Early this morning, Russia launched an intercontinental ballistic missile attack on Ukraine. Simultaneously, six Russian Kh-101 cruise missiles were also launched, though Ukrainian forces successfully intercepted all six. The nature of the ICBM attack and its target remain unspecified in reports. Further details regarding the incident are pending.
Ukraine’s recent deployment of British Storm Shadow missiles against Russian military targets marks a significant escalation in the conflict. This is the first time these long-range cruise missiles have been used to strike inside Russia itself, representing a bold new chapter in the war. The decision to provide these advanced weapons, and Ukraine’s subsequent use of them, is a direct response to what was perceived as a major escalation from the Russian side – the reported deployment of North Korean troops. This action is viewed by many as a calculated counter-move, sending a powerful message that Russia’s actions will not be met without forceful response.… Continue reading
Ukraine’s recent use of British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles to strike targets within Russia marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. This action, a first for the war, represents a bold move by Ukraine, leveraging advanced weaponry to directly target Russian military infrastructure on its own soil.
The deployment of Storm Shadow missiles reflects a calculated response to what is perceived as increasing Russian aggression. The perceived escalation by Russia, possibly through actions like the rumored deployment of North Korean troops, has understandably led to a counter-escalation by Ukraine, aided by its Western allies. This dynamic underscores the increasingly complex and interconnected nature of the war, where actions taken on one front invariably impact the broader geopolitical landscape.… Continue reading
Several Russian officers have been arrested for falsifying battlefield reports claiming territorial gains near Siversk. These fabrications, allegedly driven by a desire to impress Moscow, are now under investigation, impacting commanders from multiple brigades. This action reflects a change in Moscow’s approach to military failures, exposing internal struggles and weakening Russia’s war effort. The arrests highlight a breakdown in trust and reveal the challenges Russia faces in achieving battlefield success. Continued Ukrainian resistance and sustained Western support exacerbate these internal weaknesses.
The United States will provide Ukraine with anti-personnel landmines, despite their controversial nature and international ban under the Ottawa Treaty. These “non-persistent” mines are designed to become inert after a set time, mitigating some risks, though concerns remain regarding civilian harm during their active period. While the US and Russia are not signatories to the treaty, Ukraine’s potential withdrawal is also being considered due to military necessity. The provision of these mines marks a significant escalation in military aid to Ukraine.
To bolster its defense capabilities, Ukraine announced plans to significantly increase domestic production of long-range drones and missiles, aiming for at least 30,000 drones and 3,000 cruise missiles/hybrids next year. This initiative, supported by recent U.S. aid, is intended to offset artillery shortages and counter Russian drone attacks. Development includes the domestically produced Palianytsia missile-drone, already deployed against Russia, and a new technology center will support this effort. This surge in domestic production comes as Ukraine seeks to expand its long-range capabilities while Western arms supplies remain subject to restrictions.
Russia’s updated nuclear doctrine, approved by President Putin, significantly broadens the conditions for nuclear weapon use, including scenarios involving aggression against Russia or its allies with nuclear state support, or large-scale non-nuclear attacks. This action, according to German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, is an attempt to intimidate the West, a tactic previously employed by the Kremlin. Despite this, Europe remains united in its response, rejecting Russia’s attempts at coercion. Baerbock stressed Germany’s commitment to supporting Ukraine and its neighbors, and to not being intimidated by these threats.
Marking the war’s 1,000th day, Ukrainian President Zelensky addressed the European Parliament, urging allies to increase pressure on Russia for a “just peace,” emphasizing that Putin will not stop without external pressure. Zelensky’s speech followed reports of a possible first use of US-supplied ATACMS missiles within Russia, and coincided with escalating tensions including the reported deployment of North Korean troops and Russia’s updated nuclear doctrine. The conflict continues to inflict devastating casualties, with recent drone attacks in Sumy resulting in civilian deaths. Zelensky warned that delaying action allows Russia to strengthen its position.
Following recent Russian attacks on Ukraine, EU High Representative Josep Borrell asserts that Vladimir Putin shows no willingness to negotiate peace, instead opting for escalation to achieve his long-standing goals of conquering and subjugating Ukraine. Borrell highlights that Putin’s initial expectation of a swift victory has been disproven by the ongoing conflict, now spanning over 4,000 days since the initial 2014 aggression. He criticizes the EU’s initially insufficient response and warns against further inaction, emphasizing that a lack of response only encourages further Russian escalation. Despite this, the EU has fulfilled its pledge of delivering one million artillery shells to Ukraine.
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.
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood