During a visit to Poland, Keir Starmer urged continued, strengthened support for Ukraine, emphasizing the necessity of peace achieved on Ukraine’s terms. Discussions with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk focused on a proposed defense treaty and reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to NATO and Ukraine’s defense. Starmer’s trip follows a meeting with President Zelenskyy, resulting in a strengthened UK-Ukraine defense partnership. While declining to comment directly on Donald Trump’s potential impact, Starmer stressed the US’s crucial role in Ukraine’s defense.
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UK and France are reportedly discussing the possibility of sending a joint peacekeeping force to Ukraine following any potential resolution to the ongoing conflict. This idea, seemingly championed by French President Emmanuel Macron, involves deploying British and French soldiers to maintain stability and security within Ukraine’s borders after a peace agreement is reached.
The discussions between Sir Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron, which reportedly took place at Chequers, remain shrouded in secrecy. While neither Downing Street nor the Elysee Palace has denied the talks, details are scant. However, sources within the UK government suggest that Sir Keir Starmer hasn’t fully committed to the proposal.… Continue reading
President Zelenskyy, during a recent Warsaw visit, asserted that a swift end to the Russo-Ukrainian war hinges on a significantly more assertive European stance against Russia, including tripled pragmatism and increased arms production. He highlighted Europe’s vulnerability without Ukraine’s defense, emphasizing Russia’s superior military capabilities and brutality. Zelenskyy believes that a united Europe, coupled with US and Chinese pressure, is necessary to deter further Russian aggression. He reiterated previous statements about a potential 2025 resolution, contingent upon robust security guarantees for Ukraine.
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On January 15th, Ukraine reported its military now numbers 880,000 troops, confronting 600,000 Russian soldiers concentrated in key areas. A massive Russian missile attack targeted Ukraine, prompting emergency blackouts, while Ukraine simultaneously repatriated 25 prisoners of war, including Azovstal defenders. Meanwhile, Senator Rubio urged concessions from both Ukraine and Russia for peace negotiations, and NATO’s potential defense budget could massively surpass Russia’s if European spending mirrored Poland’s.
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During Poland’s EU presidency, Prime Minister Tusk pledged to prioritize Ukraine’s EU membership bid, leveraging Poland’s influence to advance Kyiv’s application. This commitment reflects Poland’s strong support for Ukraine amid the ongoing war with Russia and aims to accelerate Ukraine’s integration into the EU. The move follows a recent agreement between Poland and Ukraine resolving a long-standing historical dispute over WWII-era massacres, further solidifying their alliance. Tusk’s actions are also influenced by domestic political pressures, as he seeks to balance EU priorities with upcoming national elections.
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Incoming National Security Adviser Mike Waltz advocates for Ukraine to lower its draft age to 18, believing this would provide hundreds of thousands of additional troops. This measure, Waltz argues, is crucial for stabilizing the front lines and achieving a more favorable negotiating position. This recommendation follows previous US urging of Ukraine to increase its military manpower, although this has reportedly caused tension between the Ukrainian and US presidents. Zelenskyy, however, has prioritized Western weapons and training over lowering the draft age.
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In his New Year’s address, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy declared 2025 the year to end Russia’s invasion, emphasizing Ukraine’s commitment to securing peace through its own efforts and continued US support. This follows a year of significant Russian territorial gains—nearly 4,000 square kilometers in 2024 alone—and the termination of a key gas transit deal with Russia. A Russian drone strike on Kyiv on January 1st further underscored the ongoing conflict. The upcoming US presidential administration’s stance on aid to Ukraine remains a critical factor in the coming year.
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In its December 31st report, the General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces estimated total Russian troop losses since February 24, 2022, at 789,550, including 1,610 casualties in the preceding day. This staggering figure is accompanied by the destruction of significant military hardware, encompassing over 9,600 tanks, more than 20,000 armored vehicles, and thousands of artillery systems and aircraft. The losses also include substantial numbers of drones, vehicles, and naval vessels.
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Ukrainian Special Operations Forces captured a North Korean soldier in Kursk Oblast on December 26th, marking the first confirmed capture of a North Korean fighting in the war. The operation also yielded a Russian BTR-82 armored personnel carrier and other materials. This follows earlier reports of North Korean troop deployments to Russia, with estimates ranging from 10,000 to 12,000 soldiers undergoing training. The captured soldier’s condition is currently unknown.
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Following a phone call between Prime Minister Ishiba and President Zelenskyy, Japan reaffirmed its commitment to a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, reiterating strong support through sanctions against Russia and close coordination with Ukraine. The leaders discussed the escalating conflict, including the concerning involvement of North Korean troops. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for Japan’s assistance, while Ishiba noted concerns about the broader implications for East Asian stability. This follows a November agreement between the two nations to enhance security information sharing.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood