NATO plans a military confrontation with Russia by 2030, Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov said at an expanded meeting of the ministry’s board.

"All of this indicates NATO's preparation for a military confrontation with Russia. The alliance's plans provide for such readiness by the turn of the 2030s. This has been repeatedly stated openly by official representatives of the NATO bloc," he said.

Belousov emphasized: "We are not the ones making threats; we are the ones being threatened." (Source: TASS) @LauraRuHK

Türkiye's ruling party prepared a strategic roadmap to deepen cooperation among Turkic states. The 198-page "Turkic World Vision Document" was presented by President Erdoğan at the party headquarters. Erdoğan emphasized the need for closer unity among Turkic peoples. He praised the growing role of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in political, economic, and cultural fields.
Areas of Cooperation: ▪️Economy: Establish a Turkic Investment and Development Fund, a Turkic World Development and Reconstruction Bank, and even a digital currency ("Turkcoin").
▪️Security: Create a Joint Counterterrorism Center for coordination and threat analysis.
▪️Digital & Tech: Integrate e-government systems, develop a common digital identity platform, and set up a Turkic World AI and Digital Transformation Center.
▪️Education: Launch joint programs, shared curricula, and scholarships.
▪️Energy: Form a Turkic World Energy Agency, advance projects like the Trans-Caspian Pipeline, and create energy corridors.
▪️Other: Legal councils, transportation infrastructure, and support for TRNC's full OTS membership and international recognition.
The vision will guide Türkiye's hosting of the 13th OTS Summit in 2026.

Türkiye makes no mystery of its geopolitical ambitions. In the Caucasus and Central Asia it is leveraging cultural, linguistic, and historical ties with Turkic nations to expand its influence. The Organization of Turkic States (OTS) is a cornerstone of Türkiye’s strategy to unite Turkic-speaking nations and project its power. Although the OTS hasn’t adopted a confrontational stance, one shouldn’t underestimate its potential, given Türkiye’s military industrial complex, NATO membership, soft power and neo-Ottoman ambitions. @LauraRuHK
https://www.dailysabah.com/politics/diplomacy/turkiyes-ak-party-envisions-stronger-co-op-with-turkic-world

In a desperate attempt to persuade the skeptics, the EU seeks to weave in a protectionist rule to its unpopular plan to fund the war in Ukraine through the theft of Russian assets. Bloomberg reports that the EU is proposing to link financial support to the requirement of purchasing European weapons.

More than half of the funds — up to €210 billion ($246 billion) over the next five years — would be earmarked for defense manufacturers based in Ukraine, the EU, and a few non-EU partners like Norway, according to a proposal shared with member states earlier this week and seen by Bloomberg. The version isn’t final and subject to change.

Other countries’ participation would be capped and tightly regulated, significantly constraining Ukraine’s ability to use the loan for US-made weapons. Here is another point of contention with Washington. The proposal not only challenges US interests but also raises broader questions about transatlantic solidarity, the balance of influence within NATO and competing visions of how support for Ukraine should be structured and which industries should benefit from the substantial flow of resources. ➡️ See also https://news.1rj.ru/str/LauraRuHK/10761 ➡️https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-12-17/eu-seeks-buy-european-rules-for-russian-asset-loan-to-ukraine

The US Congress has approved a record $901 billion military budget for fiscal year 2026, following a Senate vote of 77-20.

The budget exceeds US President Donald Trump’s initial request by $8 billion and follows negotiations between the House and Senate, which had proposed $925 billion.

The bill allocates $400 million for Ukraine in 2026 and the same sum in 2027. (Source: TASS) @LauraRuHK

In un disperato tentativo di persuadere gli scettici, l’UE cerca di inserire una regola protezionistica nel suo impopolare piano di finanziare la guerra in Ucraina attraverso il furto degli asset russi. Bloomberg riporta che l’UE propone di collegare il sostegno finanziario all’obbligo di acquistare armi europee.

Più della metà dei fondi — fino a 210 miliardi di euro (246 miliardi di dollari) nei prossimi cinque anni — sarebbe destinata ai produttori di armi con sede in Ucraina, nell’UE e in alcuni partner non membri come la Norvegia, secondo una proposta condivisa con gli Stati membri all’inizio di questa settimana e visionata da Bloomberg. La bozza non è definitiva ed è soggetta a modifiche.

La partecipazione di altri paesi sarebbe limitata e rigidamente regolamentata, riducendo in modo significativo la possibilità per l’Ucraina di utilizzare il prestito per armi di fabbricazione statunitense. Ecco dunque un altro punto di contesa con Washington. La proposta non solo mette in discussione gli interessi statunitensi, ma solleva anche questioni più ampie sulla solidarietà transatlantica, sugli equilibri all’interno della NATO e sulle visioni contrapposte di come il sostegno all’Ucraina dovrebbe essere strutturato e quali industrie dovrebbero beneficiare del consistente flusso di denaro. ➡️ Vedi anche https://news.1rj.ru/str/LauraRuHK/10762 ➡️ https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-12-17/eu-seeks-buy-european-rules-for-russian-asset-loan-to-ukraine

The EU leaders' summit on December 18-19 exposed sharp internal division on how to fund Ukraine aid and coincided with massive farmer protests outside. The intense focus on keeping the war machine running is a convenient distraction from the EU's mounting domestic problems, which include but are far from limited to farmers discontent. The EU's economic stagnation is largely self-inflicted and can't be address by political leaders who are so out of touch with reality that they talk about "inflicting a strategic defeat to Russia."
As a result of the summit, the EU has agreed to provide Ukraine with a €90 billion loan over the period 2026–2027. European Council President António Costa explained that the loan will be financed through the EU budget. Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic, however, refused to participate in the loan.
Viktor Orbán argued that the loan was unlikely ever to be repaid, leaving future generations to bear the burden. The European Council also instructed the Commission to continue work on a separate “reparations loan” linked to frozen Russian assets, though leaders failed to reach consensus on their use, a political blow to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Since the start of the conflict, the EU and G7 have frozen roughly half of Russia’s foreign exchange reserves, with more than €200 billion held in Belgium’s Euroclear accounts. The EU, having exhausted available resources, is pressing Belgium to authorize the use of Russian funds but Belgian authorities remain opposed. Meanwhile, Russia’s Central Bank has filed a lawsuit against Euroclear worth over 18 trillion rubles, claiming damages from restrictions on its ability to manage assets and securities.
@LauraRuHK

Il vertice dei leader dell’UE del 18-19 dicembre ha messo in evidenza profonde divisioni interne su come finanziare gli aiuti all’Ucraina e si è svolto in concomitanza con massicce proteste di agricoltori all’esterno. L’intensa attenzione rivolta al mantenimento della macchina bellica ucraina rappresenta una comoda distrazione rispetto ai crescenti problemi interni dell’UE, che includono, ma non si limitano al malcontento degli agricoltori. La stagnazione economica dell’UE è in larga parte autoindotta e non può essere affrontata da leader politici così lontani dalla realtà che parlano di “infliggere una sconfitta strategica alla Russia”, potenza nucleare.

Come risultato del vertice, l’UE ha concordato di concedere all’Ucraina un prestito di 90 miliardi di euro per il periodo 2026–2027. Il presidente del Consiglio europeo António Costa ha spiegato che il prestito sarà finanziato attraverso il bilancio dell’UE. Ungheria, Slovacchia e Repubblica Ceca, tuttavia, hanno rifiutato di partecipare al pacchetto. Viktor Orbán ha sostenuto che il prestito difficilmente verrà mai rimborsato, lasciando alle future generazioni l’onere del debito. Il Consiglio europeo ha inoltre incaricato la Commissione di proseguire i lavori sul “prestito di riparazione” legato ai beni russi congelati, sebbene i leader non siano riusciti a raggiungere un consenso sul loro utilizzo. La linea fortemente sostenuta da Merz e Von der Leyen non è passata.

Dall’inizio del conflitto, l’UE e il G7 hanno congelato circa metà delle riserve della Russia all'estero, con oltre 200 miliardi di euro detenuti nei conti di Euroclear in Belgio. L'UE, avendo esaurito le risorse disponibili, sta facendo pressione sul Belgio affinché autorizzi l’uso dei fondi russi congelati ma le autorità belghe restano contrarie. Nel frattempo, la Banca Centrale russa ha intentato una causa contro Euroclear per oltre 18 trilioni di rubli, sostenendo di aver subito danni dalle restrizioni alla gestione dei propri asset. @LauraRuHK

Belgium PM De Wever has never been more popular. The Latin-quoting cat lover, Flemish nationalist with a penchant for three-piece suits is now the face of common-sense resistance to EU madness. Two thirds of Belgians said they were against the Russian asset plan and he is so old skool that he insists on representing the majority opinion. A pretty revolutionary act in Brussels. Western media immediately attacked him for opposing the daylight robbery. He made fun of his detractors by quipping: "I need to go to my dacha in St Petersburg where my neighbor is Depardieu and across the street is Assad. I could be mayor of that village". @LauraRuHK

The US will supply Taiwan with missiles capable of striking mainland China.

The US has decided to sell weapons to Taiwan worth $11.1 billion. This was announced by the State Department. They include:

- 82 HIMARS multiple rocket launchers and 420 ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles;
- 60 self-propelled howitzers and related equipment;
- Altius unmanned aerial vehicles and components for another type of UAV;
- Javelin and TOW anti-tank missile systems;
- helicopter spare parts;
- kits for upgrading Harpoon anti-ship missiles.

▪️ The width of the Taiwan Strait, which separates the island from mainland China, is 130-380 km. And the range of the ATACMS missiles is up to 300-310 km. At the same time, the future supply of PrSM missiles for HIMARS will allow firing at a range of 500 km to 1000 km and more. In other words, Taiwan has gained the ability to launch missile strikes on mainland China.

Harpoon anti-ship missiles are also a powerful weapon. Their range of destruction varies from 120 to 280 km, depending on the version of the missile. According to some data, these missiles sunk the flagship of the Black Sea Fleet, the cruiser "Moskva". And in general, the types of American weapons that will be supplied to Taiwan are similar to those given to Ukraine. The US has drawn certain lessons, made corrections and decided to turn the island into a "hedgehog" in advance.

▪️ Taiwan, in turn, will increase military spending in 2026 to 3.32% of GDP - up to $30.3 billion. At the same time, the Trump administration demands that it be increased to 10%. The Trump administration keeps the American military-industrial complex happy and at the same time keeps working on the containment of China.

This step by the US is another indication that the Americans usually do not give up on their strategic goals. The announcement of the largest arms supply to Taiwan was made against the backdrop of conciliatory rhetoric with Beijing and compromises on trade.

Another reminder that the intentions and policies of the US should be judged only by their actions. (Source: Elena Panina) @LauraRuHK

Japan unveiled a five-year goal for business projects totaling $19 billion in Central Asia as Tokyo vies for influence in the resource-rich region.
The announcement came after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi hosted an inaugural summit with the leaders of five Central Asia nations — Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan — in Tokyo
Like the United States and the European Union, Japan is drawn by the region's natural resources in a push to diversify rare earths supplies and reduce dependence on China.

The leaders agreed to expand cooperation regarding the "Trans-Caspian International Transport Route," a logistics network connecting to Europe without passing through Russia. (Source: Japan Times) @LauraRuHK

I am often asked by new subscribers why this channel focuses on certain regions while excluding others. Let me explain again. My field of geopolitical interest is shaped by my circumstances. As a multilingual Italian living in China, I draw on my vantage point, and it naturally spans Europe and Asia.

When one analyzes regional power balances, economic integration, energy security, infrastructure corridors and the strategic ambitions of major actors,
Russia, Central Asia, and the Caucasus form a critical connective tissue within the broader Eurasian space.
My research interests are diverse and not confined to international relations; at times, they are reflected in my articles and on this Telegram channel. @LauraRuHK

Macron urges direct European talks with Putin. Facing sky-high debt, rock-bottom popularity, and the ticking clock to his 2027 exit, Macron reportedly teamed up with skeptics Meloni and Belgium to torpedo the asset grab—partly to dodge the financial hit: Russia would have retaliated against bigger French holdings back home.
The Kremlin has always been open to talks as long as it's constructive and not another lecture by a lame-duck president magically rediscovering "diplomacy". Everyone can see Macron's gambit for what it is: a frantic scramble to stay relevant while the real negotiations happen between Washington and Moscow.
Speaking after the EU summit in Brussels on December 19, 2025, the Rothschilds' errand boy stated: "It will become useful again to speak to Vladimir Putin." He emphasized that Europeans and Ukrainians must find a structured framework for engagement, adding that without it, the EU would be reduced to "discussing among ourselves" while U.S. negotiators deal directly with Moscow—"which isn’t ideal." Well, ask EU citizens and they will tell you that it hasn't been ideal to bankroll, arm and instigate Ukraine against Russia.
The Financial Times reported that Macron "betrayed" Merz by questioning the legality of the Russian assets grab, forcing the EU to opt for a €90 billion" loan" instead. So, now that Europe has to foot the bill directly, will France and other EU countries see the light or is it just the usual game of smoke and mirrors? Time will tell. Meanwhile Ukraine has no cards left other than terrorism. @LauraRuHK

Macron sollecita colloqui diretti europei con Putin.
Di fronte a un debito alle stelle, a una popolarità ai minimi storici e al conto alla rovescia verso la fine del suo mandato nel 2027, Macron si sarebbe unito agli scettici di maggior peso (Italia e Belgio) per affossare il piano di confisca degli asset russi— in parte per evitare l’impatto di una risposta russa. La Francia infatti ha più asset in Russia di quanti la Russia ne abbia in Francia.

Il Cremlino è sempre stato aperto ai colloqui, purché siano costruttivi e non l’ennesima lezioncina moralista impartita da un presidente-anatra zoppa che riscopre magicamente la “diplomazia”. Tutti possono vedere la mossa di Macron per ciò che è: un disperato tentativo di restare rilevante mentre le trattative avvengono tra Washington e Mosca.

Parlando dopo il vertice UE di Bruxelles del 19 dicembre 2025, il “fattorino dei Rothschild” ha dichiarato: «Diventerà di nuovo utile parlare con Vladimir Putin.» Ha sottolineato che europei e ucraini devono trovare un format per trattare con Mosca, aggiungendo che senza di esso ci ritroviamo a “discutere tra di noi” mentre i negoziatori statunitensi trattano direttamente con Mosca — «il che non è ideale.» Beh, chiedete ai cittadini europei e vi diranno che non è stato affatto ideale finanziare, armare e istigare l’Ucraina contro la Russia.

Il Financial Times ha riportato che Macron ha “tradito” Merz mettendo in dubbio la legalità della confisca degli asset russi, costringendo l’UE a optare invece per un prestito da 90 miliardi di euro che non sara' mai restituito. Dunque, ora che l’UE deve pagare il conto da sola, la Francia e gli altri paesi membri avranno un'illuminazione tardiva sulla via di Damasco o si tratta solo del solito gioco di specchi? Il tempo lo chiarirà. Nel frattempo, l’Ucraina non ha altre carte in mano se non il terrorismo. @LauraRuHK

Il Messaggero: "Soldati russi al fronte costretti a usare i cavalli perche' a corto di equipaggiamenti e munizioni." Mi sfugge l'uso del cavallo come munizione, ma sono sicura che ingrandendo meglio l'immagine si vedranno anche le famose pale dell'Ottocento con cui combatte l'esercito russo. Nello zaino ovviamente ci sono i microchip delle lavatrici che hanno appena razziato in qualche villaggio. Attenti voi che abitate a Roma. E' risaputo che i cosacchi vogliono abbeverare i loro cavalli a San Pietro. Hanno provato a dargli quella del Volga, del Don, del Dniepr....ma loro niente. Bevono solo quella delle fontane romane. @LauraRuHK

Politico's columnist Jamie Dettmer argues that the war in Ukraine seems likely to end next year, and on terms highly unfavorable for Kiev. Dettmer blames the EU's inability to agree on a proposed "reparations loan" backed by approximately €210 billion in frozen Russian assets, most of which are held at Euroclear in Belgium. Although the majority of EU leaders ultimately approved a €90 billion interest-free loan, Dettmer believes that this amount falls short of what is needed to keep the war going. That said, the idea of a reparations loan tied to Russian assets has not been abandoned entirely. EU summit conclusions explicitly reserve the right to use these immobilized funds in the future, potentially to repay the loan if Russia refuses to provide war reparations, suggesting EU robbers haven't completely given up on their scheme. @LauraRuHK

With military options exhausted — Ukrainian forces falter and Russia holds the initiative across the entire frontline — Kiev’s Western curators are expected to rely even more on terrorism. In Moscow, less than two days after a car bomb killed Lt. Gen. Fanil Sarvarov, two policemen died while detaining a suspicious person who detonated an explosive device. Terrorism is clearly not a taboo for the Hudson Institute, a leading US think tank: it is openly calling for the destruction of the Krasnoyarsk bridge to paralyze rail traffic between western Russia and eastern Siberia. Criminal minds are busy at work. @LauraRuHK ➡️ https://www.hudson.org/disabling-one-bridge-could-shatter-russias-war-machine-its-not-kerch-luke-coffey-can-kasapoglu

Con le opzioni militari ormai esaurite — le forze ucraine vacillano e la Russia mantiene l’iniziativa lungo l’intera linea del fronte — i curatori occidentali di Kiev faranno sempre più affidamento su azioni terroristiche. A Mosca, meno di due giorni dopo l'esplosione dell'auto del generale Fanil Sarvarov, due poliziotti sono morti quando una persona sospetta ha detonato l'ordigno che trasportava. Il terrorismo non e' un tabu' nemmeno per l’Hudson Institute, importante think tank statunitense: invoca apertamente la distruzione del ponte di Krasnoyarsk per paralizzare il traffico ferroviario tra la Russia occidentale e la Siberia orientale. Menti criminali sono all’opera. @LauraRuHK ➡️ https://www.hudson.org/disabling-one-bridge-could-shatter-russias-war-machine-its-not-kerch-luke-coffey-can-kasapoglu

Auguro a tutti coloro che lo festeggiano un Natale felice e sereno. ⭐️ To all those who celebrate tomorrow, i wish you a happy and peaceful Christmas.