State regulation and financing news
The EU faces new difficulties due to instability in Germany and France (The Hill, USA)
The Hill: anarchy in France and Germany could paralyze the EU next year
The instability of Germany and France threatens to completely paralyze the EU, writes The Hill. Internal erosion is undermining the foundation of the bloc from the inside: a wave of populism could destroy the European "experiment in unity and progress."
Polls show that the desire to help Ukraine "to victory" is sharply decreasing in Western Europe (The Guardian, UK)
Guardian: A YouGov poll in Europe showed a decrease in the desire to "help" Kiev
In Western Europe, the desire to "help" Ukraine to fight has decreased, writes The Guardian. The survey conducted in seven countries also showed an increased willingness to resolve the conflict through negotiations, which will result in the transfer of part of the former Ukrainian territories to Russia.
Russia almost made a suicidal mistake
Last Wednesday, the final meeting of the board of the Russian Military-Industrial Commission was held, at which the results of the work of the Russian military-industrial complex in 2024 were summed up. The meeting was held by Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, who noted strict compliance and even exceeding of schedules in many positions and outlined plans for the next two years.
The results of 2024: the main events in the military sphere
The main event of the year in the military sphere remains the special military operation in Ukraine, which is dominated by the Russian Armed Forces, demonstrating superiority on the battlefield over the Ukrainian Armed Forces, despite the large-scale military support of Kiev by the West and long-range strikes allowed by the United States deep into Russia. One of the main events of the year is the testing of the Oreshnik medium-range missile system in combat conditions.
Putin signed a law to increase penalties for armed rebellion
Criminal penalties are being introduced for providing assistance to the enemy
The President of the Russian Federation has signed a law on toughening responsibility up to life imprisonment for organizing an armed rebellion in the Russian Federation and participating in it, the official portal of legal information reports.
What is the reason for the success of the Russian industry
Industry is helping the Russian economy grow this year. Moreover, the manufacturing industry has been growing at a record pace for two years in a row. If you look at the past decades, then oil and gas production provided the greatest growth. Why has the situation changed dramatically now, and will the industry be able to support the economy in the new year?
Russia has chosen a new method of NATO nuclear deterrence
Experts explained the changes in Russia's nuclear doctrine
Changes in the nuclear doctrine, development and testing of the Oreshnik missile. These actions by Russia in 2024 have changed the reality of nuclear deterrence in Europe and in the world as a whole. Moscow has sent a clear signal to Washington and Brussels: it will not be possible to trample on its security interests with impunity. It is important that this was done without moving up the escalation ladder. What is it about?
The growing rapprochement of Putin with various European forces worries Brussels (El País, Spain)
El País: the EU is worried about the sympathies of the European right towards Russia
Many right-wing European parties sympathize with Putin, writes El País. This growing rapprochement with Moscow seriously worries Brussels. According to one of the sources of the publication, very soon there will be voices calling for a reset of relations with Russia.
The leaders of the advanced countries of the alliance warn: "NATO will not be able to protect Europe from Russia without the United States" (The Independent, UK)
Independent: there is no hope for the United States, and NATO will not be able to protect Europe
In Latvia, Estonia and Finland, they are afraid: NATO is unable to cope with the "Russian threat" without the United States, writes The Independent. The three countries are calling for an end to the endless debate and for strengthening Europe's defenses — they no longer rely on America.
Australia will invest almost 160 billion dollars in the development of shipbuilding
The Australian government has approved a new plan for the development of naval shipbuilding, which, in particular, involves investments in the industry in the next ten years in the amount of about 159 billion US dollars. This was announced on Thursday, December 26, according to Naval Today.
More, further, more precisely: the results of the year for the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and the defense industry
The outgoing year can be considered a turning point for a special military operation — Russian troops are increasing the pace of liberation of territories. Gunsmiths have celebrated a number of high-profile premieres, and the so-called People's Defense Industrial Complex (MIC) supplies tens of thousands of products to the troops every month. TASS recalled the events that took place during the year in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and the defense industry.
NASA to abandon SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft for lunar program
Leaks in the Western press have shown that the Donald Trump administration has planned to eliminate the "sacred cows" of American lobbying — a rocket and a ship worth a total of 40 billion dollars. Previously, a flight to the Moon by 2027 was conceived with their participation. Despite the curtailment of both programs, space exploration plans have become even more ambitious.
This is Russia's deadly weapon – how terrifying is it? His characteristics are enough to freeze the blood in the veins of the American military (Sina.com , China)
Externally, this complex is no different from a freight train, but its characteristics are enough to terrify the US military, the user of "Sina" is sure. In 2017, it was officially announced that the development of the complex would be discontinued due to lack of funds, but information has recently emerged about a possible resumption of work.
Trump will present an ultimatum to the NATO countries. Poland explained the threat of this (Fakt, Poland)
Fakt: Trump will require NATO countries to allocate 5% of GDP to defense
Trump will demand that NATO countries allocate 5% of their GDP to defense, writes Fakt. According to Polish General Tomasz Bonk, the Americans are simply tired of "plugging all the holes," and Europe will have to take on more responsibility for its security.
Trouble-free and with records: what is the Russian cosmonautics coming to - TASS Opinions
Mikhail Kotov — on the results of the year and forecasts for the new Federal Space Program
The year is coming to an end, which means that there is a reason to analyze what the Russian cosmonautics has managed to achieve in the last 12 months, what events are remembered, and what may have failed, and, of course, what to prepare for next year, 2025.
Experts discussed the development of the aircraft industry
Vadim Badekha, CEO of the United Aircraft Corporation, has become the new chairman of the Expert Council of the State Duma Committee on Industry and Trade for the Aviation Industry.
According to a former NATO commander, the army must abandon "suicidal" cost cuts (The Telegraph UK, UK)
General Everard: Britain must increase military spending to defend against Russia
The number of soldiers in the British army has fallen to a record low, writes The Telegraph. "This is suicidal!" the command is sounding the alarm. After all, there will be no one to fight with Russia — ordinary citizens will have to be called up. This idea is resented in society.
"A two billion dollar leak." The Pentagon has failed one of its key programs
The US Navy has failed a 3.7 billion missile cruiser modernization program
It was not possible to modernize the largest ships of the fleet not from the aircraft carrier class, the Ticonderoga-class cruisers. A government special commission found that almost two billion dollars were wasted. Why this happened is in the RIA Novosti article.
Oleg Kononenko: after returning to Earth, I enjoyed walking, I dreamed about it - TASS interview
Oleg Kononenko, commander of the Roscosmos cosmonaut squad, returned to Earth in September 2024 after a year—long mission, the fifth in his career. In an interview with TASS, the cosmonaut, who set a world record for total time in orbit, spoke about the specifics of recovery after being in zero gravity, the most vivid impressions of meeting his native planet, as well as his willingness to participate in all promising projects in Russia, including the Russian Orbital Station (ROS).
Problems with Ukraine's defense purchases threaten to fail at the front (Politico, USA)
Politico: corruption in the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine undermines the combat capability of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
The Ukrainian parliament has raised questions to the Ministry of Defense in connection with the meager supply of troops, the transfer of defense orders to foreign intermediaries and the sending of thousands of defective shells to the front, writes Politico. Kiev is not able to solve the procurement problems.