RUNNING UPDATES ON THE CONFLICT IN UKRAINE - 17.12.2024
Including geopolitical issues affecting the balance of power in the ongoing end game war to establish our common future, a closely monitored prison planet or tolerance for diverse modes of governance.
EVERYONE IS AWARE & FOR MYRIAD REASONS THAT THE KIEV REGIME CAN’T WIN AGAINST RUSSIA, BUT WESTERN ELITES CAN’T AFFORD TO ADMIT THIS OBVIOUS FACT.
COLLECTIVE WEST | RUSSIA
VLADIMIR PUTIN: The United States is pushing us to the red line.
VLADIMIR PUTIN: Putin accuses West of pushing Russia to its 'red lines' as Trump blasts Biden for long-range strikes.
Bloodshed, Chaos and US Manipulation: Putin Paints Grim Global Picture at Defense Meeting.
President Vladimir Putin addressed the Russian Defense Ministry board, summing up the year’s developments in the military operation in Ukraine. He also discussed the global situation and outlined other measures to ensure the country’s security.
Russian President Vladimir Putin outlined key objectives for strengthening the country’s defense capabilities and advancing the Armed Forces during an expanded session of the Defense Ministry board.
He also highlighted significant achievements and ongoing challenges faced in 2024.
"Today, we will review the main results of work over the past year, define tasks for strengthening defense capabilities and further develop the Armed Forces," Putin stated.
He stressed the importance of improving the armed forces' combat readiness and capacity.
"We are paying serious attention to improving the combat structure of our Armed Forces and increasing their potential," Putin said.
Advances Against Ukraine
Reflecting on 2024, Putin called it a pivotal year in achieving the goals of the special military operation.
"This year, 189 settlements were liberated," he said, noting that Russian forces hold the strategic initiative along the front line.
"Thanks to the professionalism and courage of our soldiers, the heroic work of defense industry workers and the nationwide support for our army and navy, our troops maintain firm control over the strategic initiative," the president said.
He expressed deep gratitude to those on the front lines and in supporting roles.
"I want to sincerely thank our heroes — soldiers and officers — who fight selflessly on the front lines, as well as the personnel of the Ministry of Defense, the National Guard and special services," Putin said. "They carry out even the most difficult tasks without sparing themselves or their lives for victory and for the Motherland."
The president underscored the need for continued vigilance and unity, reaffirming the government's commitment to ensuring the country's security and achieving its strategic goals.
Turning to external challenges, Putin accused the United States of fueling the conflict in Ukraine by supplying weapons, funds and military advisors.
"In an effort to weaken our country and inflict a strategic defeat, the US continues to pump weapons and money into the illegitimate regime in Kiev, encouraging further escalation of the conflict," he said.
US Aspirations for World Dominance
Putin described the global military-political climate as both challenging and unstable, pointing to ongoing conflicts and heightened tensions in multiple regions.
"Today, the military-political situation in the world remains challenging and unstable," Putin stated during an expanded session of the Defense Ministry board.
He highlighted the persistent violence in the Middle East and the growing risk of conflict elsewhere.
"The bloodshed in the Middle East does not cease, and there is significant conflict potential in several other parts of the world," Putin noted.
He also accused the US of waging covert warfare and enforcing a policy of containment against nations it calls its opponents, including Russia.
"The US imposes its so-called 'rules' on the international community, constantly changing and manipulating them as it sees fit," the Russian leader said. "For them, the only stable rule is that there are no rules."
"We see the US administration and the collective West relentlessly trying to preserve their dominance, pushing their rules on the global community and manipulating them as they see fit," Putin said.
He also noted the formation of new military-political alliances, driven by the US, which he argued are undermining decades-old security frameworks.
"The US is initiating the creation of new alliances that disrupt the established security architecture," he said.
Putin expressed concern over NATO’s growing presence in the Asia-Pacific region and its preparations to deploy ground-based missiles with a range of up to 5,500 kilometers.
"The alliance is expanding its presence in the Asia-Pacific, and there are already plans to deploy these missile systems in Europe and the Asia-Pacific," he warned.
The president stressed that those actions pose significant risks to global stability, further eroding trust and cooperation on international security.
US Stokes Russian Threat Fears
Russian President Vladimir Putin outlined the US tactics toward Russia of pushing the country to its limits while frightening its own people with imaginary threats.
"Under the pretext of a so-called Russian threat, [the US] frightens its population by claiming we are planning to attack someone," Putin said. "The tactic is simple: they push us to the red line, beyond which we cannot retreat, and when we respond, they escalate fears of a Russian threat."
He also stressed that Russia’s updated military doctrine maintains a policy of nuclear deterrence, dismissing accusations of nuclear saber-rattling.
"We have clarified the basic principles for the use of nuclear weapons, as outlined in the updated foundations of state policy in the area of nuclear deterrence," Putin stated. "Let me stress again: we are not rattling nuclear weapons — this is a policy of deterrence."
Russia to End INF Limits if US Deploys Missiles in Europe or Asia
Putin warned that Russia would lift its self-imposed restrictions on deploying medium-range missiles if the US begins deploying such systems.
"We have repeatedly warned that the termination of this treaty would negatively impact global security," Putin stressed. "Russia has voluntarily refrained from deploying intermediate- and shorter-range missiles as long as American systems of this type are not stationed anywhere in the world."
If Washington goes ahead with those deployments, Moscow will "remove all voluntary restrictions," he vowed.
Putin also emphasized the importance of ensuring the military’s readiness to detect and intercept intermediate-range missile launches if the US deploys them.
"We have already discussed the risks of US deploying intermediate-range missiles in Europe and the Asia-Pacific," he added. "We will respond comprehensively to such threats, with the priority being the timely detection and interception of missile launches."
Russia Needs to Create Single Hub for Intel and Retaliation
Putin said it was necessary to establish a single hub for processing intelligence and launching attacks.
"Now, due to the introduction of advanced developments in the defense industry, it is necessary to form a single information space as soon as possible, combining intelligence and destruction tools at the strategic, operational and tactical management level," Putin said.
US Fuels Conflict in Ukraine by Sending Mercenaries, Advisers
The US is encouraging the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine by sending mercenaries and military advisers there, the president noted.
"In their effort to weaken our country and deliver a strategic defeat, the US continues to supply the regime in Kiev that is in fact illegitimate with weapons and money, while sending mercenaries and military advisers, thereby encouraging further escalation of the conflict," Putin said.
The US government tries to frighten its people with claims that Russia plans to attack other nations, Putin added.
Mass Production of Oreshnik Missile to Begin Soon
Mass production of the Oreshnik missile complexes will be ensured in the near future, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.
"We pay serious attention to improving the combat strength of the armed forces, increasing their capabilities," Putin said.
"It is necessary to tweak all issues of mass production and deployment of such domestic strike systems, including hypersonic ones.
He pointed out that the medium-range Oreshnik ballistic missile, recently combat-tested in Ukraine was Russia's newest weapons, and assured that it would enter mass production.
Russia needs to increase the production of UAVs, the president added.
"It is necessary to increase the production of robotic complexes and unmanned systems of various classes and types," Putin said.
Russian froces receive several thousand drones every day, he added.
Russia Will Not Let Arms Race Stop Economic Development
Russia is getting involved into a full-scale arms race to the detriment of socio-economic development, Vladimir Putin said.
"Given the growing geopolitical tension, we are forced to take additional measures to ensure the security of Russia and our allies," Putin said. "We do this carefully and thoughtfully, without getting drawn into a full-scale arms race to the detriment of the socio-economic development of our country."
Tracking of the launch of medium-range missiles and intercepting them was now crucial to Russia's defense, the president added.
ALEXANDER MERCOURIS of THE DURAN: Moscow Furious After Kirillov Killing; Promises Punishment; Kiev Pokrovsk Counterattack Fails.
ALEX CHRISTOFOROU of THE DURAN: Scholz loses confidence vote. Canada chaos, Freeland gone. Ukraine SBU assassinates Russian General.
ALEX CHRISTOFOROU & ALEXANDER MERCOURIS of THE DURAN: Let's talk about some news.
DANNY HAIPHONG - SCOTT RITTER: Russia is DEMOLISHING Ukraine’s Army, NATO Overpowered by Hypersonic Oreshnik.
PROFESSOR JOHN J. MEARSHEIMER: PUTIN "The West Pushing Us to Our Red Lines."
PROFESSOR JOHN J MEARSHEIMER - ALEKSANDR DUGIN: The US Was Brain Dead After the Soviet Union's Collapse.
PROFESSOR JOHN J MEARSHEIMER - ALEKSANDR DUGIN: All You Need to Know about China, Russia & US.
PROFESSOR JOHN J MEARHEIMER - PROFESSOR ALEKSANDR DUGIN
SEBASTIAN SAS: Ukraine's LAST Stand In KURSK As Russian Wave Is Coming.
Dr. GILBERT DOCTOROW: Russia's Strategy in Syria & Ukraine.
ALEX KRAINER: Is RUSSIA free from the IMF and are SYRIA and UKRAINE part of the same conflict?
SEBASTIANSAS: Russia Is READY and Will Respond To The WEST.
China's Hit Back at the UN Embarrassed the U.S.
Russian Forces Dominate the Battlefield – Ukrainian Tank and MaxxPro Vehicle Destroyed.
What Drones Will New Russia's Unmanned Systems Troops Operate?
The creation of the 'Unmanned Systems Forces,' announced by Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov on December 16, follows the formation of several units armed with drones.
Those units require support of the ministry, including training, supply and staffing, Dmitry Kornev, founder of the Military Russia analytical portal, told Sputnik.
"One of the effective ways to solve this problem is to create a separate branch of the military, which will ensure the solution of the tasks that the armed forces face in providing and using drones and unmanned aerial vehicles anywhere," Kornev explained, suggesting that the branch will be part of the Russian ground forces.
What Combat and Surveillance Drones Would the New Unit Operate?
The pundit noted that First-Person View (FPV) UAVs have been increasingly used on the front line in Ukraine. These include the Ovod (Gadfly) and Upyr, which can carry munitions such as RPG-7 anti-tank grenade launcher warheads and fragmentation grenades.
Kornev also highlighted the operational-tactical Lancet loitering munition with an X-wing design, which functions like a guided air-to-surface missile, destroying itself upon impact. Depending on the model, it can reach speeds of 80 to 110 km/h, strike at distances of 40 to 70 km, and carry up to 5 kg of explosives.
"Drones that belong to the traditional long-range aviation drones that operate from the air are the Orion and the Inokhodets," the pundit pointed out.
While the Orion is designed for aerial reconnaissance, the Inokhodets is an armed UAV capable of carrying 200 kg of payload including reconnaissance equipment and weapons.
Other systems that have gained prominence on the Ukrainian battlefield include:
The Orlan-10: A multi-purpose UAV for reconnaissance, artillery adjustment and integration with the RB-341V Leer-3 electronic warfare system. It has a range of 600 km and stay airborne for 18 hours.
The Geran: A long-range kamikaze drone targeting military infrastructure. With a jet engine, it reaches 800 km/h, has a 2,500 km range and carries up to 50 kg of explosives.
The Kub: A drone for reconnaissance and kamikaze missions. Earlier versions carried a 3 kg payload at up to 130 km/h for 30 minutes. Updated models strike over 50 km and enable simultaneous group attacks.
New Drone Warfare Branch Proposed for Russian Armed Forces
COLLECTIVE WEST | GLOBAL MAJORITY
PROFESSOR JOHN J. MEARSHEIMER: Israel Could Regret Syria's Collapse.
CHIEF DENNIS FRITZ: Who Can Stop Netanyahu?
KEVORK ALMASSIAN: Who Gains From the Syrian Collapse?
MARK SLOBODA: Why Erdogan is the winner in Syria and why the Syrian army chose not to fight.
GRAHAM E FULLER: How the West is Self-Destructing in Syria While Russia Avoids the Trap.
PROFESSOR JEFFREY SACHS: US at perpetual war in the Middle East since 2001.
Journalists Shocked by State Department Spox's Callous Attitude Toward Gazą and Syrią.
AMBASSADOR CHAS FREEMAN: Who will dominate in Syria with the fall of Assad?
Dr. GILBERT DOCTOROW: Russia's Strategy in Syria & Ukraine.
COLONEL DOUGLAS MACGREGOR: First Syria. Is Egypt the next to fall?
Trump Hints at Possible Confrontation w/ Iran.
PEPE ESCOBAR: The Syrian Tragedy.
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COLLECTIVE WEST | BRICS
China's Hit Back at the UN Embarrassed the U.S.
USA
PROFSSOR JOHN J MEARSHEIMER: Can Trump beat the Deep State in his second term?
DANIEL DAVIS: U.S. Self Defeating Arrogance.
EUROPE | BRITAIN
German Parliament Gives Vote of No Confidence in Scholz Government.
In a vote in the Bundestag, the lower house of the German parliament, a majority of lawmakers supported a vote of no confidence in the government of Chancellor Olaf Scholz, paving the way for early elections in February, the president of the Bundestag, Barbel Bas, said on Monday.
Some 394 of the 717 lawmakers who took part in the vote voted against the vote of confidence in Scholz as a chancellor, while 207 voted in favor and 116 abstained.
German President Agrees to Call Snap Election if Parliament Votes No Confidence in Scholz
A minimum of 367 votes in favor or against was required for a vote of confidence or withdrawal of confidence. February 13, 2025, is set as the date for early elections due to the lack of a vote of confidence in the government and the impending dissolution of the parliament by the country's president.
Scholz's three-party government imploded in early November after he fired Finance Minister Christian Lindner, the Free Democratic Party leader, citing his unwillingness to greenlight new proposals for the 2025 budget and more aid for Ukraine.
NON-ENGLISH NEWS
LIU SIVAYA: "LOS TIGRES NORCOREANOS": EL BATALLÓN FANTASMA QUE HA ELIMINADO A 300 SOLDADOS UCRANIANOS EN KURSK.
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Crazy Russian maneuvers near Velyka Novosilka | Russian Lieutenant General killed by Ukraine.
MAPPING CHANNEL UPDATES
Cold War II, The Battle Of Kursk And Pokrovsk, The Final Days Of Toretsk, Military Summary 2024.12.17
MASSIVE Kursk Offensive | 50SQKM Recaptured | Ukrainian DISASTER.
11 Of Russian Breakthrough In Kursk Oblast | Russia Capture Makarivka And 5 Villages In Kursk Oblast.
Terrorist Attack in Moscow, Ukraine is Losing the Battle of Kursk. Military Summary For 2024.12.17
'We Are Not Ready' - NATO Prepares For WAR | War Will End On The Battlefield - Ukraine Map Update.
Russian New Missile System Oreshnik, Europe In Trouble.
HUGE FORESTS FALL TO RUSSIANS... | Ukraine War Frontline Changes Report.
Russia's Huge Advance Of 6 Kilometers Collapsed Ukraine's Defenses In Kursk Oblast.
VICTORY BELONGS TO RUSSIA: IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME
Each day that passes makes a conclusive Russian victory in the Donbass and beyond more certain. As Russia bolsters her forces, and weaponry, those of Ukraine decrease. Russian forces gain ready access to rest and recuperation as troop numbers increase. The increasingly exhausted and demoralised Ukrainian troops have an ever decreasing prospect of such respite. This situation is likely to bring them to complete breakdown as Russia unleashes the firepower of the more modern and advanced weaponry that is arriving with the newly mobilised Russian troops.
The various Ukrainian offensives are now weak when confronted by the reinforced Russian lines. A few futile efforts achieve quite miserable results before fire reigns down on the Ukrainian troops and they are forced back to their starting positions.
And now, all this being said, we have arrived at the wet, and later, freezing conditions where these pathetic Ukrainian forces will be subject to myriad forms of abject misery with death and injury all around them while they lie sodden or frozen, abandoned to their fate by Kiev.
The pitiable young and old of Ukraine have been frogmarched to their deaths as cannon-fodder while the bestial elites of the collective West urge their "president" to add more to their number there at the gates of Hell and their doom. We must feel for the majority of them as they are not the Nazis we revile, in most part they are decent men, fathers, sons, brothers, husband and uncles, who no doubt saw through the coup of 2014 for what it was. But sadly, their fate seems sealed.
Nothing will stop Russia now. Every factor favours them. Victory will be Russia's. In Donbass and beyond and in due course across the world.
Victory belongs to Russia: It is now only a matter of time.
EVERYONE IS AWARE & FOR MYRIAD REASONS THAT THE KIEV REGIME CAN’T WIN AGAINST RUSSIA, BUT WESTERN ELITES CAN’T AFFORD TO ADMIT THIS OBVIOUS FACT.
