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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Ukraine launched a counteroffensive in Russia’s Kursk region, resulting in clashes near Berdin and Makhnovka. Ukrainian forces, having initially crossed the border in August, have maintained control of seized territory despite Russian and North Korean counter-efforts. Reports indicate heavy fighting involving tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery, with both sides claiming battlefield successes. The conflict, involving an estimated 11,000 North Korean troops, continues amidst conflicting reports and unverifiable battlefield claims.
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Zelenskiy’s recent report of significant losses suffered by both Russian and North Korean troops in the Kursk region deserves careful consideration. The claim of heavy North Korean casualties, specifically highlighting a lack of protection from their Russian counterparts and desperate measures taken by North Korean soldiers to avoid capture, paints a grim picture. This suggests a potential breakdown in coordination and morale among the allied forces.
The assertion that North Korean soldiers are facing execution for surrendering further underscores the high-stakes environment and the brutal realities these soldiers are enduring. This also points to a possible strategy employed by North Korea to ensure unwavering obedience, further emphasizing the gravity of the situation.… Continue reading
In 2024, Ukrainian forces lost over 3,600 sq km of territory, significantly exceeding the 540 sq km lost in 2023. The most substantial losses occurred in Donetsk and Kharkiv oblasts, with daily losses exceeding 20 sq km in November. Russian gains included significant advances in the Velyka Novosilka-Ocheretyne and Lyman-Kupiansk areas, as well as territory in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia oblasts. Despite some Ukrainian territorial gains elsewhere, including a brief incursion into Kursk Oblast, Militarnyi forecasts continued Russian pressure along multiple fronts.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood