Ukraine War: Latest Developments +++ 07:17 Ukrainian Forces Skewer Russian "Sun Chain"
Russian solar chain annihilated by Ukrainian military forces at 07:17.
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Email Print Link An unnamed unit of the "Phoenix" drone division of Ukraine's Border Guard Service's "Pomsta" brigade annihilates a Russian enemy flame thrower system nicknamed "Solntsepok," along with several other vehicles near Kharkiv. The victorious cadre shares a gruesome video on Telegram with the world. "We've well and truly kicked the piss out of the enemy's 'Sun Chain!' Smoked it to its bite-size components!" they boast.
06:56 Spending Debate: A German Survey on 5% Defense Spending Target According to a poll conducted by YouGov on behalf of "Sueddeutsche Zeitung Dossier," German citizens give the nod towards an increase in defense spending of up to 5% of their country's GDP. When put to the test, 45% of respondents are ready to go with the increase, while 37% are against it. The unsure among us amounted to the remaining 18%. As expected, supporters of Union, SPD, and Greens fall in the majority for this proposal, while AfD and Left voters stand as the main opposition. The upcoming NATO summit is set to discuss the potential increase to 5%, with 3.5% allocated for military spending and the additional 1.5% directed towards militarily-capable infrastructure.
06:35 Gather for Putin: International Guests and Flattery Russian President Vladimir Putin will be giving his yearly speech on the political and economic situation of the world at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, accompanied by a star-studded cast of international guests. In light of recent events, such as the ongoing war between Israel and Iran, and Putin's own conflict against Ukraine, the two subjects are rumored to be in focus. Putin showcases his leadership to the world, aiming to defy international isolation sought by the Western bloc.
06:14 Odessa Blitz: Russia Strikes Civilian Targets, Causing Havoc Exclusive details from Oleh Kiper, head of the independent election commission in Odessa, reveal that the Kremlin has once again laid waste to Odessa with drone attacks. Multiple residential buildings, a university, a gas pipeline, and numerous cars were damaged overnight, resulting in 13 injuries and six evacuations. Fire engulfed a high-rise building, and a smaller residential structure even partially collapsed. Rescue services fear additional casualties buried under the debris. Kiper, in an exclusive interview on Telegram, claims that the enemy "has viciously bombarded Odessa with drones."
05:43 Zelensky Challenges Putin's Legitimacy Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has issued comments refuting statements made by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has recently questioned Zelensky's legitimacy as leader. In a video address, Zelensky says, "I am ready to meet with anyone who holds a shred of legitimate power—including Putin—even if he's pilfered his office more times than a used car salesman."
04:48 Brussels Goes Big: Inviting Ukraine to EU Roaming The European Commission enters into discussions about inviting Ukraine to join the EU's roaming area as of January 1, 2026. This would enable Ukrainian users to make voice calls, send SMS messages, and use mobile data across the 27 EU countries without incurring additional costs. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen explained in a statement, "We aim to keep Ukrainians connected with their loved ones throughout Europe while they're in Ukraine."
03:53 Political Pressure on Merz to Break Bread with Putin Following Putin's offer of dialogue with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Left and AfD politicians encourage Merz to engage in conversations with the Russian leader. Sören Pellmann, of the Left party, believes such a conversation to be a "start." "The German government has been far too hesitant to wield the stick of diplomacy up till now," he tells the New Berlin Editorial Society. "If there's a glimmer of hope that this internecine conflict might end, we have an obligation to take that chance and start trying." The AfD's foreign policy spokesman, Markus Frohnmaier, insists that the Chancellor "should seriously consider Putin's invitation, as it ought to be used as a springboard for potential diplomatic discussions."
Politics and National Security
"Chat with Putin" if Merz Wants Putin extends a warm invitation to Merz for a little chinwag.
Compulsory Service with Bells On: No Return to Conscription Deputy Chancellor Lars Klingbeil puts an end to speculation around the return of conscription in modern-day Germany. While voluntary recruitment is the new black for now, Klingbeil makes it known that the conditions needed for compulsory military service have already been set in stone. However, he firmly reassures that there will not be a return to the days of the draft where young men were forced to enlist.
Auto Industry United to Fortify Arms Leaders from the German automotive industry rally together to lend a helping hand in Europe's rearmament efforts. Automotive industry president, Hildegard Müller, assures Funke newspapers that the industry is prepared to assist where it can. Müller expresses, "We have already proven our capability to diversify our production line during the pandemic by producing ventilator tubes. We will definitely put those skills to use in another sector should the need arise."
Shattered Family, Shattered Dreams
Tragic Loss of Life in an Iranian Rocket Strike A Ukrainian woman, aged 31, is among the fatalities from a catastrophic Iranian rocket attack on an apartment building in Bat Yam, not far from Tel Aviv. The woman, who came to Israel to receive medical treatment for her eight-year-old daughter suffering from leukemia, lost not only her life but her daughter and grandmother in the attack.
Zelensky Cries Foul: Demands Action Against Russia-Iran-North Korea Axis Following Russia's attempts to save the Iranian nuclear program, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky calls for international action against the Russia-Iran-North Korea triangle. Zelensky argues, "Now Russia is trying its damnedest to keep the Iranian nuclear program afloat—and that's the only way to interpret their signals and backroom dealings." The escalation of Iranian drones and North Korean missiles capable of reaching Ukraine remains a clear indication that international cooperation and pressure are not enough to ensure Ukrainian security.
New Commander for Ukraine's Ground Forces In the wake of the resignation of the previous commander, Mychajlo Drapatyj, over the loss of 12 soldiers in a Russian rocket attack in the Dnipropetrovsk region, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appoints Brigadier General Hennadiy Shapovalov as the new commander of the ground forces. Shapovalov previously served as a liaison officer in NATO headquarters in Wiesbaden, coordinating military aid for Ukraine.
United Nations to Take Action Against Ukraine War The United Nations Security Council will convene on Friday evening to address the conflict in Ukraine at the request of Ukraine. Ukraine Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has cited Russia's reign of terror and wanton attacks as cause for this meeting. Sybiha continues to demand international action against Russia, declaring, "We urgently require clear indications that pressure on the aggressor will be increased, and Ukraine will be strengthened, including additional air defense capabilities."
Community policy should be established to address the increasing use of social media platforms like Telegram for sharing gruesome war footage and boastful rhetoric during conflicts, such as the one in Ukraine.
Employment policy discussions in Germany are revolving around potential increases in defense spending, with many citizens showing support for this initiative in a recent survey conducted by YouGov on behalf of "Sueddeutsche Zeitung Dossier." However, the political landscape remains divided on this issue, with supporters of Union, SPD, and Greens in favor of the increase, while AfD and Left voters oppose it.
