Marking the 1,000th day of the war, Boris Johnson advocated for a substantial US$500 billion loan to Ukraine, enabling them to secure victory. He also urged the immediate announcement of a NATO membership date for Ukraine, coupled with the UK and France mirroring the US’s approval of ATACMS missile use. These actions, Johnson argued, would provide crucial security guarantees and demonstrate unwavering Western support. He believes this decisive action will ultimately convince Putin of his miscalculation and the futility of his aggression. Johnson’s proposals build upon existing calls for increased aid and acknowledge past criticisms of insufficient European support.
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Following reports that the U.S. authorized Ukraine to strike deep into Russia with U.S.-supplied missiles, Russian lawmaker Andrei Gurulev issued a stark warning of imminent American destruction. Gurulev, speaking on state-owned media, threatened total annihilation of the U.S. and claimed Russia possesses the capacity to neutralize the nuclear arsenals of England and France. These threats followed a recent large-scale Russian missile attack on Kyiv and amid concerns over potential changes in U.S. support for Ukraine under the incoming Trump administration. The situation is further complicated by Russia’s reported troop buildup and heavy losses near the Kursk region.
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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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North Korea may end up sending 100,000 troops to fight alongside Russia in the war in Ukraine. This staggering number represents a significant portion of North Korea’s military, and the potential consequences are deeply unsettling. The sheer scale of this potential deployment suggests a level of desperation, both on the part of Russia, needing additional manpower, and North Korea, potentially seeking to alleviate its chronic food shortages through a drastic reduction in its population.
The deployment of such a large number of North Korean troops could dramatically alter the course of the war. Russia’s strategy, described as a “Stalingrad strategy,” seems to rely on overwhelming the enemy with sheer numbers, even at a high cost in human life.… Continue reading
Ukrainian intelligence reports that North Korea has supplied Russia with 50 self-propelled howitzers and 20 multiple launch rocket systems, some of which have been deployed to the Kursk Oblast. This follows reports of 11,000 North Korean troops training alongside Russian forces, and previous deliveries of millions of artillery shells. These shipments bolster Russia’s military efforts amidst dwindling supplies and Western sanctions. The deepening Russia-North Korea alliance contrasts with South Korea’s growing support for Ukraine, including the consideration of lethal aid.
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Gazprom will halt natural gas deliveries to Austria this weekend, ending a long-standing energy relationship. Austria’s largest energy supplier, OMV, anticipated this, having secured alternative supply routes from Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands. The country’s gas storage facilities are full, ensuring sufficient supply and dismissing fears of shortages. Chancellor Nehammer confirmed Austria’s secure energy position and reaffirmed unwavering support for Ukraine, despite Gazprom’s actions.
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Google Street View offers a pre-invasion glimpse of Russian-occupied Ukrainian towns, providing a stark contrast to the present. Imagery reveals a landscape drastically altered since February 2022, with widespread destruction and altered street names. The occupied areas now operate on Moscow time, a noticeable shift from the rest of Ukraine. This temporal discrepancy highlights the profound impact of the Russian occupation.
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President Zelensky believes a Trump presidency will expedite the end of the war in Ukraine, citing constructive dialogue and shared understanding of Ukraine’s peace vision. He emphasizes Ukraine’s independence and refusal to accept demands dictating its negotiating stance with Russia. While acknowledging the absence of a definitive end date, Zelensky anticipates a quicker resolution under the forthcoming Trump administration’s policies. This faster resolution, he states, is a key component of the incoming team’s approach and public pledge. A just peace, ensuring the sacrifices of Ukrainian citizens are not in vain, remains paramount.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood