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Following the Wagner revolt it seemed perplexing for Putin to give Prigozhin and his Wagner co-conspirators a public assurance they would be safe from retribution. Perhaps the most unexpected thing about the plane crash that reportedly killed Yevgeny Prigozhin, the bombastic head of Russia's infamous Wagner group, is that it happened a full two months after he brought Russia to what President Vladimir Putin warned at the time was the brink of civil war. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on Ukraine's recent military incursion into Russia's Kursk region, marking a notable escalation in the conflict and sending a message to both Russian President Putin and Western allies. Topics include the strategic objectives behind Ukraine's actions, the varied theories on Kyiv's endgame, and the impact on both Russian internal stability and Western perceptions of the conflict.

Much has already been said about the recent heightening of U.S.-China tensions and its potential fallout. In China, meanwhile, foreign policy specialists' views about engagement with the U.S. have gone through several stages since the 1990s, each of which corresponded to a different view on what U.S. "hegemony" means for China. [Extracted from the article]

The article offers information about a historian, Sheila Fitzpatrick's contribution on the war in Ukraine, published in Australian Foreign Affairs. It presents evidence of President of Russia Vladimir Putin's aggressive actions and aims, highlighting his disregard for diplomacy and his role in making it impossible for Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to do anything other than fight to survive. It discusses about the military stratergy of U.S. and Europe seek to prolong the war.

The upcoming Russian presidential election is expected to be a performative exercise in phoney democracy, with Vladimir Putin facing token opposition. Official state analysts predict Putin's support to be around 75%, while his rivals are state-permitted candidates who largely endorse his platform and leadership. The article highlights the lack of real opposition figures in Russia due to the elimination or marginalization of charismatic individuals who could pose a threat to Putin. The Kremlin has persistently denied access to monitors from the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and has been accused of electoral fraud in previous elections. The author warns that Putin's next term as president may see increased repression and autocratic tendencies, which could have dire consequences for Russia. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, highlighting the remarkable resistance of Ukraine's armed forces despite initial predictions of a swift Russian victory. The war has devolved into repeated attacks by Russian conscripts against well-defended Ukrainian positions, resulting in heavy losses for Ukraine. The article emphasizes the importance of the coming year in determining the future of Ukraine, Putin's ambitions, and the stability of Europe. It also mentions the challenges faced by Ukraine in sustaining its resistance without sufficient military aid, particularly due to obstacles in receiving support from the United States. The potential for a second Donald Trump presidency is seen as a significant threat to Ukraine, as it is believed that Trump would give Russia a free hand in the region. The article concludes by emphasizing the far-reaching implications of wars and the shaping of nations. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the current challenges facing the United States in providing global leadership, particularly in relation to the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as its competition with China. Some argue that the US should pressure Ukraine to accept a peace deal, citing reasons such as Ukraine's failure to achieve a decisive breakthrough against Russian forces and the distraction it poses from the US's strategic contest with China. However, the article emphasizes the importance of continued support for Ukraine, as abandoning the country would play into Russia's hands and undermine Western values and credibility. It also warns of the potential consequences of a second Trump administration in 2024. The article concludes by suggesting that US leaders should be cautious in claiming indispensability and consider the perspectives of other nations. [Extracted from the article]

Read more: Brics expansion: six more nations are set to join - what they're buying into Russia's ammunition woes have certainly reinforced its desire to woo the BRICS. Any nation that provides Moscow with ammunition would end up in dangerous diplomatic waters since the US and the broader West have threatened sanctions against those who aid Russia's war effort. [Extracted from the article]