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Russia lowers threshold for using nuclear weapons as war with Ukraine escalates

November 19, 2024
One-thousand days into its war, Russia claimed that Ukraine is already using American made long-range missiles to fire deep into its country. In response, President Vladimir Putin amended Russia’s nuclear doctrine, lowering the threshold for using such weapons.

“The Russian Federation reserves the right to use nuclear weapons in the event of aggression with the use of conventional weapons against it, or the Republic of Belarus, which creates a critical threat to sovereignty or territorial integrity,” a Kremlin spokesman said, according to CNBC.

The Russian defense ministry said Ukraine fired six U.S. made long-range ballistic missiles into the western part of Russia overnight on Tuesday, Nov. 19. The strike came after the Biden administration granted Ukraine permission to begin using U.S. long-range missiles to fire into Russian territory.

Reuters is now reporting Russia began mass production of mobile bomb shelters that can protect against shockwaves and radiation from a nuclear blast. The Emergency Ministry’s Research Institute said the fortified shelters can offer 48 hours of protection from explosions, dangerous chemicals, fires, falling debris and flying shrapnel.

The shelters look like shipping containers and have room for 54 people. They can be moved by truck, connected to water supplies and be deployed throughout vast portions of Russia.
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US, Japan, South Korea flex defense capabilities near Korean Peninsula

November 14, 2024
The United States, Japan, and South Korea are conducting joint military exercises in the Indo-Pacific region amid rising tensions. The Freedom Edge drills, led by the U.S. aircraft carrier USS George Washington, feature advanced fighter jets such as the F-35 and cutting-edge military assets from all three nations.

The trilateral exercises showcase capabilities in missile defense, air defense, anti-submarine warfare and cyber operations.

Freedom Edge is part of a growing security partnership formalized last year, aimed at enhancing stability in east Asia. This marks the second iteration of the drills following their launch in June.

🇯🇵 – 🇰🇷 – 🇺🇸 Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the United States conduct the second iteration of exercise #FreedomEdge, showcasing commitment to trilateral multi-domain interoperability and defense in the #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific. pic.twitter.com/9ztoFvPYwf
— U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (@INDOPACOM) November 14, 2024

The timing of these exercises is significant, as North Korea continues to advance its missile program and deepen ties with Russia. Pyongyang recently tested the Hwasong-19 intercontinental ballistic missile, which it claims can reach the U.S. mainland.

Additionally, North Korea has reportedly sent thousands of troops to support Russia’s war in Ukraine, further solidifying its alliance with Moscow.

North Korea has denounced the Freedom Edge drills, labeling them provocative and accusing the U.S. of escalating tensions. However, officials from Japan, South Korea and the United States argue the exercises are critical for maintaining stability in the region.

South Korean officials describe the drills as a direct response to North Korea’s actions. Japanese leaders emphasize the importance of seamless military coordination, while U.S. representatives highlight the exercises as a clear demonstration of deterrence.

The drills also coincide with the final months of the Biden administration, which has prioritized strengthening the trilateral alliance. However, the future of U.S. policy in east Asia remains uncertain under incoming leadership.
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Kyiv faces major attack, Crimea bombing kills Russian commander

November 13, 2024

Russia launched a missile and drone attack on Kyiv early Wednesday, Nov. 13, marking the first major attack on the Ukrainian capital in more than two months. Ukrainian officials reported that air defenses intercepted multiple cruise and ballistic missiles, along with nearly a dozen drones. Emergency crews are assessing the extent of the damage.

In Kyiv’s Brovary district, debris from the strikes injured a 48-year-old man and started a fire at a warehouse, according to local authorities. In response, officials imposed daytime electricity restrictions on businesses and industries to conserve power as critical infrastructure remains a key target for Russian forces.

The attacks appear to signal a shift in Russian strategy, with the coordinated use of missiles and drones aimed at overwhelming Ukraine’s defenses and targeting civilian and industrial sites. Analysts suggest the tactics are designed to strain Ukraine’s resources and destabilize the region further.

Meanwhile, in Crimea, a senior Russian naval commander, Capt. Valery Trankovsky, was killed in a car bombing in Sevastopol. Russian authorities identified Trankovsky as the chief of staff for a missile boat brigade involved in the war against Ukraine. Officials labeled the incident a terrorist act.

Crimean Telegram channels report that a vehicle was blown up in Russian-occupied Sevastopol. Allegedly, a captain of the 1st rank of the Russian Black Sea Fleet was in the car. He was killed.

According to media reports, a car with an improvised explosive device flew into the… pic.twitter.com/LSYcbhY1f2
— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) November 13, 2024

Ukrainian sources described Trankovsky as a “war criminal” responsible for missile strikes on civilian sites in Ukraine. Reports indicate the bomb was detonated remotely after he had been under surveillance for several days.

This car bombing follows a series of high-profile attacks targeting Russian officials in occupied territories. Analysts view these incidents as part of Ukraine’s broader efforts to disrupt Russian operations and weaken its military leadership.
10,000 North Korean troops join Russia near Ukraine border

November 11, 2024
Russia has amassed a force of 50,000 troops, including 10,000 North Korean soldiers, near the Kursk region in preparation for a new assault to retake Ukrainian-held territory, according to U.S. and Ukrainian officials. This escalation comes as North Korean forces, training with Russian troops, are expected to join in direct combat in what could mark a significant turning point in the two-year conflict.

A recent U.S. intelligence assessment suggests Moscow has bolstered its forces in Kursk without reducing its eastern Ukraine presence, allowing it to pressure Ukraine on multiple fronts simultaneously. The North Korean soldiers, drawn from elite units and equipped with Russian weapons, are divided into assault and support units and are expected to fight in their own discrete groups.

According to Ukrainian officials, Russia has provided the North Korean forces with machine guns, sniper rifles, anti-tank missiles and rocket-propelled grenades. Training for the North Koreans has reportedly included artillery fire, basic infantry tactics and trench clearing in preparation for frontal assaults on entrenched Ukrainian positions.

AP Images

This new offensive looms as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office with a stated priority of ending the war quickly. While Trump has not specified his approach, Vice President-elect JD Vance has suggested a plan that would allow Russia to retain territory it has captured in Ukraine.

U.S. officials, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, indicate that North Korea may have agreed to send its troops in exchange for missile technology and diplomatic support from Russia. The North Korean forces, known for cohesion and discipline, are expected to bolster Russia’s capability in Kursk, though the nation’s lack of combat experience raises questions about their battlefield effectiveness.

In the past 24 hours, Ukraine reported Russia’s deadliest day of the war, with 1,770 Russian soldiers killed or wounded. British defense officials noted that Russian forces sustained an average of 1,500 casualties per day in October 2024, resulting in Moscow’s highest monthly losses since the war began.
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Russia, Ukraine launch record numbers of drones in overnight attacks

November 11, 2024
As President-elect Donald Trump reportedly spoke with both Russia and Ukraine’s president, the war between the two countries rages on. A record number of drone strikes were launched over the weekend.

Ukraine launched its largest attack on Moscow since the start of the war, striking Russia’s capital late Saturday night, Nov. 9, into early Sunday, Nov. 10. Russia said a total of 34 drones were launched in Moscow’s direction, but all of them were shot down. Five people were injured in the Moscow region, Russia’s defense ministry said.

“An attempt by the Kyiv regime to carry out a terrorist attack using airplane-type drones on the territory of the Russian Federation was thwarted,” the ministry said.

The attack prompted “temporary restrictions” at multiple airports serving the Moscow region. Russia’s federal air transport agency said the airports of Domodedovo, Sheremetyevo and Zhukovsky diverted at least 36 flights, but then resumed operations.

That attack came after Ukraine said Russia launched a total of 145 drones Saturday night, the most ever in a single night-time attack during the war. Ukraine said its defenses shot down more than 60 of the drones, while others left Ukrainian airspace.

Reuters and The Washington Post reported over the weekend that Trump spoke with Putin last week. However, on Monday, Nov. 11, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said no such call had taken place.

“This is completely untrue. This is pure fiction, it’s just false information,” Peskov told reporters. “There was no conversation.”

“This is the most obvious example of the quality of the information that is being published now, sometimes even in fairly reputable publications,” he said.

Peskov said “there are no concrete plans yet” for Putin to contact Trump.
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Putin praises Trump as leaders eye breakthrough in Ukraine conflict

November 8, 2024

Russian President Vladimir Putin broke his silence on U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s victory, offering congratulations and praise while signaling a readiness to talk. With Russia’s war in Ukraine continuing, Putin highlighted Trump’s campaign promises to ease tensions but emphasized that Moscow’s demands remain unchanged.

Speaking at a meeting in Sochi, Putin congratulated Trump on his election victory and described the president-elect’s response to a July assassination attempt as “courageous and manly.” Despite the remarks, the two leaders had not spoken as of the time of publication.

Putin acknowledged Trump’s campaign promises to improve ties with Russia and address the war in Ukraine, though he noted these were election statements. The Kremlin reiterated its firm demands that Ukraine abandon NATO aspirations and withdraw troops from regions claimed by Russia. Kremlin officials emphasized that these terms are nonnegotiable, even as Putin expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue.

Trump’s campaign statements about ending the war within 24 hours have fueled speculation about his approach. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed the claim, stating that any rapid deal would likely come at a significant cost to Ukraine.

Former U.S. envoy to Ukraine Kurt Volker suggested that any resolution would require convincing Putin that the conflict is no longer sustainable.

Analysts remain divided on how Trump will handle the conflict. Some believe he could pressure Putin by increasing U.S. oil production or establishing a lend-lease program to arm Ukraine. Others argue that Trump’s admiration for Putin could result in decisions detrimental to Ukraine.

Relations between Moscow and Washington are currently at a historic low, strained by U.S. sanctions and military support for Ukraine.
Biden admin rushing billions of dollars in aid to Ukraine: Reports

November 7, 2024
The Biden administration plans to rush billions of dollars in aid to Ukraine before President Biden leaves office in January, according to multiple reports. The goal is to make sure Ukraine’s government is in a good place when president-elect Trump takes office.

“The administration plans to push forward…to put Ukraine in the strongest position possible” before its term ends in January, a senior administration official told Reuters on condition of anonymity.

Politico reports, “The plan, described by two administration officials who were granted anonymity to discuss internal matters, is the only option the White House has to keep sending equipment to Ukraine to fight off continued Russian offensives. But the problems are immense. It normally takes months for munitions and equipment to get to Ukraine after an aid package is announced, so anything rolled out in the coming weeks would likely not fully arrive until well into the Trump administration, and the next commander-in-chief could halt the shipments before they’re on the ground.”

Trump has been critical of the scale of the U.S. military and financial support for Ukraine in its war with Vladamir Putin and Russia.

In April, the Republican-controlled House approved more aid for Ukraine, eight months after Biden first asked for additional assistance. The aid included an allocation for weapons. However, more than $6 billion in aid that has been set aside for Ukraine has not made it there yet.

Trump has vowed to end the war between Russia and Ukraine quickly but has not specified how.
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Russia issues mass grave manual, highlighting heavy toll in Ukraine war

November 6, 2024
Russia’s Emergency Ministry has issued a manual instructing its troops on digging mass graves as casualties in Ukraine escalate. Distributed in early November, the 20-page manual includes step-by-step diagrams for constructing graves capable of holding up to 100 bodies.

The manual is called the “Civil Defense: Urgent Burials of Corpses in Wartime.” It specifies grave dimensions of more than 60 feet in length and six feet in depth. The mass graves require over 360 man-hours to complete, according to the manual.

The publication includes guidelines on when mass cremation is permissible and measures to prevent contamination from biological or chemical materials.

Reports indicate that Russian casualties in the war have reached over 700,000 dead and wounded. The figure is linked to Russia’s high-casualty “meat-wave” assault tactics.

These tactics send successive waves of troops to overwhelm Ukrainian positions, which has resulted in significant losses on the Russian side.

In response to personnel shortages, Russia has increased financial incentives. Russian officials have targeted migrant workers for recruitment, and enlisted individuals from economically struggling regions.

Russia’s ally, North Korea, has reportedly sent up to 12,000 soldiers to bolster Russian efforts in eastern Ukraine, where one of Moscow’s strongest offensives since the start of the war is currently underway.

Military analysts suggest the new manual on mass casualty management reflects Moscow’s resolve to continue its campaign, despite the significant human cost involved.
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Ukraine drone attack damages Russian warships in Caspian Sea

November 6, 2024
Ukraine has taken its fight to a new front, reportedly striking Russian naval targets nearly 930 miles from its borders. Early Wednesday, Nov. 6, Ukrainian drones hit the port city of Kaspiysk in Russia’s Dagestan region. At least two missile ships were damaged, according to Ukrainian intelligence sources.

The vessels, identified as the Tatarstan and Dagestan, are part of Russia’s Caspian Flotilla. The fllet is a critical naval force tied to missile strikes on Ukraine.

This marks the first reported Ukrainian operation in the Caspian Sea. Experts said it signaled a significant expansion of Kyiv’s campaign far beyond the Black Sea.

Russia’s Defense Ministry confirmed its air defenses intercepted a drone over Kaspiysk. However, it hasn’t provided details about the extent of the damage.

Footage circulating online appears to show drones striking port facilities and vessels. Officials said that footage has yet to be verified.

This morning, Ukrainian attack drones successfully struck Russia's Caspian Sea flotilla in the port of Kaspiysk, over 1000 km behind the frontline.

Seen here, a Ukrainian drone flies low over the harbor and slams into a row of docked Russian warships. pic.twitter.com/06vbjUfblQ
— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) November 6, 2024

The Caspian Flotilla plays a vital role in Russia’s military logistics. It facilitates the movement of warships and supplies between the Caspian and Black Seas. Analysts suggest the strike could disrupt Russia’s ability to mobilize naval resources and project power in the region.

This operation is the latest in Ukraine’s persistent campaign to target high-value Russian military assets. Kyiv has hit targets in Crimea, Moscow-controlled areas and even deep into Russian territory, keeping pressure on Russian forces.

Despite lacking a large navy, Ukraine’s use of long-range strikes is proving highly effective. These attacks have forced Russia to remain on the defensive.

Analysts say this bold move demonstrates Ukraine’s ability to challenge Moscow far from the battlefield, reaching areas once considered secure by Russian officials.
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US shifts to air power strategy in Middle East, USS Lincoln departs

November 6, 2024
The Pentagon is reshaping its military presence in the Middle East, with the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier set to leave the region. For the first time since the onset of the Gaza war, the U.S. won’t have an aircraft carrier in the area.

Defense officials, however, stress this change doesn’t signal a reduction in America’s ability to respond to threats. Instead, the U.S. is leaning on air power to maintain its readiness.

B-52 bombers, known for their long-range strike capabilities, and additional fighter squadrons are being deployed across the region. Naval destroyers and other assets will also remain in place to provide flexibility and rapid response capabilities.

Pentagon officials state this configuration offers deterrence and readiness comparable to an aircraft carrier group, though through a different approach.

Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder emphasized the new deployments provide a “significant amount of capability on par with what we’ve been doing in the Middle East.”

The shift comes amid mounting global pressures, as U.S. forces balance ongoing support for Ukraine, rising tensions in the South China Sea and operations in the Red Sea.

Recent months have stretched resources thin, with U.S. forces intercepting missiles and drones launched by Iran-backed Houthi militants and supporting allies like Israel.

Defense officials cite efficiency as a key driver behind the shift. Bombers and fighter jets, paired with advanced surveillance systems, offer robust air power without overextending resources. This adaptation is part of the Pentagon’s broader strategy to manage multiple global security challenges simultaneously.

The departure of the Lincoln marks a significant moment in U.S. strategy. The ship had been stationed in the region to help deter threats from Iran and its proxies. The carrier’s presence has been pivotal in reinforcing security and projecting strength during a volatile time in the Middle East.

Still, officials argue that bombers and land-based fighters, supported by naval destroyers, can effectively maintain the U.S. deterrence mission. They highlight the flexibility of air power in addressing threats ranging from maritime instability to regional conflict.

This recalibration reflects a strategic balancing act as the Pentagon juggles global demands. By reallocating resources, the U.S. aims to sustain its commitments in the Middle East while remaining prepared for challenges elsewhere.
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