Ukraine Strikes Oil Depot in Russia's Engels

Disappointment among the Russian elite is palpable as the war in Ukraine drags on into 2025, with economic tensions rising and dissatisfaction with the Central Bank's policies. Some sources close to the Kremlin suggest that President Putin's enthusiasm for warfare may prolong the conflict, even as hopes for peace have been reignited by Donald Trump's electoral victory. Meanwhile, a significant majority of Ukrainians (73%) support the idea of acquiring nuclear weapons, despite warnings that such a step could escalate the conflict and isolate Ukraine internationally. Ukraine recently targeted a military oil depot in Russia, disrupting logistics for Russian airstrikes on Ukraine, as the country prepares for a defense meeting to outline military capabilities through 2027. Concerns have also been raised regarding the portrayal of Ukrainian military losses in media, which some analysts argue align with Russian propaganda narratives. This ongoing war continues to reveal deep divisions in perceptions and strategies on both sides.