On a Russian state television program, presenters “congratulated” President-elect Trump on his victory by displaying nude photographs of First Lady Melania Trump from her modeling days. The presenters, appearing on the Kremlin-sanctioned show 60 Minutes, highlighted her past modeling career, specifically a 2000 GQ photoshoot, and suggested that she was prepared to return to the White House. This blatant display of Melania’s past, likely approved by Putin, served as a pointed reminder to Trump of Russia’s power and influence, potentially setting the stage for a relationship based on Russian terms. The Kremlin has historically used misogynistic attacks to assert dominance and may be attempting to influence Trump’s behavior through his wife, despite his silence on the matter.
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Reports emerged that President Trump spoke with President Putin on Thursday, requesting he de-escalate in Ukraine and reminding him of U.S. troop presence in the region. While Ukrainian officials were allegedly aware of the call, Zelenskyy’s office was not informed and expressed doubt about its occurrence. The Kremlin has vehemently denied the call ever took place, labeling the reports “completely false.” Ukraine has repeatedly stated its opposition to any negotiations without their involvement and has proactively engaged with the U.S. on strategic matters, offering resources and troops to secure Europe post-conflict.
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On November 11th, Ukraine reported a record high of 1,770 Russian casualties in a single day, surpassing the previous record of 1,740 set on May 13th. This brings the total number of Russian casualties to 710,660, according to Ukraine’s General Staff. While the Kremlin remains silent on troop losses, Western officials have confirmed October as the deadliest month for Russian forces, with estimates ranging from 1,354 to 1,500 casualties per day. Despite suffering record losses, Russian forces have made significant territorial gains in eastern Ukraine, particularly in Donetsk Oblast, putting pressure on Ukrainian defenses and prompting concerns about a potential escalation.
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President-elect Trump has reportedly spoken with world leaders, including Vladimir Putin, directly without the typical involvement of the State Department or government interpreters. This decision stems from Trump’s distrust of federal officials following leaked transcripts from his previous calls with foreign leaders. While Trump’s team is expected to eventually sign an agreement with the General Services Administration, which would establish a more formal protocol for these calls, the president-elect has opted for direct communication with world leaders in the interim. Trump has emphasized the importance of developing stronger relationships with these leaders, and his conversations with Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have focused on de-escalating the conflict in Ukraine, despite ongoing military activity in the region.
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Following a recent phone conversation with Vladimir Putin, President-elect Trump expressed his intention to prevent an escalation of the war in Ukraine, emphasizing the substantial US military presence in Europe. Trump, who had previously claimed to be able to end the war within a day, expressed interest in future discussions aimed at achieving a swift resolution to the conflict. This conversation comes amidst ongoing efforts by the Biden administration to ensure a peaceful transfer of power and emphasize the importance of continued US support for Ukraine.
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As the newly elected President, Donald Trump’s potential peace plan for Ukraine is concerning, as it could ultimately benefit Russian President Vladimir Putin and harm American interests. The proposed plan, which would freeze the conflict along current front lines with a European peacekeeping force, raises serious concerns about the strategic importance of Ukraine to the US and NATO. Additionally, the potential involvement of North Korea in the conflict on Russia’s side presents a further challenge. While the Kremlin welcomes Trump’s openness to a deal, his willingness to compromise on Ukraine’s sovereignty could ultimately weaken NATO’s position and embolden Russia’s aggressive actions.
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Russia has suffered its most severe monthly casualties since the start of the war in Ukraine, with an estimated 1,500 soldiers killed or injured daily in October, resulting in a total of 700,000 casualties. This heavy price, paid for “tiny increments of land,” is a direct consequence of President Putin’s ambitions, according to UK Chief of Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin. The war has drained Russia’s resources, with over 40% of public expenditure dedicated to defence and security, and has caused immense suffering for the Russian people. Despite Russia’s recent tactical gains, Western allies remain steadfast in their support of Ukraine, reiterating their commitment to provide assistance “for as long as it takes.”
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North Korean troops have joined the fighting in Ukraine, with President Zelensky confirming their deployment in the Kursk region and their involvement in combat against Ukrainian forces. This deployment follows reports of a limited engagement between Russian and Ukrainian forces with North Korean troops resulting in casualties, as confirmed by both US and Ukrainian officials. Zelensky expressed concern about the potential for increased North Korean involvement in the war, urging for more pressure to be exerted on Russia to deter further escalation. The use of North Korean troops signifies a deepening military partnership between Moscow and Pyongyang, raising concerns about the potential consequences for the war and regional stability.
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Following President-elect Trump’s victory, Russia expressed confidence in its impending victory in Ukraine. Putin, in congratulating Trump, suggested a shift in global power dynamics favoring Russia and praised Trump’s stance on improving relations with Russia and resolving the Ukrainian conflict. Russian officials, including Alexander Dugin and Konstantin Malofeyev, openly declared victory, hinting at a potential post-war world order. While some, like Kirill Dmitriev, viewed Trump’s win as a chance to mend U.S.-Russia ties, the Russian Foreign Ministry cautioned against harboring illusions about Trump, stressing that Moscow would defend its national interests and pursue its objectives in Ukraine.
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John Q. Hosedrinker