During the Loyal Dolos 2025 exercise, Ukrainian experts participated for the first time in practicing mechanisms of Article 5 of the NATO Treaty. Representatives from the NATO-Ukraine Joint Analysis, Training and Education Centre (JATEC) assessed an Alliance unit’s combat capabilities, integrating lessons learned from Russia’s war against Ukraine into the scenario. This marked a strategically significant first for Ukrainian involvement in a key NATO training exercise under Article 5. Approximately 1,500 personnel across Europe participated in the exercise to assess the capabilities of a rapid deployment corps.
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NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte believes former US President Donald Trump is the only individual capable of compelling Vladimir Putin to end Russia’s war in Ukraine. According to Rutte, Trump’s focus is on ending the conflict and he has the potential to bring Putin to the negotiating table. Rutte also emphasized that achieving peace requires compromises, but did not specify which parties should make concessions. Furthermore, Rutte expressed confidence that the US would remain committed to NATO, regardless of Trump’s presidency.
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Trump says he spoke with Putin ahead of the Zelenskiy meeting, and honestly, where do we even begin with this? The immediate reaction, and the one that seems to be echoing, is a mixture of bewilderment and a grim kind of predictability. It’s like watching a movie you’ve seen a hundred times; you know the plot twists, the dialogue, everything, but you’re still sitting there, waiting for it to play out.
The fact that Trump felt the need to have a conversation with Putin *before* meeting with Zelenskiy, the Ukrainian president, is the core of the issue. It immediately raises questions, doesn’t it?… Continue reading
Putin and Trump do not support the European-Ukrainian temporary ceasefire idea, the Kremlin says, and honestly, the implications of this are pretty staggering. It’s almost surreal to see the Kremlin essentially speaking on behalf of the White House, or at least, mirroring the sentiments of a significant figure within it. This isn’t just a political disagreement; it feels like a fundamental realignment of loyalties, a stark betrayal of the values America has traditionally stood for. It’s a bitter pill to swallow for anyone who remembers a time when the U.S. and Russia were on opposite sides of the ideological spectrum.
The fact that the Kremlin is even commenting on this suggests a deeply concerning level of coordination, a disturbing echo of Cold War dynamics, only this time, reversed.… Continue reading
Trump says he had a “very productive” call with Putin ahead of a Zelensky meeting – well, here we go again. This whole cycle is exhausting, isn’t it? It feels like we’ve been down this road a million times. It’s almost a given now: Trump needs his chat with Putin right before he sits down with Zelensky. It’s a predictable pattern, and honestly, it’s a little sickening to see it play out again.
He needs to have these calls, as if seeking some sort of approval or guidance before he even considers speaking to Zelensky. The pattern itself is deeply concerning, and each time this occurs, it feels as if the entire world is forced into a twisted Groundhog Day scenario.… Continue reading
In the face of the ongoing war in Ukraine, Russia’s billionaires have experienced a remarkable shift in fortunes, with their political influence diminishing while their numbers have surged to an all-time high. Putin has effectively maintained control through a strategy of rewarding loyalty and punishing dissent, exemplified by the experiences of figures like Oleg Tinkov, who faced severe repercussions for criticizing the war. While initial sanctions and economic downturns took a toll, the war has paradoxically fueled economic growth, creating opportunities for those aligned with the regime. Ultimately, this dynamic has resulted in the concentration of wealth and power, solidifying Putin’s grip on the elite and the Russian economy.
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Russian drones, missiles pound Ukraine before Zelenskiy-Trump meeting. Right off the bat, we’re getting a clear picture of the grim reality on the ground: Russia is escalating its attacks, specifically targeting civilian areas with drones and missiles. This isn’t just about military targets; it’s about sowing fear and destruction among the population. One person’s experience of spending a night in a Kyiv basement as drones struck residential buildings vividly paints this picture. It’s a stark reminder of the human cost of this conflict. And the timing? It’s no coincidence. These attacks are happening right before a potential meeting between President Zelenskyy and Donald Trump, adding a layer of strategic calculation to the violence.… Continue reading
Some G.O.P. Senators Join Democrats in Urging Trump to Adopt Hard Line With Putin.
It’s truly a headline that makes you stop and think, doesn’t it? The very fact that “some” Republicans are joining Democrats in pushing for a tougher stance against Vladimir Putin is a statement in itself. It’s an indicator of the gravity of the situation, the kind that forces even the most unlikely alliances. It’s almost as if the conventional political playbook has been tossed aside, and the reality of the situation, the growing unease over Russian influence, is starting to dictate the plays.
The core of the matter seems to be the perceived closeness between President Trump and Putin.… Continue reading
Based on the latest data, consumer spending habits are shifting, with a growing emphasis on value and practicality. Shoppers are increasingly seeking out deals and promotions, prioritizing essential purchases over discretionary items. This trend reflects broader economic concerns and a desire for financial prudence. As a result, retailers are adapting by offering more competitive pricing and highlighting the longevity of their products.
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On December 27th, the Russian Volunteer Corps (RVC) announced the death of their leader, Denis Kapustin (also known as “White Rex”), during a combat mission in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, Ukraine. Kapustin, a far-right activist with a history of neo-Nazi views, had relocated to Ukraine in 2017 and later founded the RVC in August 2022 with the aim of overthrowing Vladimir Putin. The RVC, which has conducted cross-border incursions into Russia, has fought alongside other anti-Kremlin Russian groups.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood