This move would be predicated on Ukraine withdrawing from the nuclear non-proliferation treaty, as the US’s withdrawal of support would violate the Budapest Memorandum. While western experts estimate a longer development timeline, Ukrainian officials believe a ballistic missile capable of delivering such a weapon could be operational within six months, highlighting the dire situation they face and the possibility of a nuclear deterrent becoming a necessity.
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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has stated that the Biden administration is fully committed to providing Ukraine with “every dollar” at its disposal before the inauguration of Donald Trump on January 20th. This declaration comes as a response to Trump’s repeated criticisms of the US’s efforts to support Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia.
Blinken’s statement highlights the urgency of the situation, emphasizing the need to provide Ukraine with the necessary resources to fight effectively or negotiate a peace from a position of strength. He stressed the importance of “money, the munitions, and the mobilized forces” for Ukraine’s success in 2025.… Continue reading
Former U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson warns that the United Kingdom might need to send troops to Ukraine if newly re-elected President Donald Trump cuts U.S. funding and military support. Johnson argues that failing to support Ukraine would threaten European security and could lead to increased costs for the U.K. He emphasizes that the U.K.’s protection of Ukraine is crucial to ensuring the security of other European nations from Russia. Johnson criticizes some Republicans for being “entranced” by Vladimir Putin and potentially influencing Trump to reduce aid to Ukraine, but he also acknowledges Trump’s previous support for Ukraine and its impact on the war effort.
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A prankster, possibly Belarusian, managed to convince Russian teachers to wear tinfoil hats to protect themselves from NATO satellites. The teachers, despite the absurdity of the situation, were apparently eager to comply. They were likely influenced by a perceived authority figure, demonstrating a blind obedience that’s troublingly prevalent in Russia.
The Education Ministry’s response is equally perplexing. They praised the teachers for their “patriotic spirit” and “creative approach” despite recognizing the prank’s inappropriate nature. This response further highlights the lack of critical thinking and willingness to blindly follow orders within Russian society. The incident resembles the Milgram experiment, where individuals readily obeyed authority figures, even when it involved causing harm.… Continue reading
German chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz has pledged to give Russia a 24-hour ultimatum to cease its aggression against Ukraine if elected. He has not ruled out direct communication with Vladimir Putin, but insists that if Russia does not comply, he would authorize strikes on Russian territory and provide Ukraine with Taurus long-range cruise missiles. This stance contrasts with current Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who has rejected supplying Taurus missiles and striking Russian territory. With Germany’s ruling coalition collapsing, early general elections are expected in March 2025, potentially setting the stage for a shift in German policy towards the Ukraine conflict.
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During a visit to Kyiv, Estonia’s Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur met with President Zelensky and announced a new aid package for Ukraine, including clothing and small arms. This package reinforces Estonia’s commitment to Ukraine’s defense, which includes allocating 0.25% of its GDP to military support. The leaders discussed plans for long-range drone production in Ukraine and Estonia’s support for Ukraine’s aspirations to join the EU and NATO. The visit underscored the strong partnership between Estonia and Ukraine, particularly in the context of the ongoing war, and highlighted their collaborative efforts to secure Ukraine’s future.
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Taiwan has quietly become a major supplier of air defense systems to Ukraine, donating surplus HAWK surface-to-air missile batteries. This contribution, likely facilitated by the U.S., complements other HAWK donations from the U.S. and Spain, potentially boosting Ukraine’s air defense force by nearly a third. While the HAWK system is older, it remains effective against slower drones, cruise missiles, and manned aircraft, and its compatibility with the NASAMS system enhances its value to Ukraine. This donation signifies a vital contribution to Ukraine’s diversified air defense network, ensuring a more resilient defense against constant Russian attacks.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood