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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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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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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Taiwan’s former president’s assertion that Ukraine’s urgent need for US weapons surpasses Taiwan’s own is a statement rooted in strategic pragmatism, not merely selfless altruism. A Ukrainian victory, she rightly points out, acts as a powerful deterrent to future global aggression. This isn’t just about Ukraine; it’s about defending the principles of democracy worldwide. The current struggle in Ukraine represents a pivotal battle in this larger fight, and a Ukrainian defeat would weaken democratic nations everywhere.
The argument highlights the immediate and critical threat faced by Ukraine, a threat far more acute than that currently faced by Taiwan. While Taiwan faces potential aggression from China, it also benefits from a network of allies who are likely to intervene in a worst-case scenario.… 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.
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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.
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Minister Pat McFadden will warn a NATO conference that Russia is poised to unleash widespread cyberattacks against Britain and other NATO members to undermine support for Ukraine. These attacks, potentially targeting critical infrastructure and businesses, represent a “hidden war” waged by Russia, including through groups like Unit 29155 and Kremlin-linked hackers. McFadden will stress the severity of the threat and the need for enhanced cyber defenses across the alliance, emphasizing that Russia’s aggression knows no bounds. He will urge businesses to bolster their own security measures to prevent becoming targets.
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During Ukrainian Defense Minister Umerov’s visit to Sweden, Sweden pledged funding for the production of Ukrainian long-range drones. Discussions also covered 2025 military aid plans, focusing on equipment provision currently in final negotiation stages. This collaboration reflects a shared security approach, extending beyond the recently announced €9 million aid package which included maritime security vessels. The visit also involved meetings with Swedish defense companies.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood