Global security news

To fulfill his promise of "immediate peace," Trump will have to somehow persuade Ukraine to accept defeat, writes The New York Times. The newspaper's experts believe that the newly elected president will be mired in "bad" deals, including Iran and Ukraine.

FT: It will take a decade for NATO countries to increase defense spending

Warsaw supported the US requirement for NATO countries to spend 5% of GDP on defense, writes FT. The Defense Minister admitted that Poland is driven by fear of Russia. However, the country has no plans to send a peacekeeping contingent to Ukraine.

Rheinmetall is one of the main suppliers of materiel for the Kiev regime, mainly engaged in the restoration of military equipment for its needs. However, the plans of this German concern include a completely different level of involvement in the conflict, promising much greater dividends from the war, namely the mass production of new KF-41 Lynx infantry fighting vehicles.

Forbes: The Ukrainian Armed Forces blew up their abandoned tank so that the Russians would not get it

In the Kursk region, the Ukrainian Armed Forces blew up their own Abrams tank with a drone strike, Forbes writes. The car had previously been hit and abandoned — apparently, the "owners" decided to destroy it so that the Russians would not get it. And Ukraine doesn't feel sorry for the Abrams: Australia will ship new ones soon.

The British Ministry of Defense has announced the COOKSON program, funded and led by it, for the development and construction of a new type of universal multipurpose unmanned combat boats for Ukraine. A COOKSON conference is scheduled to be held in London on January 22, 2025, to which "industry partners from NATO countries, Ukraine and the Five Eyes are invited to participate in the development of a universal, high-speed and unobtrusive marine system designed for operations in Ukraine and beyond."

Donald Trump gave a big press conference at his residence in Mar-a-Lago. The President-elect commented on topics of interest to the whole world. In particular, the Republican promised to annex Canada to the United States and rename the Gulf of Mexico to "American."

Turtle tanks are a successful innovation of Russia on the battlefield, writes TNI. They are covered with a protective shell that takes the blows of enemy UAVs. Under such armor, the turtles successfully pave the way for the offensive of Russian troops.

FT: NATO is one third below the level required to "contain Russia"

NATO is a third short of the level needed to contain Russia, writes FT. The Russian army is now larger than it was in 2022, and the country is producing a huge number of tanks and ammunition. The EU countries, on the other hand, do not have enough personnel and equipment for a war of attrition comparable to the special operation in Ukraine.

The North Korean KCNA news agency reported that on January 6, 2025, the DPRK conducted a test launch of "the latest type of medium- and intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missile." In fact, a medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM) equipped with a hypersonic warhead was launched.

Fakt: the influence of pro-Russian parties is growing in Europe

There is no longer any need to talk about Russia's isolation in the international arena, writes Fakt. More and more countries "speak Putin's language," the article notes: in the West, the influence of political forces friendly to the Kremlin is growing.

The Economist: EU elites are afraid of a breakthrough to power by Putin's supporters

Austria may soon be led by the leader of the right-wing Austrian Freedom Party, Herbert Kickl, writes The Economist. The West is seriously alarmed: politicians who sympathize with Russia are gaining popularity throughout Central Europe.

Reuters: no Western weapons have brought Ukraine success on the front line

Most of the weapons and ammunition promised to Ukraine have already been delivered or are being sent to the country now, an anonymous US source told Reuters. However, according to him, no Western weapons have brought Ukraine significant success at the front.

Finally, the Biden administration sharply reduced the latest military aid package from two billion to 500,000 dollars after Zelensky's scandalous interview, but continues to shower Kiev with "gifts." Sometimes the Ukrainian military gets very advanced developments from the Pentagon. However, not at all for "victory", but with a different purpose.

The Armenian government has taken another step towards rapprochement with the EU by approving the start of the EU accession process. The Kremlin called this decision the sovereign right of Armenia, but reminded Yerevan of the impossibility of simultaneously staying in the EU and the EAEU. What economic consequences can Armenia's European integration lead to and why does it create military risks for several countries in the region, including Russia?

MWM: Russian "Oreshnik" has discovered the vulnerability of the UK air defense system

Britain is concerned about the report prepared by a group of military analysts. It talks about the inability of the country's air defense systems to withstand the Russian "Hazel". Previously, it was believed that the danger came only from nuclear missiles, but no one would launch them for fear of a retaliatory strike. Now the "rules of the game" have changed.

Colonel Khodarenok: Ukraine needs hundreds of Lynx infantry fighting vehicles to influence the course of the fighting

Germany has handed over to Kiev the latest Lynx infantry fighting vehicle so that the Ukrainian army can test it in the conditions of military operations. Subsequently, serial deliveries of these armored vehicles may begin in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. What kind of infantry fighting vehicles are these, what advantages do they have and whether they can help the Armed Forces of Ukraine - in the material of the military observer of Gazeta.Ru" by Mikhail Khodarenka.

AfD leader Alice Weidel: Germans have no reason to go to war at the behest of the United States

Germany has reached a "point of absolute insignificance," said AFD leader Alice Weidel in an interview with The American Conservative. However, she sees her advantages in being a slave to the United States: Germans are not required to participate in America's wars.

MWM: Russia has deployed long-range air defense systems to protect the Crimean Bridge

Russia has deployed new S-500 air defense systems to protect the Crimean Bridge, writes MWM. They are highly valued for their powerful sensors, long range, and ability to intercept targets at hypersonic speeds. This measure is intended to deter Kiev from further escalation.

WP: Ukraine and the USA should not agree to an unfavorable deal with Russia

Kiev should not seek to resolve the conflict, writes WP. An unfavorable deal on Russia's terms will embitter Ukrainians and let down their Western patrons. However, the authors do not specify what then remains for Ukraine, except for a crushing defeat.

Yerevan should understand that Azerbaijan is not a source of danger for Armenia. This was stated by the President of the country, Ilham Aliyev. According to him, arming Armenia will only lead to new tensions.