Russia’s demand to reclaim Kursk before any negotiations with Ukraine is a blatant power play, a tactic that ignores the fundamental principle of reciprocal concessions. It’s a demand that reeks of bad faith, prioritizing the recovery of their own territory while completely disregarding Ukraine’s equally valid claim to its own occupied lands. This isn’t a negotiation; it’s an ultimatum designed to extract concessions before any discussion even begins.
This approach is fundamentally flawed, mirroring a child demanding dessert before dinner. Ukraine, quite rightly, refuses to engage in such a lopsided negotiation. The very premise of a negotiation implies a willingness to compromise from both sides, a willingness that’s demonstrably absent from Russia’s current stance.… Continue reading
A large-scale Ukrainian drone attack targeted the Krymsk military airfield in Russia’s Krasnodar Krai on Friday. Russian authorities reported intercepting and destroying dozens of drones, with some drone debris falling on residential areas, though no casualties were reported. The airfield, home to fighter jets and helicopters, is strategically located near the Ukrainian border. This attack follows recent tensions, including a previous incident involving a missing Russian fighter jet from the same base and a recent Russian attack on Kupiansk.
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My recent call with Chancellor Scholz regarding his conversation with Putin has raised serious concerns. This contact risks diminishing Russia’s isolation without achieving concrete results, potentially emboldening Putin and allowing him to avoid accountability. Such negotiations, reminiscent of past failures like the Minsk agreements, risk legitimizing Russia’s aggression and hindering a just peace. Ukraine will not accept any agreements that fail to address our territorial integrity and hold Russia accountable for its war crimes.
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Chancellor Scholz directly spoke with Putin, demanding a Russian troop withdrawal from Ukraine and a commitment to peace negotiations. While the Kremlin indicated a willingness to discuss, contingent upon acknowledging “new territorial realities,” Zelenskyy expressed skepticism, viewing the call as a Russian attempt to alleviate isolation and avoid meaningful concessions. Simultaneously, Hungarian Prime Minister Orbán advocated for the EU to lift sanctions against Russia, claiming they are economically damaging. This call occurred amidst Scholz’s domestic political challenges and follows a week of significant political developments.
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Following my call with Chancellor Scholz, I reiterated Russia’s justification for the Ukraine conflict as a response to NATO’s aggressive policies and the need to incorporate “new territorial realities” into any negotiations. I emphasized that Russia has never refused negotiations, but only on our terms. Regrettably, our conversation highlighted the deterioration of Russo-German relations due to Berlin’s unfriendly actions. Our assistants will maintain contact following this discussion.
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President-elect Trump’s promise to end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours, potentially requiring Ukrainian territorial concessions, presents a significant risk. This, coupled with a Republican Congress unwilling to further fund Ukraine, and Trump’s cabinet appointments echoing pro-Russian narratives, creates a scenario where Russia could consolidate gains. This could incentivize Ukraine to develop nuclear weapons, potentially sparking a regional arms race. Trump’s transactional approach to foreign policy, evidenced by his past actions, suggests a prioritization of a showy summit over Ukrainian security and interests.
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The Kyiv Independent celebrates its third anniversary, a milestone made possible by the generous support of our 12,000 members. While millions read our free, accessible journalism, only a fraction contribute financially. To ensure our continued operation and prepare for the challenges of 2025, we are seeking 1,000 new members. Your contribution, whether a membership or spreading the word, directly supports our mission of independent reporting.
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The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has sparked heated debate, with accusations flying between various actors. Donald Trump’s nominee for US national intelligence chief was accused by Ukraine of being beholden to the Kremlin. Former Democratic Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, now a Trump supporter, echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the US and NATO provoked Russia into the war by failing to address its security concerns regarding Ukraine’s potential NATO membership. Gabbard asserted that this conflict could have been avoided if the US and NATO had acknowledged Russia’s legitimate fears, emphasizing the proximity of potential US/NATO forces to Russia’s borders. While NATO has affirmed Ukraine’s future membership, it has not provided a concrete timeline for its accession.
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The war in Ukraine is having a devastating impact on the Russian economy, with food prices skyrocketing and causing growing concern for the Kremlin. The war has drawn workers from every industry to serve in the military, leaving farming particularly vulnerable. This shortage of workers, combined with sanctions and the disruption of supply chains, has driven prices up significantly. A kilogram of potatoes is now 73% more expensive than at the start of the year, while butter prices have jumped by over 30%.
This economic crisis presents a major challenge for President Vladimir Putin, who is trying to balance his military ambitions with the need for domestic stability.… Continue reading
On November 14th, Ukrainian forces expertly executed a tactical maneuver in the Kursk region, successfully encircling a Russian assault group. The Russian relief efforts on the Ukrainian flanks also failed, resulting in significant Russian casualties. This victory came after the Ukrainians strategically withdrew from settlements, allowing the Russian convoy to pass before being destroyed by mines and drones. The Ukrainians then swiftly encircled the remaining Russian forces, effectively cutting them off from reinforcements and supplies. Despite facing heavy pressure on the western flank, the Ukrainians repelled five Russian assaults, inflicting major losses on the enemy. This successful defense showcases the Ukrainian military’s expertise in adapting to battlefield situations and maintaining control throughout the conflict.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker