Britain’s unwavering support for Nuremberg-style trials targeting Russian leadership for their role in the Ukraine invasion stands in stark contrast to Donald Trump’s opposition. This decision, to pursue accountability for the “crimes of aggression” committed during the invasion, highlights a significant rift in the international response to the conflict. The proposed military tribunal, mirroring the post-World War II trials of Nazi officials, aims to prosecute key Russian figures for initiating the war, not just for subsequent war crimes committed on Ukrainian soil.
This focus on the crime of aggression is crucial because the International Criminal Court (ICC), while capable of prosecuting other war crimes, lacks the jurisdiction to address this specific charge.… Continue reading
In early 2022, Raiffeisen Bank International, Brink’s, and Bank of America facilitated the transfer of over $12 billion in cash to Russia before the Ukraine invasion. The majority of this currency, primarily USD, EUR, and CHF, was delivered to the sanctioned Russian company TBSS, with RBI handling the lion’s share. This influx, peaking in the weeks before the invasion, significantly exceeded previous years’ averages and occurred amidst escalating geopolitical tensions and anticipated sanctions. While no laws were broken at the time of transfer, the timing raises concerns given subsequent export bans and the widespread awareness of impending conflict.
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Following the December arrest of a Bulgarian woman suspected of Russian espionage, Austrian authorities uncovered a Russian disinformation campaign targeting German-speaking countries. Analysis of the suspect’s devices revealed a cell operating since the start of Russia’s 2022 Ukraine invasion, spreading propaganda online and through physical means like stickers and graffiti. This campaign aimed to sow discord by falsely implicating pro-Ukrainian activists through far-right and nationalist messaging. The Bulgarian woman reportedly admitted involvement, acting as a key contact for the operation. This discovery adds to Austria’s ongoing investigation into Russian intelligence activities, following a separate major espionage case involving a former Austrian intelligence officer.
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Gazprom reported a staggering net loss of 1.076 trillion rubles ($13.1 billion) in 2024, primarily due to the loss of the European market following the Ukraine invasion. This represents a significant decline from its 2023 loss of 629 billion rubles ($7.6 billion), despite a slight revenue increase. Contributing factors include decreased gas exports to the EU, falling subsidiary share prices, and increased tax burdens. The company is responding to its financial crisis with cost-cutting measures, including staff reductions.
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The UK Ministry of Defence estimates that Russia has suffered approximately 900,000 casualties in Ukraine since the 2022 invasion, including 200,000-250,000 deaths, marking Russia’s greatest losses since World War II. Despite these substantial losses, the Kremlin reportedly prioritizes its war aims over soldier lives, accepting high casualty rates. Recruitment disproportionately targets impoverished ethnic minorities in Russia, highlighting a disparity in the value placed on the lives of different citizen groups.
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In a recent interview with The Guardian, President Zelensky revealed that assassination attempts against him occurred at the start of the full-scale Russian invasion, resulting in casualties within the Presidential Office. These attempts, along with others reported throughout the war, coincided with Russia’s pressure for Ukraine to accept unfavorable peace terms. Zelensky also highlighted Russia’s significant numerical military advantage over both Ukraine and Europe, warning that without Ukraine’s resistance, a full-scale Russian occupation of Europe is a real possibility. He cited intelligence indicating Russia’s plans to further expand its forces and potentially launch attacks beyond Ukraine’s borders.
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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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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker