In a New Year’s address, President Zelensky emphasized Ukraine’s unwavering commitment to peace, but stressed that it would not come at the cost of the nation’s security. He warned that either the world must stop Russia’s aggression, or Russia will expand the conflict globally, highlighting the necessity of strong security guarantees to prevent future attacks. Zelensky called for increased sanctions on Russia and for the provision of long-range Tomahawk missiles, emphasizing that only a strong response can ensure peace. He concluded by asserting that Ukraine is the shield defending Europe, and that failure to act decisively would embolden Russia’s military ambitions.
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In the late 1990s and early 2000s, former CIA Moscow station chief Rob Dannenberg observed the rise of Vladimir Putin and recognized his focus on restoring state control and rebuilding Russia’s military. Dannenberg believes Putin views former President Trump as vulnerable to influence due to his vanity and greed. He fears Trump is being manipulated by Putin. Ultimately, Dannenberg fears that if the U.S. continues to fail to support Ukraine, Putin could potentially win, which would have dire consequences for the world.
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Overnight on December 31, Ukrainian drone strikes caused significant damage to Russian oil and weapons facilities. The attacks targeted the Tuapse Oil Refinery, the Tamanneftegaz oil terminal, a Rosreserv oil depot, a temporary military base for river boats, and ammunition depots in occupied Ukraine. The strikes on the Tuapse refinery caused a fire and damaged key processing units, while the Tamanneftegaz terminal saw damage to two berths. Ukrainian forces also successfully struck the Rosreserv oil depot and several military targets in occupied territories. These actions exemplify the escalation of Ukrainian drone warfare against Russian infrastructure throughout 2025.
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Zelenskiy says he won’t sign weak deal that will only prolong war because he understands the stakes and the nature of the adversary he faces. He knows that any deal that concedes territory or fails to guarantee Ukraine’s full sovereignty and right to defend itself is, in essence, a betrayal. Such a deal wouldn’t bring lasting peace; it would merely offer Russia a strategic pause to regroup, rearm, and launch a new offensive. The memory of Putin’s broken promises and disregard for international agreements, including the 1994 Budapest Memorandum where Ukraine gave up its nuclear weapons in exchange for security guarantees, is fresh in his mind.… Continue reading
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
In a surprising turn of events, Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR) announced the faked death of Denis Kapustin, commander of the Russian Volunteer Corps (RDK). Reports of Kapustin’s death in Zaporizhzhia Oblast were revealed to be part of a special operation designed to mislead Russian intelligence services, who had placed a $500,000 bounty on his head. The HUR also claimed the funds allocated for the assassination. Kapustin, now confirmed to be alive and well on Ukrainian territory, has confirmed his readiness to continue leading the RDK.
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Consumer habits are rapidly shifting as shoppers adapt to economic pressures and evolving priorities. Recent data reveals a growing preference for budget-friendly options, with discount retailers and used-item marketplaces experiencing increased popularity. Furthermore, the convenience of online shopping continues to thrive, even as in-person retail experiences make a comeback. Ultimately, these trends indicate a more cost-conscious and flexible approach to consumption, shaped by both financial constraints and the desire for value and accessibility.
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Russia’s opposition to a referendum, as Zelenskyy has pointed out, boils down to a fundamental issue: they can’t credibly portray the Ukrainian people as illegitimate. It’s a key point, and it unlocks a lot of the strategic thinking, or perhaps lack thereof, behind Russia’s actions. The whole situation is deeply rooted in a twisted view of reality, where anything goes to justify their actions. It’s easy to see how this perception is twisted, as Russia has been running under the same leadership for two and a half decades, they are masters of crafting narratives, regardless of their accuracy.
This isn’t just about the mechanics of a vote.… Continue reading
17 tons of fuel stolen from frontline unit: Ukraine arrests commander and subordinate for wartime embezzlement. The news of the arrest of a commander and a subordinate for stealing 17 tons of fuel from a frontline unit has sparked a range of reactions, and it’s easy to see why. The immediate reaction is often one of disbelief and outrage, especially considering the context of a war where resources are critical for survival.
This incident, which translates to roughly the capacity of a full fuel tank trailer, highlights a significant betrayal of trust. The sheer amount of fuel, roughly equivalent to what a large number of civilian cars or even a few tanks would consume, raises questions about the potential impact on military operations.… Continue reading
According to a source cited by Novaya Gazeta. Europe, Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov was urgently hospitalized in Moscow on the night of December 24-25 after his health rapidly declined during a planned State Council meeting. Kadyrov was reportedly transported to the Central Clinical Hospital for intensive care and was resuscitated, however he has not been seen in public since. This incident follows a previous hospitalization earlier in the year and reports of deteriorating health, potentially linked to the war in Ukraine and Kadyrov’s own reported “nervous breakdowns”.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood