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Ukraine's Armed Forces Strike Russian LPG Terminal, Impacting Export Capacity

Ukraine's Armed Forces Strike Russian LPG Terminal, Impacting Export Capacity

Ukraine's armed forces have conducted a strike on a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) export terminal at the Russian port of Temryuk, located on the Sea of Azov. This terminal, known as the Maktren-Nafta LPG terminal, is capable of moving 400,000 tonnes of gas annually and was constructed by the Ukrainian contractor Ukrgazproekt before the onset of the war. The attack, which took place on December 5, resulted in the destruction of 20 out of 30 storage tanks, significantly impacting the terminal's storage capacity. The fire caused by the strike reportedly burned for three days, although the full extent of the damage has not been independently verified. This incident marks another instance of Ukraine targeting the port, following a similar attack in May 2024.
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Letters to the Editor Highlight Europe's Peace Challenges Amid Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Letters to the Editor Highlight Europe's Peace Challenges Amid Russia-Ukraine Conflict

A series of letters to the editor in the New York Post discuss Europe's role in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and the proposed peace plan involving President Trump. The letters criticize the European Union's lack of decisive action and question the effectiveness of the proposed peace plan, which includes removing sanctions on Russia. The writers express concern over rewarding aggression and emphasize the need for NATO guarantees for Ukraine. The letters reflect a broader debate on how Europe should respond to Russian aggression and the implications of the peace plan for regional stability.
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Ukraine Targets Russia's Shadow Fleet to Disrupt Oil Sales Amid Sanctions

Ukraine Targets Russia's Shadow Fleet to Disrupt Oil Sales Amid Sanctions

Ukraine has reportedly launched attacks on several oil tankers off the coasts of Turkey and West Africa, targeting Russia's 'shadow fleet' used to evade international sanctions. These actions follow President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's call for stronger responses to these vessels, which continue to facilitate Russian oil sales despite sanctions. The U.S. and Europe have sanctioned numerous ships for violating bans on Russian oil sales and other illicit activities. Recent attacks by Ukrainian 'Sea Baby' drones have disabled ships capable of transporting oil worth millions, aiming to undermine Russia's financial resources for its war efforts.
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Ukraine Strikes Russian LPG Export Terminal, Impacting Gas Exports

Ukraine Strikes Russian LPG Export Terminal, Impacting Gas Exports

Ukraine's armed forces have targeted a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) export terminal at the Russian port of Temryuk on the Sea of Azov. The attack, which occurred on December 5, resulted in the destruction of 20 out of 30 storage tanks, significantly reducing the terminal's capacity. The Maktren-Nafta LPG terminal, built by Ukrainian contractor Ukrgazproekt, was designed to handle 400,000 tonnes of gas annually. The strike has led to a fire that reportedly burned for three days, potentially affecting Russian petroleum export revenues until repairs are completed. This is not the first attack on the port; a similar incident occurred in May 2024.
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Ukraine Seizes Cargo Ship Accused of Illegal Grain Transport from Crimea

Ukraine Seizes Cargo Ship Accused of Illegal Grain Transport from Crimea

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has seized a cargo ship accused of transporting grain from Crimea, a region under Russian occupation. The vessel, currently flagged in an African country but alleged to be Russian-controlled, was detained in the port complex of Greater Odesa. The SBU claims the ship made multiple trips to Sevastopol, exporting agricultural products for Russia's benefit. Documents found on board reportedly provide evidence of these activities. The seizure is part of Ukraine's broader efforts to enforce sanctions against Crimea, which has been closed to most commercial traffic since 2014. The ship will be turned over to ARMA, Ukraine's asset recovery operation, which will determine its future.
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EU enlargement chief says Ukraine’s membership 'inevitable' despite Hungary’s objections

EU enlargement chief says Ukraine’s membership 'inevitable' despite Hungary’s objections

EU enlargement chief Marta Kos says Ukraine’s EU membership is “inevitable” and has expressed confidence that Hungary will not block the country’s accession, even as Budapest objects to moving ahead during wartime
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Analysis-Pokrovsk's fall will not cause frontline collapse, but weakens Ukraine in Trump's eyes

Analysis-Pokrovsk's fall will not cause frontline collapse, but weakens Ukraine in Trump's eyes

By Tom Balmforth and Yuliia Dysa KYIV, Dec 11 (Reuters) - Russia's capture of Pokrovsk appears to be a matter of 'when' not 'if', and while its fall will not trigger a collapse in Ukraine's defences, it weakens Kyiv at a sensitive juncture in U.S.-led negotiations to end the war.
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Cuba's Alleged Terror Network and Its Impact on Global Security

Cuba's Alleged Terror Network and Its Impact on Global Security

Cuba has been accused of supporting terrorism and contributing to global instability, according to a recent opinion piece. The Cuban government is alleged to have provided weapons, training, and safe havens to rebel groups in Latin America, such as the FARC and ELN in Colombia. These groups have been labeled as terrorists by the U.S. and Europe. Additionally, Cuba is accused of harboring U.S. fugitives and engaging in online misinformation campaigns. The Cuban regime's involvement in Russia's war against Ukraine is also highlighted, with claims that thousands of Cubans have been sent to fight for Russia as mercenaries. The U.S. has responded by reinstating Cuba on the list of state sponsors of terrorism.
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Exclusive-Lukoil leans towards Xtellus' cashless bid for its foreign assets

Exclusive-Lukoil leans towards Xtellus' cashless bid for its foreign assets

By Dmitry Zhdannikov LONDON, Dec 10 (Reuters) - Russia's Lukoil favours U.S. bank Xtellus Partners' bid for its global assets over a dozen rival bids, as it takes the form of a cashless deal that would return U.S.-held securities to the Russian oil company, two sources familiar with the process said
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Haven cafe shuts as Russian attacks turn Ukraine's Kherson into ghost town

Haven cafe shuts as Russian attacks turn Ukraine's Kherson into ghost town

KHERSON, Ukraine, Dec 9 (Reuters) - Oleksiy Melnychenko, chief barista and manager of a cafe in the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson, held out as long as he could, serving doses of caffeine and normality to residents struggling amid Russian artillery and air attacks.
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Zelenskiy says 'refined documents' on peace plan will soon be sent to U.S

Zelenskiy says 'refined documents' on peace plan will soon be sent to U.S

By Yuliia Dysa and Dan Peleschuk KYIV, Dec 9 (Reuters) - Ukraine and its European partners will soon be ready to present the U.S. with "refined documents" on a peace plan to end the war with Russia, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Tuesday, following days of high-stakes shuttle diplomacy.
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Czech populist billionaire Babiš sworn in as prime minister

Czech populist billionaire Babiš sworn in as prime minister

Populist billionaire Andrej Babiš has been sworn in as the Czech Republic’s new prime minister following October’s parliamentary election