A Ukrainian strike using UK-supplied Storm Shadow missiles on November 20th reportedly killed approximately 500 North Korean troops and a Russian general, Lt-Gen Valery Solodchuk, at a Russian command post and military facility. The attack also allegedly resulted in the deaths of 18 other Russian officers and wounded 18 more. These casualties remain unconfirmed by Russian authorities, who have responded with threats of retaliatory strikes against the UK and US, including the potential use of new long-range ballistic missiles. The involvement of North Korean troops highlights the expanding scope of the conflict.
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Biden’s shift on missile policy for Ukraine is a complex issue, seemingly driven by a confluence of factors rather than a single, easily defined cause. The headline suggesting a direct causal link between North Korean troops in Kursk, a Trump election victory, and the policy shift feels overly simplistic, bordering on misleading.
The presence of foreign troops, even those from North Korea operating within Russia’s borders, necessitates a strategic response. If Russia utilizes foreign soldiers within its military actions in Ukraine, it logically opens the door for Ukraine to seek similar support, potentially including advanced weaponry. This scenario suggests that the shift towards providing more advanced missiles might not be solely dependent on the outcome of the US elections.… Continue reading
Following a Russian attack on Dnipro using a new hypersonic missile, NATO and Ukraine will hold emergency talks. Russian President Vladimir Putin, who claimed the strike was retaliation for Ukrainian attacks using Western-supplied missiles, stated the Oreshnik missile is currently unparalleled and will continue to be tested, including in combat. The attack, which prompted Kyiv to cancel a parliament session due to security concerns, is viewed by many as a significant escalation of the conflict, potentially entering a decisive phase. Western officials condemned the action, highlighting the missile’s capabilities and expressing concern over Russia’s escalating rhetoric.
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Following a Thursday test launch targeting Dnipro, President Putin announced further testing of the hypersonic Oreshnik missile under combat conditions, citing escalating security threats. He ordered the missile, capable of Mach 10 speeds, into serial production, emphasizing its significance for Russia’s security and claiming global technological superiority in this area. This deployment was framed as a direct response to Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory using Western-supplied weaponry. Putin asserted Russia’s right to retaliate against military facilities in supplying nations.
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Kim Jong Un blamed the U.S. for escalating global tensions, warning of a potential “most destructive thermonuclear war” and asserting that past negotiations only revealed America’s hostile policy. This statement follows North Korea’s deployment of over 10,000 troops to Russia’s war in Ukraine, a move condemned by a joint statement from the U.S. and its allies. The U.S. has accused North Korea of unlawful missile launches and deepening military cooperation with Russia. Despite previous engagement under the Trump administration, relations between the U.S. and North Korea remain strained under the Biden presidency.
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Ukraine claims Russia recently fired a new missile, boasting a flight time of 15 minutes and a speed exceeding Mach 11. This claim immediately sparks debate, raising questions about the novelty and strategic implications of this alleged feat.
The speed itself, while impressive at over 8,000 mph, isn’t entirely unprecedented in the world of ballistic missiles. Existing technology, like the US Minuteman II missile from 1965, achieved speeds well in excess of Mach 11, reaching approximately Mach 22 at its peak. This suggests that the speed, while notable, may not represent a genuinely groundbreaking technological advancement.
The context of this missile launch is crucial.… Continue reading
Following Russia’s missile strike on Dnipro, which utilized an intercontinental ballistic missile and prompted threats from Vladimir Putin against Western nations, China urged all involved parties to maintain calm and restraint. China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson emphasized the need for dialogue and consultation to de-escalate the situation and facilitate a political resolution to the Ukraine crisis. This call for restraint comes amidst reports of the attack’s damage to civilian infrastructure and Putin’s threats of retaliation. China’s stated position remains focused on achieving a ceasefire through peaceful means.
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Congressman McCaul asserted that Russia’s escalation in Ukraine, despite President-elect Trump’s warnings, necessitates a stronger US response. He lauded the provision of ATACMS to Ukraine, arguing it bolsters their negotiating position while also aiding the fight against Russian and North Korean forces in Kursk. McCaul criticized the Biden administration’s slow delivery of aid and warned of a looming “unholy alliance” between Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea, emphasizing the need for strong US support to prevent further aggression and a potential conflict involving Taiwan. He stressed the moral imperative for the US to aid Ukraine, highlighting the severe global consequences of a Russian victory.
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In July 2023, Swiss P Defence delivered 645,000 rounds of sniper ammunition to a Polish company, which subsequently re-exported it to Ukraine. This action violated Switzerland’s arms embargo and neutrality policy, as the ammunition’s ultimate destination was not disclosed to Swiss authorities. The Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) has suspended further exports to the Polish company, and an investigation revealed that Swiss P Defence was unaware of the re-export to Ukraine. The ammunition’s use in Ukraine remains unconfirmed.
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In a recent announcement, President Putin confirmed Russia’s successful test of a new intermediate-range missile. This test involved a strike against Ukraine. The announcement did not provide specifics on the missile’s capabilities or the target location. The test highlights Russia’s ongoing military advancements and escalation of the conflict in Ukraine.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood