Analysis of videos from the US operation in Caracas, Venezuela in January 2026 reveals that several Russian-made Buk-M2 air defense systems were either disconnected from radar or stored at the time of the attack. These systems, stationed at locations like La Guaira and La Carlota air base, were unprepared for the US strikes, with some destroyed during deployment. The New York Times reports, based on US officials, that the systems may not have been operational for years, potentially due to lack of Russian maintenance, which may have been diverted to the war in Ukraine or part of a strategic agreement with the US. This suggests that Venezuela’s air defenses were caught off guard despite months of warnings.
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Wives of Russian soldiers in Ukraine are reportedly facing a cruel reality: denial of benefits due to the supposed secrecy surrounding their husbands’ records. This is, to put it mildly, a devastating blow to families already reeling from the potential loss of a loved one. The situation, as it unfolds, paints a grim picture, suggesting that the Russian government may be exploiting the chaos of war to evade its financial obligations. It’s a bitter pill to swallow for those left behind, struggling to make ends meet while grieving.
The narrative emerging from this situation isn’t about mere bureaucratic hurdles. It’s about a systematic disregard for the families of those fighting, potentially dying, for their country.… Continue reading
On December 5th, the Ukrainian OSINT monitoring group DeepState reported that Russian forces executed a captured Ukrainian soldier in the village of Sviato-Pokrovske in the Bakhmut district. Video evidence, released by Russian sources, depicts a Ukrainian soldier surrendering before being shot at close range, with the footage appearing to document a war crime. DeepState stated that this execution of a prisoner of war violates international law. This incident follows an earlier criminal investigation into the alleged execution of other Ukrainian prisoners of war in the Donetsk region.
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Recent reports indicate Russia is increasingly deploying assault troops without helmets or body armor, particularly in the Lyman axis in eastern Ukraine. Ukrainian commanders have observed this tactic becoming more prevalent, supported by video evidence showing Russian soldiers advancing without protective gear. The practice of sending ill-equipped troops reflects Russia’s reliance on expendable forces and high-casualty tactics, exacerbated by significant losses and economic constraints. These inadequately equipped soldiers face severe conditions, with reports of insufficient supplies, poor logistics, and even being forced to retrieve gear from fallen comrades.
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On November 22nd, DeepState reported that five Ukrainian prisoners of war were executed by Russian soldiers, with video footage allegedly capturing the moment. The organization is still working to determine the exact location and timeline of this alleged war crime. This incident adds to a pattern of Russian forces executing Ukrainian soldiers, with Kyiv already investigating evidence of at least 322 POW executions. These actions violate the Geneva Conventions, which prohibit the execution of prisoners of war without a fair trial.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned of Russia’s preparation for a large-scale war in Europe, potentially starting by 2029 or 2030, citing increased Russian military production and a desire to continue the conflict. Zelensky emphasized the urgent need for increased pressure on Russia, particularly through sanctions, especially targeting energy exports. These warnings align with those of other European leaders, prompting increased defense spending and efforts to bolster Europe’s defense capabilities, despite concerns about readiness and dependence on U.S. security guarantees.
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A recent investigative report reveals the Russian Ministry of Defense has recruited convicted murderers and violent offenders for combat operations in Ukraine, offering early release in exchange for service. The report details the cases of Vagan Safaryan and Yuriy Hrytsenko, both convicted of multiple murders, who were deployed to the “Special Military Operation” zone after signing military contracts. These individuals, despite their violent histories and, in Hrytsenko’s case, a history of mental instability, were released from prison under this controversial program. The practice, which began with the full-scale invasion, has prompted concerns about public safety and a potential surge in violent crimes committed by returning ex-convicts.
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Recent investigations by the independent Russian outlet Verstka reveal an alarming increase in extrajudicial killings within the Russian military, referred to as “nullifying,” where soldiers are executed. This practice involves sending personnel on deadly missions without proper gear, as well as executing those who refuse to participate in suicidal assaults, often motivated by financial gain. Commanders are allegedly profiting from the situation through bribes and transferring salaries, with refusal to pay resulting in execution. These findings underscore the brutal tactics employed in Russia’s offensive in eastern Ukraine, where human wave assaults have led to heavy casualties.
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Ukrainian intelligence has announced the destruction of a Russian Oreshnik ballistic missile launch system at the Kapustin Yar range, a joint operation by the HUR, SBU, and SZRU. According to Ukrainian estimates, Russia has fired one Oreshnik missile and destroyed another, with at least one remaining in their arsenal. The Oreshnik, believed to be a modified Soviet-era missile, has a range of approximately 5,500 kilometers and potentially poses a threat to parts of Europe if deployed to Belarus. Simultaneously, Russian officials are emphasizing the development and testing of other advanced weapons, like the Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile, which President Putin has ordered to be prepared for deployment.
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Six-hour tank assault, 29 armored vehicles, zero breakthroughs: Russia’s biggest autumn push fails near Volodymyrivka. It’s almost unbelievable, isn’t it? The sheer scale of the conflict in Ukraine is constantly throwing up scenarios that defy expectations. This specific instance near Volodymyrivka, with a six-hour tank assault involving 29 armored vehicles, and resulting in precisely zero breakthroughs, really captures the essence of the current stalemate. It highlights the shifting dynamics and, frankly, the incredible resilience of the Ukrainian defense. This wasn’t some minor probing action; this was presented as a significant push, a major effort. Yet, it yielded nothing in the way of territorial gains.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood