In today's update, we will cover Ukrainian forces face mounting challenges as Russian troops attempt to reclaim areas in the Kursk region, where Ukraine recently took control of several villages. Additionally, Russia claims to have captured the eastern Ukrainian village of Vovchenko near the contested industrial hub of Kurakhove, though Ukraine has not confirmed this loss amidst reports of significant territorial setbacks totalling around 450 square kilometres in the past month. Diplomatically, President-elect Donald Trump reportedly discussed ending the conflict with Russian President Putin, underscoring U.S. military presence in Europe, though the Kremlin denies the call. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also plans to resume talks with Putin, coordinating with allies and reinforcing Germany’s support for Ukraine as Western leaders seek diplomatic solutions while the conflict intensifies. Dive into the complexities of global geopolitics with "The Intel Briefing," a solo weekday podcast by HM Intelligence. Daniel distils the day's most significant events across Europe and the world in each episode into clear, concise, and critical insights. Stay informed, stay ahead—with "The Intel Briefing." -------------------------------------------------------------- Website: https://hmintelligence.org Training: https://hmintelligence.freshlearn.com Shop: https://hmintelligence.shop Website: https://hmintelligence.org LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hmintelligence/