Scott Lucas

Professor Scott Lucas argues Vladimir Putin is acting like a 'cornered rat', pointing to stalled Russian frontlines in Ukraine and continued Ukrainian counter-attacks. He warns a cornered Putin remains dangerous, citing ongoing Russian airstrikes on Ukraine and hybrid warfare operations across Europe as signs Moscow is escalating outside conventional battlefield channels.

Russia's government plans to spend $202.58 billion on the military in 2027, roughly 27% more than the original budget, according to reports shared by analyst Scott Lucas. At the same time, social policy funding will be cut by 7%, including state pensions, payments to war veterans and maternity benefits, prompting criticism that the Kremlin is prioritizing the war in Ukraine over ordinary Russians' welfare.

Professor Scott Lucas of journa.host has published a 24-minute analysis arguing that Russia is preparing an intensified aerial assault on Ukraine this winter. He suggests it may be the Kremlin's last chance to force Kyiv's surrender, given Russia's limited progress on the frontlines. The piece examines how and why Moscow is holding back forces for the campaign.

Russian attacks across Ukraine over the past 24 hours killed at least one civilian and injured 56 others, according to figures shared by academic and commentator Scott Lucas. Ukrainian air defenses downed 106 of 152 attack drones, including 82 jet-powered models, as well as all three missiles launched. The figures underline the continuing nightly toll of Russian aerial strikes on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.