Summary of the Day:
Russian forces are making gradual advances south and southwest of Pokrovsk, with recent movements into Novovasylivka and attacks toward several settlements including Solone, Vovkove, and Kotlyne. During his December 19 press conference, Putin emphasized territorial gains in square kilometers rather than capturing specific settlements, suggesting a shift in military priorities toward reaching the Donetsk-Dnipropetrovsk Oblast border rather than taking Pokrovsk.
North Korea is preparing to deploy additional troops and military equipment to Russia, possibly including loitering munitions, despite having already lost over 3,000 troops in Kursk Oblast. North Korea now supplies 60% of Russia’s artillery and mortar shells used in Ukraine, and nearly one-third of Russia’s ballistic missile strikes in 2024 used North Korean missiles. In exchange, Russia is providing North Korea with oil, technical assistance, and air defense systems.
In other developments, Russia may be preparing for a false flag operation in Moldova’s Transnistria region, while simultaneously withdrawing forces from Syria, including their base at Qamishli. Russian forces now maintain only a presence at Hmeimim Air Base and the Port of Tartus in Syria, with negotiations ongoing for a complete withdrawal by February 2025.
Picture of the Day:
Servicemen of the 80th Separate Galician Air Assault Brigade present Ukrainian coat of arms made of Didukhs near the monument to the Ukrainian poet Taras Shevchenko in Lviv, Ukraine. Didukh is a Ukrainian Christmas decoration made from sheaves of wheat; a symbolic sacrifice taken from the best of the autumn harvest. (Stanislav Ivanov/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images)
Beyond Ukraine – The March Towards World War
Russia’s multi-faceted threat to European stability encompasses military aggression, orchestrated illegal immigration, cybersecurity attacks, and economic warfare, representing a significant challenge to global peace. Since 2021, Russia and Belarus have weaponized migration by directing thousands of asylum seekers to EU borders, with Belarus actively enabling border crossings. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni emphasized that Russia’s threat extends beyond conventional military concerns to include critical infrastructure, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, raw materials, supply chains, and manipulation of public opinion through disinformation. The EU has responded with 15 sanctions packages and military support to Ukraine following Russia’s 2022 invasion, while Russia has retaliated through sabotage operations and hybrid attacks aimed at disrupting European unity and defense assistance. Meloni warns that this comprehensive security challenge will persist even after the war in Ukraine ends, requiring a broader understanding of security that includes migration policy, foreign cooperation, and protection of democratic institutions.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico’s December 22 meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, only the third visit by an EU official since Russia’s February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, has drawn widespread international criticism and represents a significant challenge to Western unity. The meeting, which notably lacked a joint press conference or statements, focused on Ukraine’s planned cessation of Russian gas transit after December 31, 2025. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky strongly condemned the visit, questioning Fico’s motives for maintaining Russian gas dependence and suggesting the relationship undermines European unity while indirectly funding Russia’s war effort.
Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky criticized the visit, emphasizing how energy independence from Russia enables nations to maintain moral and political autonomy. The controversy intensifies as Slovakia has already halted military aid to Ukraine and adopted pro-Russian positions. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda and Slovak opposition leaders joined in condemning the meeting as damaging to European unity and NATO partnerships, particularly as it appears to legitimize Putin’s actions during the ongoing war. The Kremlin’s success in cultivating individual relationships with NATO and EU members threatens to weaken the international community’s united response to military aggression and territorial violations, potentially encouraging similar actions by other nations and destabilizing the post-Cold War international order.
Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service’s claims about Moldova planning military operations in Transnistria represent a serious escalation in regional tensions that threatens international peace. The SVR falsely accused Moldovan President Maia Sandu of preparing to attack the pro-Russian breakaway region and eliminate Russian presence there, while a Russian military blogger suggested Moldova might target the Cuciurgan Power Station in retaliation for Russia’s gas transit decisions. Moldovan officials, including Sandu’s Chief of Staff Andrian Balutel, Prime Minister Dorin Recean, and the Reintegration Policy Bureau, strongly denied these claims, characterizing them as dangerous disinformation designed to sow panic and part of Russia’s “hybrid war.” This situation is particularly concerning for global stability as it appears to be part of a broader Kremlin strategy to destabilize Moldova and impede its EU integration, potentially using energy politics as leverage. The possibility of a Russian-orchestrated false flag operation in Transnistria could further destabilize the region and potentially create another flashpoint for conflict in Eastern Europe, threatening the delicate balance of international peace.
Russia’s military withdrawal from Syria represents a dramatic shift in Middle Eastern power dynamics and global military positioning, with Ukraine’s Main Military Intelligence Directorate (GUR) reporting that Russian forces have pulled out from all interior positions in Syria, maintaining only a presence at Hmeimim Air Base and the Port of Tartus, with their last observed presence at Qamishli base in Hasakah Province on December 18, and evidence suggesting even coastal positions may be drawing down. The scale of the withdrawal is highlighted by a Russian cargo ship’s (Sparta, now known as Ursa Major) mission to evacuate equipment from Tartus, which encountered mechanical difficulties near Portugal, while Russian Presidential Aide Yuri Ushakov has confirmed ongoing negotiations between Russia and Syria’s new authorities through diplomatic and military channels, with reports indicating Syria has demanded complete Russian withdrawal from Hmeimim and Tartus by February 20, 2025, following the fall of Assad’s regime. This significant military repositioning could reshape regional security dynamics, diminish Russia’s regional influence in the Middle East, potentially impact Russia’s global military influence, and affect the regional stability, particularly given its ongoing commitments in Ukraine.
Russia has resumed electricity support to occupied Abkhazia following a severe energy crisis that left the Georgian breakaway region facing extended power outages. The crisis intensified after Abkhazia rejected a Russian investment agreement, leading Moscow to cut crucial funding to the region’s energy sector. The situation became critical when the Enguri hydroelectric power station shut down on December 11, causing a complete blackout. While power outages have improved from 9-11 hours to 4 hours daily with Russian aid, the situation highlights Russia’s continued leverage over territories it has occupied since the 2008 war with Georgia, despite international recognition of these regions as Georgian territory.
Belarus’ Central Election Commission announced President Lukashenko’s registration as a candidate for the 2025 presidential elections. Given Belarus’ role as a key Russian ally and its strategic position between NATO and Russia, Lukashenko’s continued leadership could further solidify the Russia-Belarus alliance and impact regional stability.
Situation On The Land, Sea, and Air in Ukraine
A recent satellite imagery analysis suggests Russia has depleted over half of its pre-war armored vehicle reserves, with approximately 47% of tanks, 52% of infantry fighting vehicles, and 45% of armored personnel carriers remaining in storage. While Russia has exhausted its modern T-90 and most T-80 tanks, it still has older models (T-72, T-64/62, and T-54/55) in storage, though these may be too degraded for combat. The impact of these losses varies by sector – Russian forces in less active areas like Siversk and Kupyansk maintain better vehicle availability, while units in high-intensity sectors like Pokrovsk and Kurakhove face greater equipment shortages. The Russian command appears reluctant to withdraw units for rest and resupply, fearing it would slow advances in priority areas.
Australian officials are investigating reports that Russian forces have captured Oscar Jenkins, a 32-year-old Australian citizen fighting for Ukraine. Jenkins, a Melbourne biology teacher who previously lived in China, appears in a video shared on Russian Telegram channels being interrogated near Kramatorsk in Donetsk Oblast. The Sydney Morning Herald confirmed his identity, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the embassy in Moscow is seeking details while cautioning about the reliability of Russian information. Russia often targets foreign volunteers fighting for Ukraine, recently capturing British ex-soldier James Scott Rhys Anderson in Kursk Oblast in November.
Russian defense officials reported intercepting three Ukrainian drones over Crimea.
Ukrainian Operations in the Russian Federation – Initiative Russia
Russian forces made advances in Ukraine’s Kursk Oblast with confirmed movement near Kruglenkoye, southeast of Korenevo. Ukrainian forces successfully repelled a Russian mechanized assault in this area. While Russian military bloggers claim additional advances near Darino, Leonidovo, Russkoye Porechnoye, and other locations in Korenevsky Raion, these claims remain unverified. Fighting continues around Kruglenkoye, Pogrebki, and Martynovka, with reports of Ukrainian counterattacks in several areas. Reports indicate some Russian units are being improperly deployed.
North Korea’s deployment of approximately 12,000 troops to support Russia’s war in Ukraine has resulted in significant casualties, with Ukrainian President Zelensky reporting over 3,000 North Korean soldiers killed or wounded in Kursk Oblast since August. South Korean military officials confirm at least 1,100 casualties (100 deaths and 1,000 injuries), while U.S. intelligence sources cited by the New York Times verify North Korea’s military involvement. Russian authorities are attempting to conceal North Korean participation by issuing fake Russian identification documents, and communication between Russian and North Korean forces remains minimal due to language barriers, with North Korean troops typically conducting initial assaults before Russian forces move into secure positions.
A significant fire at Russia’s Alabuga Special Economic Zone in Tatarstan destroyed a warehouse at the Yelabuga drone factory, located 1,300 kilometers from the Ukraine border, resulting in $16 million worth of damage to components for 400 Shahed-136 drones, including 65 fuselages, engines, and navigation systems, according to Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR), who described it as a “mysterious” fire without claiming responsibility. While local authorities haven’t confirmed the incident, the facility, which began operations in July 2023 and produces Russian variants of Iranian-made Shahed drones regularly used to attack Ukrainian cities and infrastructure, had previously been targeted by Ukrainian drones in April, with this latest incident representing another blow to Russia’s defense industry.
Russian opposition outlet Astra reported that Ukrainian drones struck Russia’s largest military training facility, the Kadamovsky Training Ground in Rostov Oblast, on December 22. The attack reportedly caused fires and explosions at an ammunition depot. The site is near the base of Russia’s 150th Motorized Rifle Division. Russian forces also reportedly intercepted a Ukrainian missile over Millerovo airfield and drones targeting the Novocherkasskaya power plant, with some debris damaging power lines.
Kharkiv Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces continued attacks in the Kharkiv region without making confirmed advances. They conducted operations near several settlements including Hoptivka, Hlyboke, Vysoka Yaruha, Starytsya, Vovchansk, and Buhruvatka. Ukrainian officials reported that Russian forces are now attacking only at night or in poor weather conditions, likely due to concerns about armored vehicle losses. A Russian military blogger disputed Ukrainian claims about a successful unmanned vehicle attack near Lyptsi, though he acknowledged Russian forces had to destroy Ukrainian unmanned ground vehicles in the area.
Russian soldiers’ families from the 11th Tank Regiment have appealed to President Putin and Defense Minister Belousov to stop what they call a “conveyer belt of death” – repeated attacks near Vovchansk and Hlyboke in the Kharkiv region. They report that untrained recruits are being sent on small-group assaults with minimal weapons, and that commanders are not evacuating wounded soldiers.
Luhansk Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces advanced near Kupyansk along the Svatove-Kreminna line, with confirmed movement along the R-79 highway in southern Zahryzove. While Russian sources claim advances near multiple locations including Dvorichna, Kupyansk’s suburbs, Lozova, Zelenyi Hai, and Cherneshchyna, many of these claims remain unverified. Fighting continues across numerous settlements, with particularly intense combat near Terny, where Russian forces are using glide bombs and infantry attacks. Russian forces are actively engaging Ukrainian positions near Kindrashivka, Petropavlivka, Kolisnykivka, Hrekivka, Ivanivka, and several other locations.
Donetsk Front – Initiative Russia
Putin’s recent statements suggest a shift in Russian military priorities. During his December 19 press conference, he emphasized territorial gains in square kilometers rather than capturing specific settlements. This may indicate that Russian forces have been instructed to focus on taking open territory and small settlements to reach the Donetsk-Dnipropetrovsk Oblast border, rather than launching a more difficult assault on the well-defended town of Pokrovsk. Russian forces are now within 10 kilometers of this administrative boundary and reaching it would allow Putin to claim progress toward his goal of controlling all of Donetsk Oblast.
Siversk
Russian forces conducted operations near Siversk, attacking positions near Serebryanka, Bilohorivka, Verkhnokamyanske, Vyimka, Ivano-Darivka, and Vasyukivka, but failed to advance. Ukrainian forces successfully repelled a Russian mechanized platoon assault in the area.
Chasiv Yar
Russian forces attacked near Chasiv Yar but made no confirmed advances, despite claims by Donetsk People’s Republic Head Pushilin about capturing the northern Pivnichne area. Russian forces were active around Chasiv Yar and nearby settlements of Stupochky, Bila Hora, and Predtechyne.
Toretsk
Russian forces made a small advance to Hrushevskoho Street in northern Toretsk as confirmed by video evidence. Russian forces continued operations around Toretsk and nearby settlements of Dachne, Dyliivka, Druzhba, and Shcherbynivka. Central Military District commander Colonel General Mordvichev reportedly visited the area to address soldier complaints about delayed payments.
Pokrovsk
Russian forces are making gradual advances near Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine, with recent footage showing troops moving into parts of Novovasylivka and launching attacks toward Solone, Vovkove, Kotlyne, Novotroitske, and Dachenske. Additional advances are reportedly being made from Pustynka and Pushkine toward Ukrainka, with Ukraine’s Khortytsia Group reporting Russian forces conducting armored assaults around Pokrovsk and the settlements of Myrolyubivka, Promin, Lysivka, Novyi Trud, Zelene, Novopustynka, Novoukrainka, Shevchenko, Uspenivka, Novoolenivka, Novoyeliyzavetivka. While these movements suggest Russia may be attempting to encircle Pokrovsk from the south, their ultimate objective – whether to capture Pokrovsk or reach the Donetsk Oblast border – remains unclear.
The Russian forces in the Pokrovsk area, particularly the 90th Tank Division, are experiencing reduced combat effectiveness after participating in the capture of Avdiivka in February 2024 and conducting continuous operations since then. The division, which served as Russia’s main exploitation force in 2024, has had little opportunity to rest and replenish, suffering significant losses with Ukrainian sources reporting nearly 3,000 Russian casualties in the Pokrovsk direction in mid-December alone. Recent footage showing Russian forces using stolen civilian vehicles for assaults near Selydove and Ukrainka suggests the division is also struggling with equipment losses.
Kurakhove
Russian forces continued attacks near Kurakhove without confirmed advances. Donetsk People’s Republic Head Pushilin claimed Russian forces pushed Ukrainian forces from central Kurakhove. Russian forces conducted unsuccessful attacks near Kurakhove and surrounding settlements of Petropavlivka, Sontsivka, Yasenove, Stari Terny, Dachne, and Andriivka.
Andriivka
Russian forces made a small advance in the Vuhledar direction as Ukrainian forces withdrew from the south bank of the Sukhi Yaly River between Kostiantynopolske and Zelenivka. Russian forces continued attacks north and northwest of Vuhledar near Uspenivka, Kostiantynopil, Kostiantynopolske, Yantarne, Bahatyr, and Rozlyv.
Velyka Novosilka
Russian forces advanced near Velyka Novosilka with video evidence confirming their progress in southern Makarivka. While Russian sources claimed to have captured Storozheve and neared the Velyka Novosilka-Hulyaipole highway, Ukraine’s Khortytsia Group denied reports of encirclement in Makarivka. Russian forces continued attacks around Velyka Novosilka and nearby settlements of Novyi Komar, Rozdolne, Blahodatne, Storozheve, Makarivka, and Novodarivka.
Zaporizhia Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces attacked in western Zaporizhia near several settlements including Kamyanske, Robotyne, Novoandriivka, Nesteryanka, and Luhove. While Russian sources claimed advances near Kamyanske and Nesteryanka, these claims remain unconfirmed. Ukrainian forces reportedly launched counterattacks near Kamyanske.
Kherson (Dnipro River) Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces continued operations along the Dnipro River Delta attempting small-scale landings with squads of up to 10 soldiers on islands and the western bank. While a Ukrainian media source suggested Russia might be preparing a larger assault in Kherson Oblast with 4,000 troops, Ukrainian military spokesperson Colonel Vladyslav Voloshyn stated they’ve seen no evidence of Russian forces gathering for a major river crossing operation.
Ukraine News
Russia launched a major drone attack against Ukraine sending 72 drones, primarily Shaheds, from the Bryansk and Oryol regions. Ukrainian forces intercepted 47 drones across multiple regions including Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Odesa, with some strikes damaging private and residential buildings in Kyiv and Khmelnytskyi regions. Twenty-five drone decoys were reported ineffective.
A major Russian cyberattack targeted Ukraine’s Justice Ministry registries on December 19, potentially compromising both public and private databases. Officials believe Russia’s military intelligence agency (GRU) orchestrated the attack, which was described as the largest in months. Parliamentary cybersecurity head Oleksandr Fedienko suggested hackers likely used phishing techniques or bribed employees to gain access through a high-level account. While the breach appears significant, Deputy Justice Minister Mykola Kucheriavenko stated that backed-up data should be restored within two weeks.
Ukraine’s National Securities and Stock Market Commission announced a ban on withdrawing foreign issuer securities, effective January 1, 2024. This decision aims to prevent investors from circumventing existing currency restrictions, particularly through schemes involving U.S. Treasury bonds purchased in hryvnias. The commission worked with Ukraine’s National Bank and the IMF to develop this policy, which includes limited exceptions for corporate actions and depository reconciliation. The move is part of Ukraine’s broader effort to protect its economy and prevent capital flight during the ongoing war.
A recent poll by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology found that 73% of Ukrainians support restoring the country’s nuclear weapons, marking a significant change from 1994 when only one-third favored keeping their nuclear arsenal. The survey, conducted on the 30th anniversary of the Budapest Memorandum, revealed that half of respondents would support nuclear weapons development even if it meant losing Western aid and facing sanctions. However, Kyiv maintains its commitment to nuclear non-proliferation and seeks NATO membership as its preferred security guarantee.
A new survey by the Ilko Kucheriv Democratic Initiatives Foundation and Razumkov Center shows growing Ukrainian support for NATO membership, with 47% now favoring joining even if some territories remain under Russian occupation – a 14% increase since June 2023. The poll found that 55% view NATO membership as the best security option, with 60% believing it’s the only way to prevent future Russian aggression. President Zelensky has indicated that NATO’s Article 5 protection might not immediately apply to active conflict zones and suggested that liberating some areas like Crimea may require diplomatic rather than military solutions. Alternative security arrangements, such as neutrality with international guarantees or non-alignment, received minimal support at 12% and 3% respectively.
Innocent Victims Of War
The casualty count of civilians in the past 24 hours: (Russian War Crimes)
DEATHS: 3 INJURIES: 3
A 56-year-old man was seriously injured in a Russian drone attack on Kupiansk in Kharkiv Oblast.
Three people were killed and one injured when Russian forces attacked 28 settlements in Kherson Oblast, damaging infrastructure including a gas pipeline, shops, and vehicles.
One person was injured in a Shahed drone attack on Khmelnytskyi Oblast.
Ukraine Mobilization and Defense Industrial Base
Poland has begun training the first unit of the Ukrainian Legion, a volunteer brigade composed of Ukrainian men living abroad, with the initial group now headed to Ukraine. This initiative, launched in July with over 1,000 applicants, represents a joint effort between Poland and Ukraine to address military personnel shortages. The program continues with a second group scheduled to begin training on January 10. This development is part of Ukraine’s broader strategy to strengthen its armed forces as the war enters its third year, including reforms to mobilization policies and efforts to recruit eligible citizens who left Ukraine during the conflict.
Ukraine’s Allies
Germany has announced and delivered a significant military aid package to Ukraine, which includes two Patriot missile systems, 15 Leopard 1 A5 tanks with ammunition, two Gepard anti-aircraft guns, a Panzerhaubitze 2000 howitzer, IRIS-T air defense systems, various vehicles, reconnaissance drones, and 52,000 rounds of ammunition, while German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall will supply Ukraine with 155mm artillery rounds beginning in early 2025, making Germany the second-largest military aid provider after the U.S., with the country fulfilling its commitment to deliver additional IRIS-T systems before year’s end as Ukraine prepares for increased Russian winter attacks.
Ukraine has received $1.1 billion from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the sixth payment under its Extended Fund Facility program, bringing total IMF support to $9.8 billion. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced the funds will go toward critical budget needs. While Ukraine received $42.5 billion in foreign aid last year, the Finance Ministry indicates it needs an additional $12 billion for 2025. IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva noted that despite the ongoing war’s devastating impact, Ukraine has maintained macroeconomic stability through effective policy management and external support.
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has granted Ukrenergo, Ukraine’s state grid operator, 86 million euros ($89.5 million) to protect energy infrastructure from Russian drone attacks. The funding will be used to build anti-drone shelters for electricity transmission equipment, part of the EIB’s larger Ukraine Energy Rescue Plan worth 600 million euros.
U.S. plans to impose new sanctions targeting Russia’s “shadow fleet” of over 100 oil tankers by year’s end, according to Vladyslav Vlasiuk, Ukrainian president’s sanctions commissioner. The shadow fleet is used to evade existing sanctions and the G7’s $60 per barrel price cap on Russian oil. The EU and UK are expected to join these efforts, with the UK already sanctioning 20 ships and the EU banning 52 Russian vessels from its ports in mid-December. U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen indicated that Chinese banks could also face sanctions if found supporting Russia’s war efforts.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte defended German Chancellor Olaf Scholz against criticism from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, particularly regarding Germany’s military support to Ukraine. While backing Ukraine’s request for German Taurus missiles, Rutte emphasized that Germany is the second-largest military supporter of Ukraine after the U.S. The issue gained attention after the U.S. allowed Ukraine to use ATACMS missiles against Russian targets. Scholz’s recent call with Putin and his refusal to provide Taurus missiles drew criticism from Kyiv. Meanwhile, NATO allies are discussing increasing defense spending targets, with incoming U.S. President Trump pushing for higher contributions from European partners.
Russia News
Russian investigators have opened a corruption case against Defense Ministry housing chief Olga Burlakova, accusing her of embezzling 27 million rubles ($266,738).
Russian War Losses (Today/Total)
Troops +1630
777720 |
Tanks +9
9624 |
Artillery +10
21323 |
Arm. Veh. +30
19915 |
Aircraft 
369 |
Heli
329 |
Ships
28 |
Russia Mobilization and Defense Industrial Base
Russian veterans appointed to government positions through the Kremlin’s “Time of Heroes” program are facing pushback from regional officials. In Sontsovka, Mayor Nikita Gorelov, who was appointed in October 2024, claims he was ordered back to the frontlines after speaking out about local corruption. The conflict has sparked protests, with residents starting a petition supporting Gorelov. A pro-Kremlin military blogger criticized Kirov Oblast officials for undermining the program’s credibility by appointing veterans merely to appease Moscow.
Russia’s Defense Ministry announced plans to expand military education facilities and increase class sizes to accommodate a growing military force. This announcement follows President Putin’s recent acknowledgment of shortages in military education infrastructure during his December 19 press conference.
Kalashnikov Concern announced a new military drone called “Kub-10Ye”. Company director Alan Lushnikov claims the drone can target military equipment, command posts, and support facilities, with a range exceeding previous models. The drone launches by catapult and can fly at speeds up to 100 kilometers per hour at altitudes between 100-2,500 meters.
Russia’s Allies
According to US intelligence reports cited by the New York Times, North Korea initiated the proposal to send troops to Russia, and the Wall Street Journal reports that North Korea now supplies 60% of Russia’s artillery and mortar shells used in Ukraine, with nearly one-third of Russia’s ballistic missile strikes in 2024 using North Korean missiles. The military cooperation has evolved from older ammunition to newer weapons, including 240mm multiple launch rocket systems with advanced guidance systems, with North Korea recently delivering 20,000 containers of weapons and preparing additional shipments, possibly including loitering munitions. In exchange, Russia is providing North Korea with oil (over one million barrels since March 2024), technical assistance for their spy satellite program, and air defense systems.
North Korea has expanded its missile production capabilities with approximately 200 munitions factories operating at maximum capacity, supported by Russian fuel and equipment. Following their June defense treaty, the estimated value of these arms deals since February 2022 could reach $5.5 billion, with an additional $572 million annually for North Korean troop deployment. The expanding military partnership between Moscow and Pyongyang has raised global concerns about the transfer of advanced warfare technologies and regional stability, particularly as North Korean forces have suffered heavy casualties in Ukraine due to their inexperience with drone warfare, with President Zelensky claiming Russia is attempting to conceal information about these losses.
Belarus President Lukashenko met with Moscow Mayor Sobyanin to discuss highway construction between Minsk and Brest and joint vehicle manufacturing projects. During a follow-up meeting, Lukashenko announced plans to coordinate manufacturing efforts with Russia and confirmed an upcoming meeting with Putin, which is expected to focus on import substitution.
Controlling the Narrative and Russian Propaganda
Russia has effectively crippled YouTube access within its borders, with traffic dropping to just 20% of normal levels. The country’s communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, began throttling YouTube speeds in July 2023, causing video load times to increase from 1.2 seconds to over 11 seconds. In December, these restrictions were extended to mobile users. During his December 19 press conference, President Putin defended these actions, claiming YouTube must comply with Russian laws. The crackdown follows ongoing tensions between Russia and Google, including massive fines against the company for refusing to remove content that Russia claims discredit its military.
Source Material
Institute for the Study of War – understandingwar.org
The Kyiv Independent – kyivindependent.com
Kyiv Post – kyivpost.com