Ukraine fooled Russia with the same deceptions Germany used at WWII’s Battle of the Bulge

Business Insider,

When Ukraine unleashed its Kursk offensive in August, it wasn’t just the Russians who were surprised. Some experts had argued that large-scale attacks were no longer possible in modern warfare. Any attempt to mass forces for a penetration would be quickly detected by drones, spy planes, or satellites, enabling the defender to reinforce his defenses. However, despite hordes of Russian drones keeping an eagle eye for Ukrainian movements, Ukraine managed to concentrate its best brigades for an attack that stunned the Kremlin and seized 500 square miles at the height of the offensive.

How did Ukraine do it? By employing the same techniques that Germany used during the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944. The Ukrainian high command carefully prepared by identifying weak spots in Russian defenses. By massing forces for offensives in eastern Ukraine, this thinned out the rest of the 600-mile front line, including the Kursk region. Open-source intelligence indicated that up to 75 percent of Russia’s ground forces were deployed in or near eastern Ukraine, allowing Ukraine to exploit lighter coverage of Kursk.

Similar to Germany’s strategy in late 1944, Ukraine’s success relied on meticulous planning and secrecy. General Oleksandr Syrskyi led the operation with minimal disclosure to prevent Russian intelligence from discovering the plan. Disinformation was also key, as Ukraine misled Russian forces into believing it would not be capable of launching an offensive until spring 2025. Ukraine’s preparations included blinding Russian ISR systems and striking airfields to disrupt command and control. The operation demonstrated that operational surprise is still achievable in the conflict, offering lessons for future large-scale combat operations.

Putin unlikely to come to the negotiation table, regardless of who wins US election

CNN,

Russia is closely monitoring US policy, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has indicated that negotiations depend on the outcome of the upcoming elections in the United States. If elected, Kamala Harris is expected to maintain the Biden administration’s supportive stance towards Ukraine, despite some friction over Western weapon usage. Conversely, Donald Trump has proposed ending support for Ukraine and believes he could resolve the conflict swiftly.

Analysts caution that Russia is unlikely to negotiate, irrespective of who wins the White House. Experts emphasize that political dysfunction in the US could be advantageous for Putin, allowing him to exploit divisions within Western unity. The scale of the conflict extends beyond Ukraine, posing broader implications between Russia and the West. Analysts suggest that unless there is a clear and unified approach from the West, Russia will not reconsider its position. As the war continues, Putin’s strategy seems focused on undermining Ukraine’s resolve while inflicting casualties and damage on its civilian infrastructure.

China’s BYD boosts production and hiring amid Q3 growth

Reuters,

China’s electric vehicle giant BYD has significantly ramped up production by nearly 200,000 units from August to October, alongside hiring close to 200,000 new employees in manufacturing and components. This increase comes as BYD reported an 11.5% rise in third-quarter net profit, driven by robust sales momentum.

In the July-September period, BYD’s revenue surged 24% year-on-year to 201.1 billion yuan ($28.24 billion), marking the first clear revenue victory over Tesla since the Chinese automaker ceased gasoline engine production in 2022. The company’s aggressive hiring and production strategies indicate its growing dominance in the electric vehicle market as it adapts to increasing demand.

Bones from a Tudor warship reveal what life was like for the crew

CNN,

The Mary Rose, a flagship of King Henry VIII’s fleet, offers new insights into Tudor life nearly 500 years after its sinking. Underwater archaeologists have uncovered artifacts and remains from the vessel, which sank during a battle in 1545. Recent studies of the crew’s collarbones reveal how their shipboard tasks influenced their bone chemistry. Researchers found that all crew members favored their right hands, likely due to cultural stigmas against left-handedness at the time.

These findings enhance our understanding of age-related changes in human bones and contribute to modern medical research. Furthermore, the discoveries provide a unique glimpse into the lives of the sailors who lived and died aboard this historic warship.

‘Cataclysmic Collapse’—Elon Musk’s Radical $35.7 Trillion Plan To Avert Financial Emergency Spurs Huge Bitcoin Price Bets

Forbes,

Elon Musk has raised alarms about an impending “financial emergency” in the U.S., warning of the escalating $35.7 trillion national debt. His comments have sparked speculation regarding the potential for a Bitcoin price surge, with experts expressing concerns over the Federal Reserve’s policies perceived as hostile towards cryptocurrency.

Musk has proposed a “Doge” plan aimed at eliminating waste in the federal budget and balancing it. This initiative, which draws on his close ties to Trump’s transition team, reflects a growing sentiment among investors regarding the sustainability of the U.S. dollar. As Musk continues to advocate for drastic spending cuts, the potential impact on Bitcoin and broader financial markets is under scrutiny, emphasizing the urgent need for fiscal reform amid rising national debt.

NASA astronauts to redock SpaceX Dragon at International Space Station: How to watch

USA Today,

NASA astronauts are set to relocate a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft at the International Space Station (ISS) to accommodate an upcoming uncrewed resupply mission. The Dragon, which has been docked since September 29, will be undocked from its current port on November 3, 2024, and moved to a new location on the Harmony module.

The relocation procedure will commence at 6:35 a.m. EDT, with live coverage available on NASA+. This maneuver is a routine part of the ISS operations as it prepares for future missions and ensures ongoing support for the astronauts aboard. NASA’s commercial crew program has integrated SpaceX missions into its operations, providing crucial logistical support for scientific research and exploration goals, including preparations for upcoming lunar missions under the Artemis program.