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Putin invites U.S. to 21st century missile duel, testing Russia's 'Oreshnik' against Western defenses in Kyiv
Russian president Vladimir Putin has extended an offer to the United States to engage in a "high-tech duel of the 21st century." Putin suggested testing the prowess of Russia's "Oreshnik" missile system by targeting Kyiv. During a live session combined with a press conference on December 19, he confidently claimed that Western air defense systems stand no chance against such an attack. For those skeptical of his assertion, Putin proposed a "technological experiment":
"If Western experts …
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Belgium postpones F-16 delivery to Ukraine amid shortage of parts and pilots
Belgium's Defence Minister Ludivine Dedonder revealed on December 18th that the delivery of the first batch of F-16 fighters to Ukraine has been postponed. The delay is attributed to a shortage of parts and an insufficient number of qualified pilots.
According to Le Soir, Belgium has also experienced delays in acquiring new American F-35 fighters, which were ordered back in 2018 to replace the older F-16s. Although the first batch was expected in 2023, delivery schedules have slipped to 2024. …
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Putin dismisses Assad's overthrow as Russia’s defeat
Russian president Vladimir Putin does not consider the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad a defeat for Russia, citing internal changes among groups that fought against Syrian government forces. According to Putin, Russia has achieved its goal in Syria by preventing the creation of a "terrorist enclave" there.
"You mentioned Syria. You want to portray everything happening in Syria as some sort of defeat for Russia. I assure you, it is not. And I'll tell you why: we went to Syria 10 years ago to …
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Ukraine seeks U.S. license for local Patriot missile production amidst ongoing defense challenges
Ukraine has repeatedly approached U.S. authorities, requesting a license for local production of Patriot missile defense systems. President Volodymyr Zelensky noted that while no one has explicitly denied the license request, no progress has been made.
He explained that the initiative is driven by the necessity to bolster the defense of Ukrainian cities and rear lines against Russian missile attacks. Delays in air defense deliveries are forcing Ukraine to seek solutions independently. After …
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Ukrainian Security Service dismantles major Russian spy network targeting air defense and F-16 bases
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has dismantled the largest network of Russian spies targeting air defense systems and F-16 bases across five regions of Ukraine. This network, linked to the Russian Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU), was neutralized by the SBU in a successful operation, according to the agency's Telegram statement.
The Russian agents were caught hunting for critical strategic information, including locations of Ukrainian F-16 bases and radio-electronic warfare production …
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Ukraine claims to have developed laser weapons
Ukraine has announced the creation of the "Trident" laser system, capable of hitting targets at distances of up to two kilometer. The Ukrainian Armed Forces' Unmanned Systems Commander, Colonel Vadim Sukharevsky, stated that this innovation can even target aircraft. However, in an interview with the TV channel "Espresso," defense technology expert Sergey Zgurets, Director of the information advisory firm Defense Express, urged caution regarding such claims. He explained that laser weaponry is …
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Ukraine offers gas transit to Slovakia in 2025, excluding Russian supplies
Ukraine has reaffirmed its readiness to transit gas to Slovakia even in 2025, but with a stringent caveat: the gas must not be of Russian origin. In a development that follows Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico's assertions about continued reliance on the Ukrainian pipeline in 2025, Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has been clear that Kyiv is prepared to supply EU countries with any gas that is not Russian. He emphasized the conclusion of the current transit agreement, stating, "From …
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Intense Donbas clashes: Russian forces target Ukrainian lines, prompting tactical retreats yet no major advances
Despite heavy offensive actions by Russian forces, the tactical situation on the ground remains largely unchanged, according to Ukrainian military command. While Ukraine's defensive positions faced significant destruction resulting from Russian artillery strikes, prompting a tactical retreat in some areas, Russians have yet to achieve substantial advancements, reported the press center of the operational-strategic group "Khortytsia".
Russian forces concentrated their assaults on locations …
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Ukrainian Forces reportedly kill 50 North Korean troops in Russia's Kursk region
Ukrainian drone operators have reportedly killed 50 North Korean soldiers and injured another 47 over a span of three days, according to Ukraine's Special Operations Forces Command.
Fighters from the 8th Special Purpose Regiment of Ukraine's Special Operations Forces, named after Prince Iziaslav Mstislavich, claim to have eliminated 50 North Korean troops in Russia's Kursk region within a three-day period, as stated by the press service of Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces Command. …
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Explosion in Moscow kills Russian General Igor Kirillov, head of Radiation, Chemical, and Biological Forces
A deadly explosion claimed the life of General Igor Kirillov, head of the Radiation, Chemical and Biological Defense Forces, the Russian Investigative Committee reported on Tuesday, December 17. According to local authorities, Kirillov's assistant was also killed in the attack. Telegram channel Baza identifies the assistant as Ilya P., without disclosing his full name.
The explosion occurred on Ryazansky Prospect in Moscow at approximately 6 a.m. An improvised explosive device detonated as …