Since Russia’s 1997 Criminal Code, over 1,000 treason-related charges have been filed, with a dramatic surge—792 cases—following the 2022 Ukraine invasion. A significant portion of these cases, at least 359 in 2024, resulted in prison sentences, with no acquittals recorded since Vladimir Putin’s ascent to power. Recent high-profile cases include the 12-year sentence for Ksenia Karelina, a dual citizen, for aiding a Ukrainian charity, and other convictions for relatively small donations to Ukraine. The Kremlin’s crackdown also extends to scientists, with numerous specialists in hypersonic technology facing treason charges.
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In a year-end press conference, Vladimir Putin admitted that Russia should have begun its invasion of Ukraine sooner and with more thorough preparation. He also discussed Russia’s continued support of the Assad regime in Syria, its strengthened relationship with China, and its assertive nuclear doctrine. Despite claiming progress in Ukraine, Putin expressed openness to compromises to end the conflict. The event, heavily controlled and broadcast nationally, showcased Putin’s perspective on Russia’s current standing in global affairs.
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To mitigate the ruble’s slide to its lowest level since the 2022 Ukraine invasion, the Central Bank of Russia announced a suspension of foreign currency purchases on the domestic market until the end of 2024. This decision, extending a previous suspension, aims to stabilize financial markets. These purchases will be postponed until 2025, while the bank will continue selling currency from its sovereign wealth fund to manage the situation. The ruble’s devaluation, while potentially beneficial for exports, also risks increasing inflation.
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The Russian ruble has fallen to its lowest level against the US dollar since the beginning of the Ukraine invasion, reaching 107 rubles per dollar—a two-year low. This significant depreciation is attributed to ongoing sanctions impacting the Russian economy, particularly the recent targeting of Gazprombank, hindering international payments and further reducing gas export revenue. The upcoming holiday season is expected to exacerbate the situation, increasing import demand and putting additional pressure on the ruble. While a weaker ruble may benefit exports, the resulting high inflation (currently 8.5 percent) and the Central Bank’s attempts to counteract it through interest rate hikes are proving insufficient to stabilize the currency.
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What a turn of events, Russia evacuating 180,000 people as Ukraine takes control of 28 towns along the border. The sheer scale of this incursion is impressive, with Ukrainian forces penetrating deep into Russian territory, prompting a massive exodus of the local population. It’s a stark reminder of the consequences of war and the impact it has on innocent civilians caught in the middle.
The fact that Ukraine has managed to make such significant gains, despite being at war with Russia for over two years, is a testament to their military strategy and capability. The swift takeover of these towns shows that when the opportunity arises, seizing enemy territory becomes a real possibility.… Continue reading
Russia complained that its ‘peaceful’ people don’t deserve to be invaded. The audacity of such a statement is truly mind-boggling, especially coming from a country that has long been known for instigating conflicts and asserting its dominance over neighboring nations. The recent events in Ukraine have shed light on the true nature of Russia’s leadership, exposing their hypocritical attitude towards the concept of peace and sovereignty.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine, under the guise of protecting their ‘peaceful’ people in the Kurk region, is a prime example of this hypocrisy. The fact that they have the audacity to claim victimhood while actively engaging in acts of aggression and war is nothing short of outrageous.… Continue reading
One of Ukraine’s toughest and fastest brigades has joined the invasion of Russia, and the implications of this bold move are both intriguing and significant. As Russia finds itself unexpectedly facing a bonafide invasion on its own territory, the dynamics of this conflict are shifting in ways that were previously unimaginable. The sheer audacity and strategic acumen displayed by the Ukrainian troops in launching this operation are truly remarkable.
This move is not just about military prowess; it represents a paradigm shift in the way wars are fought. By eschewing the traditional slugfest between fixed positions and opting for a Blitzkrieg strategy, Ukraine is taking control of the battlefield and dictating the terms of engagement.… Continue reading
As Russia battles Ukrainian border incursion for the second day, it’s clear that tensions are running high between the two countries. The question on everyone’s mind is what the Ukrainian army will do next. Will they continue to expand until the Russians divert large numbers of troops and respond in force, only to retreat back across the border? Or will they attempt to hold onto their gains and claim the land as Ukrainian territory? Personally, I believe that Ukraine’s strategy may involve the former option, as it could potentially give them more bargaining power in negotiations.
What strikes me the most about this situation is the element of surprise in Ukraine’s military operations.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood