Exclusives
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Russian tanks tried to surround Myrnohrad. Ukrainian drones caught them in the act.. Striking through a protective fog, Ukrainian drones and artillery halted the latest Russian attempt to cut off Myrnohrad. |
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Want fewer blackouts? “First, stop stealing,” ex-Ukrenergo boss says. Volodymyr Kudrytskyi on billions in potential embezzlement, broken governance, and why war is no excuse for corruption. |
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UN General Assembly votes to demand Russia return deported Ukrainian children without conditions. The UN GA overwhelmingly backed a resolution calling for the immediate return of deported Ukrainian children taken by Russia, with 91 countries voting in favor. Ukrainian officials estimate that at least 20,000 children were taken. |
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Rand Paul’s media orbit keeps pushing Kremlin narratives. The 28-point plan is just the latest example.. From blocking aid to echoing the "peace plan," a pattern emerges |
Military
Frontline report: Russia's third Kharkiv offensive unravels as flag-planting stunt ends in disaster — Moscow rushed to claim Vovchansk was captured, but footage of fallen flag bearers lying in rubble tells a different story.
ISW: Russia's Huliaipole breakthrough came from months of preparation, not sudden Ukrainian collapse (MAP) — Moscow shifted airborne units from Sumy, brigades from across the front to build strength.
Frontline report: Russian military's brutal abuse culture spawns wave of internal revenge killings — Tortured by their own commanders, Russian soldiers are surrendering to Ukraine — and when prisoner exchanges send them back, some return to kill the men who abused them.
Ukraine just hit a MiG-29 and radar in Crimea — and filmed the entire strike (VIDEO, MAP) — A nighttime double strike by Ukraine's Prymary unit hit both a fighter jet on the tarmac in Kacha and a radar complex near Simferopol.
Drone raid hits Russian explosives-linked chemical plant in Stavropol Krai overnight. Again (MAP) — A key facility tied to rocket fuel and explosives production came under Ukrainian drone attack overnight, sparking a major fire.
Intelligence and Technology
UK, Norway join forces to hunt Russian submarines in the North Atlantic — Lunna House Agreement links 13 anti-submarine frigates to protect undersea cables and pipelines.
Australia's retiring Tiger helicopters might return to combat—in Ukraine — The Tigers may expand Kyiv's growing use of helicopters to intercept Russia's Shahed-type drones over low altitudes.
International
With Ukraine's reserves running low, Merz presses Belgium to unlock €165 billion loan — EU summit on 18 December seen as critical moment for deciding loan's fate.
Moldova drafting Transnistria reintegration plan with Western partners, but keeping details under wraps — Old international formats collapsed; Moldova and Transnistria now talk directly.
US envoys are "playing a game" with Ukraine, Merz and Macron warn – Spiegel — Macron warned of possible territorial concession demands without security guarantees.
Macron presses Xi to help end Ukraine war, testing Beijing's peace rhetoric against its war-enabling role — China's contradictions face concrete test as France demands real leverage on Moscow.
Putin lands in India for first visit since Ukraine invasion as New Delhi walks US-Russia tightrope — Defense deals and oil discounts on agenda as Trump punishes India while rolling out red carpet for Putin.
Russia escalates pre-invasion-style messaging against Moldova and Baltic nations, ISW warns — With talk of "racist" laws and "discrimination", Lavrov again revives the same playbook once used to justify attacks on Ukraine.
Australia and New Zealand join NATO-US arms initiative for Ukraine with over $71M in aid — Both countries step up their defense support, becoming the first Pacific partners to back the PURL weapons supply effort.
Italy won't arm Ukraine with US weapons because of "peace deal" that doesn't yet exist — Russia's strategy may be working.
No deal reached, but Putin is satisfied, as he sidelined Europe and Ukraine in peace talks with US — Putin's perfect scenario: Negotiate with Trump, ignore Europe and pressure Ukraine.
Pope Leo XIV calls for European role in Ukraine peace, marking shift from predecessor who praised Russia's "greatness" — The first American pope calls for Europe's role and singles out Italy as potential intermediary.
Humanitarian and Social Impact
Germany commits €100 million more to Ukraine's battered energy system amid winter strikes — Funds will help energy companies quickly purchase equipment to restore damaged facilities as Russia bombards Ukraine's energy infrastructure during winter.
Kherson loses heating for 40,000 as Russia targets power plant with drones, artillery — Authorities scramble for alternatives as winter descends on Ukraine's most dangerous city.
Russia sends children from occupied Ukraine to North Korean re-education camps, human rights expert tells US Senate — Camps 9,000 km from home teach kids to "destroy" enemies alongside veterans who attacked US sailors.
Russian occupiers told Ukrainian teen: accept passport or die in childbirth — Ukrainian leaders tell of torture, occupation, brainwashing in US Senate.
Six-year-old girl dies after Russian artillery strike on Kherson home — Father hospitalized with shrapnel wounds to pelvis.
Russian drones strike Odesa's power grid again, injuring seven civilians — The latest aerial attack sparked a fire at an energy site, shattered windows, and forced tram lines out of service in the city.
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