Zelensky says he discussed the idea of Western troops in Ukraine with Macron. This suggests a potential shift in the strategic conversation surrounding the ongoing conflict, moving beyond the current provision of aid and weaponry to the direct deployment of combat forces. The specific context of this deployment isn’t explicitly detailed, but it’s likely framed within the broader discussions around a potential ceasefire agreement or peace treaty, possibly acting as a peacekeeping force to maintain stability during a transition.
The conversation surrounding Western troop deployment immediately brings to mind the significant risks involved. The fear of escalating the conflict into a wider, potentially catastrophic war is very real and understandable.… Continue reading
On January 11, 2024, a Russian airstrike on a nursing home in Sudzha, Kursk Oblast, resulted in one fatality and significant damage to the facility, leaving approximately 70 elderly and disabled residents displaced. The attack, confirmed by Ukrainian military spokesperson Oleksii Dmytrashkivskyi, occurred amidst renewed Ukrainian offensive operations in the region and follows reports of captured North Korean soldiers fighting alongside Russian forces. The incident highlights the vulnerability of civilians in the conflict zone and the challenges of relocating vulnerable populations. This attack occurred in an area previously visited by media on Ukrainian military-organized press tours.
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A collaborative investigation by the BBC Russian Service, Mediazona, and volunteers estimates that up to 220,000 Russian soldiers have died in Ukraine since 2022, with at least 88,000 names verified. This figure, while lower than Ukrainian estimates of over 800,000 total casualties, still suggests a significant manpower strain on Russia. The analysis, compiled from open-source data, highlights 2024 as the deadliest year and details losses across various elite military units. The discrepancy in casualty figures underscores the difficulty in accurately assessing the war’s impact on Russia’s military capabilities.
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In 2023, U.S. companies paid Russia $1.2 billion in profit taxes, making the U.S. the largest foreign contributor and prompting criticism as “shameful.” Despite many companies leaving Russia following its invasion of Ukraine, approximately 328 U.S. firms remain, with some citing financial penalties for withdrawal and others rationalizing their continued presence. This tax revenue significantly benefits the Russian government, potentially funding its war effort and undermining international sanctions. The continued business activity of these U.S. companies has drawn considerable condemnation from experts and policymakers.
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During a massive Russian missile attack on December 13, 2024, a Ukrainian F-16 pilot achieved a remarkable feat by destroying six cruise missiles in a single sortie. This involved using both air-to-air missiles and, for the first time in combat, the aircraft’s gun to down two missiles in a stacked formation. The pilot’s success, exceeding initial American expectations, contributed to the overall interception of 81 Russian missiles that day, with F-16 pilots accounting for eleven. This extraordinary performance highlights the skill of Ukrainian pilots even with older aircraft.
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A recent Ukrainian offensive in the Kursk region resulted in the capture of several settlements, utilizing effective combined arms tactics including electronic warfare and HIMARS strikes to hinder Russian reinforcements. Simultaneously, long-range drone and missile attacks targeted Russian infrastructure, including an aviation technical base in Kursk and a gas condensate terminal near Leningrad. These actions, coupled with significant Ukrainian losses inflicted on Russian personnel and equipment, are forcing Russia to utilize less armored vehicles and rely on infantry assaults. Ukraine’s investment in long-range and unmanned systems is a key factor in its evolving military strategy.
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Nikolay Goltsev, a Russian-Montrealer, received a 40-month prison sentence for conspiring to illegally export over $10 million in restricted electronics to Russia. These components were used in Russian military systems deployed during the invasion of Ukraine. Goltsev and his wife, Kristina Puzyreva (who received a 24-month sentence), publicly professed support for Ukraine while secretly facilitating the procurement scheme. The Justice Department highlighted text messages revealing their true allegiances and intent to support Russia’s war effort. Goltsev also forfeited $4 million and additional assets.
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The Biden administration is poised to announce a substantial final weapons package for Ukraine, a move timed to coincide with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s meeting in Germany with representatives from approximately fifty nations supporting Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s ongoing invasion. While the exact dollar figure remains undisclosed, officials have confirmed that the package will be significant, though it won’t fully exhaust the roughly $4 billion in congressionally authorized funds. A considerable portion will still be available for future allocation, should the incoming administration choose to continue the aid effort.
This substantial aid package comes at a crucial juncture, as Ukraine is currently engaged in a second offensive in the Kursk region, facing intense Russian counter-pressure in a fight to secure a strong negotiating position before the presidential transition.… Continue reading
Ukraine launched a counteroffensive in Russia’s Kursk region, resulting in clashes near the border village of Berdin. While Russia claims to have repelled the attack, Ukrainian sources report ongoing fighting and significant Russian losses, including a potential battalion of North Korean and Russian troops. The offensive, which began in August, has seen fluctuating control of territory, with Ukraine holding some areas despite Russian and North Korean reinforcements. Heavy fighting and civilian casualties are reported in the region’s towns, including Sudzha.
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Ukraine launched a counteroffensive in Russia’s Kursk region, with Ukrainian forces engaging Russian and North Korean troops in multiple locations. While the Russian Ministry of Defense claims to have repelled Ukrainian attacks, unofficial reports suggest intense fighting and Ukrainian advances, including the use of armored vehicles and electronic warfare. The fighting, including reported heavy shelling of Sudzha, marks a significant escalation of the conflict and has resulted in civilian casualties.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker