Vladimir Putin’s nuclear threats are escalating, with Russia amplifying Western alarm to manipulate public opinion and weaken unity.
Ukraine
President-elect Donald Trump is seen as sympathetic toward Russia, but his past policies have directly and indirectly helped Ukraine and hurt Moscow.
Trump’s Europe policy could strain relations with the EU and NATO allies. But Europe is already preparing for reduced defense cooperation and higher tariffs.
Trump’s 2025 return may intensify the war in Ukraine and tensions with Iran, while raising unpredictability in Asia’s alliances with China.
Ukraine is locked in a war of attrition with Russia, facing severe losses, manpower shortages, and the real possibility of defeat.
Russia’s recruitment of North Korean soldiers offers political value but it also poses significant tactical risks.
Ukraine’s Western allies hesitate to decisively increase military support, risking Pres. Volodymyr Zelensky’s victory plan against Russia.
As war fatigue grows, public opinion in Ukraine is shifting, with rising support for territorial concessions to bring an end to the conflict.
With top-notch operational security, Ukraine targeted a weakly defended stretch of the Russian border to strike into the Kursk oblast.
Almost one-third of Ukrainians support territorial concessions for peace with Russia, while over half oppose such compromises.