Russia has targeted civilian areas, but the resilience of the Ukrainian people has once again prevailed
UKRAINE WAR – It seems that Vladimir Putin is getting increasingly desperate. In the last 24 hours, Russian forces have struck several Ukrainian civilian areas, with an intent to cause damage and casualties.
This isn’t simply a case of mistaken targets, it’s a clear attempt to inflict further suffering to Ukraine and its people.
War Correspondent, Misha Zelinsky was in Kyiv as the missiles rained down.
Despite the adversities faced by the Ukrainian people, Zelinsky explained how resilient they are.
Shortly after the attacks on their capital, many Ukrainians gathered together to sing and huddle in solidarity. While other’s set up makeshift kiosks offering food and drinks.
On the battlefield, Ukraine is fighting back with momentum, and their forces are making advances on all fronts.
With the support of the U.S. and NATO, they are well-equipped to continue this fight and ultimately come out victorious.
Their forces are making prominent gains by taking or threatening territory Russia claimed to have control over.
Meanwhile, reports from inside Russia suggest that its army is in disarray, with little direction or strategy.
This could be the beginning of the end for Putin’s regime, however, concerns about Putin’s unpredictable behaviour is still front and centre.
Predicting the unpredictable
Following the recent strikes on civilian areas, Russia has warned of more similar attacks.
Putin often speaks about nuclear weapons, to remind the world that Russia has them.
They constitute Russia’s strongest claim to great power status. There are questions, however, about Russia’s nuclear posture and if it has or will change.
While some believe Putin’s nuclear threats are empty bluffs, but others say it’s impossible to predict what a humiliated leader like Putin will do when backed into a corner.
Holding Putin accountable
There are calls for the world to declare Russia as a terrorist state, and to bring Vladimir Putin to account.
However, that is easier said than done. Putin’s war crimes are evident but what does accountability look like at this point in time?
How the world brings Putin and Russia back under control sets the precedent for other leaders like China’s, Xi Jinping.
If Russia can’t be stopped, what’s stopping China invading Taiwan?
Trump Tours Palisades Fire Damage, Meets Gov. Newsom to Discuss Recovery Efforts After Criticism of Response.
President Donald Trump arrived at Los Angeles International Airport to assess the damage caused by the Palisades Fire in Pacific Palisades.
He was welcomed by California Governor Gavin Newsom, and the two exchanged pleasantries before addressing reporters.
Trump expressed appreciation for Newsom’s presence, stating, “We want to get the problem fixed. It’s like you got hit by a bomb.”
Governor Newsom thanked Trump for visiting the affected area and acknowledged the significant impact of the disaster.
He highlighted the need for federal support and emphasized the importance of collaboration for recovery. Newsom recalled Trump’s assistance during the COVID pandemic, expressing his hope for a cooperative effort moving forward.
Both leaders acknowledged the severe situation in Palisades and surrounding areas like Altadena, where residents are in need of help. This meeting aims to foster a partnership to address the aftermath of the wildfires.
Musk’s Air Force One visit highlights Boeing’s struggles with delays and budget issues amid fierce competition from SpaceX.
On December 18, Musk visited Boeing’s military aircraft facility in San Antonio, Texas.
The billionaire, assigned by former US President Donald Trump to reduce government inefficiency, arrived in his Gulfstream G650.
Elon Musk visits the Boeing factory in Texas.
He came to review the new version of Air Force One, which is significantly delayed and facing a budget overrun of $2.7 billion.
This situation has become a significant issue for Boeing’s CEO, Kelly Ortberg.
Musk’s involvement is particularly striking given that his company, SpaceX, competes directly with Boeing in the aerospace sector.
His inspection of the presidential jet highlights the challenges Boeing faces in fulfilling government contracts amidst high expectations and critical scrutiny.
Putin claims Ukraine crisis stems from Trump’s 2020 election loss, expresses readiness for negotiations with the new US president.
Vladimir Putin stated that the Ukraine conflict could have been prevented if Donald Trump had won the 2020 election.
He described the ongoing war as a ‘crisis’ and expressed that the bloodshed in eastern Europe might not have occurred under a Trump presidency. Putin praised Trump as ‘smart and pragmatic’ and indicated his openness to negotiations concerning Ukraine.
Despite this, remarks from Putin’s Foreign Ministry criticized Western arms supply to Ukraine and questioned the legitimacy of the Ukrainian government.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s office insisted that any peace talks would require European representation.
Trump had previously claimed he could resolve the war quickly if he had been president. Just after beginning his second presidential term, there have been no signs of an imminent resolution to the conflict.
He recently warned Putin of potential taxes and sanctions if Russia does not agree to peace talks.
Advisers suggested that military aid to Ukraine could be curtailed if Kyiv does not agree to a deal. Trump criticised Zelensky, implying that the Ukrainian leader should have prevented the war.
Political analysts doubt Trump’s ability to end the conflict swiftly, highlighting Russia’s advantageous position in negotiations. However, some in Ukraine remain cautiously optimistic that a Trump presidency could offer a better alternative to the current situation under President Biden.