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
“These crimes will not go unanswered”: Estonian FM condemns Christmas-period attack on Ukraine, a sentiment that resonates powerfully, particularly in the context of ongoing conflict. When any nation suffers aggression, the immediate reaction is often one of outrage and a commitment to justice. This statement, though a standard condemnation, carries extra weight when coming from Estonia, a country that understands the threat of Russian aggression perhaps more acutely than many. The specific timing of the attack, coinciding with the Christmas period, adds another layer of gravity, exploiting the solemnity of the season for strategic advantage, which further highlights the callousness of the aggressor.… Continue reading
Recent Russian attacks on the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant have damaged the shelter over the destroyed reactor. ChNPP Director Serhii Tarakanov warned that a direct hit or nearby impact could lead to the shelter’s collapse and a mini-earthquake. The New Safe Confinement (NSC) suffered damage in a February drone strike, which compromised its safety functions and will take at least three to four years to restore. Despite the damage, radiation levels remain stable, though repairs are needed to address holes caused by the strike and subsequent firefighting efforts.
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Lukoil petrochemical plant in flames after second Ukrainian long-range drone strike in six weeks, and honestly, the news paints a stark picture of escalating tensions and the evolving nature of the conflict. It’s a reminder that this war is being fought not just on the front lines with soldiers and tanks, but also deep within Russia itself, targeting the infrastructure that fuels its war effort. This isn’t just about military targets anymore; it’s about systematically disrupting the enemy’s ability to wage war, and that includes their economic engine.
The fact that this is the *second* strike in six weeks on the same petrochemical plant belonging to Lukoil, one of Russia’s largest energy companies, is particularly significant.… Continue reading
The Canadian Joint Operations Command is studying how to realistically sustain Canada’s NATO deployment in Latvia, with more permanent basing as a possible option. This review, driven by troop shortages and challenges in quickly reinforcing the mission, comes after Prime Minister Mark Carney extended the Canadian mission in Latvia to 2029. Historically, Canada maintained permanent bases in Europe until 1993, and this move would follow Germany’s plans to establish a permanent military presence in Lithuania. A more permanent presence would send a stronger signal of deterrence, but would also require major undertakings that include legal revisions and government and NATO approval.
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The Myrnohrad defense, as of December 23, 2025, is holding strong. Ukrainian forces are successfully repelling Russian assaults on the approaches to the city. This is the crucial update. Their effectiveness in eliminating Russian assault groups is a key factor in the current stalemate. The information suggests the frontline is within a few kilometers.
The fighting around Pokrovsk is particularly intense, especially since the Ukrainian forces control the northern part of the city. Over the past day, the defenders successfully fought off 58 separate Russian attacks, inflicting significant casualties. The losses are substantial; the military reports 132 Russian troops killed in action within that timeframe.… Continue reading
According to The Wall Street Journal, Vladimir Putin leveraged his connections with the Saudi Crown Prince to select Steve Witkoff as his preferred intermediary from the Trump administration. Putin’s interest in Witkoff was communicated through Kremlin envoy Kirill Dmitriev, utilizing the Saudi Crown Prince as an intermediary, and the Saudis even offered to recommend Witkoff to the Russian side. Witkoff, who has made several trips to Moscow, met with Putin without traditional diplomatic support, and the Kremlin carefully assessed his openness to Russia’s perspective. This approach reflects Putin’s effort to bypass established diplomatic channels, which is possibly aimed at influencing the current peace plan discussions and Trump’s decisions.
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On December 21st, Ukrainian partisans targeted an airfield in Russia’s Lipetsk Oblast, approximately 340 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, resulting in the destruction of two Su-30 fighter jets. The operation, which took two weeks to plan, involved a “representative of the resistance movement” successfully infiltrating the military facility, bypassing patrols and guard schedules, and setting the aircraft ablaze. This successful attack is estimated to have caused up to $100 million in damage and further weakens Russian air power, adding to the reported 432 aircraft destroyed since the full-scale invasion.
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The 3rd Separate Assault Brigade of Ukrainian Ground Forces deployed an armored ground robot for combat duty, successfully repelling Russian attempts to break through for 45 days. This robot, the DevDroid TW 12.7, allowed operators to engage from a safe location, contributing to zero casualties. Ukrainian forces are increasingly utilizing ground robots for various missions, including reconnaissance, ammunition delivery, and casualty evacuation. Additionally, a ground drone was used to evacuate civilians from a dangerous area in Kharkiv.
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In June, a lawmaker from the AfD party submitted eight inquiries concerning drone defense capabilities of the local police. These inquiries prompted accusations from centrist politicians, who believe the AfD is attempting to expose sensitive information that could be used by Moscow in its war efforts. The questions from the AfD focused on critical infrastructure and security authorities, raising concerns that the party is acting on behalf of the Kremlin. Critics argue that the AfD’s frequent pro-Kremlin stances and inquiries suggest an alignment with Russian interests.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker