Russian forces launch over 35 attacks on four front sectors

"Russian forces launched 36 attacks on the Lyman, Bakhmut, Avdiivka, and Maryinka sectors, with Bakhmut and Maryinka remaining at the epicenter of hostilities." Ukrin

Leaked Emails Show Biden Administration Protected China During Spy Balloon-gate

"A recent report from Reuters alleges that Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who has already been implicated in several scandals, was purportedly prioritizing the interests of the Chinese Communist Party. The report, supported by leaked emails and inside sources, proves what many on the right feared all along: Joe Biden was far more concerned about not offending China than our national security.

“When an alleged Chinese spy balloon traversed the United States in February, some U.S. officials were confident the incursion would galvanize the U.S. bureaucracy to push forward a slate of actions to counter China,” reports Reuters. “Instead, the U.S. State Department held back human rights-related sanctions, export controls and other sensitive actions to try to limit damage to the U.S.-China relationship, according to four sources with direct knowledge of U.S. policy, as well as internal emails seen by Reuters.”

Despite the State Department’s expression of dissatisfaction regarding the spy balloon incident, which led to the postponement of Blinken’s intended visit to Beijing, an internal communication within the State Department, examined by Reuters, reveals that senior U.S. officials deliberately delayed planned measures against China." PJM

Russian Self-Propelled Artillery Hammers Ukrainian Militants

"The video featured in this article shows how 2S5 Giatsint-S self-propelled guns of the
Russian Southern Military District forces pound enemy positions in the Ukrainian conflict zone, providing support to the Russian infantry in the field. In order to make it harder for the enemy to hit them back, Russian crews employ the so-called "roving artillery" tactic: the guns fire five to six shells in the span of one minute and then proceed to change positions, thus avoiding any incoming retaliatory strikes." Sputnik

South Africa responds to US claims of weapons deliveries to Russia

"Reuben Brigety, the US ambassador to South Africa, told the media he is convinced that

Pretoria supplied Moscow with arms and ammunition, which he said were loaded onto a cargo ship in Simon’s Town, South Africa’s main naval base, between December 6 and 8, 2022.

Brigety was apparently referring to the Russian-flagged ship called Lady R. The vessel was docked at the naval base during this period where it delivered and loaded unidentified cargo, triggering speculation and questions from South African politicians. The ship itself was sanctioned by the US Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control last May over alleged weapon shipments.

In a statement Ramaphosa hit back, saying Brigety’s allegations “undermine the spirit of cooperation and partnership” between the two countries." RT

Russia's key ally reports attack on troops in border area

"A truck driver targeted Belarusian troops with an explosive device the Defense Ministry in
Minsk has said. The alleged incident took place on the M-5 highway, which connects the capital, Minsk, with the country's border with Ukraine, the ministry said." RT