Russia prepares Odessa operation. EU Berlin terms rejected. MoD lifts FOG OF WAR in Kupiansk (Alexander Mercouris)

0:00 - Introduction and overview of recent events
2:02 - Russian comments on security guarantees for Ukraine
3:02 - Analysis of Russian Deputy Foreign Minister's interview
5:14 - Russian demands for Ukrainian troop withdrawals
10:14 - Discussion on Trump's negotiation stance and challenges
18:00 - Russian rejection of Western proposals from Berlin negotiations
20:32 - European response and ongoing tensions with Russia
27:00 - Military situation update in Kulpinsk and Zaporia
37:34 - Reports of Russian advances and Ukrainian defenses
57:00 - Discussion on potential Christmas truce and its implications
1:16:10 - Concerns over prolonging the war and Ukrainian interests
1:20:34 - Conclusion and future outlook on the conflict



[Posted at the SpookyWeather2 blog, December 18, 2025.]