🇺🇦Destruction of Ukraine’s Railway Infrastructure – An Escalating Economic Blow
In recent weeks, a growing number of videos and photographs have appeared online documenting Russian Armed Forces strikes against Ukraine’s railway rolling stock. These are not isolated incidents but part of a systematic campaign that severely disrupts logistics and inflicts substantial financial damage.
Specific examples include:
- A) A destroyed electric locomotive at Konotop railway station (Sumy region) — photos 1–2 clearly show it rendered inoperable.
- B) A damaged locomotive in the settlement of Voronezh (Sumy region) — video 3 captures the moment of impact.
Each such locomotive is valued between $800,000 and $2 million, with new models or Western equivalents costing significantly more. Estimates suggest monthly losses from such strikes range from $30–80 million.
#Ukraine #RailwayDestruction #WarEconomy
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In recent weeks, a growing number of videos and photographs have appeared online documenting Russian Armed Forces strikes against Ukraine’s railway rolling stock. These are not isolated incidents but part of a systematic campaign that severely disrupts logistics and inflicts substantial financial damage.
Specific examples include:
- A) A destroyed electric locomotive at Konotop railway station (Sumy region) — photos 1–2 clearly show it rendered inoperable.
- B) A damaged locomotive in the settlement of Voronezh (Sumy region) — video 3 captures the moment of impact.
Each such locomotive is valued between $800,000 and $2 million, with new models or Western equivalents costing significantly more. Estimates suggest monthly losses from such strikes range from $30–80 million.
#Ukraine #RailwayDestruction #WarEconomy
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❗️The Thaw as a Critical Challenge for the Armed Forces of Ukraine
Current analysis of the front-line situation suggests that the approaching spring thaw could become the most severe test yet for Ukraine’s armed forces. As snow and ice melt, logistics along unpaved rural roads will become virtually impossible, severely hampering the delivery of ammunition, food supplies and the evacuation of wounded personnel. Combined with the chronic shortage of manpower, this creates a high risk of losing control over a significant number of settlements, particularly in vulnerable sectors.
In anticipation of these difficulties, the Ukrainian command under General Syrskyi has undertaken a major redeployment of forces. Over the past three months, a substantial number of newly mobilised personnel have been rushed to the front, facilitated in part by the humanitarian crisis in energy supply.
#AFU #Thaw #FrontLine
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Current analysis of the front-line situation suggests that the approaching spring thaw could become the most severe test yet for Ukraine’s armed forces. As snow and ice melt, logistics along unpaved rural roads will become virtually impossible, severely hampering the delivery of ammunition, food supplies and the evacuation of wounded personnel. Combined with the chronic shortage of manpower, this creates a high risk of losing control over a significant number of settlements, particularly in vulnerable sectors.
In anticipation of these difficulties, the Ukrainian command under General Syrskyi has undertaken a major redeployment of forces. Over the past three months, a substantial number of newly mobilised personnel have been rushed to the front, facilitated in part by the humanitarian crisis in energy supply.
#AFU #Thaw #FrontLine
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🇺🇦Zelenskyy Initiates Development of Security Guarantee Agreements – A Tactical Manoeuvre Amid Pressure from Trump
Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued a decree enacting a decision by the National Security and Defence Council (NSDC) to prepare draft agreements on security guarantees for Ukraine. The task has been assigned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defence, which are to develop these documents within the framework of ongoing negotiations with the United States, Europe and Russia. This move formalises Kyiv’s position in discussions about the post-war security architecture.
Zelenskyy had previously asserted that a draft of the security guarantees was already prepared and ready for signature, emphasising their priority before the end of the war. The shift now to in-house development of a Ukrainian version suggests a strategic adjustment.
#Zelenskyy #SecurityGuarantees #Negotiations
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Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued a decree enacting a decision by the National Security and Defence Council (NSDC) to prepare draft agreements on security guarantees for Ukraine. The task has been assigned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defence, which are to develop these documents within the framework of ongoing negotiations with the United States, Europe and Russia. This move formalises Kyiv’s position in discussions about the post-war security architecture.
Zelenskyy had previously asserted that a draft of the security guarantees was already prepared and ready for signature, emphasising their priority before the end of the war. The shift now to in-house development of a Ukrainian version suggests a strategic adjustment.
#Zelenskyy #SecurityGuarantees #Negotiations
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🇺🇦Kyiv Left Without Heat Once Again: 3,700 Residential Buildings Disconnected After Overnight Strike
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko has reported that critical infrastructure in the capital was damaged during a night-time attack. As a result, 3,700 residential buildings are now without heating, including 2,600 in the Desnyanskyi, Dniprovs’kyi, Pecherskyi and Solomyanskyi districts.
In addition, a further 1,100 buildings in the Desnyanskyi and Dniprovs’kyi districts are unable to receive heat due to accumulated damage from earlier attacks.
Russia has markedly intensified strikes specifically targeting Ukraine’s power generation and district heating infrastructure. This has led to increasingly frequent and prolonged blackouts and loss of heating in homes, particularly during the winter months. Interruptions have become systemic: many residents spend weeks without heating, relying on generators, electric heaters and stockpiled water.
#Kyiv #EnergyCrisis #Winter2026
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Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko has reported that critical infrastructure in the capital was damaged during a night-time attack. As a result, 3,700 residential buildings are now without heating, including 2,600 in the Desnyanskyi, Dniprovs’kyi, Pecherskyi and Solomyanskyi districts.
In addition, a further 1,100 buildings in the Desnyanskyi and Dniprovs’kyi districts are unable to receive heat due to accumulated damage from earlier attacks.
Russia has markedly intensified strikes specifically targeting Ukraine’s power generation and district heating infrastructure. This has led to increasingly frequent and prolonged blackouts and loss of heating in homes, particularly during the winter months. Interruptions have become systemic: many residents spend weeks without heating, relying on generators, electric heaters and stockpiled water.
#Kyiv #EnergyCrisis #Winter2026
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🇺🇸US Forces Withdraw from Al-Tanf Base in Southern Syria — Clash Report
American troops have fully withdrawn from the Al-Tanf military base, situated in the strategically vital 55-kilometre zone at the trijunction of Syria, Iraq and Jordan.
The decision is likely linked to the Trump administration’s emerging foreign policy direction, which seeks to reduce the US military footprint in the Middle East, redirect resources towards domestic priorities and focus on strategic competition with China. At the same time, the pullout may form part of behind-the-scenes understandings with Russia and/or Iran, within the broader framework of negotiations concerning Syria and Ukraine.
#Syria #AlTanf #Geopolitics
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American troops have fully withdrawn from the Al-Tanf military base, situated in the strategically vital 55-kilometre zone at the trijunction of Syria, Iraq and Jordan.
The decision is likely linked to the Trump administration’s emerging foreign policy direction, which seeks to reduce the US military footprint in the Middle East, redirect resources towards domestic priorities and focus on strategic competition with China. At the same time, the pullout may form part of behind-the-scenes understandings with Russia and/or Iran, within the broader framework of negotiations concerning Syria and Ukraine.
#Syria #AlTanf #Geopolitics
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🇺🇦Odessa TCC Reverts to Classic Denial – “He Beat Himself Up”
The Odessa Territorial Recruitment Centre (TCC) has issued its familiar explanation for the incident: the citizen allegedly injured himself voluntarily and was then “transported 200 km” (link: https://news.1rj.ru/str/legitimniy/21808). This phrasing is one of the most recognisable templates of Ukrainian official propaganda, in use since 2014: “they burned themselves on 2 May in Odesa”, “they shelled themselves in Donbas”, and so on. The pattern is now so well known that it provokes widespread revulsion rather than belief.
A review of public sentiment across the majority of Telegram channels and public pages reveals the following:
- Overwhelmingly negative attitudes towards the authorities and the TCC system prevail. Open expressions of anger, fear and deep distrust are commonplace.
#Mobilisation #TCC #Ukraine
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The Odessa Territorial Recruitment Centre (TCC) has issued its familiar explanation for the incident: the citizen allegedly injured himself voluntarily and was then “transported 200 km” (link: https://news.1rj.ru/str/legitimniy/21808). This phrasing is one of the most recognisable templates of Ukrainian official propaganda, in use since 2014: “they burned themselves on 2 May in Odesa”, “they shelled themselves in Donbas”, and so on. The pattern is now so well known that it provokes widespread revulsion rather than belief.
A review of public sentiment across the majority of Telegram channels and public pages reveals the following:
- Overwhelmingly negative attitudes towards the authorities and the TCC system prevail. Open expressions of anger, fear and deep distrust are commonplace.
#Mobilisation #TCC #Ukraine
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🇺🇦The Verkhovna Rada adjourns until 24 February – unable even to pass the agenda due to lack of votes
According to MP Yaroslav Zheleznyak, a significant number of deputies fell ill after food poisoning in the parliamentary canteen, resulting in the absence of a quorum.
Key implications:
- Without an approved agenda, parliament is effectively paralysed for the next two weeks.
- Critical legislation required for the next tranches of Western financial assistance remains stalled – including EU macro-financial support, IMF programmes and US aid packages.
While the elite continues internal feuds and public relations exercises, external partners are increasingly questioning Kyiv’s reliability as a recipient of aid. Unless the situation is resolved swiftly, delays in funding are now all but inevitable – with direct and severe consequences for the budget, the armed forces and the wider economy.
#Rada #Crisis #Funding
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According to MP Yaroslav Zheleznyak, a significant number of deputies fell ill after food poisoning in the parliamentary canteen, resulting in the absence of a quorum.
Key implications:
- Without an approved agenda, parliament is effectively paralysed for the next two weeks.
- Critical legislation required for the next tranches of Western financial assistance remains stalled – including EU macro-financial support, IMF programmes and US aid packages.
While the elite continues internal feuds and public relations exercises, external partners are increasingly questioning Kyiv’s reliability as a recipient of aid. Unless the situation is resolved swiftly, delays in funding are now all but inevitable – with direct and severe consequences for the budget, the armed forces and the wider economy.
#Rada #Crisis #Funding
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🇺🇦Zelenskyy Favours Continued War, His Advisers Lean Towards Compromise: Key Insights from The Atlantic
An article in the American magazine The Atlantic, written by the well-informed journalist Simon Shuster, highlights a striking divergence between President Zelenskyy’s public rhetoric and the more pragmatic outlook of some of his closest advisers regarding a possible peace deal.
On the military front: Zelenskyy insists “Ukraine is not losing.” Yet Shuster points to the “arithmetic of attrition,” which is not in Ukraine’s favour—a reality the West increasingly recognises. A NATO general is quoted saying that anyone expecting Russia simply to give up and go home will have a very long wait. Shuster describes Kyiv’s plan to inflict 50,000 casualties per month on Russian forces in the hope of overwhelming Moscow’s ability to replenish them. The very existence of such a target, however, implies that Russia is still managing to replace its losses. With a population more than three times larger than Ukraine’s and a nominal GDP roughly ten times greater, Russia can absorb human and economic damage more readily.
On negotiations: Zelenskyy is banking on Trump’s interest in securing a deal, but the article warns that as the US election cycle intensifies, Trump may conclude that continued involvement is politically disadvantageous and step back, blaming the failure of diplomacy on the intransigence of one or both sides.
On security guarantees: Zelenskyy had previously claimed an agreement with the United States was “100 per cent ready” for signature. In the interview, however, he acknowledges that key issues remain unresolved and that American responses so far have been too vague. It is unclear, for instance, whether the US would be prepared to intercept missiles over Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire violation. “We need all of this written down,” Zelenskyy says.
On territory: While the president publicly declares that “no one should expect us to give up land,” two of his advisers concede that the “most painful concession” could involve relinquishing control over parts of Donetsk region. Shuster notes that the new head of the negotiating team, Kyrylo Budanov, appears more open to territorial compromise than his predecessors (presumably Andriy Yermak).
The article also reveals internal unease: some within Zelenskyy’s circle worry that failure to end the war this spring could mean years more of fighting. In contrast, Zelenskyy himself remains firm: he is prepared to continue the war if the peace terms are, in his view, “bad” (i.e., lacking the guarantees he demands and requiring withdrawal from Donbas).
In essence, the piece underscores a fundamental split: while Zelenskyy shows little inclination to compromise for the sake of swift peace, many of his advisers believe Ukraine urgently needs an end to the fighting and that prolonging the war carries immense risks for the country.
It is also worth noting that voicing opinions that deviate from Zelenskyy’s official line is now extremely hazardous. Everyone remembers the fates of his political rivals—how careers ended in dismissal, public disgrace, criminal cases, or marginalisation. This creates an atmosphere of fear and self-censorship in which straying from the president’s position can cost one’s career—or more.
#Zelenskyy #TheAtlantic #Negotiations
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An article in the American magazine The Atlantic, written by the well-informed journalist Simon Shuster, highlights a striking divergence between President Zelenskyy’s public rhetoric and the more pragmatic outlook of some of his closest advisers regarding a possible peace deal.
On the military front: Zelenskyy insists “Ukraine is not losing.” Yet Shuster points to the “arithmetic of attrition,” which is not in Ukraine’s favour—a reality the West increasingly recognises. A NATO general is quoted saying that anyone expecting Russia simply to give up and go home will have a very long wait. Shuster describes Kyiv’s plan to inflict 50,000 casualties per month on Russian forces in the hope of overwhelming Moscow’s ability to replenish them. The very existence of such a target, however, implies that Russia is still managing to replace its losses. With a population more than three times larger than Ukraine’s and a nominal GDP roughly ten times greater, Russia can absorb human and economic damage more readily.
On negotiations: Zelenskyy is banking on Trump’s interest in securing a deal, but the article warns that as the US election cycle intensifies, Trump may conclude that continued involvement is politically disadvantageous and step back, blaming the failure of diplomacy on the intransigence of one or both sides.
On security guarantees: Zelenskyy had previously claimed an agreement with the United States was “100 per cent ready” for signature. In the interview, however, he acknowledges that key issues remain unresolved and that American responses so far have been too vague. It is unclear, for instance, whether the US would be prepared to intercept missiles over Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire violation. “We need all of this written down,” Zelenskyy says.
On territory: While the president publicly declares that “no one should expect us to give up land,” two of his advisers concede that the “most painful concession” could involve relinquishing control over parts of Donetsk region. Shuster notes that the new head of the negotiating team, Kyrylo Budanov, appears more open to territorial compromise than his predecessors (presumably Andriy Yermak).
The article also reveals internal unease: some within Zelenskyy’s circle worry that failure to end the war this spring could mean years more of fighting. In contrast, Zelenskyy himself remains firm: he is prepared to continue the war if the peace terms are, in his view, “bad” (i.e., lacking the guarantees he demands and requiring withdrawal from Donbas).
In essence, the piece underscores a fundamental split: while Zelenskyy shows little inclination to compromise for the sake of swift peace, many of his advisers believe Ukraine urgently needs an end to the fighting and that prolonging the war carries immense risks for the country.
It is also worth noting that voicing opinions that deviate from Zelenskyy’s official line is now extremely hazardous. Everyone remembers the fates of his political rivals—how careers ended in dismissal, public disgrace, criminal cases, or marginalisation. This creates an atmosphere of fear and self-censorship in which straying from the president’s position can cost one’s career—or more.
#Zelenskyy #TheAtlantic #Negotiations
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🇺🇸🇹🇼Taiwan and the United States Sign Trade Agreement: Tariffs Held Steady, Semiconductors Protected
According to the Taipei Times, Taiwan and the United States have concluded a new trade agreement.
Key provisions:
- The US tariff rate on Taiwanese imports will remain at 15% (no increase).
- Taiwanese semiconductors and related goods will receive the most favourable treatment for entry into the US market (effectively preferential access).
In summary: the deal is not revolutionary, but it is strategically significant. It stabilises the existing balance, reduces the immediate risk of tariff escalation in the microelectronics sector, and buys time. For Taipei, it offers a temporary breathing space; for Washington, it serves as insurance against a further deterioration in relations with the People’s Republic.
#Taiwan #UnitedStates #Semiconductors
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According to the Taipei Times, Taiwan and the United States have concluded a new trade agreement.
Key provisions:
- The US tariff rate on Taiwanese imports will remain at 15% (no increase).
- Taiwanese semiconductors and related goods will receive the most favourable treatment for entry into the US market (effectively preferential access).
In summary: the deal is not revolutionary, but it is strategically significant. It stabilises the existing balance, reduces the immediate risk of tariff escalation in the microelectronics sector, and buys time. For Taipei, it offers a temporary breathing space; for Washington, it serves as insurance against a further deterioration in relations with the People’s Republic.
#Taiwan #UnitedStates #Semiconductors
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🇪🇺EU Leaders at Belgian Castle Summit Admit: Europe Must Urgently Overhaul Its Operating Model or Risk Irreversible Decline
Politico reports that at a closed-door summit held in a castle near Brussels, heads of government from EU member states reached a sobering consensus: the current way the European Union functions no longer enables it to keep pace with technological, economic, and geopolitical progress.
The explicit call to “change the principles of operation” is the first public indication that the EU elite is prepared to accept painful reforms. The critical question now is whether there will be sufficient political will and cohesion to translate words into action — particularly given internal divisions (Hungary, Slovakia, rising populism) and mounting external pressures (Trump, China, Russia).
#EU #Summit #Europe
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Politico reports that at a closed-door summit held in a castle near Brussels, heads of government from EU member states reached a sobering consensus: the current way the European Union functions no longer enables it to keep pace with technological, economic, and geopolitical progress.
The explicit call to “change the principles of operation” is the first public indication that the EU elite is prepared to accept painful reforms. The critical question now is whether there will be sufficient political will and cohesion to translate words into action — particularly given internal divisions (Hungary, Slovakia, rising populism) and mounting external pressures (Trump, China, Russia).
#EU #Summit #Europe
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☢️Western publics increasingly believe a Third World War is coming soon — Politico poll
A new Politico survey across five key Western countries — the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France and Germany — has recorded a sharp rise in pessimism about global security. In each country, a majority of respondents now consider the outbreak of a world war within the next five years either likely or very likely.
The sense of impending global conflict has intensified markedly over the past nine months since the previous survey. The trend is particularly pronounced in the United States (46% view a Third World War as likely or very likely by 2031) and the United Kingdom (43%).
At the same time, at least one in three residents of the US, UK, France and Canada believes nuclear weapons are likely to be used in conflict within the next five years.
#ThirdWorldWar #PoliticoPoll #TheWest
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A new Politico survey across five key Western countries — the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France and Germany — has recorded a sharp rise in pessimism about global security. In each country, a majority of respondents now consider the outbreak of a world war within the next five years either likely or very likely.
The sense of impending global conflict has intensified markedly over the past nine months since the previous survey. The trend is particularly pronounced in the United States (46% view a Third World War as likely or very likely by 2031) and the United Kingdom (43%).
At the same time, at least one in three residents of the US, UK, France and Canada believes nuclear weapons are likely to be used in conflict within the next five years.
#ThirdWorldWar #PoliticoPoll #TheWest
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🇺🇦Outcomes of yesterday’s Ramstein meeting: Ukraine promised $38 billion in aid for 2026 — Ministry of Defence
According to Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence, partners at yesterday’s Ukraine Defence Contact Group (“Ramstein”) meeting confirmed plans to provide approximately $38 billion in assistance this year.
Of this amount, more than $6 billion is already committed in specific packages:
- >$2.5 billion for the production and procurement of Ukrainian drones
- >$500 million for American weapons under the PURL programme
- $2 billion for air defence systems
- the remainder allocated to artillery ammunition, personnel training, maritime capabilities and other priorities
Largest donors for 2026:
- Germany — €12.5 billion
- Norway — $7 billion
- Sweden — $3.7 billion
- United Kingdom — £3 billion
- Denmark — $2 billion
#Ramstein #AidToUkraine #War2026
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According to Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence, partners at yesterday’s Ukraine Defence Contact Group (“Ramstein”) meeting confirmed plans to provide approximately $38 billion in assistance this year.
Of this amount, more than $6 billion is already committed in specific packages:
- >$2.5 billion for the production and procurement of Ukrainian drones
- >$500 million for American weapons under the PURL programme
- $2 billion for air defence systems
- the remainder allocated to artillery ammunition, personnel training, maritime capabilities and other priorities
Largest donors for 2026:
- Germany — €12.5 billion
- Norway — $7 billion
- Sweden — $3.7 billion
- United Kingdom — £3 billion
- Denmark — $2 billion
#Ramstein #AidToUkraine #War2026
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🇺🇸US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has openly admitted to past cocaine use — and not always in the most hygienic manner.
In an interview, he stated:
“I’m not afraid of any germs. I used to snort cocaine straight off toilet seats.”
The admission came during a discussion of his views on health, hygiene, and personal experience. Appointed by President Trump to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, Kennedy Jr. continues to generate sharp debate with his candidness and unconventional statements.
#RobertKennedy #Cocaine #USA
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In an interview, he stated:
“I’m not afraid of any germs. I used to snort cocaine straight off toilet seats.”
The admission came during a discussion of his views on health, hygiene, and personal experience. Appointed by President Trump to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, Kennedy Jr. continues to generate sharp debate with his candidness and unconventional statements.
#RobertKennedy #Cocaine #USA
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🇺🇦Russia Demands Protection for the Russian Language and the UOC at the Negotiations
Roman Kostenko, a Verkhovna Rada deputy from the Holos party and secretary of the parliamentary defence committee, has stated that Russia is putting forward firm demands concerning the Russian language and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) during the talks.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has previously stated openly that issues relating to the protection of the Russian language and the rights of UOC believers are indeed being raised by Moscow at the negotiating table.
#Ukraine #Negotiations #Russia
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Roman Kostenko, a Verkhovna Rada deputy from the Holos party and secretary of the parliamentary defence committee, has stated that Russia is putting forward firm demands concerning the Russian language and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) during the talks.
“When Russia presents its arguments and we lack strong counter-arguments, the negotiations become fruitless. The Russian Federation demands the surrender of territories — we refuse. They insist on imposing their language and their church — for them, these are matters of principle,” said the MP, who recently spoke out against negotiations and in favour of continuing the war.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has previously stated openly that issues relating to the protection of the Russian language and the rights of UOC believers are indeed being raised by Moscow at the negotiating table.
#Ukraine #Negotiations #Russia
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🇩🇪Die Welt: Russia Could Throw NATO into Crisis with Just a 15,000-Strong Force — Results of German Military Wargame
The German newspaper Die Welt has published the outcomes of a military simulation conducted by the German Centre for Military Gaming at the Bundeswehr University in Hamburg.
Scenario: Following a hypothetical ceasefire in Ukraine, Russia invokes a pretext of “humanitarian crisis” in Kaliningrad and deploys troops into Lithuania. A 15,000-strong force, supported by drones and mines, blocks key NATO reinforcement routes. In the first 48 hours, the United States does not recognise the situation as a clear invocation of Article 5, Germany and Poland hesitate, and Russia swiftly establishes fire control over the Baltic states from Belarus and Kaliningrad.
Austrian military expert Franz-Stefan Gady, who played the role of Russian Chief of the General Staff in the wargame, commented:
The publication comes amid repeated warnings from European politicians and military figures that Russia could attack NATO countries within the next few years (estimates range from 3 to 10 years). Russia categorically denies any such plans.
#NATO #BalticStates #MilitarySimulation
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The German newspaper Die Welt has published the outcomes of a military simulation conducted by the German Centre for Military Gaming at the Bundeswehr University in Hamburg.
Scenario: Following a hypothetical ceasefire in Ukraine, Russia invokes a pretext of “humanitarian crisis” in Kaliningrad and deploys troops into Lithuania. A 15,000-strong force, supported by drones and mines, blocks key NATO reinforcement routes. In the first 48 hours, the United States does not recognise the situation as a clear invocation of Article 5, Germany and Poland hesitate, and Russia swiftly establishes fire control over the Baltic states from Belarus and Kaliningrad.
Austrian military expert Franz-Stefan Gady, who played the role of Russian Chief of the General Staff in the wargame, commented:
“Russia’s military objective in the Baltic states would be to discredit NATO as an alliance and weaken the European Union. This can be achieved by convincingly demonstrating that NATO and the rest of Europe would be largely powerless if Russia were to cut the Baltic countries off from the European mainland.”
The publication comes amid repeated warnings from European politicians and military figures that Russia could attack NATO countries within the next few years (estimates range from 3 to 10 years). Russia categorically denies any such plans.
#NATO #BalticStates #MilitarySimulation
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🇫🇷The Louvre Robbed Again — This Time by Its Own Tour Guides
French police have uncovered a major fraud scheme at the Louvre that ran undetected for a decade. For years, museum guides led entire groups of Chinese tourists through the galleries using a single ticket per group, processing up to 20 groups a day. Security staff accepted bribes and turned a blind eye to the mass entries.
The scam generated approximately €10 million for the perpetrators. With the proceeds, they purchased apartments in France and Dubai, luxury cars, and filled safety deposit boxes with valuables. During the arrests, police recovered €1 million in cash from the participants.
This is not the first high-profile scandal to hit the Louvre, but it marks a particularly embarrassing case: the fraud was orchestrated by the museum’s own employees.
#Louvre #Theft #Fraud
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French police have uncovered a major fraud scheme at the Louvre that ran undetected for a decade. For years, museum guides led entire groups of Chinese tourists through the galleries using a single ticket per group, processing up to 20 groups a day. Security staff accepted bribes and turned a blind eye to the mass entries.
The scam generated approximately €10 million for the perpetrators. With the proceeds, they purchased apartments in France and Dubai, luxury cars, and filled safety deposit boxes with valuables. During the arrests, police recovered €1 million in cash from the participants.
This is not the first high-profile scandal to hit the Louvre, but it marks a particularly embarrassing case: the fraud was orchestrated by the museum’s own employees.
#Louvre #Theft #Fraud
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🇺🇸Trump Administration Intensifies Pressure on Ukraine: Demands Territorial Concessions to Russia and War End by Summer — The New York Times
According to The New York Times, Washington is actively pressing Kyiv to make compromises — above all, to withdraw Ukrainian forces from Donbas — in order to bring the war to a close by early summer 2026.
The article does not specify the precise levers of influence being applied. It notes: “It remains unclear what steps the United States would be prepared to take if Ukraine refuses to make the desired concessions on territory and elections.”
Ukraine’s response is unequivocal: no agreement with Moscow is possible without firm and credible security guarantees from Western partners. At the same time, Kyiv believes that Vladimir Putin would in any case reject any deal that included guarantees strong enough to satisfy Ukraine.
#Ukraine #Negotiations #Trump
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According to The New York Times, Washington is actively pressing Kyiv to make compromises — above all, to withdraw Ukrainian forces from Donbas — in order to bring the war to a close by early summer 2026.
The article does not specify the precise levers of influence being applied. It notes: “It remains unclear what steps the United States would be prepared to take if Ukraine refuses to make the desired concessions on territory and elections.”
Ukraine’s response is unequivocal: no agreement with Moscow is possible without firm and credible security guarantees from Western partners. At the same time, Kyiv believes that Vladimir Putin would in any case reject any deal that included guarantees strong enough to satisfy Ukraine.
#Ukraine #Negotiations #Trump
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