In November 2023, the Bratislava prosecutor’s office announced that Slovakia’s 2023 transfer of MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine was not a criminal offense. The previous Slovak government, led by Eduard Heger, had donated the aircraft, making Slovakia the first to send warplanes to Kyiv after Russia’s full-scale invasion. The current government, led by Prime Minister Robert Fico, had filed a criminal complaint against Heger and former Defense Minister Jaroslav Nad, but the investigation concluded the donation caused no harm to Slovakia and that officials did not act unlawfully. Nad has since welcomed the decision and expects a public apology from the current government.
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The United Kingdom has ceased sharing intelligence with the United States regarding suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean due to concerns about the legality of U.S. military strikes. The UK believes these attacks, which have resulted in numerous fatalities, violate international law and could potentially be using intelligence provided by the British to select targets. This decision marks a significant shift in the UK’s relationship with its closest intelligence-sharing ally. Canada, another key US ally, has also distanced itself from the military strikes and has made it clear that they do not want their intelligence being used to help target boats for deadly strikes.
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Russian occupying forces are attempting to hold their positions in the northern districts of Kupiansk, Kharkiv region, while Ukrainian units are actively conducting counterattacks to dislodge the enemy. According to Viktor Tregubov, head of the communications department of the Joint Forces group, the fighting is ongoing, with urban combat occurring. Logistics for accessing Kupiansk is difficult for both sides, with drones and assault infantry playing a significant role in the battles. The proximity of the region to the Russian border complicates the situation due to the use of guided aerial bombs.
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The German government plans to increase its defense support for Ukraine to over €11.5 billion in the upcoming year, according to a submission from the Ministry of Finance. These additional funds are earmarked for critical military equipment like artillery, drones, armored vehicles, and replacing Patriot missile systems. The decision comes as the Bundestag’s Budget Committee prepares to finalize the 2026 budget draft, with government sources suggesting the government intends to continue its support despite some opposition. This commitment remains despite ongoing investigations into alleged Ukrainian involvement in the Nord Stream pipeline explosions.
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Zelenskyy demands tougher sanctions as Russia’s oil revenues plunge 27%, and honestly, it’s about time. We’re talking about a significant drop in legitimate revenue, a 27% year-on-year collapse in Moscow’s oil revenues in October, specifically. This translates to Russia collecting 888.6 billion rubles, or roughly $9.7 billion, in oil and gas taxes that month. While that’s still a substantial sum, it reflects the impact of existing restrictions and falling crude prices. The fact that President Zelenskyy is pushing for harsher measures underscores the understanding that what’s currently in place isn’t enough.
Now, you might be thinking, if Russia’s oil exports were really down, wouldn’t we feel it at the pump?… Continue reading
President Zelenskyy has voiced his support for the ongoing investigation into corruption within Ukraine’s energy sector, conducted by NABU and SAPO. He emphasized the importance of accountability and convictions to address corrupt schemes within the sector, specifically highlighting the significance of integrity within Energoatom, Ukraine’s largest power generator. While not naming specific individuals, Zelenskyy stressed the need for government officials to collaborate with law enforcement agencies to achieve tangible results.
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The Czech fundraising campaign “Gift for Putin,” initially aimed at financing one Ukrainian-made “Flamingo” cruise missile, will now result in the production of two due to the missile manufacturer’s pledge to match the public donations. The campaign successfully raised 16 million Czech korunas, exceeding its target, prompting the manufacturer to double the value of the public contribution. The two missiles, named DANA 1 and DANA 2, will honor the late Czech nuclear physicist Dana Drábová. The remaining funds will be used to purchase additional equipment for Ukraine, with a public poll determining whether to buy ambulances, plastic explosives, or contribute to a training aircraft. The “Flamingo” is a ground-launched cruise missile with a 1,150-kilogram warhead and a range of up to 3,000 kilometers, intended for long-range precision strikes.
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Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk believes the country’s geopolitical future is optimistic, contingent on Ukraine’s victory in its war against Russia. Tusk emphasized that a Ukrainian loss would significantly worsen Poland’s situation. He stressed the importance of Poland strategically utilizing its regional position and maintaining support for Ukraine, as friendly relations with a sovereign Ukraine are crucial. Furthermore, Tusk referenced the recent incident involving Russian drones in Polish airspace as a turning point, highlighting the difficult decisions regarding national security.
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Overnight, Ukrainian forces launched coordinated strikes against targets in southwestern Russia, including a key oil tanker loading terminal in Tuapse via kamikaze drones and robot boats. The attack resulted in explosions and fires within the port area, despite Russian claims of interception and minimal damage. Simultaneously, Ukrainian drones targeted railroad infrastructure in Rostov, prompting air travel disruptions and reports of damage, alongside an extensive drone campaign against Russian energy infrastructure. These attacks are part of a broader strategy aimed at disrupting Russian oil exports and retaliating for Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure, with a notable increase in strikes against power grids and heating plants.
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Teenage Russian street musician jailed over anti-Kremlin songs is detained as she leaves jail. It’s truly a statement about the state of affairs when a teenage musician, armed with nothing more than a voice and a guitar, can incite such a level of fear within a government. The fact that the regime felt threatened enough to imprison her initially, and then to immediately detain her again upon her release, paints a rather bleak picture of the tolerance for dissent. It speaks volumes about the fragility of power when it’s so easily rattled by a pop song. It’s hard not to find the whole situation a little pathetic.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood