Russia retaliated against Poland’s October closure of a Russian consulate in Poznań by ordering the closure of Poland’s consulate in Saint Petersburg, effective January 10, 2025. Three Polish diplomats were declared personae non grata and expelled. This action reflects escalating tensions between the two countries, stemming from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Poland’s accusations of Russian sabotage and cyberwarfare. The Russian foreign ministry cited Poland’s “openly hostile policy” towards Russia as justification for its actions.
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Putin’s overseas empire is crumbling, a Jenga tower teetering on the brink of collapse. The war in Ukraine, far from being a victory, has drained Russia’s resources, leaving its military weakened and its economy teetering. This isn’t just about Ukraine; it’s about a broader unraveling of influence, a decline that extends far beyond its borders.
Putin’s belief that he can outlast Ukraine and the West is a dangerous miscalculation. His reliance on purchasing weapons and soldiers from nations like North Korea and Iran – his “arsenals of evil” – highlights his desperation and the precariousness of his position. This isn’t a sustainable strategy; it’s a last-ditch effort to prop up a failing system.… Continue reading
Poland’s Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski dramatically exited an OSCE security meeting in Malta, staging a pointed protest against the presence of his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov. This bold move underscored the deep divisions and escalating tensions stemming from Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. The symbolism of Sikorski’s walkout resonated far beyond the meeting hall, highlighting the international community’s increasingly fractured response to Russia’s actions.
The walkout wasn’t an isolated incident. Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and the Czech Republic followed suit, mirroring Poland’s strong stance against Lavrov’s participation. This coordinated departure spoke volumes about the shared concerns and unified disapproval among these nations regarding Russia’s aggression.… Continue reading
Ukraine’s unwavering refusal to lower its military mobilization age to 18, despite pressure from Washington, underscores a complex situation rife with strategic considerations and underlying tensions. The call from Washington, seemingly born from a perceived recruitment crisis within the Ukrainian armed forces, feels jarringly insensitive given the context of the war.
The sheer audacity of suggesting that Ukraine should draft 18-year-olds into a war where even the current soldiers lack sufficient weaponry and ammunition is baffling. It’s akin to expecting Ukrainian troops to charge enemy trenches armed with scavenged rifles and shovels, a stark illustration of the disconnect between the request and the grim reality on the ground.… Continue reading
Voislav Torden, a Russian war crimes suspect, is on trial in Finland for alleged participation in the 2014 massacre of over 20 Ukrainian soldiers by the Rusich paramilitary group. The prosecution, presenting video evidence, alleges Torden’s involvement in the killings and mutilation of soldiers, seeking a life sentence. Torden denies all charges; the trial is significant as the first Finnish prosecution of suspected Ukrainian war crimes and raises concerns about potential repercussions for Finns in Russia. His extradition to Ukraine was deemed inappropriate due to concerns about a fair trial and prison conditions.
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Intense Russian assaults on Myrnohrad, aiming to secure a foothold before winter, are resulting in catastrophic losses. The Ukrainian 38th Marine Brigade, utilizing well-prepared defenses and precise artillery strikes, is decimating attacking Russian forces. A shockingly low two-week life expectancy for Russian soldiers in this sector is attributed to these devastating Ukrainian countermeasures and the relentless nature of the Russian offensive. This unsustainable approach highlights the Russian military’s operational inefficiencies and strategic desperation. The high casualty rate threatens to severely deplete Russia’s manpower reserves.
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Yevhen Matvieiev, mayor of the Russian-occupied Dniprorudne, perished after two years and eight months in captivity, where he endured torture. His body was repatriated to Ukraine during a recent prisoner exchange. Matvieiev remained in Dniprorudne throughout the occupation, supporting his constituents and providing crucial updates. His death was confirmed by Ivan Fedorov, Head of Zaporizhzhia Oblast Military Administration.
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Exhausted Ukrainian soldiers in the Kursk region report dwindling morale and a slow retreat against relentless Russian bombardment, despite using long-range weapons supplied by Western allies. Their orders are to hold the occupied territory until a change in US administration in January, hoping for new policy negotiations. This strategy, intended to divert Russian forces from other fronts, has yielded mixed results, with some soldiers questioning its effectiveness and expressing a desire to fight elsewhere. The soldiers also deny reports of significant North Korean troop deployments in the area.
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Ukraine’s Defense Ministry reported record Russian losses in November, exceeding those of September and October. These losses included over 45,000 personnel—equivalent to more than three motorized rifle divisions—and over $3 billion in destroyed equipment, including hundreds of tanks and armored vehicles. A single day in November saw a record high of 2,030 Russian casualties. Cumulative Russian losses since February 24, 2022, were reported to be approximately 742,130 soldiers.
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In a show of support, EU officials visited Kyiv on Sunday, coinciding with the signing of Russia’s 2025 budget by President Vladimir Putin. This budget allocates a record 13.5 trillion rubles (€119 billion), or 32.5 percent, to national defense, a significant increase from the current year’s allocation. The substantial military spending reflects Russia’s continued aggression in Ukraine. This action follows the Russian legislature’s approval of the budget plans in November.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood