A massive Ukrainian coordinated strike on Friday utilized at least 40 diverse munitions, including Storm Shadow missiles, converted S-200 missiles, and drones, targeting Russian bases in Crimea. While seemingly a feint to draw Russian air defenses away from other crucial areas, this attack is strategically significant. The operation aims to create vulnerabilities in Russian air defenses, enabling future Ukrainian attacks on vital Russian command posts and supply lines in western Russia and eastern Ukraine. This diversionary tactic could prove critical in supporting Ukrainian forces currently engaged in intense fighting near Kursk.
Read More
Ukraine’s Defense Ministry reported record Russian losses in November, exceeding those of September and October. These losses included over 45,000 personnel—equivalent to more than three motorized rifle divisions—and over $3 billion in destroyed equipment, including hundreds of tanks and armored vehicles. A single day in November saw a record high of 2,030 Russian casualties. Cumulative Russian losses since February 24, 2022, were reported to be approximately 742,130 soldiers.
Read More
Following meetings with EU leaders in Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the critical need for a NATO invitation. He asserted that such an invitation is essential to Ukraine’s survival in its ongoing conflict with Russia. This statement underscores the significance of NATO membership for Ukraine’s security and defense against continued Russian aggression. The request highlights the urgency of the situation and the perceived necessity of alliance support for continued Ukrainian resistance.
Read More
The Kyiv Independent celebrates its third anniversary, having reached millions of readers through its free and accessible journalism. This success is attributed to the support of approximately 12,000 members, a fraction of its readership. To sustain its mission and prepare for the challenges of 2025, the publication is seeking 1,000 additional members. Continued support ensures the Kyiv Independent can remain a vital source of information.
Read More
Several European nations are bolstering civil preparedness in response to heightened security concerns stemming from the war in Ukraine. This includes Sweden distributing a preparedness pamphlet advising citizens on topics ranging from food storage to shelter locations, Finland offering an online crisis guide, and Norway providing similar guidance to its citizens. Germany is developing a bunker location app and implementing a national bunker plan to address its current shelter deficit. These actions reflect a growing awareness of the need for increased national resilience across the region.
Read More
Despite suffering catastrophic losses—between 600,000 and 730,000 troops killed or wounded—Russia maintains offensive momentum in eastern Ukraine, notably near Avdiivka and Vuhledar. This is partially due to the Kremlin’s strategy of deploying poorly trained troops in large-scale, poorly supported assaults. However, Russia’s economic struggles, including hyperinflation and a plummeting ruble, suggest this unsustainable approach is nearing its limits. The predicted Russian manpower shortage, coupled with Ukraine’s continued attrition strategy, could lead to Russia’s defeat, though this hinges on continued Western support in light of potential shifts in U.S. foreign policy.
Read More
Ukraine claims over 735,000 Russian casualties since February 2022, a figure straining Russia’s military medical system. This high casualty count, including approximately 500,000 wounded, has reportedly caused a shortage of medical personnel and logistical problems. The UK Ministry of Defence highlights that slow evacuation of wounded soldiers, due to drone strikes and lack of armored vehicles, exacerbates the issue, leading to increased mortality. These high casualties, exceeding Russia’s monthly recruitment capacity, are placing significant pressure on Russia’s military capabilities.
Read More
Utilizing open-source intelligence, analysts confirmed the first Ukrainian use of US-provided ATACMS missiles, specifically those with cluster warheads, targeting the Kursk-Vostochny airfield in Russia’s Kursk Oblast on November 24-25. Evidence included photographic proof of submunition detonation within the airfield’s aircraft parking area, corroborated by a Russian military blogger. The strike, reportedly involving eight missiles, followed President Biden’s authorization of ATACMS use against Russia. This represents a significant escalation in the conflict.
Read More
Following a Russian hypersonic missile attack on a Ukrainian military facility in Dnipro, emergency NATO-Ukraine talks are scheduled. The attack, utilizing the experimental Oreshnik missile, represents a significant escalation, prompting heightened security measures in Kyiv and fueling fears of a decisive phase in the conflict. Russian President Putin justified the strike as retaliation for Ukrainian attacks using Western-supplied weapons, while Hungarian Prime Minister Orbán echoed Moscow’s claims of potential US involvement. Concurrent with the Dnipro strike, Iranian-made Shahed drones targeted a Sumy residential area, resulting in casualties.
Read More
A Ukrainian air strike in the Kursk region injured a senior North Korean general fighting alongside Russian forces. This marks the first confirmed injury of a high-ranking North Korean military officer since their deployment. The incident follows reports of at least 10,000 North Korean troops in the region supporting Russian forces and prompted international condemnation. The involvement of North Korean troops is considered a significant escalation, contributing to recent decisions by the US and its allies to provide Ukraine with longer-range weaponry.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker