On December 17th, Ukraine’s General Staff confirmed a drone attack targeting the Slavyansk oil refinery in Slavyansk-on-Kuban, Russia, a facility involved in supplying Russian forces. The attack resulted in explosions and a fire, with damage assessment ongoing. Following the strike, two high-voltage power lines were damaged, leading to widespread blackouts and injuries from falling debris, while Russia reported shooting down numerous Ukrainian drones in the area. This attack is part of a series of Ukrainian strikes against Russian military and energy infrastructure, aimed at reducing Moscow’s war capabilities.
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Merz Says German Troops Could Counter Russian Attacks in Ukraine. Okay, so here’s the deal: the idea of German troops getting involved in Ukraine is the hot topic. It’s not a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no,’ but rather a complex mix of possibilities and, let’s be frank, a whole lot of “coulds.” Apparently, Chancellor Merz has floated the concept of German soldiers potentially joining a coalition to secure a demilitarized zone in Ukraine *after* a peace agreement is reached. The crucial twist? These troops would be authorized to retaliate against any Russian attacks.
Now, let’s unpack that. “Could” is the operative word here, isn’t it?… Continue reading
According to The Moscow Times, Vladimir Putin has authorized the seizure of homes in Russian-occupied regions of Ukraine if the owners have fled. The decree dictates that properties deemed “ownerless” will be transferred to regional municipalities, with criteria determined by occupation administrations in coordination with Russian state agencies. The seized properties may then be allocated to Russian citizens who lost their homes due to the war or to officials such as civil servants and military personnel. The UN Human Rights Committee has expressed concern over these confiscations, citing violations of international law and obstacles for Ukrainians seeking to retain property ownership.
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From Kyiv, on day 1,391 of the invasion, reports indicate that Ukraine is facing significant financial and military challenges. Ukraine’s Defense Minister stated that the country requires $60 billion from partners to fund defense in 2026. The UK has pledged over $800 million for Ukraine’s air defenses, with deliveries expected to continue through 2026. While Russia denies a submarine strike claim, fighting continues to intensify in the Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad areas, with Ukrainian forces attempting to hold their ground. Additionally, Russia rejected a proposed Christmas truce, and attacks over the past day resulted in casualties.
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The Russian Ministry of Defense has not commented on the recent attack on Novorossiysk, though Russian military bloggers suggest the damage was minimal. However, if the SBU’s claims are accurate, the financial implications for Russia could be significant, potentially costing hundreds of millions of dollars. This attack is part of Ukraine’s ongoing deep-strike campaign against Russian military and energy targets. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of maintaining Ukraine’s ability to defend itself as leverage in potential negotiations.
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Trump orders naval blockade of sanctioned oil tankers leaving, entering Venezuela, and this move, it seems, has just shifted the entire geopolitical landscape. This isn’t just a political maneuver; it’s a stark escalation, and the implications are vast and potentially devastating. It’s hard to ignore the overwhelming sentiment: war, or at the very least, a significant armed conflict, feels closer than ever. The language used, the actions taken—they all point in a single, unsettling direction.
Trump orders naval blockade of sanctioned oil tankers leaving, entering Venezuela, and this is happening alongside a troubling rise in the U.S. unemployment rate. The timing is hard to ignore, and the announcement of a national address adds to the feeling that something significant, something potentially dangerous, is about to unfold.… Continue reading
Russia Oil Prices Hit Lowest Since War Began on Western Pressure, and this fact throws a spotlight on the effectiveness of the economic pressure being applied. It’s a significant development, especially when we consider the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the various sanctions imposed on Russia. We’re seeing Russian crude oil prices now trading at levels not seen since the beginning of the war, a stark indicator of the struggles faced by the nation’s oil industry. The discounts required to sell Russian oil have deepened, and this is a direct consequence of the sanctions and the overall market dynamics.… Continue reading
A recent poll indicates that Ukrainians are willing to consider peace agreements with security guarantees but strongly oppose plans involving complete withdrawal from Donetsk Oblast. The survey revealed that 75% of respondents rejected a peace plan that included withdrawal from Donbas and military restrictions, while 72% were open to a deal freezing territorial control at the current line of contact with security guarantees. Despite ongoing war and attacks, 63% of those surveyed were prepared to endure the conflict “as long as necessary.” Furthermore, the poll showed that Ukrainians trust President Zelensky and overwhelmingly do not desire elections before the end of hostilities.
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On Tuesday, December 16th, thirty-five countries convened in the Netherlands to sign a convention, creating the International Claims Commission for Ukraine. This commission, operating under the Council of Europe, will address damages caused by Russia’s invasion, building upon the foundation laid by the Register of Damage established in 2023. The Commission will assess and process claims alongside the Register of Damage. The final stage of this mechanism is the development of a compensation fund, largely funded by frozen Russian assets, to provide financial relief for those impacted by the conflict.
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Zelenskiy says Russia must be held responsible for the “crime of aggression,” and frankly, it’s about time. He’s absolutely right. This isn’t just about the immediate atrocities, the documented war crimes – terrible as they are. This goes to the very core of the problem, the initiating act that spawned all the subsequent horrors. The “crime of aggression” – the unprovoked invasion – is the root of the evil. Everything else branches out from there. Justice really does have to start at the beginning.
It’s easy to see the clarity of the situation, the undeniable truth that something fundamental needs to change.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood