pmp10

Zelensky lowers Ukrainian draft age. Seems the need is finally serious enough for him to take the political hit. It still leaves Russia with at least 6 months of manpower advantage before this can make any difference on the frontline.

I was giving Dragons Dogma 2 a try but gave up after reaching the second city. They managed to stay too faithful to the original, just a bigger map with no notable improvements to speak of. A shame since the original had great potential, this could have been a great game if only they were willing to work on it.

Russia attacked Ukrainian power facilities last night. It's long past winter by now, so these would likely be a response to strikes on Russian refineries. Interestingly enough there are no signs of any escalation as a result of the terror attack.

At least 40 dead in terror strike on Moscow concert. We will soon see just how desirable war escalation is for Russia.

That's assuming Israel is really interested in ending anything. I'm sure they see a lot of advantages in turning current situation into a new normal.

If FT is to be believed US is asking Ukraine to end attacks on Russian refineries. Predictable outcome since the tactic was making a difference.

It seems Macron is not backing down from alarmist talk about Ukraine. His usual attention-seeking aside, it shows that Europe is slowly waking-up to the possibility that the war may not end in a stalemate. Then again, Ukrainian defeat was a risk they decided to take.

I would think the whole point of officially admitting there are NATO troops present is to dispense with deniability. That leaves the option open for a slippery-slope of reinforcements in case Ukraine starts to lose ground.

That was always going to happen given all that advanced weaponry provided. No-one was about to learn all the intricacies of western air-defense systems within few months. More interesting is if the rumored French combat contractors are really present there.

If these numbers are even remotely accurate we will see the front stabilize long-term. I would expect Russia to at least have some forces saved for the US election.

Remember GLSDMB ordered by US for Ukraine one year ago? Seems they are finally arriving. Now if that aid bill ever passes they might even be delivered in volume.

Individual counties most likely would, but the EU as a whole not so much. Ukraine would end up with plenty of weaponry and not enough cash to pay the bills.

It will be interesting to see if Syrski somehow tries to prove himself as a new commander. And if he does, will it be militarily or politically. I wonder what his stance is on that request to conscript 500k men.

They can't put it off forever either. Given current situation we might see a forever war stretch on for years.

This most likely means that Zelensky is under increasing pressure to plan the presidential election and is starting to getting rid of potential competition. He needs Zaluzhny out as soon as possible so that his popularity has time to fade.

Ukraine has started hitting Russian energy infrastructure with domestic made drones. The west won't like this but I guess it's about the last escalation option that Ukraine has.

China was told that Russia will wage the war for 5 years. That's from March so things might have changed since then.

Ukraine may mobilize another 500k men. No end in sight so far.

It gives them better access to EU funds so it's not all bad. The real problem is they don't seem to understand the 'timeline: never' approach and fully expect to be admitted in a few years.

Putin just ordered another army expansion. He didn't even bother to wait until Russian elections were done with. A bad sign for any near-term freezing of this war.

The impact is just not serious enough for anyone to care. Israel will get its way and all that remains is to make useless fell-good statements and monetize the angertainment.

One of these politicians is actually on the Israeli left. There is no telling what consensus emerges in Israel after the fighting is done. But rumors are already flying that southern Gaza is next and may end up as little more than 50km² 'safe zone'.

That's far from given. Israeli officials are testing the waters on unloading refugees to other countries. Their record on allowing Palestinians to move back is not that great.

Washington Post is openly saying Ukraine bombed Nord Stream. Supposedly Zelensky was not consulted, might be because his administration is thought to be soft and compromised by the Russians. Interestingly even US objections were ignored. Timing on this news is a little suspicions as well. Winter bombing of Ukrainian energy infrastructure is expected to start soon and they threaten retaliation on Russia’s oil and gas.

If Ukraine has shown anything is that without US NATO is completely toothless. Next time Trump or Trump-like is in power will be very tough on eastern Europe. And I wouldn't count on Poland to save the day unless soldiers found only on paper can materialize and do real fighting.