Pope Leo XIV has conveyed his sorrow regarding the recent Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, which have resulted in casualties and infrastructure damage. The Pope expressed solidarity with those affected, urging the world not to become desensitized to the ongoing war and destruction. He concluded with a prayer for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha responded by thanking the Pope for his prayers and emphasizing the importance of global unity in demanding an end to the aggression.
Read More
Finnish President Alexander Stubb predicts that a ceasefire in Ukraine is unlikely to be achieved by spring, emphasizing the need for European allies to support Kyiv despite the ongoing corruption scandal. Stubb believes that achieving peace will require addressing security guarantees, economic restoration, and territorial disputes. He called for increased pressure on Russia, suggesting using frozen Russian assets as collateral to finance Ukraine, and also sees himself as a potential intermediary between US President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy.
Read More
The Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, plans to announce sweeping changes to asylum policy, including a 20-year waiting period for permanent settlement and regular reviews of refugee status. These measures, aimed at deterring illegal migration, also include potential visa restrictions for countries with poor cooperation on removals. Mahmood argues tackling illegal migration is a “moral mission,” aiming to address perceived unfair advantages enjoyed by some asylum seekers over UK citizens. The proposed changes are inspired by the Danish model, which offers temporary residence permits and stricter regulations. These plans have already met opposition from some, with critics labeling them as insufficient or echoing right-wing talking points.
Read More
Ukraine has secured gas imports from Greece to support its winter energy needs, as announced by President Volodymyr Zelensky. The agreement provides an additional supply route for the colder months, with Ukraine aiming to secure nearly 2 billion euros to offset production losses due to Russian attacks. Kyiv has allocated funds for gas purchases through European partners and banks, while also working with Polish partners and Azerbaijan to secure long-term contracts. Furthermore, Zelensky announced sweeping reforms across state-owned energy companies following a corruption scandal involving embezzlement, including the immediate overhaul of key enterprises and the establishment of a new supervisory board at Energoatom.
Read More
Russia loses eyes over Crimea, fuel, military echelon, troop concentration—all in Ukraine’s four-target operation: It seems like the narrative surrounding the recent Ukrainian operations is centered on a four-pronged assault that has significantly impacted Russia’s military capabilities and strategic assets. This assessment isn’t just a casual observation; it’s a synthesis of how these events are perceived.
Losing Russia’s eyes over Crimea, specifically their Nebo-U radar, which was designed to spot aircraft and other targets at long ranges, is a major blow. This radar was supposed to be a key component in Russia’s air defense network, able to detect threats hundreds of kilometers away.… Continue reading
Ukrainian Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets reported that Russian forces are suspected of executing two captured Ukrainian servicemen near Zatyshshia, based on video evidence. Lubinets condemned this act as a deliberate violation of international law, part of a pattern of criminal behavior, and a grave violation of the Geneva Conventions. He has contacted the International Committee of the Red Cross and the United Nations, urging an immediate response to these systemic violations. This incident adds to reports of over 150 executed Ukrainian soldiers since the full-scale invasion began.
Read More
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that Russia has failed to meet another deadline set by Vladimir Putin for the capture of Pokrovsk and Kupiansk. This assessment was delivered following a meeting with key Ukrainian defense and security leaders. During the meeting, Kyrylo Budanov provided updates on Russia’s military preparations and timelines, while Oleh Ivashchenko discussed the political and economic situation within Russia. Zelenskyy further stated that key areas of Ukraine’s defense for the coming weeks were identified, and plans for winter defensive measures would be expanded.
Read More
President Zelensky announced significant progress in Ukraine’s missile program, particularly with the Long Neptune missiles, which have been used to strike targets inside Russia. He confirmed these strikes were a justified response to ongoing Russian aggression, highlighting the “tangible and precise results” achieved monthly. Furthermore, Zelensky revealed upcoming deliveries of air defense systems and combat aircraft from allies, including a significant agreement with France, while also addressing plans to enhance protection for frontline and border regions against Russian attacks. Finally, Zelensky mentioned the war’s impact on the Russian economy.
Read More
Ukraine has begun serial production of the Octopus, a domestically developed drone designed to intercept Russian-Iranian Shahed-type drones. This interceptor, proven effective in combat, can operate in challenging conditions, including night, heavy jamming, and low altitudes. The technology has been distributed to several Ukrainian manufacturers, with more preparing to begin production, aiming to quickly bolster Ukraine’s air defenses. Furthermore, Ukraine and the United Kingdom have signed an agreement for co-production, marking the first serial production of a Ukrainian combat drone within a NATO country.
Read More
Epstein appeared to offer political advice on dealing with Trump in 2018, which is certainly a fascinating and disturbing angle to this whole saga. It’s almost unbelievable that even after his conviction as a sex offender, Epstein was still trying to position himself as some kind of international power broker, offering counsel on how to manage then-President Trump. The audacity is just staggering, and it underscores the depths of his connections and the kind of influence he believed he wielded.
The fact that Epstein apparently “boasted that he had counseled a top Russian diplomat on Trump’s psyche” really sets the stage.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood