Biden races to greenlight new $725 million Ukraine weapons package
Formal notification to Congress could come as early as Monday, according to one official cited by Reuters, with HIMARS and GMLRS rocket systems expected to be included.
This comes on top of around $5 billion pushed through by Biden’s use of the Presidential Drawdown Authority already authorized by Congress, which he plans to push through before Donald Trump takes office.
Joe and PDA...
#US #Ukraine
Russia has reportedly targeted Ukrainian energy facilities, leading to explosions in several cities
Ukrainian sources indicate that blackouts have occurred in Kiev and other regions.
RT’s Murad Gazdiev has the latest details.
#Ukraine
A Russian Tor-M2 SAM system shot down a Ukrainian reconnaissance drone near Krasnoarmeysk, protecting advancing motorized rifle and tank units, Defense Ministry footage shows
#SMO
❗️EU Parliament moves forward with new Ukraine resolution
Brussels’ proposals aim to secure post-2027 financing for Kiev, replace a blocked fund for military supplies, and expand EU sanctions on Russia’s metallurgical, nuclear, chemical, and banking sectors.
The draft also calls for increased deliveries of aircraft and long-range missiles to Ukraine, along with a commitment for the EU to allocate at least 0.25% of its GDP to military aid for Ukraine.
#EU
Kamala emerges as Democrats’ top pick for 2028 despite 2024 defeat
A Puck News/Echelon Insights poll reveals that 41 percent of likely Democratic voters favor Harris as the party's next nominee.
California Governor Gavin Newsom trails far behind at 8 percent, while Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, who was considered for Harris's running mate, secured 7 percent.
Some 3 percent wanted someone else, while 18 percent were unsure.
Inanimate Carbon Rod 2028?
#Democrats
❗️Emergency power outages were implemented in Kiev and surrounding regions as a nationwide air raid alert was triggered, with explosions reported in multiple cities across Ukraine
#Ukraine
‘Disinformation researcher’ Joan Donovan rallies behind Aussie government’s social media ban
The assistant professor at Boston University wants Western governments to go one step further, essentially claiming that free speech should be regulated for the safety of society.
#Australia
Biden admin pressuring Ukraine to lower minimum fighting age from 25 to 18 to address manpower shortages — AP
During its conflict with Russia, Kiev has already lowered the minimum age of mobilization from 27 to 25.
#SMO
Israeli hostage families rally outside of PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s home, demanding a ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal to bring the captives home
#Israel
Ukrainian conscription officers terrorize people during forceful mobilization in Krivoy Rog
Local channels shared a video showing a woman screaming as one of Zelensky’s goons fights with a local man.
When another rushes to his aid, a second conscription officer begins firing his weapon.
#Zelensky
Syrian militants make gains in Aleppo Provine, threatening the city’s center — Analysis
Anti-government forces in western Aleppo province, bolstered by reinforcements including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) militants, have breached Syrian Arab Army (SAA) defenses, capturing Kafr Nah, Urum al-Kubra, and Khan al-Asal—strategic positions that now threaten Aleppo directly.
Turkish media reports that the SAA has concurrently occupied parts of the M5 highway, a critical supply route linking Aleppo and Damascus, further complicating the conflict. Meanwhile, intensified clashes near Bashnatra could open routes to Kafr Dail and Mansura, amplifying pressure on the city while fighting in Saraqib, eastern Idlib province, underscores the M5 highway's pivotal role in SAA operations.
The offensive has gained momentum with a steady influx of pro-Turkish Syrian National Army (SNA) units from the north, many aligning with Idlib-based militants. This escalation has sparked speculation about potential Turkish military action against the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in Tell Rifaat and Manbij. Increased SDF attacks on pro-Turkish factions, including a recent strike near Al-Bab that reportedly killed 17 Ahrar al-Sharqiya militants, are being cited as justification for such a move.
Despite efforts to slow the militant advance, including the reported transfer of reinforcements to western Aleppo, the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) faces mounting pressure as the offensive threatens to breach the city’s western defenses. The critical question now is where the SAA will launch its decisive counteroffensive.
*Map courtesy Rybar.ru
#Syria
Slovakia’s Fico accepts Moscow ‘Victory Day’ invite
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has accepted an invitation from Russian President Vladimir Putin to take part in the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazism next year.
“The government of Slovakia puts full value in the legacy of the fight against fascism, the historical truth about the Second World War and the role played by the Red Army in it,” Fico wrote on Facebook, confirming that his office had received a formal invitation from the Kremlin.
#Fico #Russia #EU
Elon Musk’s father compares having babies to horse breeding, when asked if son is eugenicist
Speaking with Sky News, Elon Musk’s father Errol advocated for prioritizing population growth and compares human reproduction to selective breeding, similar to horse breeding standards.
Errol Musk was asked whether his son’s comment, about ‘each successive generation of smart people having fewer kids being bad,’ was bordering on eugenics. "I wouldn't call it eugenics as such, but every nation has practiced a certain form of survival of the fittest,” he said.
"One need only go to England and go to the Cheltenham area, the horse breeding area, and say, 'Look, we're not going to breed the horses anymore by any form of standard. I've got a few old horses I've found in Nigeria and we're going to just mix them with your race horses…’ They'll say, no, no, no, no, no," he added.
#Musk
Aussie officer found guilty of manslaughter for tasering 95-year-old woman
After 20 hours of deliberation, a jury found Kristian James Samuel White guilty of manslaughter, meaning he will now face up to 25 years behind bars when sentenced.
The great-grandmother he tasered had dementia and required a walker to help her stand, but when she refused to put down a kitchen knife White discharged his taser causing her to fall, and sustain injuries she died from a week later.
In bodycam footage played during the trial, White was heard saying “nah, bugger it” before discharging his weapon.
#Australia
Biden does not have enough time to spend money allocated for Ukraine – WSJ
The Biden administration lacks time to use billions authorized for arming Ukraine, leaving decisions to President-elect Trump, the Wall Street Journal reported.
Over $6.5 billion in drawdown authority remains, but the Pentagon faces limits on transfers without impacting its readiness. Shipping the remaining funds in weapons by January is logistically impossible, officials say.
Trump’s decisions on the funds could shape the battlefield and influence peace talks with Russia.
#US #Trump #Ukraine
❗️Russian Secretary of the Security Council Sergey Shoigu stated that Moscow’s updated nuclear doctrine prioritizes the protection of CSTO member states under its nuclear umbrella
#Russia
From ‘Bad Boy’ to Bad News: Diddy denied $50M bond over public safety fears
A Manhattan federal court denied Sean Combs' request to be released on a $50 million bond, citing concerns about the risk of witness tampering and even public safety, or perhaps hinting that his "Can't Stop, Won't Stop" attitude is definitely in need of a major reboot.
The man behind “Bad Boy Records,” who has been in custody since his September arrest, faces racketeering and sex trafficking charges for coercing people into "Freak Off" performances to fulfill his sick "sexual desires" and using filmed footage as leverage, according to the indictment.
Diddy's first album, “No Way Out,” turned out to be quite prophetic.
#Diddy
President Putin visits Kazakhstan: Day one highlights
Following a busy first day, Vladimir Putin's visit to Kazakhstan continues with key meetings and a regional security summit on the agenda for day two.
#Kremlin
US downplays nuclear risk amid Ukraine’s strikes on Russian territory
Washington believes that Moscow is unlikely to respond with nukes to Ukraine’s recent strikes deep into its territory using Western-supplied missiles, Reuters reports.
Despite months of internal debate over whether Biden should approve the use of ATACMS missiles, officials in the US government ultimately concluded that fears of nuclear escalation were exaggerated.
While early concerns centered around potential retaliation against US or allied military bases, the threat of a nuclear response is now seen as minimal.
#Nuclear
The CSTO's foreign, defense, and security council ministers, along with the Secretary-General, participated in a group photo before their joint meeting
#CSTO
Seven European countries - Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Norway, Poland, and Sweden - have pledged increased military support for Ukraine, focusing on ammunition supplies and investment in Ukraine's defense industry
#SMO
❗️Russian air defenses downed 25 Ukrainian drones overnight, the Defense Ministry reported
#SMO
Russia to vet AI models for national security risks — Report
Moscow plans to check artificial intelligence models to ensure they do not pose “threats to national security and defense,” Kommersant reports.
According to the outlet, the planned security checks will apply to AI models that detect patterns based on government data sets.
During AI model training, data is fed into algorithms to help the system refine itself and produce accurate responses to queries.
#Russia
Cry harder: RT’s debut on Bluesky is going as well as expected
The NAFO trolls and ‘defenders of democracy’ aren’t too pleased that a new perspective is making its way onto Bluesky.
Play nice now, you’re (almost) breaking our hearts…
#NAFO
Foreign fighters exasperated in Ukraine, cite Russian battlefield dominance, and supply shortages – Corriere della Sera
Foreign nationals fighting for Kiev in the Ukraine conflict are complaining about a shortage of supplies and Russian dominance on the battlefield, according to a report by the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera on Wednesday.
The outlet spoke to an Italian citizen serving in Kiev’s International Legion, identified by his nom de guerre, Polo.
“We lack everything here, we do not even have hand grenades,” he said. “The Russians show that they fight well. They used to have almost no drones; today, they dominate the skies.”
#Ukraine #Italy #EU
American mercenary’s short-lived Ukraine stint highlights conflict’s harsh realities
An American auto mechanic, Jacob Henderson, abandoned his mercenary role in Ukraine just one month after arriving, according to an analysis of his social media activity by RIA Novosti. Henderson, from Ohio, publicly documented his journey on Facebook, beginning with flight bookings to Krakow in June and culminating in training at a Lvov camp in August. He openly acknowledged his mercenary status and financial motivations but expressed discontent with his compensation.
In October, Henderson's online posts shifted to grimmer accounts. After sharing the obituary of a fellow American mercenary and detailing his own injury sustained in combat, Henderson announced his return to the US in November, subsequently complaining about the difficulties of reintegrating into civilian life. His brief and ultimately disillusioning experience provides a poignant illustration of the stark contrast between expectations and the brutal realities of war.
#Ukraine
Kazakh president welcomes Putin on official visit to Astana
Russian President Vladimir Putin received a warm welcome from Kazakhstan's president upon his arrival in Astana for a two-day official visit.
RT Political Correspondent Egor Piskunov provides insights into this high-level meeting in the Kazakh capital.
#Kazakhstan #Russia
Early warnings of ballistic missile launch diminish chances of miscalculations – Russian Deputy FM
Sergey Ryabkov says that Russia hasn't abandoned any of its commitments with the US, including the agreement to notify each other of launching ballistic missiles
#Kazakhstan #Russia
Ex-Ukrainian FM warns of dire consequences for Ukraine under Trump’s peace plans — Politico
Dmitry Kuleba doubts that the president-elect could broker a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia, as Zelensky will not ink an agreement that surrenders territory. "It will be the end of Zelensky politically," he said in an interview with Politico.
Kuleba warned that Trump's plans to limit aid to Ukraine would only weaken the country's defenses, causing "the front line in the Donbass to collapse and the Russians to be at the gates of Dnepr, Poltava, and Zaporozhye."
Kuleba also criticized Kiev’s allies for inconsistent arms support, saying the West still has difficulty understanding "what it is fighting for."
#Politico
Trump picks Jamieson Greer as ‘tariff tsar’
Donald Trump has named his pick for trade representative - who served in Trump’s last administration as Chief of Staff to the position he will now take up - shortly after announcing tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China.
Greer has been tasked with "reining in the country’s massive trade deficit, defending American manufacturing, agriculture, and services, and opening up export markets everywhere."
#Trump
