According to a recent investigation by The Telegraph, Russia is increasingly deploying mentally disabled and medically unfit men to the front lines in Ukraine. Ukrainian intelligence reports and interviews with officials reveal a pattern of recruiting vulnerable populations to compensate for mounting losses. Records document several cases of individuals with severe mental or developmental disorders being pressed into combat, often with fatal outcomes. Ukrainian commanders and officers report these deployments reflect Russia’s tactic of using overwhelming manpower and disregard for human life.
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President Trump announced he would not attend the upcoming G20 summit in Johannesburg, citing concerns over South Africa’s human rights policies and land confiscation. These remarks followed suggestions of a possible meeting between the leaders of Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S. at the summit. Trump has previously accused South Africa of human rights abuses, which the country denies. Amidst ongoing efforts to broker peace in Ukraine, Trump has sought a meeting between Putin and Zelensky, though the Kremlin has been hesitant to engage.
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In a surprising turn of events, the Russian government is cracking down on some of its most ardent supporters of the war in Ukraine, including pro-Kremlin pundits, military bloggers, and commentators. These individuals, once rewarded for their loyalty and enthusiasm, are now facing labels such as “foreign agent,” “terrorist,” and “extremist.” Analysts suggest these actions indicate a power struggle between rival factions within the regime, including a clash between the “loyalists” tied to the defense ministry and the “militarists” or Z-bloggers who have mobilized grassroots support for the war. This purge appears to be fueled by control over resources, as well as Moscow’s fear of any form of civic mobilization, even pro-war movements, with more arrests expected as the repressive apparatus continues its internal search for enemies.
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Reports from Russian Telegram channels indicate that Ukraine’s military targeted and damaged the Volgograd oil refinery overnight on November 6, amid a wider drone attack on the Volgograd Oblast. Local residents documented the reported attack, noting flashes in the sky and damage to a residential building and several homes, resulting in one fatality. The refinery, a key supplier of fuel to the Russian military, is operated by Lukoil. Concurrent to the Volgograd attack, a thermal power plant in Volgorechensk, Kostroma Oblast, and a Russian oil depot in occupied Crimea were also reportedly struck.
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We will clear everything: Ukrainian forces are facing a grim task in Kupiansk, a region shrouded in both literal and figurative fog. The mission: to hunt down and neutralize a team of approximately sixty highly trained Russian saboteurs. This isn’t just a military operation; it’s a desperate game of cat and mouse, played out in a landscape that offers plenty of cover for the hunted. The stakes are undeniably high, as these individuals, presumably, are tasked with disrupting Ukrainian efforts, creating chaos, and potentially preparing the ground for further Russian advances.
The situation in Kupiansk suggests a carefully planned operation by the Russian forces, a stark reminder of the brutality and ruthlessness of this conflict.… Continue reading
Belgian intelligence services suspect Russia is behind the recent drone incidents disrupting air traffic and military operations, according to Belga. Sources cited specific drone formations, night flights, and proximity to critical facilities as evidence of foreign involvement that surpasses amateur capabilities. These incidents have heightened concerns amidst discussions of utilizing frozen Russian assets, many held in Brussels, to support Ukraine. Consequently, an emergency meeting of Belgium’s National Security Council was scheduled to address the matter.
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The AfD party is facing accusations of acting as a Russian “sleeper cell” by using parliamentary questions to gather sensitive information. These inquiries have allegedly targeted critical infrastructure, security, and military matters. CDU lawmakers have accused the AfD of pro-Russia alignment. Although the AfD has denied these accusations, they have not offered explanations for their enquiries.
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Ukrainian flag flies over Pokrovsk City Hall after assault teams fight through ambush into center, and it’s hard not to be impressed by the grit of the Ukrainian soldiers. The very idea of an assault team battling through an ambush and then raising their flag in the city hall… it speaks volumes about their resilience. The comments made me think of a real-time strategy game, where territories change hands, battles are fought, and the situation on the map is constantly in flux. It’s a reminder of how dynamic and unpredictable modern warfare can be.
Speaking of strategy, the question of whether this is a worthwhile fight in the long run is a valid one.… Continue reading
Norway has pledged $7 billion to Ukraine for its defense sector in 2026, as announced by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal during his visit to Norway. During the visit, Shmyhal met with the Norwegian Defense Minister, discussing ongoing support and future cooperation. Key outcomes include Ukraine’s participation in the Joint Expeditionary Force meeting, a memorandum establishing unified quality standards for defense products, and a separate memorandum to launch joint defense production within Ukraine. These developments signal strengthened ties between the two nations, particularly as Ukraine aims to bolster its domestic defense capabilities.
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In a significant move, Germany is poised to increase its financial aid to Ukraine by approximately $3.45 billion in 2026, according to government sources cited by Reuters. This additional funding, supported by the finance and defense ministries and endorsed by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, will bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities with artillery, drones, armored vehicles, and replacements for Patriot air defense systems. The funds will be added during final adjustments to the 2026 federal budget, building upon the existing $9.78 billion already allocated for Ukraine. As Europe’s largest military donor, Germany’s continued commitment aims to provide ongoing support against Russia’s aggression.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood