Buryats, an indigenous Siberian group, are disproportionately represented among Russian troops fighting in Ukraine, a trend mirroring their participation in the Korean War. This overrepresentation stems from historical factors such as Buryatia’s proximity to North Korea, high concentration of military bases, and economic hardship, making military service attractive. However, the “Buryat” label has become a catch-all term for any Asian-looking Russian soldier in Ukrainian discourse, potentially overstating the actual Buryat involvement in the war. This situation highlights the enduring consequences of historical military deployments and the complexities of ethnic identity in a conflict zone.
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The sanctions imposed on Russia are having a significant impact on my ability to travel. Due to the refusal of “friendly” countries to refuel my plane, I have encountered difficulties on recent trips to South Africa and Brazil. This situation arises from the widespread ownership of aviation fuel companies by non-governmental entities, leaving “friendly” countries apprehensive about potential secondary sanctions. As a result, I have been forced to rely on alternative transportation methods, such as utilizing the planes of my counterparts, highlighting the ongoing challenges of international travel for Russian officials in this new geopolitical landscape.
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It’s been reported that Russia has escalated its drone attacks on Ukraine by 44% since the 2024 US election. This surge in attacks has fueled speculation that Russia is attempting to maximize its gains before a potential change in US policy under a new administration. Many believe that a Trump presidency would signal a shift in US support for Ukraine, potentially leading to negotiations that could favor Russia.
Some analysts argue that this aggressive approach is a calculated gamble by Russia. They believe that Russia is burning through its reserves at an unsustainable rate to push the frontline as far as possible before a potential Trump-led peace deal.… Continue reading
Investor optimism surrounding Donald Trump’s election victory has led to a surge in Ukrainian Eurobond prices, with some investors hoping for a swift end to the Russia-Ukraine war and a subsequent economic recovery. The prospect of Trump pushing for peace negotiations has driven this surge, particularly evident in the significant increase in Ukrenergo bonds. However, some investors remain cautious, questioning the likelihood of a rapid peace agreement and the potential impact on Ukraine’s economy following negotiations. This surge in bond prices comes just months after Ukraine successfully restructured over $20 billion in debt, highlighting the volatility of the Ukrainian financial market in response to geopolitical events.
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President Putin has approved a new system for compensating wounded soldiers in the war against Ukraine. This change classifies injuries into three categories, with payments ranging from 100,000 rubles for “other minor injuries” to 3 million rubles for “severe” injuries. This move comes as Russia seeks to replenish its military after suffering heavy losses in Ukraine, and aims to incentivize more citizens to enlist by offering increased sign-on bonuses. While Russia is making gains in eastern Ukraine, the country is also facing record losses, prompting the Kremlin to implement new strategies to maintain its military capacity.
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Russia has reduced compensation payments for troops injured in the Ukraine war, with the new decree restricting payouts for less severe injuries. This move comes amidst growing costs for the war effort, which include both personnel losses and financial burdens. The new system offers a sliding scale of payments based on the severity of the injury, with the highest compensation reserved for “Section I” injuries that pose significant threat to life or health. This adjustment suggests that the Kremlin is facing mounting financial pressure, potentially driven by the heavy casualties suffered by Russian forces in the ongoing conflict.
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The Ukrainian 33rd Mechanized Brigade, equipped with German-made Leopard 2A4 tanks, successfully repelled a Russian advance on the village of Dalnje, south of Kurakhove, in eastern Ukraine. The Ukrainian tanks, utilizing their superior firepower and maneuverability, destroyed several Russian armored vehicles, including two tanks and an armored personnel carrier. This engagement showcased the effectiveness of the Leopard 2A4s in close-quarters combat, a departure from the cautious tactics typically employed by both sides due to the prevalence of drones. The battle in Dalnje demonstrates the Ukrainians’ unwavering determination to resist the Russian offensive, despite the potential for a ceasefire along the current front line.
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Following the 47th Mechanized Brigade’s initial forays into western Russia, a fierce Russian counteroffensive has begun in Kursk Oblast, aiming to reclaim the 250-square-mile salient seized by Ukrainian forces in August. The 47th Brigade, equipped with American M-2 Bradley vehicles and M-1 Abrams tanks, is now fighting a desperate battle to defend the left flank of the salient against a relentless Russian assault. The Russians, emboldened by the change in U.S. administration and the potential for a negotiated armistice, are determined to retake Kursk before President-elect Trump takes office in January. Despite significant casualties, they show no signs of relenting, forcing the 47th Brigade and its allies to fight tooth and nail to maintain control of their hard-won gains.
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A senior Russian naval officer, Valery Trankovsky, was killed in a car bombing in Sevastopol, Crimea. Ukrainian security services claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that Trankovsky was a war criminal responsible for missile strikes on civilian targets in Ukraine. This incident is the latest in a series of targeted attacks on Russian military personnel and pro-Kremlin figures in occupied Ukrainian territories and Russia. Ukraine has been targeting individuals accused of war crimes, and while the methods and identities of the clandestine resistance groups remain largely unknown, the attacks highlight the ongoing struggle and resistance against Russian occupation.
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Since the US Congress approved additional funding for Ukraine in April 2024, the US has delivered a significant portion of the promised military aid, including 83% of ammunition, 67% of air defense capabilities, and 60% of fire capabilities. This includes thousands of artillery shells, armored vehicles, HIMARS rockets, and anti-tank weapons, as well as dozens of artillery systems and hundreds of air defense missiles. The Pentagon is committed to providing Ukraine with the resources it needs to deter and fight Russian aggression, utilizing both existing stockpiles and funding for new orders from manufacturers. While the current US administration plans to use all remaining funds for military assistance to Ukraine by January 2025, the future of this aid remains uncertain, contingent upon the outcome of the upcoming presidential election.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood