On November 28th, Ukrainian Sea Baby naval drones successfully targeted two sanctioned Russian oil tankers, Kairos and Virat, off the coast of Turkey in the Black Sea. The strikes disabled vessels linked to the Kremlin’s shadow fleet, which is known for evading international sanctions by transporting Russian oil. Both tankers, en route to a Russian port, were empty at the time of the attack. The operation, a joint effort with the Ukrainian Navy, delivered a significant blow to Russia’s oil transportation capabilities.
Read More
The Netherlands cancels concert by pianist Leonova, who performed for Russian military families in Moscow, and this situation has definitely sparked a lot of discussion. It seems like the core issue here revolves around the ethical implications of an artist, Elizaveta Leonskaya, performing for Russian military families in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine. The decision by the Netherlands to cancel the concert suggests a strong stance against supporting any activity that could be seen as endorsing or legitimizing the actions of the Russian military.
This brings up a fundamental question: where do we draw the line between art and politics, between personal expression and complicity?… Continue reading
Leaked transcripts from Bloomberg reveal that U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff coached a Putin aide on how to manage President Trump and suggested a peace plan between Russia and Ukraine. The transcripts detail Witkoff encouraging the Russian aide to have Putin flatter Trump and praising a Mideast peace deal to get Trump to favor Russia. Furthermore, it appears a 28-point U.S.-Russian peace plan favored Russia and was heavily amended, potentially originating from the Russian side. Reactions include calls for Witkoff’s replacement by Ukrainian officials and accusations that the leaks are fake.
Read More
The story, “Exclusive: US peace plan for Ukraine drew from Russian document, sources say,” paints a rather concerning picture, doesn’t it? It suggests that the supposed US peace plan for Ukraine wasn’t just influenced by Russia; it was essentially a Russian document. That’s a stark revelation. It makes you wonder how such a thing could happen, and the implications of it are quite unsettling.
It seems pretty evident that the initial plan resembled something akin to Russia’s terms for a complete Ukrainian surrender. The idea that a US administration, specifically the Trump administration, might have relied on a Russian document to shape its own peace proposal raises serious questions.… Continue reading
Recent reports indicate that payments to Russian troops fighting in Ukraine have been suspended in Yakutia due to regional budget shortfalls, with the finance minister citing an inability to forecast demand. This follows a period of record military spending by Russia, which has offered substantial financial incentives to attract recruits. The suspension of payments could signal financial strain and liquidity problems within Russia’s war effort, as several other regions have already cut bonuses to recruits. Despite assurances from Yakutia officials that payments will be made, the ongoing economic impact of the war may lead to further financial difficulties.
Read More
U.S. News & World Report offers a weekly email newsletter called “Getting In!” designed to help parents navigate the college application process. This newsletter provides valuable insights and updates, essentially acting as a parent playbook for college admissions. Interested individuals can subscribe to receive these updates directly in their inbox every Thursday. By signing up, subscribers agree to the publication’s terms and conditions and privacy policy.
Read More
Alright, let’s dive into the core of the matter: the European counter-proposal to the US Ukraine peace plan. It’s a critical piece of the puzzle, and it’s essential to grasp the key differences and the potential implications.
Compared to the US-drafted plan, the European counter-proposal shows some important shifts. One of the most significant changes is the removal of a clause that would have restricted Russia from invading its neighbors, while also stating NATO would not expand further. This clause, it seems, was a point of contention and was deemed unsuitable by the European side.
Next, the European counter-proposal reworks the post-agreement dialogue between Russia and NATO.… Continue reading
On November 23rd, Ukrainian forces reported ongoing efforts to clear central Pokrovsk of Russian soldiers, with firefights continuing but the enemy failing to establish a foothold. The Airborne Assault Forces stated they are containing Russian forces and conducting search and destroy operations, while also claiming to have killed 388 Russian soldiers and wounded 87 since the beginning of November. Recent clearing operations by the Skala Separate Assault Battalion have targeted areas like the railway station and Pokrovsk Pedagogical College. The city of Pokrovsk, a critical logistical hub in Donetsk Oblast, has seen intense fighting, and its potential loss could offer Russia logistical advantages.
Read More
Ukraine says peace talks “will take place in the coming days,” and the anticipation surrounding these discussions is palpable. But the situation is complex, and the underlying sentiment suggests a deep skepticism about the nature and potential outcomes of these talks. The feeling is that this whole situation is, at least in part, a carefully staged performance.
The primary concern revolves around the potential involvement of certain figures who might be more interested in personal gain than a just resolution. The fear is that a proposed “peace plan” could essentially be a surrender, a way for Russia to secure its objectives while Ukraine is forced to make significant concessions.… Continue reading
Yakutia has temporarily suspended payments to Russian military personnel due to regional budget shortfalls and the inability to accurately forecast demand. Finance Minister Ivan Alekseev confirmed the pause, citing difficulties in predicting the number of individuals requiring funds, but assured that the government had secured the necessary funds. The republic had previously allocated significant funds per contract soldier, including federal, regional, and municipal contributions. This action follows a trend of regional governments across Russia, including Tatarstan and Saint Petersburg, reducing or eliminating enlistment bonuses due to increasing budget deficits.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood