Following US-brokered talks, both Zelensky and Putin have, in principle, agreed to a ceasefire, though implementation remains stalled due to conflicting conditions. While Putin agreed to halt strikes on energy infrastructure, such attacks continue from both sides. Zelensky, rejecting US ownership of Ukrainian nuclear plants, nonetheless expressed openness to US investment in their modernization, particularly at the Zaporizhzhia plant. He firmly rejected territorial concessions, including Crimea, and stipulated a land and sea ceasefire as the initial step toward ending Russian aggression.
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The Trump administration is exploring the recognition of Crimea as Russian territory, potentially urging UN agreement, as part of a potential deal to end the war in Ukraine. This consideration, alongside discussions of asset division, is among numerous options being weighed to achieve a ceasefire. While no final decisions have been made, the possibility reflects a willingness to align with Russia’s position on Crimea. The White House, however, has denied making any commitments regarding the matter.
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A Russian court sentenced Captain Igor Pashkov, an air defense officer, to nearly three years imprisonment for the October 2023 downing of a Russian Mi-8 helicopter in Crimea. Pashkov mistakenly identified the helicopter as a Ukrainian drone, resulting in the deaths of three crew members. He confessed to the error, which involved misinterpreting reports of a low-flying target despite subsequent clarification that it was a friendly helicopter. The fatal missile was launched from a Tor-M2DT system.
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Ukrainian naval drones, under the command of Vice-Admiral Oleksii Neizhpapa, successfully targeted and destroyed Russian surveillance systems on gas platforms in occupied Crimea on November 7th. This action follows a series of recent Ukrainian strikes on Crimean targets, including the destruction of radar stations and infrastructure in Sevastopol. These attacks demonstrate continued Ukrainian offensive capabilities in the Black Sea and represent a significant disruption to Russian operations in the region. The successful strikes underscore Ukraine’s commitment to reclaiming occupied territories.
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A massive Ukrainian coordinated strike on Friday utilized at least 40 diverse munitions, including Storm Shadow missiles, converted S-200 missiles, and drones, targeting Russian bases in Crimea. While seemingly a feint to draw Russian air defenses away from other crucial areas, this attack is strategically significant. The operation aims to create vulnerabilities in Russian air defenses, enabling future Ukrainian attacks on vital Russian command posts and supply lines in western Russia and eastern Ukraine. This diversionary tactic could prove critical in supporting Ukrainian forces currently engaged in intense fighting near Kursk.
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On November 29th, Ukrainian military intelligence reported the destruction of three high-value Russian radar systems in Crimea—two $5 million 48Y6-K1 Podlet systems and a $30 million Kasta-2E2 radar. These mobile radars, crucial for detecting low-altitude air targets, were struck following a similar attack on a Podlet system the previous day. While Ukraine’s HUR claimed responsibility, independent verification is pending. These attacks are consistent with Ukraine’s ongoing targeting of Russian military infrastructure in occupied Crimea.
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On November 28th, Ukraine’s HUR reported the destruction of a Russian 48Y6-K1 Podlet radar station near Kotovske, Crimea. This modern, approximately $5 million radar system, designed for low-altitude target detection, was reportedly destroyed in an operation claimed by HUR, though verification is pending. This attack follows a series of explosions across Crimea, adding to Ukraine’s ongoing targeting of Russian military assets in occupied territory. The incident highlights continued Ukrainian offensive action in the region.
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A senior Russian naval officer, Valery Trankovsky, was killed in a car bombing in Sevastopol, Crimea. Ukrainian security services claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that Trankovsky was a war criminal responsible for missile strikes on civilian targets in Ukraine. This incident is the latest in a series of targeted attacks on Russian military personnel and pro-Kremlin figures in occupied Ukrainian territories and Russia. Ukraine has been targeting individuals accused of war crimes, and while the methods and identities of the clandestine resistance groups remain largely unknown, the attacks highlight the ongoing struggle and resistance against Russian occupation.
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It’s not every day you find yourself nodding in agreement with a statement made by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. However, his recent declaration that Crimea should return to Ukraine in accordance with international law is a sentiment that resonates deeply, particularly in light of the suffering endured by the Crimean Tatars who were deported from the region eighty years ago. The annexation of Crimea by Russia has only exacerbated the plight of the Crimean Tatars, who have a legitimate claim to their homeland and the right to live free, secure, and peaceful lives.
Erdoğan’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence sends a powerful message about the importance of upholding international law.… Continue reading
It’s truly a surreal scenario to think about the residents of Kursk being evacuated to Crimea. The idea of being moved from one conflict zone to another is not only perplexing but also raises serious ethical concerns. The thought of using civilians as pawns in a political chess game is both disheartening and alarming. The decision to relocate these individuals seems to be a strategic move to increase Russian colonization of Crimea and keep them away from major urban centers, effectively keeping them out of sight and out of mind.
The concept of transferring parts of its own civilian population into the territory it occupies is undeniably a violation of international law.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker