January 1, Russia Shows Off Nukes as Trump Summit Paused

Wyatt’s Take

• Russia showed its nuclear power right after a Trump-Putin meeting was delayed.
• Both Russia and Ukraine hit each other hard, with energy and civilian losses.
• European defense stocks jumped as war worries spread.

Russia ran big nuclear weapons drills, showing video of top generals briefing President Putin right after the U.S. said the Trump-Putin meeting was on hold. Russian missiles tested in the drills can hit the U.S., putting pressure on America and its allies.

At the same time, Russia launched more than 400 drones and dozens of missiles at Ukraine’s power system, Ukraine said. Some hit their mark and knocked out electricity, while Ukraine claimed to shoot down hundreds.

“The dates haven’t been set yet, but thorough preparation is needed before then, and that takes time,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

Putin and Trump agreed to a future summit in Hungary, but after new talks, President Trump said he didn’t want to waste time unless the meeting mattered. Russia, for its part, insisted talks are still in motion and admitted that it’s a tough process.

Meanwhile, both sides kept pounding each other. Six people, including two children, died from Russian attacks near Kyiv, with Ukraine striking a chemical plant inside Russia.

“Russian words about diplomacy mean nothing as long as the Russian leadership does not feel critical problems. And this can be ensured only through sanctions, long-range capabilities, and coordinated diplomacy among all our partners,” Zelenskiy said.

Stocks for European weapons makers rose as leaders in Europe promised more aid to Ukraine. Ukraine appealed for more energy help as winter gets closer and power outages spread.

Full story here

Wyatt Matters

These war games, threats, and power cuts bring global politics straight to Main Street. When nations flex or stall, it’s everyday families who end up footing the bill and feeling the pain. We shouldn’t forget who carries the load when leaders play dangerous games.