President Biden’s decision to provide Ukraine with long-range missiles capable of striking inside Russia has elicited a furious response from the Kremlin. Russian officials, including Senator Vladimir Dzhabarov, have warned of a “serious escalation” and even “World War Three.” The Kremlin views this as direct NATO involvement, a red line previously established by President Putin. This action follows months of warnings from Russia against supplying Ukraine with such weaponry, prompting concerns about potential escalatory responses from Moscow, including retaliatory actions and adjustments to its nuclear doctrine.
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Biden’s recent approval of Ukraine’s use of long-range U.S. weapons within Russian territory marks a significant policy shift. This decision, some argue, should have been made years ago, considering the ongoing conflict and its potential implications. The timing, however, is undeniably fraught with political significance, occurring just before a major election. Some speculate that this move is partly intended to counter potential Russian attempts to influence the election outcome by intensifying attacks on Ukraine, thereby forcing a response from the Biden administration that could be portrayed as an escalation of the war.
This shift in policy also carries implications beyond the immediate conflict in Ukraine.… Continue reading
Biden allowing Ukraine to use US arms to strike inside Russia marks a significant escalation in the conflict. This decision, likely spurred by a recent massive Russian air attack targeting Ukrainian civilian infrastructure, represents a major shift in the US’s approach to supporting Ukraine.
This authorization fundamentally alters the battlefield dynamics. For months, Ukraine has been largely restricted from directly retaliating against Russian territory, despite enduring relentless attacks. Now, with the green light from the US, Ukraine possesses the means to strike deep within Russia, potentially targeting military installations and infrastructure crucial to the war effort.
The timing of Biden’s decision is intriguing.… Continue reading
Following a massive Russian missile and drone attack on Ukraine, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk criticized Chancellor Scholz’s call with Putin, asserting that phone diplomacy cannot replace substantive Western support for Ukraine. Scholz defended the call, stating he urged Putin to end the war and withdraw troops, but acknowledged Putin’s unwillingness to compromise. The Kremlin, however, indicated that any future agreements would reflect current territorial realities. Concerns remain about potential future negotiations between the US and Russia, particularly given the upcoming change in US presidential administration.
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With US President Biden’s approval, France and Britain have authorized Ukraine to use their SCALP and Storm Shadow missiles for long-range strikes on Russian territory. This decision follows months of Ukrainian requests and ends previous Western hesitancy. The authorization allows Ukraine to employ these weapons alongside US-provided ATACMS missiles. This development potentially marks a significant escalation in the conflict. Ukrainian strikes using these long-range weapons are expected imminently.
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New U.S. sanctions targeting Gazprombank, Russia’s third-largest bank, are under consideration. The sanctions, expected by the end of November, would prohibit Gazprombank from transactions with American banks, impacting its role in gas settlements with Europe and its management of substantial Russian foreign currency reserves. This action follows previous, less stringent Western sanctions that have allowed Gazprombank to retain access to SWIFT and major currencies, despite its connections to Kremlin insiders. The move has been communicated to G7 partners.
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In response to a large-scale Russian missile and drone attack on western Ukraine, Polish and allied aircraft were scrambled to patrol Polish airspace. The Polish military deployed fighter jets and activated ground-based air defenses to maintain heightened security along the border. This action follows numerous previous instances of Polish airspace readiness measures prompted by Russian attacks on Ukraine. The ongoing situation is being closely monitored by the Polish Operational Command.
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The G7’s confirmation of its pledge to impose severe costs on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine is a significant development, though the timing raises concerns. The urgency of the situation demands immediate and decisive action, yet the protracted delay in implementing meaningful consequences is deeply troubling. The sense of urgency is heightened by anxieties about the potential impact of a future US administration that might be less committed to holding Russia accountable.
The lack of substantial action to date is bewildering. While strongly worded letters and statements might offer a semblance of resolve, they fall far short of the decisive measures needed to deter further aggression.… Continue reading
Following a meeting in Kyiv, Ukrainian and Japanese Foreign Ministers Andrii Sybiha and Takeshi Iwaya announced a strengthened commitment to escalating sanctions against Russia and preventing sanctions evasion. Collaboration on Ukraine’s Victory Plan and Peace Formula implementation was also confirmed, alongside continued efforts toward visa liberalization. Japan will host a mine action conference for Ukraine next fall and plans further economic cooperation, including a December visit from Ukraine’s First Vice Prime Minister. The visit marked one of the first by a Japanese official to Ukraine after the formation of Japan’s new government.
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At the APEC summit in Lima, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol urged Chinese President Xi Jinping to aid in de-escalating North Korea’s provocations, its military collaboration with Russia, and its support for the war in Ukraine. Xi responded by expressing China’s desire to avoid heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula, advocating for a peaceful resolution through dialogue. Both leaders affirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, with Xi highlighting the overall positive momentum in China-South Korea ties. The meeting concluded with an agreement to continue discussions and enhance cooperation.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood