France is set to deliver 600 AASM-250 Hammer bombs to Ukraine by the end of the year, replenishing existing stocks and accelerating production to reach 1,200 by 2025. The Hammer bombs, already in use by Ukraine, have proven effective in striking targets behind enemy lines. Meanwhile, Germany’s upcoming snap election could significantly impact the war, as a potential new chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has pledged to provide Ukraine with Taurus KEPD 350 cruise missiles under specific conditions. On the battlefield, the Russians are making incremental gains in Kursk, while Ukrainian forces continue to defend against Russian advances in other areas. The conflict continues to be marked by heavy fighting, drone warfare, and the use of increasingly sophisticated technology by both sides.
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The Kremlin has vehemently denied reports of a phone call between President-elect Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, in which Trump allegedly warned Putin against escalating the war in Ukraine. While Trump’s team declined to comment on the president-elect’s private calls, both the Kremlin and Trump’s communications director have refuted the Washington Post’s claims, labeling them as “pure fiction” and “false information.” Despite the denial, the potential impact of Trump’s policies on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine remains a significant concern, with various international figures voicing their hopes that the United States will continue to support Ukraine in its fight against Russia.
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Russia has been employing a new tactic in its ongoing war against Ukraine, using decoy drones to overwhelm Ukrainian air defenses. These drones, dubbed “Parody” by Ukraine, mimic the radar signature of more deadly, explosive-laden drones, attempting to confuse Ukrainian defenses with fake targets. Ukraine has identified Western-made components within these decoy drones, despite international sanctions aimed at limiting Russia’s access to such technologies. This discovery underscores the ongoing challenges in enforcing sanctions and highlights the extent to which Russia is relying on foreign-sourced components for its military operations.
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Russia’s population is shrinking, and the Kremlin has a rather peculiar explanation: it’s all the fault of a “child-free ideology.” This curious claim comes amidst the backdrop of a war-torn nation, where sending young men to fight in a seemingly endless conflict in Ukraine is a grim reality. The Kremlin’s insistence on blaming a non-existent ideology for its demographic woes feels like an attempt to deflect responsibility from the very real problems plaguing the country.
It’s hard to ignore the blatant irony of a country struggling with population decline while simultaneously engaging in a war that’s costing countless lives. The Kremlin’s efforts to promote traditional family values, particularly through its portrayal of unwanted pregnancies as blessings in reality TV shows, seem somewhat hypocritical when considering the brutal realities of war and the lack of support for families struggling to survive.… Continue reading
Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has expressed concern over the Republican Party’s apparent admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin, describing it as a “homoerotic fascination” with the authoritarian leader. Johnson, a former ally of President-elect Donald Trump, believes this fascination is misplaced, emphasizing Putin’s dangerous and tyrannical nature. He warns that this influence could lead to detrimental policies regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine, potentially undermining support for democracy and freedom. Johnson believes a negotiated peace deal with Russia could be disastrous, potentially sacrificing Ukraine’s sovereignty and jeopardizing global security.
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Russian forces, bolstered by North Korean reinforcements, are engaging in fierce fighting with Ukrainian troops in Kursk Oblast, aiming to reclaim the area before President-elect Trump’s inauguration. Despite facing significant losses, the Kremlin is determined to recapture the Ukrainian salient, particularly the town of Sudzha. The Ukrainian forces, outnumbered and outgunned, are putting up a valiant defense, inflicting heavy casualties on the Russians through drone strikes and tank engagements. This desperate struggle reflects a larger political battle, with Russia seeking to solidify its territorial gains before a potential ceasefire, potentially handing Ukraine control of a portion of Russian territory.
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Russian forces shelled Kurakhove in the Donetsk region on November 11th, resulting in the destruction of the Stari Terny dam of the Kurakhove reservoir. This has caused the Vovcha River to rise by one meter, flooding nearby villages and potentially threatening settlements downstream. The extent of the damage to the dam remains unclear due to ongoing Russian shelling, but there is evidence that water is reaching settlements in the Velykonovosilkivska community. The Kurakhove sector remains a heavily contested area, with Russian forces attempting to advance daily, highlighting the ongoing danger and vulnerability of the region.
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Following a pause due to the pandemic and the invasion of Ukraine, Russia plans to resume major public sector layoffs in 2024. This initiative, aiming to cut 10% of staff in territorial branches of federal agencies by 2025, seeks to free up funds to increase salaries for remaining employees. The goal is to reduce the workforce in these branches by approximately 40,000 people, or 0.5% of the country’s overall workforce. While some agencies may achieve this through unfilled positions, the move could result in higher salaries for those remaining, reaching up to 80,000 rubles per month. Notably, employees in Russia-installed administrations in occupied Ukrainian territories will be exempt from these layoffs.
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Russia is mounting a major offensive in the Kursk region, aiming to reclaim territory seized by Ukraine in a surprise incursion last August. Tens of thousands of Russian troops, including North Korean soldiers, are participating in the offensive, which has been anticipated for weeks. This comes as the two sides have exchanged an intense wave of drone attacks, resulting in civilian casualties. The offensive’s timing is significant, as it coincides with the election of Donald Trump, whose stance on the war and potential negotiations with Russia and Ukraine remains uncertain. The situation in Kursk is expected to be a key bargaining chip in any future peace negotiations.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood