Ukraine has unveiled a new laser weapon, the Tryzub, capable of shooting down aircraft from over two kilometers. This development places Ukraine among a select group of countries possessing such technology. The weapon offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional munitions, potentially providing a significant advantage in the ongoing war against Russia. While limitations exist, the Tryzub represents a notable technological advancement in military defense.
Ukraine claims its forces inflicted heavy casualties on North Korean troops fighting alongside Russia in the Kursk region. At least 30 North Korean soldiers were reportedly killed or injured. This underscores the growing military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, adding another dimension to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
As hopes for peace talks dim with the incoming Trump administration, the Ukraine-Russia war intensifies. The Biden administration rushes to provide billions in aid, while Trump threatens to cut funding, leaving Ukraine’s forces bracing for a potential shift in US support.
Russia’s relentless attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure are intensifying as winter deepens, plunging millions into darkness and creating a humanitarian crisis. The strategic targeting of power plants and civilian infrastructure aims to break Ukraine’s resilience and force political concessions. Despite Western aid, the situation remains dire, highlighting the urgent need for continued international support.
A senior US official urges Ukraine to lower its military conscription age to 18 to counter Russia’s advancing forces, highlighting critical manpower shortages despite significant Western aid. The situation is further complicated by potential shifts in US support under a future Trump administration.
A new report by researchers in Britain and Sudan estimates that over 61,000 people have died in Khartoum state during the first 14 months of Sudan’s war, a figure significantly higher than previously recorded. The study, which used a unique sampling technique, suggests that starvation and disease are now leading causes of death, with the conflict’s indirect impacts taking a heavy toll.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed concerns over US President-elect Donald Trump’s proposal for a swift end to the Russia-Ukraine war, warning that such a move could compromise Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence. Zelenskyy emphasized the need for a ‘fair’ and ‘lasting’ peace, rejecting calls for a hasty resolution that could benefit Russia. He also highlighted the dangers of North Korean troops fighting alongside Russia, urging NATO to address this growing threat.
Russian forces intensified their bombing campaign on Ukrainian cities overnight, resulting in the death of one person and injuries to over three dozen others. The attacks, which included missiles, drones, and glide bombs, targeted multiple regions, including Odesa, Kharkiv, and Kyiv. The Ukrainian air force reported intercepting some missiles and drones, but the glide bombs, which Ukraine currently lacks effective defense against, caused significant damage. The escalating intensity of the Russian aerial campaign comes at a critical moment in the war, with Ukrainian forces facing setbacks in the east and uncertainty surrounding future Western aid.
Russia’s war economy, touted by President Putin as resilient, is facing a butter crisis as surging inflation drives up prices. Butter prices have skyrocketed, leading to thefts and government intervention, highlighting the strain on the economy despite strong growth figures. This rise in prices is partly attributed to increased defense spending and global sanctions.
A new poll reveals a stark partisan divide among American voters regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict. While both Democrats and Republicans acknowledge the war’s severity and express concern about US involvement, they drastically disagree on who’s to blame for the escalation. The poll highlights Americans’ anxieties over a potential wider war in the Middle East, along with their varying opinions on US involvement and the effectiveness of the Biden-Harris administration’s efforts to broker a ceasefire.
