El Al has extended its suspension of flights to Moscow until the end of March 2024. This decision follows an earlier temporary suspension implemented last week. The airline cited the recent crash of an Azerbaijani passenger plane, widely believed to have been downed by a Russian air defense system, as a contributing factor to the extended cancellation. The suspension reflects growing safety concerns regarding air travel to and from Moscow.
Russia has definitively declined any invitation to the Global Peace Summit, citing Ukraine’s unwillingness to compromise on its 1991 borders and the complete withdrawal of Russian troops. Ukraine, aiming to hold the summit before the 2024 U.S. presidential election, continues preparations, despite delays. While initially suggesting Russia’s presence was a non-starter, Zelenskyy later indicated a willingness to invite Russia, though he believes Putin is uninterested in peace. Ukraine’s plan involves a multi-point peace proposal, contingent on a globally-supported framework.
President Biden’s recent announcement of a $2.5 billion military aid package for Ukraine has sparked a wave of intense debate, highlighting the complex and deeply divisive nature of the ongoing conflict. The sheer magnitude of the aid – a substantial injection into the war effort – is prompting many to question the long-term implications, both domestically and internationally.
The timing of this announcement, falling shortly before a potential change in administration, is particularly significant. Some believe this represents a last-ditch effort to bolster Ukraine’s defenses before any potential shift in US policy. The fear is that a change in leadership could lead to a drastic reduction or even complete cessation of aid, potentially leaving Ukraine vulnerable.… Continue reading
Reported peace proposals from President-elect Trump’s team, involving a delayed Ukrainian NATO accession and European peacekeeping forces, have been rejected by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Lavrov criticized the plan’s suggestion of shifting responsibility for confronting Russia to Europe and the inclusion of European peacekeepers. While Russia awaits official communication from Washington, Lavrov stated a willingness to engage with the incoming Biden administration, contingent on a proactive move from the U.S. Despite President Putin’s stated aim to end the conflict by 2025, Moscow maintains its demands for no territorial concessions and a rejection of Ukraine’s NATO membership.
Azerbaijan’s president has stated that a passenger plane that crashed was shot at from Russia. This claim immediately raises serious questions about accountability and the potential for international repercussions. The suggestion is not simply that the plane malfunctioned, but that it was actively targeted, adding a layer of deliberate malice to the tragedy.
The incident highlights a potential parallel to the downing of a Ukrainian airliner in Iran, where misidentification and panic were cited as contributing factors. However, in this case, the alleged perpetrator is Russia, a nation known for its assertive military actions and complex geopolitical maneuvering. The timing, given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, fuels speculation about whether this event was a deliberate act or a tragic accident born from the intense pressure of wartime conditions.… Continue reading
A combined $485 million in humanitarian aid has been delivered to Ukraine, comprised of $465 million from USAID and $20 million from the World Bank, to offset social and humanitarian budget needs. This aid arrives alongside a continued surge in U.S. military aid, preemptively countering concerns of potential future funding cuts. The World Bank’s ongoing support also includes a separate $2.05 billion in Development Policy Operation grants, partially funded by seized Russian assets. These initiatives demonstrate continued international commitment to Ukraine’s stability amidst ongoing conflict.
North Korea is reportedly experiencing devastating losses in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with the White House claiming casualties amount to nearly 10 percent of the country’s deployed forces. This signifies a significant blow to the North Korean military presence in Russia, and raises questions about the strategic rationale behind their deployment in the first place.
The sheer scale of the reported losses suggests a much higher casualty rate than initially anticipated. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of North Korean military training and equipment, particularly when pitted against the technologically superior Ukrainian and potentially NATO forces. It seems highly probable that these soldiers were sent into battle with inadequate support, acting essentially as cannon fodder.… Continue reading
A U.N. report details over 12,340 civilian deaths and more than 27,836 injuries in Ukraine from February 2022 to November 2024, with a significant increase in casualties caused by aerial bombs and long-range weapons in 2024. This surge, particularly notable in October and November, resulted from intensified Russian attacks on densely populated areas. The report highlights a threefold increase in civilian deaths from aerial bombs compared to 2023, and Russia’s use of long-range weapons, such as the Oreshnik missile, has raised serious concerns within the U.N. These escalating attacks are viewed as a deliberate tactic to intimidate Ukraine and deter Western support.
Vladimir Putin rejected a proposed Trump team peace plan that would delay Ukraine’s NATO membership for a decade in exchange for ending the war. Putin’s rejection reiterates his earlier demands, including Ukraine’s permanent neutrality and limitations on its military. Simultaneously, intense fighting continues in eastern Ukraine, with recent Russian gains near Kurakhove offset by Ukrainian successes near Toretsk. The conflict also involves ongoing missile strikes and Ukrainian counter-attacks targeting Russian infrastructure and military assets. Japan, meanwhile, pledged $3 billion in non-lethal aid to Ukraine using frozen Russian assets.
South Korean intelligence confirmed the capture and subsequent death of a North Korean soldier by Ukrainian forces. The soldier, reportedly injured, was captured in Russia’s Kursk region, marking the first known capture of a North Korean combatant in the Ukraine conflict. This follows reports of significant North Korean troop losses and supply issues in the area, with Ukrainian officials estimating thousands of casualties. The incident underscores the increasing involvement of North Korean troops in the war, bolstering Russian forces.
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood