Recently, Russia deployed nuclear-capable bombers on a long-range Christmas flight over the Norwegian Sea, prompting NATO to scramble fighter jets to monitor the aircraft. The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed the flight, which lasted over seven hours, but did not specify which NATO air forces intercepted the Tu-95MS bombers. These actions follow a pattern of Russian aircraft activity near NATO airspace, including previous interceptions and airspace violations by Russia near Poland, Estonia, and Norway. While escalating tensions, the U.S. and Russia have both made declarations that could potentially lead to conflict.
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Zelenskyy says Ukraine will not abandon its bid to join NATO, and honestly, the implications of that statement are pretty layered. It’s not as simple as a clear “yes” or “no” situation, and it feels like there’s a lot more going on beneath the surface. While the headline might suggest a steadfast commitment to immediate membership, the reality appears a bit more complex. From what I gather, Ukraine understands that direct NATO membership is probably off the table, at least for the foreseeable future. However, they aren’t withdrawing their application, and that’s significant.
The interesting thing is this: the discussion around a defense plan, mirroring the spirit of Article 5 without being *within* NATO.… Continue reading
On December 24th, Ukrainian forces launched a series of attacks on crucial targets in Russia and Russian-occupied territories. These attacks resulted in damage to the Yefremov Synthetic Rubber Enterprise in the Tula region, a facility producing components for explosives. Additionally, a storage facility for unmanned boats near Myrne village in Crimea was targeted, along with a regimental-level storage site for supplies in the Luhansk region. The Ukrainian General Staff also reported strikes on various air defense positions and areas where Russian forces were concentrated.
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Ukraine’s Defense Minister announced plans to equip the Armed Forces with a staggering three million first-person-view (FPV) drones by the end of 2025. This represents a significant increase, nearly 2.5 times more than the previous year, highlighting the country’s commitment to bolstering domestic weapons production. The majority of these drones are domestically produced, with a large portion procured through direct contracts and the DOT-Chain Defence IT system. Furthermore, the Ukrainian military has also expanded its use of ground-based robotic systems, receiving nearly 15,000 platforms in 2025.
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President Zelensky has unveiled a revised 20-point peace plan, which is currently under discussion with the US. This revised plan, a reduction from the original 28 points, includes provisions like a cap on Ukraine’s peacetime forces while dropping others. The 20-point plan is one of four documents in development, alongside agreements for security guarantees and economic recovery. While progress has been made, several provisions remain unacceptable, and a durable ceasefire is not yet in sight.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that Chinese satellite imagery has coincided with Russian strikes on Ukrainian energy facilities, according to information received from the Head of Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service. The intelligence also indicated Russia’s efforts to evade sanctions on its energy companies through alternative management schemes. Zelenskyy also addressed the deployment of Oreshnik missiles in Belarus, emphasizing the need for international awareness and a coordinated response. Furthermore, the briefing highlighted increased ties between Russia and Chinese entities providing space intelligence data, potentially prolonging the war and hindering diplomatic efforts.
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In Moscow, a car explosion resulted in the deaths of two traffic police officers and a third individual. The incident occurred when the officers approached a “suspicious person” near their vehicle, triggering an explosive device. Russian authorities are investigating the crime, reviewing CCTV footage, and establishing a crime scene. A Ukrainian military intelligence official reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack, which happened near the site where a senior Russian military officer was killed by a car bomb earlier in the week.
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Zelensky Proposes Demilitarized Zone in Eastern Ukraine as Way to Peace, that’s the heart of the matter. It’s a concept being floated, and it’s definitely sparking a lot of thought. The idea, as I understand it, is to carve out a specific area in eastern Ukraine where military forces from both sides would be prohibited. The aim, of course, is to dial down the conflict, prevent further bloodshed, and potentially pave the way for a more lasting peace.
However, the general feeling seems to be a sense of cautious skepticism, bordering on outright doubt. Many feel that Russia simply wouldn’t adhere to such an agreement.… Continue reading
Pope Leo expressed his sadness over Russia’s rejection of a Christmas ceasefire in the ongoing war with Ukraine. Speaking from Castel Gandolfo, he appealed to people of goodwill to observe Christmas Day as a day of peace, hoping for at least a 24-hour cessation of hostilities. This follows a previous rejection by the Kremlin of a potential ceasefire, citing a preference for a comprehensive peace agreement over a temporary respite for Kyiv.
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Ukraine took out Russia’s only submarine-hunter aircraft before a historic Kilo-class sub strike, a sequence of events that highlights the evolving nature of modern warfare and Ukraine’s impressive strategic acumen. This wasn’t just any aircraft; it was a key asset for anti-submarine warfare, an Il-38, stationed in the Black Sea region. Its destruction, coupled with the subsequent successful attack on a Russian Kilo-class submarine, paints a picture of deliberate planning and a remarkable ability to leverage asymmetric warfare tactics. The precision and timing of these operations, especially, are the hallmarks of a well-executed strategy.
The removal of the Il-38, a critical platform for detecting and tracking submarines, likely created a significant vulnerability for the Russian naval presence in the Black Sea.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood