Russia has definitively declined any invitation to the Global Peace Summit, citing Ukraine’s unwillingness to compromise on its 1991 borders and the complete withdrawal of Russian troops. Ukraine, aiming to hold the summit before the 2024 U.S. presidential election, continues preparations, despite delays. While initially suggesting Russia’s presence was a non-starter, Zelenskyy later indicated a willingness to invite Russia, though he believes Putin is uninterested in peace. Ukraine’s plan involves a multi-point peace proposal, contingent on a globally-supported framework.
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In 2024, Russia suffered devastating losses in Ukraine, with Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi reporting 421,000 troops killed or wounded—the highest yearly toll since the invasion began. This contributed to a total of approximately 785,000 Russian casualties since February 2022. Ukraine’s successes included establishing a pioneering Unmanned Systems Forces and leveraging long-range strikes, significantly increasing the effectiveness of its military actions. To further enhance combat readiness, Ukraine extended basic military training for mobilized personnel to two months.
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Ukraine’s domestic drone production surged in 2024, comprising 96.2% of all UAVs used by the Defence Forces. This significant increase, driven by Ministry of Defence orders, included a wide range of UAV types, from FPV drones to long-range strike drones. Over 1.5 million FPV drones alone were produced, showcasing a highly effective state-industry collaboration. This success underscores the growth of Ukraine’s defense industry and will continue to be prioritized in 2025.
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The United States plans to send a significant $1.25 billion military aid package to Ukraine on December 30th, following a previous $500 million announcement. This substantial aid will include munitions for critical air defense systems like Hawk and NASAMS, alongside Stinger missiles and artillery rounds. The delivery is a direct response to escalating Russian attacks targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, fulfilling President Biden’s promise of increased weapons support. This aid package addresses Ukraine’s urgent need for air defense capabilities amid Russia’s ongoing offensive.
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Following the December 25th crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines plane in Kazakhstan, which killed 38, President Aliyev demanded a formal apology, admission of guilt, prosecution of those responsible, and compensation from Russia. While Russian President Putin offered an apology for the “tragic incident,” he did not concede Russian guilt. Azerbaijan Airlines attributed the crash to external physical and technical factors. Aliyev’s demands represent Azerbaijan’s pursuit of accountability for the incident.
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A U.N. report details over 12,340 civilian deaths and more than 27,836 injuries in Ukraine from February 2022 to November 2024, with a significant increase in casualties caused by aerial bombs and long-range weapons in 2024. This surge, particularly notable in October and November, resulted from intensified Russian attacks on densely populated areas. The report highlights a threefold increase in civilian deaths from aerial bombs compared to 2023, and Russia’s use of long-range weapons, such as the Oreshnik missile, has raised serious concerns within the U.N. These escalating attacks are viewed as a deliberate tactic to intimidate Ukraine and deter Western support.
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President Biden’s recent pledge to send more arms to Ukraine following Russia’s Christmas Day attacks underscores the ongoing urgency of the conflict. The decision comes amidst a backdrop of intense global scrutiny, with concerns about the potential for escalation and the long-term implications for regional stability. This renewed commitment to military aid reflects a continued commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression.
The timing of this announcement is particularly significant, given the approaching change in U.S. presidential administration. There’s a palpable sense of urgency surrounding the delivery of these arms before a potential shift in U.S. foreign policy. The fear is that a change in leadership could result in a halt or significant reduction in aid, leaving Ukraine more vulnerable.… Continue reading
Throughout 2024, Russian forces made significant territorial gains in eastern Ukraine, capturing key cities like Avdiivka and Vuhledar and steadily advancing towards Pokrovsk. Simultaneously, a Russian offensive in northeastern Kharkiv Oblast, though initially rapid, failed to achieve major breakthroughs, while a Ukrainian incursion into Kursk Oblast resulted in substantial territory loss. The year concluded with Ukraine facing a manpower shortage, looming defeats in several key battles, and the threat of a major Russian counteroffensive involving North Korean troops. The ongoing battles in Donetsk and Kharkiv Oblasts, coupled with a precarious situation in Kursk Oblast, paint a grim picture for Ukraine’s military prospects.
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Examination of debris from a Russian Oreshnik missile used in a November 21 attack on Dnipro reveals a component with a 2017 production date, contradicting Putin’s claims of cutting-edge technology. The missile’s components, including a control system linked to Roscosmos contractor NPTSAP, suggest production began around 2017-2018, likely utilizing older technologies and components from other Russian missile programs. This finding further supports accusations that Russia violated the INF Treaty. Ongoing analysis promises to reveal more details about the missile’s origins and development timeline.
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Zelenskyy’s accusation against Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico centers on allegations that Slovakia’s energy deals with Russia actively undermine European efforts to lessen dependence on Russian gas and inadvertently aid Russia in circumventing sanctions. The accusations are made amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine and Slovakia’s participation in EU sanctions against Russia, creating a complex and highly charged situation.
The crux of Zelenskyy’s criticism lies in Slovakia’s recent energy agreements, which he believes provide substantial financial benefits to Russia. He claims these deals, estimated to be worth a billion dollars annually, effectively reward Russia’s aggression while simultaneously hindering the collective European goal of weaning itself off Russian energy.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood