Former MI6 head Richard Dearlove asserts that Europe is not merely on the brink of war, but is actively engaged in a war with Russia, a conflict extending beyond Ukraine’s borders. This hybrid war encompasses sabotage, cyberattacks, and other aggressive actions, leading intelligence agencies to describe Russia’s behavior as “going feral.” While dialogue with Russia is preferable, Dearlove acknowledges the difficulty in negotiating with Vladimir Putin given the current circumstances and rising tensions. The situation is deemed extremely dangerous, particularly with a potential shift in US support for Europe and Ukraine.
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Germany’s leading role in supporting Ukraine makes it a prime target for Russia’s ongoing hybrid warfare, according to Major General Christian Freuding. While the cause of the recent DHL plane crash near Vilnius remains unclear, it highlights the Kremlin’s use of such tactics, including previous attacks targeting German logistics. Freuding emphasizes that Russia views established international norms as obsolete and that Germany must prepare for further hybrid offensives. Furthermore, Germany anticipates Russia’s potential for renewed aggression against a NATO member by 2029.
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Ukraine drones attacking Crimea, as reported by Moscow, is a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. The very act underscores the shifting dynamics of the war, with Ukraine increasingly employing asymmetric warfare tactics to disrupt Russian supply lines and military operations within territory Russia considers its own, despite Crimea’s internationally recognized status as Ukrainian. This raises questions about the evolving strategies on both sides and the potential for further escalation.
The reported drone attacks on Crimea highlight the vulnerability of Russian assets even within territories they control. It suggests a capability on the part of Ukraine to strike strategically important targets, potentially disrupting Russian military logistics and further degrading their ability to sustain their offensive.… Continue reading
In a ZDF interview, Chancellor Scholz defended his recent phone call with Vladimir Putin, emphasizing the necessity of continued dialogue despite its unpleasant nature. He clarified that these conversations, including the November 15th call, did not aim for immediate peace but served to reiterate Germany’s unwavering support for Ukraine and demand an end to hostilities and a Russian troop withdrawal. Scholz countered criticisms suggesting a single phone call could magically resolve the conflict. He stressed the importance of consistently conveying Germany’s position directly to Putin.
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Russia’s territorial gains in Ukraine have significantly accelerated in 2024, exceeding 2023’s gains by nearly sixfold, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). This advance, particularly in the eastern Donbas region, threatens key Ukrainian logistical hubs like Kupiansk and Kurakhove, leading experts to warn of a potential collapse of the Ukrainian eastern front. Simultaneously, Ukraine’s incursion into Russia’s Kursk region, while initially successful, is now faltering as Russian forces reclaim lost territory, raising concerns about the strategic effectiveness of the operation. The situation is further complicated by the prospect of a second Trump administration and potential reductions in US military aid to Ukraine.
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In a Kyiv interview, Major General Christian Freuding revealed Germany’s assessment that Russia plans to bolster its military capabilities by 2029, posing a potential threat to NATO, including Germany’s eastern neighbors. Russia’s ongoing aggression in Ukraine highlights this threat, which Freuding emphasized as the greatest to Europe. Germany is responding by supplying additional military aid, including two more IRIS-T air defense systems for Ukraine by the end of 2024, and anticipates further high-level discussions regarding Ukraine’s defense in December. This underscores Germany’s commitment to supporting Ukraine and countering the escalating Russian threat.
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Following Joe Rogan’s podcast episode criticizing President Biden and Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s actions in the Ukraine conflict, Wladimir Klitschko accused Rogan of echoing Russian propaganda. Klitschko’s video response, viewed millions of times, countered Rogan’s claims, arguing that his statements mirrored Russia’s attempts to sow fear and division. Klitschko challenged Rogan to a discussion on his podcast, an invitation Rogan initially questioned but Klitschko later reiterated. This exchange followed similar criticism from Ukraine’s former Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba, who also offered Rogan an open dialogue.
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Escalating tensions between NATO and Russia, fueled by the provision of long-range missiles to Ukraine, have prompted warnings of potential Russian retaliation. Moscow is reportedly poised to launch attacks against critical national infrastructure in NATO countries, including power grids. This threat coincides with a surge in cyberattacks attributed to Russian state-aligned groups, totaling at least nine incidents in the past year. The UK and its allies are actively monitoring Russia’s actions and working to prevent these attacks.
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British Minister Pat McFadden warned of escalating Russian cyberattacks targeting the U.K. and other NATO allies in retaliation for their support of Ukraine. These attacks, described as a “hidden war,” pose a significant threat, potentially disrupting critical infrastructure like power grids. McFadden cited evidence of Russian involvement in various incidents, including arson attacks across Europe and alleged assassination plots. The minister’s announcement coincided with the unveiling of a new AI security research laboratory to combat these growing cyber threats.
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Amidst escalating conflict in Ukraine and potential US withdrawal of support under a Trump presidency, discussions regarding deploying Western troops and private military companies to Ukraine have resurfaced. France and the UK are leading these sensitive, largely classified talks, with France initiating the troop deployment debate earlier this year. While facing opposition from some European nations, recent discussions between Prime Ministers Starmer and Macron have revitalized the proposal. This includes exploring increased defense cooperation, potentially utilizing private defense contractors like France’s DCI and its British counterpart, Babcock, for training and equipment maintenance in Ukraine.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood