Ukraine: The Latest Hunting Russian soldiers with Ukraine's ace drone unit & tank brigade goes AWOL in France
Jan 3, 2025
Francis Farrell, a reporter for The Kyiv Independent, shares riveting insights from the front lines of Ukraine. He discusses cutting-edge drones that are transforming the battlefield, along with the ethical questions they raise. The conversation also highlights troubling reports of soldiers going AWOL, impacting military discipline, and the implications for Ukraine’s manpower crisis. Additionally, the podcast touches on the Russian economy's struggles and the geopolitical shifts in energy sources as Europe seeks alternatives.
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AWOL Soldiers
- Roughly 1,700 soldiers from a Western-equipped Ukrainian brigade trained in France went AWOL.
- This occurred before they even saw combat, raising concerns about manpower and training locations.
Shifting Energy Landscape
- The end of the gas pipeline deal between Russia and Ukraine marks a significant shift in European energy.
- The EU now relies heavily on US and Qatari LNG, impacting global geopolitics and economics.
Russian Economic Strain
- Russia's economy is facing severe strain due to the war in Ukraine, declining fossil fuel revenues, and sanctions.
- The ruble's devaluation, high inflation, and credit crunch signal potential economic instability.