The Ukrainian Defense Ministry said Thursday that Russia’s Starlink satellite internet terminals in Ukraine have been “cut off,” disrupting Russian military communications.

As casualties in Ukraine continue to mount, the Kremlin is seeking new sources of manpower while trying to avoid the political shock of full mobilization. Just days before the New Year, Russian leader Vladimir Putin signed laws expanding military conscription.

A recent NATO wargame indicates that Russia could conquer the Baltic states within days, exposing weaknesses in European response and US leadership, raising alarms about Russia's military ambitions by 2026.

Arms control experts say the termination of the New START Treaty could set the stage for an unconstrained nuclear arms race.