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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In response to Ukraine using Western-supplied long-range weapons to strike inside Russia, President Putin announced a test launch of a new intermediate-range ballistic missile. This missile, based on the RS-26 Rubezh ICBM design, is capable of carrying conventional or nuclear warheads and was used to strike Ukrainian targets. Putin explicitly warned countries supplying Ukraine with weapons that they could become targets, highlighting the escalation of the conflict. Although the U.S. downplayed the impact of this new weapon, the incident represents a significant escalation and a direct warning to Western nations involved in supporting Ukraine. The Biden administration affirmed continued military aid to Ukraine.
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Reports alleging the sexual assault of a Russian teacher by North Korean soldiers near the Ukraine conflict zone have been refuted by both the Kursk regional office of Russia’s Internal Affairs Ministry and the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia. The ministry called the reports “false information,” while the university stated that no faculty members were in the area and the alleged victim’s description didn’t match any of their staff. These denials follow reports and video circulating on social media. Despite these denials, separate reports indicate that thousands of North Korean soldiers may be deployed in the region.
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On November 21st, Russia launched a conventional intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) at Dnipro, along with other missiles, injuring civilians and damaging infrastructure. This unprecedented use of an ICBM in the Ukraine conflict, originating from Astrakhan Oblast, prompted President Zelensky to declare that Putin is utilizing Ukraine as a testing ground for weaponry. The attack followed recent US authorization of Ukrainian strikes within Russia using Western-supplied missiles and Russia’s updated nuclear policy. Zelensky emphasized Russia’s pursuit of additional missiles internationally, highlighting Putin’s desperation to maintain control over Ukraine.
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NATO’s collective defense commitment is tested by Russia’s actions in Ukraine and heightened tensions in Eastern Europe, particularly concerning critical infrastructure sabotage. Despite strong rhetoric, concerns persist regarding the UK’s military readiness, especially given its historically small army and recent cuts to its naval and air capabilities. A cost-cutting program has resulted in the decommissioning of several warships and aircraft. These concerns are underscored by ongoing assessments of UK military capabilities, even amidst recent successful live-fire exercises of new artillery systems in Finland.
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Following Russia’s nuclear threat and Ukraine’s first long-range missile strike on Russian territory using US-supplied weapons, China urged all parties to remain calm and exercise restraint. Beijing called for dialogue and consultation to de-escalate tensions and reduce strategic risks, reiterating its commitment to a political resolution of the Ukraine crisis. While presenting a neutral stance, China’s close ties with Russia have led to criticism from NATO members. Western leaders, including French President Macron, have appealed to China to leverage its influence with Russia to de-escalate the conflict.
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During a November 21st attack on Dnipro, Russia used the RS-26 Rubezh intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) for the first time, alongside Kh-47M2 Kinzhal and Kh-101 missiles. The Rubezh, capable of carrying nuclear warheads, was launched from Astrakhan Oblast. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted six Kh-101 missiles, with no significant damage reported from the remaining strikes. This ICBM launch marks a significant escalation, violating past treaties and defying previous claims regarding its development status.
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Andrew Rettman, EUobserver’s foreign editor since 2005, specializes in foreign and security affairs. A Polish national raised in the UK and currently residing in Brussels, his expertise is reflected in his contributions to prominent publications such as The Guardian, The Times of London, and Intelligence Online. His background provides a unique perspective on European affairs.
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John Q. Hosedrinker