The Monocle Daily

Ukraine targets Russia’s Mediterranean shadow fleet as Putin delivers end-of-year address

Dec 19, 2025
Mark Gagliotti, a political analyst specializing in Russian military history, breaks down Putin's recent press conference and the implications of Ukraine's drone strike on a Russian tanker. Marisa Masria-Katz, an arts journalist, shares how community sleuthing led to the identification of the Brown University shooter, highlighting the role of social media in uncovering the truth. Fernando Augusto Pacheco, a cultural commentator, discusses the significance of the UK's Christmas number one single race, featuring Kylie Minogue and a charity contender.
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INSIGHT

Putin's Win‑Win War Calculation

  • Vladimir Putin sees a win-win: keep fighting until he can outlast Ukraine or accept a deal he likes.
  • Mark Gagliotti warns Putin will take a deal only if it leaves him better off later.
INSIGHT

Shadow Fleet Strike Extends The Theater

  • Ukraine's strike on an Oman‑flagged tanker signals a new front in pressure tactics far from the battlefield.
  • Mark Gagliotti notes such attacks could raise insurance costs and may be the start of a broader campaign.
INSIGHT

EU Loan's Political Signal Matters

  • The EU's €90bn loan to Ukraine matters politically even without using frozen Russian assets.
  • Mark Gagliotti says failing to use seized Russian funds looks like a diplomatic win for Putin.
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