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Ukraine pushes for NATO action, open to Western troops

December 9, 2024

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed openness to the deployment of Western troops in Ukraine as part of a broader security framework tied to NATO membership. Speaking on his Telegram channel, Zelenskyy said clear timelines for joining both NATO and the European Union are essential for Ukraine’s future. He noted, however, that NATO membership requires unanimous approval and that the ongoing conflict complicates the process.

The potential for deploying Western troops and Ukraine joining NATO has raised concerns about escalating tensions with Russia, which currently occupies about one-fifth of Ukrainian territory. Moscow views NATO expansion as a provocation.

Zelenskyy’s remarks came as U.S. President-elect Donald Trump seeks to negotiate a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. Trump met with Zelenskyy in Paris over the weekend of Dec. 7 but has not yet outlined a detailed plan. Zelenskyy also plans to discuss NATO membership with outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden, emphasizing that Biden still holds the authority to address the matter during his remaining time in office.

NATO has described Ukraine as being on an “irreversible” path to membership. However, unresolved territorial disputes and the ongoing war have prevented the alliance from extending a formal invitation. NATO members like the United States and Germany have also expressed caution, fearing that rapid inclusion could escalate the conflict.

On the ground, Ukraine is facing relentless attacks from Russian forces. Zelenskyy reported that nearly 500 guided bombs, 400 drones and 20 missiles were launched against Ukraine in the past week. Intense fighting continues in the eastern Donetsk region, where Ukrainian defenses remain under pressure.

In Germany, opposition leader Friedrich Merz criticized Chancellor Olaf Scholz for being overly cautious regarding military aid to Ukraine. Merz said he supports sending long-range missiles, arguing that restricting their range leaves Ukraine at a disadvantage. Scholz has resisted, citing fears of provoking a broader war.

Zelenskyy reiterated his commitment to a diplomatic resolution, saying Ukraine seeks peace but also requires firm security guarantees to safeguard its sovereignty.

Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, in an interview with Tucker Carlson during the week of Dec. 2, described Russia’s recent hypersonic missile launch as a direct message to the West. Lavrov warned that Russia is prepared to use “any means” to prevent a strategic defeat and called it a “very serious mistake” to repeatedly test Moscow’s red lines.
Romania’s election called off over accusations of Russian meddling

December 6, 2024
Romania’s presidential election was called off following accusations that the surprise frontrunner’s social media campaign was influenced by Russia. Far-right independent candidate Calin Georgescu won the first round of voting and rose to popularity by posting his “Romania first” nationalist brand on TikTok.

His account gained more than 530,000 followers and over 5 million “likes” but fueled suspicion that his overnight success was driven by Russian meddling.

In a surprise move, the Romanian government declassified intelligence reports days ahead of the election alleging that Moscow ran an elaborate internet scheme to boost Georgescu’s account.

This comes after the country’s election servers had allegedly been hacked by Russia.

“Romania is a target for aggressive Russian hybrid actions including cyber attacks and information leaks and sabotage,” the Foreign Intelligence Service said.

It’s not clear whether Georgescu was aware of the alleged online campaign, but he has repeatedly denied having any connections to Russia, despite pledging to end all support for Ukraine if he were to get elected.

Like Russian President Vladimir Putin, Georgescu has been a vocal NATO critic, questioning Romania’s membership in the alliance, which ignited fears about NATO’s future in the country.

Now, Romania’s top court says the entire election process must be redone, meaning a second-round run-off that was scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 8, will no longer happen.

Georgescu would have gone head-to-head with his centrist rival Elena Lacsoni.
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Ukrainian delegation visits US as Trump’s peace plans take shape

December 4, 2024

A Ukrainian delegation, led by Presidential Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak, is visiting the United States this week to establish communication with President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration. The delegation includes Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, according to Ukrainian officials.

The visit comes as Trump prepares to assume office next month, with significant implications for U.S. policy toward Ukraine and the ongoing conflict with Russia. Trump has pledged to end the war but has not provided detailed plans.

Reports suggest his advisers have proposed measures such as freezing the current front lines, delaying Ukraine’s NATO membership, and partially lifting sanctions on Russia. Yermak and his team are expected to meet with Keith Kellogg, Trump’s nominee for special envoy to Ukraine and Russia.

Kellogg is anticipated to play a central role in shaping the administration’s approach to negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow. Sources indicate Kellogg has previously backed proposals that include providing Ukraine with security guarantees and continued military aid while discouraging further Russian aggression.

During the campaign, Trump advocated for a quick resolution to the conflict, emphasizing negotiations over prolonged military engagement. Ukrainian officials, however, have urged the incoming administration to maintain strong support for Kyiv and adopt a “peace through strength” approach.

The delegation’s visit reflects Ukraine’s efforts to navigate potential shifts in U.S. foreign policy amid the transition of power in Washington. Discussions are expected to focus on securing continued military assistance, addressing Ukraine’s NATO aspirations and exploring pathways to a sustainable peace.
Report links Kremlin to forced relocation of hundreds of Ukrainian kids

December 3, 2024

A report from Yale University’s Humanitarian Research Lab alleges that hundreds of Ukrainian children have been relocated to Russia, with some placed in re-education centers and others adopted by Russian families. The study details how Kremlin-linked officials and military aircraft were used to facilitate the transfers, raising questions about international law and human rights.

The report identified 314 Ukrainian children, many from the occupied territories of Donetsk and Luhansk, who were taken to Russia. At least 166 children were placed directly with Russian families, and 148 were listed in Russian adoption databases. Yale researchers noted that some children were subjected to pro-Russian narratives and military education in temporary facilities before placement.

The relocation efforts were reportedly coordinated by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova, Russia’s commissioner for children’s rights. Both face arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes related to the forced transfer of children. The report also found evidence that Russian military aircraft were used to transport the children between May and October 2022.

The study highlights changes in Russian laws that streamlined the process of granting citizenship to Ukrainian children and allowed Russian guardians to renounce their Ukrainian citizenship. At least 67 children have been formally naturalized as Russian citizens, although the actual number is believed to be higher.

Researchers documented instances of sibling separation, where some children were adopted by Russian families while others remained in institutions. Approximately 80% of the children identified came from Donetsk Oblast, and nearly half had siblings listed in adoption databases.

The relocation program coincided with Russia’s annexation of Ukrainian territories in September 2022. International legal experts say the program could be investigated as a crime against humanity or potentially genocide under the Rome Statute.

The Kremlin framed the program as a humanitarian effort to protect children from conflict zones. Ukrainian officials estimate that around 19,500 children have been taken to Russia or Russian-occupied Crimea since the invasion began, although Russian officials dispute these numbers.

Forcible transfer of populations, including children, is prohibited under international law. Investigations into the program continue.
White House sending $725M in weapons to Ukraine as Biden enters final weeks

December 2, 2024
President Joe Biden is sending as much aid as possible to Ukraine before his time in office runs out on Jan. 20. The White House announced Monday, Dec. 2, that it is sending Kyiv another $725 million worth of military equipment, including munitions for High Mobility Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and counter-drone systems.

It’s reportedly unclear if the HIMARS will be the shorter-range or longer-range Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS).

However, the U.S. State Department noted that the aid includes more anti-personnel mines for Kyiv to combat advancing Russian and North Korean troops in the Kursk Region.

The White House promised to spend all of the military assistance funds U.S. Congress allocated to the Biden administration before President-elect Donald Trump takes office in late January 2025.

The money from this latest announcement comes from that Congress-approved fund, which before Monday’s announcement included $7.1 billion worth of weapons from the Pentagon’s stockpiles.

Biden is moving quickly to shore up Ukrainian military aid ahead of Trump’s second term because some within the Biden administration reportedly fear that Trump’s return to office could mean an end to funding for Ukraine’s military efforts.

Trump has promised to end the war in Ukraine, and some Republicans are reportedly unhappy with sending billions of dollars more to Kyiv to help the country counter Russia’s ongoing invasion.
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Kyiv says Russia suffered more than 2,000 casualties in 24 hours

November 29, 2024
Ukraine’s military announced on Friday, Nov. 29, that Russia suffered 2,030 casualties in a 24-hour period, which would be the first time since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine that the casualty count among Russian troops reached a number that high. Ukraine did not reveal whether those numbers included Russian soldiers killed, captured or missing.

The casualty total reportedly breaks the previous 24-hour record of 1,950, which Kyiv said happened on Nov. 12. Ukraine said that it calculated the Russian losses through leaked data and published Russian intelligence reports.

Despite the losses for Moscow, Russian troops, along with the help of thousands of North Korean troops, have reportedly continued to advance, sparking fears that Ukrainian forces do not have sufficient manpower to hold them off. U.S. researchers reportedly found that Moscow has captured territory at a rate of nearly nine square miles per day over the past month.

Ukrainian officials warn that its 600-mile frontline is now at its highest risk of collapse since February 2022.

Earlier this week, the Biden administration reportedly pushed Ukraine to lower the age of draft eligibility to counter Russian gains. Ukraine estimates that it will need around 160,000 more troops. However, according to the report, the United States believes that number is higher than Ukrainian estimates.

The Biden administration is also rushing aid to Ukraine amid concerns the incoming Trump administration could limit U.S. aid. President Joe Biden recently announced that he is forgiving $4.7 billion in Ukrainian debt.
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US pushing Ukraine to draft younger troops, increase manpower: Report

November 27, 2024
The White House is pushing Ukraine to swiftly build up its troop numbers by changing conscription laws to include soldiers as young as 18 years old down from its current age requirement of 25 years old. The revelations shared by an anonymous senior Biden administration official who told The Associated Press on Wednesday, Nov. 27, the United States believes that Ukraine desperately needs more troops more than it needs more weaponry to fight off Russian forces. The official said that it’s just “pure math.”

The Biden administration has already dedicated nearly $60 billion in security aid to Ukraine since the start of Russia’s invasion in 2022 and reportedly expects to send billions more before President Joe Biden leaves office in late January 2025.

The United States reportedly argues that Ukraine has the weapons and must now ramp up its manpower.

The White House official said Ukraine estimates it will need around 160,000 more troops but the White House believes that the country will need more than that number.

European allies have also expressed concerns that Ukraine lacks manpower and say soon Ukraine will no longer be able to continue to maintain control of the Kursk Region.

Ukraine has previously expanded the draft pool by lowering the age of draft-eligible men from 25 years old to 27 years old.

Some Ukrainians are reportedly worried that lowering the minimum age of conscription could deplete the already war-ravaged workforce of the country.

Ukraine reportedly has more than a million soldiers currently enlisted in the military.
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N Korea ballistic missile facility growing as revealed by new satellite images

November 25, 2024
U.S. defense experts revealed on Monday, Nov. 25, that they believe that Pyongyang may be ramping up its production of weapons for Moscow to use in its war in Ukraine. Researchers said new satellite images reveal North Korea is expanding a crucial weapons manufacturing complex that produces short-range missiles.

The California think-tank behind the findings noted that the plant is the only one known to produce a certain class of ballistic missiles used by Russia to strike Ukrainian forces.

Known as the KN23, the rockets are reportedly capable of evading missile defense systems by flying at low altitudes, which makes them useful for Russian forces trying to penetrate Ukrainian air defenses.

The satellite images show what reportedly appears to be an additional assembly building under construction and a housing structure for workers near North Korea’s east coast.

North Korean missiles allegedly account for only a fraction of Moscow’s strikes in Ukraine. However, the developments stoked fears among South Korea and the United States because both countries have long sought to prevent North Korea from expanding its production of ballistic missiles.

Both Moscow and Pyongyang denied that North Korea is supplying weapons to Russia for its war in Ukraine, despite the countries signing a mutual defense treaty in June 2024 and vowing to boost military ties.

Meanwhile, thousands of North Korean troops are reportedly being deployed to help Russia in its war efforts.
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France, UK weigh military support for Ukraine as US commitment wavers

November 25, 2024

France and the United Kingdom are discussing the potential deployment of troops to Ukraine as part of a European coalition. French officials say all options remain under consideration, particularly as U.S. aid to Kyiv faces uncertainty with President-elect Donald Trump set to take office in January 2025. Talks between London and Paris have intensified, focusing on forming a European defense coalition to bolster Ukraine’s position and counter the risk of further Russian advances.

NATO reported that Russia’s ground forces have grown since the war began, even as the quality of equipment and training has declined. Moscow ramped up aerial attacks and missile launches, underscoring escalating tensions.

In response, the U.K. announced its largest sanctions package yet, targeting Russia’s “shadow fleet” of oil tankers allegedly used to evade Western restrictions. British leaders are calling on allies to ensure Ukraine receives sufficient resources to maintain its defenses through 2025.

NATO is now preparing for emergency talks as the situation grows more volatile. France has signaled it may send long-range weapons capable of striking targets in Russia.

Meanwhile, France has completed training for a newly formed Ukrainian brigade under its “Champagne” task force. Known as the “Anne of Kyiv” brigade, the unit is named after a Ukrainian princess who became a queen of France.

The brigade, which will eventually comprise 4,500 troops, underwent more than two months of rigorous training in battlefield tactics, coordination and the use of advanced weaponry. Equipped with French-supplied light tanks, artillery and missile systems, the soldiers are now better prepared for the intense combat scenarios they are likely to face.
Biden to cancel $4.7B in Ukrainian debt as time in office nears end

November 21, 2024
With just weeks left in his presidency, President Joe Biden is working to secure support for Ukraine before President-elect Donald Trump takes office on Jan. 20. As he hits the lame-duck portion of his presidency, Biden announced on Wednesday, Nov. 20, the forgiveness of $4.7 billion in Ukrainian debt.

The president does have the authority to forgive the debt due to U.S. Congress granting him the power in an April funding bill that approved $9.4 billion in loan forgiveness.

The move by Biden is important to the White House because some within the administration are reportedly concerned Trump could limit U.S. funding for the war.

The White House and Ukraine said the loan forgiveness will give Ukraine the ability to maintain its defense while keeping government functions intact.

However, some Republicans have issues with the plan. They argue loan forgiveness before leaving office won’t have the proper oversight and sets a bad precedent for lame-duck presidential actions.

Other actions taken by the Biden administration recently include shipping anti-personnel land mines to Ukraine and authorizing Ukraine’s armed forces to strike targets in Russia with long-range ATACMS.

The White House says its decisions are in response to Moscow using around 10,000 North Korean troops to clear Ukrainian forces out of the Kursk region.
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