A leaked video shows Anna Tsivilyova, reportedly a relative of Vladimir Putin, stating that 48,000 relatives have contacted the Ministry of Internal Affairs for DNA assistance in identifying missing soldiers. This figure, quickly cautioned against by Defence Committee chief Andrei Kartapolov as sensitive and confidential, offers a potential indication of the scale of Russian military losses in Ukraine. Tsivilyova later clarified that the number reflected applications, not necessarily the number of missing soldiers. The incident highlights the secrecy surrounding Russia’s casualty figures in the ongoing conflict.
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During a Duma address, Anna Tsivileva, a Russian Deputy Minister of Defense and relative of Vladimir Putin, inadvertently disclosed that 48,000 DNA requests had been received for missing soldiers. This revelation, deemed classified information by Duma member Andrey Kartapolov, directly contradicted Russia’s policy of concealing military casualty numbers. The broadcast was subsequently removed, though clips circulated online. This incident comes amidst reported high Russian military losses and a recent territorial gain in Ukraine, highlighting the ongoing conflict’s complexities.
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The UK government believes Vladimir Putin ordered the Salisbury nerve agent attack on Sergei Skripal due to Skripal’s possession of information about Putin’s alleged embezzlement of profits from metals production. A leading intelligence official accepted Skripal’s assertion that this information was the motive, citing Skripal’s GRU background and the pervasive corruption within the Russian government. The inquiry heard that Foreign Office experts deemed Putin’s direct involvement likely given the audacious nature of the attack. While Putin dismissed Skripal as a traitor and downplayed the poisoning of Dawn Sturgess, the intelligence official characterized Putin’s comments as callous and dismissive.
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A Republican senator recently voiced his support for FBI Director Christopher Wray, a move that’s garnered significant attention in the current political climate. This praise, coming from within the GOP, is noteworthy given the often-fraught relationship between the party and the FBI. The senator’s endorsement of Wray stands in contrast to some within his party who have openly questioned the FBI’s integrity.
The senator’s comments also included a strong condemnation of Vladimir Putin, whom he referred to as a “tyrant.” This characterization is significant because of the varying stances on Russia within the Republican party. While some members have expressed a more conciliatory approach towards Russia, this senator’s decisive labeling of Putin underscores a different perspective.… Continue reading
In a recent address, Vladimir Putin announced that Russia may deploy its novel hypersonic missile, the Oreshnik, to strike key Ukrainian decision-making centers in Kyiv. This missile, deployed to Dnipro on November 21st, is described as having unparalleled speed and precision, capable of destroying even heavily fortified targets without nuclear warheads. Putin emphasized the weapon’s accuracy and the absence of radioactive fallout. The Oreshnik’s deployment comes amidst intensified Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure and military sites.
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Former MI6 head Richard Dearlove asserts that Europe is not merely on the brink of war, but is actively engaged in a war with Russia, a conflict extending beyond Ukraine’s borders. This hybrid war encompasses sabotage, cyberattacks, and other aggressive actions, leading intelligence agencies to describe Russia’s behavior as “going feral.” While dialogue with Russia is preferable, Dearlove acknowledges the difficulty in negotiating with Vladimir Putin given the current circumstances and rising tensions. The situation is deemed extremely dangerous, particularly with a potential shift in US support for Europe and Ukraine.
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Elon Musk accused Alexander Vindman, a key witness in Trump’s first impeachment, of treason on X, calling for him to “pay the appropriate penalty.” This followed Vindman’s MSNBC appearance where he raised concerns about Musk’s potential sharing of state secrets with Putin. Vindman denied Musk’s accusations, calling them unfounded. Musk’s actions have drawn significant criticism, particularly given his close ties to the incoming Trump administration and his failure to provide evidence for his claims.
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Lieutenant General H.R. McMaster criticized certain Republicans, including Tulsi Gabbard, for echoing Vladimir Putin’s rhetoric and displaying an “affection” for the Russian leader. McMaster specifically highlighted Gabbard’s acceptance of Putin’s justifications for invading Ukraine, contradicting U.S. intelligence assessments. This criticism follows concerns raised by Democrats regarding Gabbard’s past actions and potential allegiances, including a meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The concerns underscore broader anxieties about Gabbard’s suitability for a national security role.
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Newly declassified US intelligence documents detail a pattern of assassinations targeting political opponents of Vladimir Putin, primarily in former Soviet republics. These actions range from poisonings, like that of former Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko, to bombings and shootings, implicating both Russian state security services and Chechen operatives under Ramzan Kadyrov. The report cites several high-profile victims, including former FSB officer Alexander Litvinenko and Zelimkhan Yandarbiyev, former leader of Ichkeria. US intelligence expresses high confidence in its findings regarding these Kremlin-linked operations.
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In her memoir, *Freedom*, Angela Merkel reflects on her relationship with Donald Trump, initially misjudging him as “completely normal” before recognizing his emotional nature and affinity for authoritarian leaders. She describes Trump’s transactional approach to international relations, contrasting it with her own focus on factual cooperation. Merkel also discusses her interactions with Vladimir Putin, acknowledging some validity in his criticisms while highlighting his manipulative tactics and ultimately his role in the Ukraine invasion. The book covers her political career and includes a belated endorsement of Kamala Harris for president.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood