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.
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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.
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The downing of an Azerbaijan Airlines plane in Kazakhstan, resulting in the tragic loss of 38 lives, points to a deeply disturbing incident. Preliminary findings from Azerbaijan’s investigation strongly suggest that Russian air defenses were responsible. This conclusion, supported by multiple sources, alleges that a missile, likely from a Pantsir system, exploded near the aircraft, causing catastrophic damage and leading to its crash. The severity of the damage, evidenced by holes in the rear fuselage and the fact that the plane didn’t crash immediately, supports the theory of a near miss causing significant structural failure.
This incident raises profound questions about the competence and accountability of Russian air defenses.… Continue reading
A German-led consortium has delivered 103 Leopard 1A5 tanks to Ukraine, exceeding initial expectations. These tanks, while older models, are crucial for equipping newly formed Ukrainian brigades, as other Western tanks are already assigned. Despite their lighter armor, mitigated by upgrades, the Leopard 1A5s boast reliable firepower and have suffered minimal losses. The continued delivery of these tanks, alongside other military aid, will significantly bolster Ukraine’s fighting capacity.
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On Thursday, Russian authorities temporarily closed five airports near Moscow, citing unspecified safety concerns. The closures, affecting Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo, Zhukovsky, and Kaluga airports, followed reports of air raid sirens and downed Ukrainian missiles in several Russian regions. While officials emphasized prioritizing flight safety, the closures coincided with increased speculation regarding Russian air defenses potentially causing an Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash and a recent large-scale drone attack on Moscow. All airports reopened later that day.
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President Biden’s recent pledge to send more arms to Ukraine following Russia’s Christmas Day attacks underscores the ongoing urgency of the conflict. The decision comes amidst a backdrop of intense global scrutiny, with concerns about the potential for escalation and the long-term implications for regional stability. This renewed commitment to military aid reflects a continued commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression.
The timing of this announcement is particularly significant, given the approaching change in U.S. presidential administration. There’s a palpable sense of urgency surrounding the delivery of these arms before a potential shift in U.S. foreign policy. The fear is that a change in leadership could result in a halt or significant reduction in aid, leaving Ukraine more vulnerable.… Continue reading
Following a phone call between Prime Minister Ishiba and President Zelenskyy, Japan reaffirmed its commitment to a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, reiterating strong support through sanctions against Russia and close coordination with Ukraine. The leaders discussed the escalating conflict, including the concerning involvement of North Korean troops. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for Japan’s assistance, while Ishiba noted concerns about the broader implications for East Asian stability. This follows a November agreement between the two nations to enhance security information sharing.
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Following Russia’s Christmas Day missile and drone attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, President Biden directed the Department of Defense to continue its increased weapons supply to Ukraine. The attacks, which killed at least one energy worker and damaged power plants, aimed to disrupt heat and electricity access for Ukrainian citizens during winter. This was the thirteenth large-scale strike on Ukraine’s energy grid this year, prompting international condemnation, including from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Despite significant Ukrainian air defenses successfully intercepting many missiles, the attacks resulted in widespread power outages. Ukraine continues to urge allies for increased military and humanitarian aid.
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Throughout 2024, Russian forces made significant territorial gains in eastern Ukraine, capturing key cities like Avdiivka and Vuhledar and steadily advancing towards Pokrovsk. Simultaneously, a Russian offensive in northeastern Kharkiv Oblast, though initially rapid, failed to achieve major breakthroughs, while a Ukrainian incursion into Kursk Oblast resulted in substantial territory loss. The year concluded with Ukraine facing a manpower shortage, looming defeats in several key battles, and the threat of a major Russian counteroffensive involving North Korean troops. The ongoing battles in Donetsk and Kharkiv Oblasts, coupled with a precarious situation in Kursk Oblast, paint a grim picture for Ukraine’s military prospects.
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President Zelensky announced that over 3,000 North Korean soldiers fighting alongside Russian forces in Kursk Oblast have been killed or injured. This figure, based on Ukrainian intelligence, significantly surpasses previous reports and highlights the growing military cooperation between Russia and North Korea. The deployment of approximately 12,000 North Korean troops since August has reportedly aided Russia in limited territorial gains, despite high casualty rates among inexperienced soldiers. Zelensky warned of the escalating global risks associated with this collaboration, including the potential for further troop and arms transfers from North Korea.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood