It seems we have another incident to add to the growing list of “interesting developments” at sea, involving vessels with links to Russia. This time, it’s an oil tanker carrying diesel that has suffered four external explosions near Dakar, Senegal. The ship’s manager, Besiktas Shipping, confirmed the event, stating that seawater entered the engine room of the “Mersin,” but thankfully, the crew is safe, and there’s been no reported pollution. This is particularly noteworthy because it marks the third such incident in just a few days, all involving ships that have been involved in the movement of Russian petroleum.
The previous incidents, occurring late last week, took place in the Black Sea and involved empty tankers.… Continue reading
Following the targeting of Russia’s largest oil firms, a US group, Dekleptocracy, has identified crucial, yet obscure, sanctions that could disrupt Russia’s war effort. These sanctions focus on chemicals used in mechanical lubricants and military-grade tires, areas where Russia lacks domestic production capabilities. Xinxiang Richful, a Chinese company, is a key supplier of lubricant additives and should be blocked. This action, along with targeting other suppliers, would create shortages.
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White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated the United States cannot indefinitely supply weapons to Ukraine. Leavitt explained that former President Trump has dedicated considerable effort to ending the war and seeks to stop the killings. Although no longer providing funding directly, the US continues to provide significant amounts of weapons through NATO. Leavitt emphasized that the president wants the war to end, reflecting the sentiment of a frustrated American society.
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On November 23, Ukrainian drones conducted a targeted strike on the Perekop Bromine Plant in Krasnoperekopsk, Crimea, a major chemical producer of bromine and other compounds. Footage suggests the use of domestically produced FP-1 or FP-2 strike drones. The attack, which occurred overnight between November 22 and 23, hit the facility, the only producer of bromine-based chemical compounds in Eastern Europe. Simultaneously, Ukrainian drones also targeted the “Krasnoperekopsk” substation, a critical component of Crimea’s power grid.
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According to the 7th Corps of Ukrainian Air Assault Forces, Ukrainian forces have cleared the center of Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast of Russian troops, including areas near the railway station, Pokrovsk Pedagogical College, and Sobornyi Square. This action has effectively blocked Russia’s attempts to consolidate forces within the city. Fierce firefights continue, with Ukrainian forces preventing the enemy from gaining a foothold and executing search-and-strike missions. Since early November, Ukrainian forces have reportedly eliminated 388 Russian soldiers in the Pokrovsk area.
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EU countries are absolutely right to be demanding a seat at the table regarding any US-Russia plan to end the war in Ukraine. It’s not just a matter of fairness; it’s a matter of practicality and future stability. To leave out the countries most directly impacted – Ukraine and those in Europe – is to guarantee that whatever agreement is reached will be fundamentally flawed and potentially disastrous. A plan designed to appease Russia at the expense of Ukraine, without meaningful input from the EU, isn’t a plan for peace; it’s a blueprint for future conflicts.
The idea that the US and Russia could unilaterally decide the fate of a sovereign nation, especially one in Europe, is simply unacceptable.… Continue reading
A major corruption scandal involving Ukraine’s state-owned nuclear power company has emerged amid renewed Russian attacks on energy infrastructure, leading to a government crisis. Investigations by anti-corruption watchdogs, including wiretaps, revealed a kickback scheme involving approximately $100 million and implicated top officials, prompting President Zelenskyy to call for the dismissal of his justice and energy ministers, who subsequently resigned. The scandal has raised concerns among European partners providing aid, particularly after the emergence of evidence connecting a close associate of Zelenskyy to the alleged corruption and delayed fortification of energy sites. The anti-corruption investigation has also focused on potential connections to a drone manufacturer.
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According to Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Directorate, Russia intends to recruit approximately 12,000 North Korean laborers to work at its drone production facilities by the end of 2025. These workers are slated for deployment in Alabuga, a special economic zone assembling Shahed- and Geran-type drones. The plan was reportedly discussed during a meeting between Russian officials and a North Korean state firm. Moscow has offered the imported workforce $2.50 per hour for shifts of at least 12 hours.
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Russian assets, according to the discussions, represent a pivotal avenue for financing Ukraine, and that’s the bottom line. It’s a sentiment echoed by many, seemingly, and it’s a topic that’s been stewing for far too long. The simple truth is, waiting around hasn’t gotten us anywhere. The war rages on, and Ukraine desperately needs funds to defend itself and rebuild. Why continue to delay the inevitable?
Von der Leyen’s proposal appears to be a loan scheme tied to reparations from Russia. This sets the stage, essentially a financial balancing act: Ukraine gets the much-needed funds, with the eventual aim being repayment sourced from Russia’s assets.… Continue reading
The Ulyanovsk region of Russia will indefinitely lack mobile internet access due to federal restrictions implemented “to ensure state security,” according to regional officials. These restrictions, affecting residential areas and businesses, are mandated by Moscow and will remain in place “until the end of the war against Ukraine”. While the government emphasizes these are permanent security measures, residents are encouraged to utilize available public Wi-Fi hotspots and a “white list” of accessible online services. This move follows a new federal decision to expand security zones around strategic facilities in response to perceived threats, and comes as new decrees require telecommunication providers to terminate user access based on FSB requests.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker