Why toppling Assad in Syria wasn’t about gas or pipelines
While pundits focus on potential gas pipelines through Syria to Europe, the real story behind Assad's fall lies in Turkey's patient wait for Russia's influence to weaken.
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Analysis
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Analysis of events in Ukraine
Nuclear weapons better than NATO, Ukrainians now think: poll reveals dramatic shift
Faith in western leadership drops, as do hardline positions on winning the war
Ukraine starts addressing its army woes: soldiers can now change their units
On 15 November 2024 Ukraine took a significant step towards modernizing its military personnel policies by implementing a groundbreaking mechanism allowing soldiers to transfer between units based on their preferences.
Cold War lessons show why West must abandon “escalation management” now
The Cuban Missile Crisis proved firm boundaries contained Soviet expansion - but today's cautious deterrence approach achieves the opposite effect, with political transitions in 2024 leaving a narrowing window to apply these historical lessons.
Russian generals abandoned “meat grinder” assaults in Ukraine, and their new tactics work
Russian forces are capturing about one village per day along the Donbas front by sending small groups on motorcycles and civilian vehicles instead of massive infantry charges. The cost remains extreme - Russian forces suffered over 45,000 casualties in November alone.
Ukraine triples military tax, but still faces $ 12 billion defense gap in 2024
Starting in December, citizens face a military levy increase from 1.5% to 5% as Kyiv scrambles to close a sizable shortfall in immediate defense needs, with the new tax revenue going primarily to weapons production and military salaries.
“Trump has tools to really hurt Putin,” says US Republican professor
A combination of falling oil prices and unrestricted military aid to Ukraine could expose Russia as a "hollow shell" that Trump could effectively pressure, explains Dr. Fred Hoffman, who spent three decades in military and intelligence before moving to academia.
Inside Kremlin’s hidden torture camp for Ukrainians in Belarus
Journalists expose how Russia exploited Belarus state property for a filtration camp, trafficking hundreds of Ukrainians through the Chornobyl zone for factory-scale abuse.
Can Europe fill in the gap if Trump abandons Ukraine?
Nearly half of Ukraine’s air defense systems and reconnaissance capabilities come from the US—assets that Europe, with its fragmented defense industry, cannot quickly replicate, experts warn.
Revealed: FSB officer who runs Italy’s pro-Russian networks
From billboard campaigns to citizenship revocations, FSB officer Stovbun's network systematically influenced Italian politics through cultural front organizations.
As Trump readies Ukraine peace push, Europe’s military math doesn’t add up
Only seven of Europe's NATO members now fall short of minimum defense spending targets, but they include economic powerhouses Italy ($2.0 trillion GDP) and Spain ($1.4 trillion).
Russia braces for ATACMS strikes on airfields, yet impact may be limited
Russia fortifies airbases for ATACMS strikes after the US lifts restrictions for Ukraine, but missile limits and defenses curb the ATACMS battlefield impact.
Ukraine’s digital forces eclipse NATO arms: defense report reveals war future
As Western hesitancy forces Ukraine to lean on homegrown innovation, the UK think tank reveals what its AI edge and delayed Western aid can teach NATO about the future of war
It’s not 1,000 days of Russia’s war. It’s 3,925 — and Western risk aversion is setting up the next thousand
Every Western compromise with Russia since 2014 led to more aggression. Those pushing for settlement now are inviting the next escalation.
What Ukraine really expects from Trump’s cabinet picks
Ukraine sees opportunity in Trump's seemingly contradictory cabinet picks: hawks in charge of foreign policy, while controversial anti-Ukraine nominees face Senate blockade.
Ukraine builds a bridge to Trumpland
Gone are appeals to democratic values. Ukraine's new strategy for surviving Trump's America centers on deals, strategic assets, and a surprising China card.
German luxury cars keep flowing to Putin’s elite. How BMW, Mercedes, and Audi “left” Russia
German luxury cars were once the crown jewel of Russia's premium market, with over 100,000 vehicles sold annually. Almost three years after condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine and promising to leave, each brand found a different way to define "exit."
Can Ukraine win? Former Defense Minister Zagorodnyuk explains
How does a country with fewer soldiers defeat an enemy that doesn't count its dead? Ukraine's former defense minister has a three-part answer.
Yes, Ukraine can join EU while occupied – if it does the work
Just ask Cyprus - the EU knows how to handle divided territories. What it won't handle is half-done reforms.
Ukraine plans for two Americas: Harris aid or Trump peace push
As Americans swing between Trump's peace push and Harris's support vows, Ukraine races for breakthroughs in both White House scenarios.
