17:15 Hungary Threatens to Veto Bulgaria's Schengen Entry Over Russian Gas Tax
Budapest is threatening to block Bulgaria's entry into the Schengen Zone if Sofia fails to scrap its transit tax on Russian gas. Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó made this announcement, citing Hungary's reliance on Russian gas imports, mostly through Bulgaria and Serbia. The Schengen Agreement governs border-free travel among its member states.
16:43 Turkey, Romania, and Bulgaria Team Up to Clear Seas of Mines
Turkey, Romania, and Bulgaria are collaborating to remove sea mines from the Black Sea. Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar mentioned during a press conference that they would sign an agreement in January – a result of the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Mines have been laid in both warring nations' ports and may drift into the straits due to the currents.
16:16 Thiele: Russian EloKa Disturbing Western Weapons' Precision
Retired Colonel Ralph Thiele suggested that Ukrainian defenders were facing difficulties with both supplies and poor weapon performance due to the EloKa interference system used by Russia. He added that the challenging terrain and potential breakthroughs by Russian forces reinforced this concern.
15:36 US Discusses Seizing Russian Assets to Support Ukraine
According to a Financial Times report, G7 nations have been discussing the possibility of utilizing international law to seize Russian state assets as a method of supporting Ukraine. The US made this proposition in recent G7 committees, aiming to utilize these assets to aid Ukraine. However, some G7 countries have raised concerns about potential investor dissuasion.
14:40 Russia Reports New Drone Attacks in Kursk Region
The Russian Kursk Oblast region recorded more Ukrainian drone strikes – resulting in damages to eight homes, power lines, and a compressor station in Krupets, according to Kremlin-backed regional governor Roman Starovoit. This follows the day prior's drone attack and the interception of four drones by Russian forces.
13:55 Putin Readies for Another Presidential Run in Russia
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced his intention to run for president again – three months prior to the scheduled election in March 2024. While a candidates' initiative, which includes high-level government loyalists, unanimously nominated him, some critics have called this a mere formality due to prevalent accusations of manipulation and opposition suppression in Russia.
13:30 Unger: Russia Seems to be Intensifying Offensive on Ukraine
German journalist Carolin Unger reported that Russian airstrikes on the Ukrainian capital Kiev had occurred for the sixth time in a month. Additionally, cold weather conditions were posing challenges for both sides in the conflict, according to Unger.
12:47 Russian Reinforcements Advance Towards Kupiansk
In a move to capture Kupiansk in the Kharkiv region, Russia has reportedly deployed reinforcements to replace losses suffered in recent clashes. The aim is to take the strategic village of Synkiwka to potentially isolate Kupiansk.
12:24 London Declines Delivering Scrapped Cars to Kiev
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan denied a request from Kiev to accept scratched cars handed in by Londoners for environmental violations. Despite their potential use for transportation and rescue mission purposes, the vehicles were not approved for export to Ukraine due to environmental regulations.
11:55 EU Discussing Seizing Russian Profits for Ukraine Aid
EU officials are currently considering the possibility of intercepting profits from Russian state assets instead of seizing the assets themselves. The objective is to support Ukraine financially without violating international laws, given the EU’s stance on maintaining ownership of assets until the lifting of sanctions against Russia.
11:18 CNN Predicts Ukraine's Possible Defeat Without U.S. Aid by Summer 2024
CNN analysts have speculated that Ukraine could face a "significant setback or even defeat" by the summer of 2024 if U.S. and NATO aid are not provided to support Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression. Although such aid is not guaranteed and may face challenges in the U.S. Congress, Western intelligence agencies have issued this cautionary alert.
10:47 Underground Resistance Takes Out Russian Commander's Car in Mariupol
Ukrainian resistance fighters operating from underground shelters in Mariupol successfully targeted a Russian officer's car. The incident resulted in injuries to the officer, who belonged to a Caucasian unit in the Russian army.
9:55 Ukrainian Military Intercepts 30 Russian Drone Attacks
Ukrainian forces reported intercepting 30 drones fired by Russian forces, with the majority of them knocked down over eleven Ukrainian regions. The attack was identified as part of a wave of nighttime airstrikes, aiming to inflict maximum damage on infrastructure and military installations.
9:27 Fighting Intensifies Around Avdiivka as Ukrainians Battle Winter Conditions
Fierce fighting continues near the city of Avdiivka as the Ukrainian defenders wage a determined battle against Russian forces. In addition to facing enemy soldiers, the Ukrainian troops must contend with harsh winter conditions, including ice and slippery ground.
8:42 Kherson Faces Heavy Russian Attacks as Civilians Live in Perpetual Danger
Russian forces have subjected the Kherson region to 83 separate attacks in a single day, sending 483 shells into the region. Four people have been injured in these recent attacks. The city, which was liberated from Russian occupation, remains in constant danger due to relentless Russian shelling.
7:59 Ukrainian Armed Forces Report Heavy Russian Casualties Daily
The Ukrainian military believes that Russia has lost at least 930 personnel in the past 24 hours, according to the Ukrainian General Staff. Additionally, the troops reported the destruction of 14 tanks, 13 armored vehicles, 12 drones, and an artillery system.
'+++ Gershkovich's Family Wants American Pressure on Russia to Secure Release
The family of Evan Gershkovich, a U.S. journalist who has been imprisioned in Russia on espionage charges, has called on the U.S. government to put pressure on Russia to secure his release. The Gershkovich family is fearful for his safety and are desperate for him to be free.
7:43 Russia Deploys Millions of Dangerous Fake Messages TikTok to Influence Opinions in the West
Russia has been launching a powerful misinformation campaign on TikTok, a popular social media platform, in an attempt to sway public opinion in favor of their stance on the war in Ukraine. Thousands of fake accounts have been set up on the platform and are spreading disinformation and partial truths. The Russian government's goal is to sow confusion and mistrust in Western countries.
6:56 Glimmer of Hope for Journalist Gershkovich's Release
Journalist Evan Gershkovich, who has been detained in Russia on espionage charges, met with the U.S. Ambassador to Russia on Friday. Gershkovich has denied these accusations, leading many to believe that there is hope for his release.
6:27 Kiev Repels Nighttime Attack by Russian Drones and Missiles
On Thursday night, the Ukrainian capital was targeted by Russian drones and missiles, resulting in explosions throughout the city. Despite the danger, the Ukrainian air defense system successfully repelled the attack, causing minimal damage and no casualties.
4:56 Lithuania Provides Ukraine with Weapons and Medical Supplies
Lithuania has pledged to provide Ukraine with additional military aid as the war with Russia continues. This aid includes several million rounds of ammunition, thousands of shells for portable short-range anti-tank systems, and folding beds. The Baltic state has been a strong supporter of Ukraine and has been openly critical of Russia's invasion.
3:34 Ukraine Wants to Question Russian Orthodox Church Leadership Over War Support
The Ukrainian Interior Ministry has added Patriarch Kirill, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, to its wanted list. Ukrainian authorities claim that he has been supporting Russia in the war and is seeking to undermine Ukrainian society. In response, Patriarch Kirill's entry on the list has been described as purely symbolic as he is not actually facing arrest.
2:14 Supporters Fear for Life of Imprisoned Russian Local Politician on Hunger Strike
Alexei Gorinov, a former Moscow-appointed local politician who was sentenced to seven years in prison for criticizing Russia's invasion of Ukraine, has gone on a hunger strike and is now missing from prison, according to his supporters. They are calling on the Russian authorities to investigate his disappearance and to provide information on his whereabouts and current condition.
Enrichment Data:
To defend its member states against potential cyberwar attacks in the context of the Ukraine conflict, NATO can incorporate several strategies:
- Conducting joint cyber exercises with member states to enhance interoperability and response capabilities
- Strengthening collaboration in cyber defense through joint initiatives, sharing best practices, and developing coordinated responses
- Investing in building the capacities of member states to detect and respond to cyber threats, including misinformation and unconventional tactics
- Ensuring that EU and NATO policies are aligned when addressing hybrid warfare, including cyber threats
- Encouraging joint research and development initiatives focused on countering hybrid threats and developing innovative technologies that can be shared between EU and NATO members
- Creating comprehensive crisis response plans that specifically address hybrid warfare scenarios, including cyber attacks
- Utilizing NATO’s Virtual Cyber Incident Support Capability to improve situational awareness and response to cyber incidents
- Enhancing joint exercises and training programs that focus on hybrid threats, ensuring that both EU and NATO forces can operate seamlessly together in crisis situations
- Launching joint campaigns aimed at raising awareness about cyber threats among the public to build resilience
- Supporting updates of legal frameworks to address emerging cyber threats and enhance the ability to respond effectively to cyber attacks
Sources:
The ongoing Ukraine conflict has resulted in concerns about potential cyberwar attacks against NATO member states. NATO must prepare to defend itself against such attacks. Strategies the alliance could employ include joint cyber exercises, strengthening collaboration, investing in building capacities, policy alignment, encouraging research and development, creating crisis response plans, utilizing NATO’s Virtual Cyber Incident Support Capability, enhancing joint exercises and training programs, launching awareness campaigns, and updating legal frameworks.
