Ukraine Invasion: Part 53

[MagicFox]

Welcome to 53 and, as always, Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦

Agreed thread guidance:

A. The agreed purpose of the thread is for the sharing of information and commentary on current events

B. If you post a link please tell us where it leads/give a precis of the content

C. Discussion and debate is welcome, but please keep it respectful

And speaking of the NK's, here's an opinion piece from the WSJ about the geopolitical opportunity their involvement presents.

North Korean Troops Become Cannon Fodder for Russia - A chance for Ukraine and Trump to set Putin back and drive a wedge between Pyongyang and Moscow.

By the way, most of the accounts I've seen have most of the NK troops embedded in Russian units, not fighting on their own in discreet units. There have also been some reports of the NK's firing on Russian targets (accidentally, one would hope), so the ones operating independently aren't well coordinated with the Russians. That's not surprising, given the language barriers.

I know this is the Ukraine thread but diverging for a moment to say how absolutely wonderful it is to hear about reports from the Middle East of a ceasefire ❤️

Hoping that all the hostages are released

Trump appears to think imminently (and much as I hate him he is of course no “in the room”). It’s a phased deal though so won’t all be at once. Think it’s women and children first.

https://x.com/saintjavelin/status/1879488721072107972 An Australian POW has been executed by the Russians it's reported

Biden sounding more presidential than I’ve heard him in some time.

He did some PR damage to himself in a recent newspaper interview, so I suspect there's an effort underway to recover from that.

Yes, please god please god. May it be real, and lasting, and there be some sort of just peace so people can live in safety.

I might be hoping for too much, but oh, please let it be.

I do hope they get released, and imminently. And the ceasefire holds.

Just woke up to the news of Keir Starmer’s surprise visit to Kyiv (won’t post a link as it’s from the DM) - this made me really emotional. The impact of this support is going to be massive for Ukrainians.

I had thought this was a planned visit? They were talking about it earlier in the week (though I think as usual exact timing was under wraps for security reasons).

I didn't know it was in the offing either, so woke up to a happy surprise.

Starmer in Kyiv to pledge more Ukraine support
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvgem31jekvo

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-january-15-2025

Key Takeaways:

• Russian forces conducted a large series of missile and drone strikes against Ukrainian energy infrastructure on the night of January 14 to 15.
• Ukraine and Russia conducted a one-for-one prisoner of war (POW) exchange on January 15, their first POW exchange in 2025.
• A Russian source claimed that Ukrainian drone and artillery capabilities are providing Ukrainian tanks with tactical advantages over Russian tanks in unspecified, select areas of the frontline.
• Transnistrian President Vadim Krasnoselsky announced on January 15 that Russia will soon provide Transnistria with gas as "humanitarian aid" but did not specify the delivery date or method.
• Armenia continues to enhance its relations with Western partners amid waning relations with Russia.
• Russian forces recently advanced in the Borova, Chasiv Yar, and Toretsk directions.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on January 15 that about 600,000 Russian soldiers are currently operating in Ukraine.

ISW

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️Ukraine’s military now totals 880,000 soldiers (kyivindependent.com/ukraines-military-now-totals-880-000-soldiers-facing-600-000-russian-troops-zelensky-says/), facing 600,000 Russian troops, Zelensky says.

⚡️ 'Strongest action possible (kyivindependent.com/strongest-action-possible-pm-albanese-pledges-action-if-australian-fighting-for-ukraine-was-executed-by-russia/)' — Albanese vows to act if Australian fighting for Ukraine was executed by Russia.
Oscar Jenkins, a 32-year-old teacher from Melbourne, was reported captured by Russian forces in December.

⚡️ Ukraine hopes to open (kyivindependent.com/zelensky-eu-negotiations/) all 6 negotiating clusters on EU accession in 2025, Zelensky says.

⚡️Members of Trump's team admit Ukraine-Russia peace settlement could take months (kyivindependent.com/trump-team-admits-ukraine-peace-settlement-could-take-months-reuters-reports/), Reuters reports.
Several advisors to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump have accepted a timeline of at least several months to strike a deal to settle the Russia-Ukraine war, Reuters reported on Jan. 15, citing two Trump associates who directly spoke to the president-elect about the war. [but but ... he was going to settle it in 24 hours!]

⚡️Putin to demand Ukraine never join (kyivindependent.com/putin-to-demand-ukraine-never-join-nato-during-talks-with-trump-bloomberg-reports/) NATO during talks with Trump, Bloomberg reports.

⚡️US targets China-Russia sanctions evasion scheme (kyivindependent.com/us-targets-china-russia-sanctions-evasion-scheme-with-new-measures/) with new measures.
The U.S. Treasury Department has targeted actors involved in a sanctions evasion scheme facilitating cross-border payments for sensitive goods between China and Russia as part of a new package of sanctions, according to a Jan. 15 announcement.

⚡️US sanctions Russian entity operating occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant (kyivindependent.com/us-sanctions-russian-entity-operating-occupied-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-plant/).
Russian forces have occupied the Zaporizhzhia plant, the largest nuclear station in Europe, since March 2022, and have been using the site in ways that increase the risk of a nuclear disaster.

⚡️UK PM Starmer makes surprise visit to Kyiv, will sign (https://kyivindependent.com/uk-pm-starmer-make-surprise-visit-to-kyiv-will-sign-100-year-partnership-with-ukraine/) '100 Year Partnership' with Ukraine.

⚡️ Italy's Defense Minister Crosetto arrives (kyivindependent.com/italys-defense-minister-crosetto-arrives-in-kyiv-on-official-visit/) in Kyiv on official visit.

⚡️Ukraine blows up (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-blows-up-shaft-in-pokrovsk-nyt/) mine shaft to hamper Russian advance to Pokrovsk, NYT reports.
Ukraine blew up the No. 3 mine's shaft in the village of Pishchane in Donetsk Oblast to prevent Russia from deploying its troops closer to the front-line town of Pokrovsk, The New York Times (NYT) reported on Jan. 15, citing miners.

⚡️Oil depot on fire in Russia's Voronezh region (kyivindependent.com/oil-depot-on-fire-in-russias-voronezh-region/).
An oil depot in Russia's Voronezh region caught fire following multiple drone strikes, regional governor Alexander Gusev said on Jan. 15.
Voronezh is located approximately 465 kilometers (289 miles) south of Moscow.

⚡️ Ukrainian drone strike reportedly targets gunpowder factory (kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-drone-strike-reportedly-targets-gunpowder-factory-in-russias-tambov-oblast/) in Russia's Tambov Oblast.
The Kuzmino-Gat gunpowder factory is "one of the key facilities of the Russian military-industrial complex involved in the war against Ukraine," said Andrii Kovalenko, the head of the counter-disinformation department at Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council.

⚡️NATO defense budget could surpass Russia’s tenfold (kyivindependent.com/nato-defense-budget-could-surpass-russias-tenfold-if-europe-matches-polands-spending-pm-says/) if Europe matches Poland’s spending, Tusk says.
"No one but Europe will solve its defense problems," Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Jan. 15.

⚡️ Transnistria to receive Russian gas as humanitarian aid (kyivindependent.com/transnistria-to-receive-russian-gas-humanitarian-aid/), head of breakaway region says.
Russia’s state-controlled energy giant Gazprom halted gas supplies to Moldova on Jan. 1, citing alleged unpaid debts by Moldovagaz.

⚡️ Polish PM accuses Russia of planning 'air terror (kyivindependent.com/polish-pm-accuses-russia-of-planning-global-airline-terror-attacks-condemns-sabotage-efforts/),' condemns sabotage efforts.
"These acts of sabotage are versions of the war that Russia has declared to the whole world, not just Ukraine," Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said.

⚡️ Lithuania would consider troop deployment to (kyivindependent.com/lithuania-would-consider-troop-deployment-to-ukraine-upon-kyivs-request-fm-budrys-says/) upon Kyiv’s request, FM Budrys says.

Why Ukraine’s long-delayed missile production ambitions have yet to get off the ground (kyivindependent.com/why-ukraines-long-delayed-missile-production-ambitions-have-yet-to-get-off-the-ground/)

⚡️ Ukraine brings back 25 people (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-brings-back-25-people-from-russian-captivity-including-azovstal-defenders/) from Russian captivity, including Azovstal defenders.
Zelensky said some of those brought back have serious injuries and illnesses.

⚡️Ukraine captures 23 Russian soldiers (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-captures-23-russian-soldiers-in-donetsk-oblast/) in Donetsk Oblast.

⚡️ Ukrainian paratroopers capture 27 Russian soldiers (kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-paratroopers-capture-27-russian-soldiers-in-kursk-oblast/) in Kursk Oblast.
"Among them are officers, sergeants, and privates from motorized rifle units, Marines, airborne troops, and other units, coming from various Russian regions and the occupied city of Sevastopol," the Airborne Assault Troops' press service said.

⚡️ ‘Absolutely unacceptable (kyivindependent.com/appointment-of-judge-who-visited-occupied-crimea-russia-triggers-criticism/)’ — Appointment of judge who visited occupied Crimea, Russia triggers criticism.
The decision highlights the continued presence of officials with ties to Russia in the Ukrainian government.

⚡️Russian attacks (kyivindependent.com/russian-attacks-against-ukraine-kill-4-injure-27-over-past-day/) against Ukraine kill 4, injure 27 over past day.

‪Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬ ‪- JAN 16, 2025
■ Engagements & casualties below 7-day avg
■ Record 7-day vehicle & drone losses, 31 of 44 missiles intercepted
■ Visually confirmed: 49 🇷🇺 30 🇺🇦 added (1.6x), last 30 days 1.5x ⬆
■ 18 🇺🇦 strikes reported, improved strike ratio

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

Israel and Hamas have reportedly reached a ceasefire agreement, with an official announcement expected shortly, according to The Times of Israel.

🇺🇳🇺🇦 Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that Ukraine will not compromise on its right to join NATO in upcoming negotiations aimed at ending the war.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that Poland is providing Ukraine with its 46th aid package, valued at 200 million euros.
The specific contents of the package remain undisclosed for security reasons, but deliveries are expected to commence soon.

Inflation in Russia is expected to rise to 9.8% by the end of 2024, up from 8.9% in November, Bloomberg reports, citing economists’ estimates. This marks the fifth consecutive year the Central Bank of Russia has missed its 4% inflation target, despite high interest rates.
The ruble’s over 10% devaluation due to new U.S. sanctions and increased consumer demand has contributed to this inflation surge. Rising state spending and wage hikes to address a labor shortage are fueling consumer demand, straining the economy to meet military and civilian needs.
Sanctions have restricted imports, pushing up prices for essentials like food, fuel, and consumer goods. As of late December, potatoes have nearly doubled in price, onions are 1.5 times more expensive, butter is up 40%, and gasoline has risen 20%.
Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina likened inflation to a high fever, warning that such rapid growth is unsustainable. Inflation is projected to peak in early 2025 and return to the bank’s target only by 2026.

❗️The European Commission plans to propose sanctions targeting Russian and Belarusian fertilizers and agri-food products to avoid potential vetoes from Hungary or Slovakia, according to RMF FM.
The sanctions are expected to be implemented via a qualified majority vote, bypassing the need for unanimous agreement since they involve trade measures.

⚡️Ukraine has achieved a separate format for the return of seriously ill and wounded prisoners, bringing another 25 Ukrainians home.
The youngest released individual is 24 years old, and the oldest is 60. These people endured unimaginable hardships, lacking proper medical care and suffering inhumane treatment in enemy captivity.
The wounded face severe conditions, including loss of vision, limb amputations, complex bullet wounds, and the aftermath of mine and explosive injuries. Diseases such as tuberculosis, cancer, and gangrene further highlight the dire conditions under which they were held.
Under the Third Geneva Convention, the seriously ill and seriously wounded must be prioritized for return.
We extend our gratitude to the United Arab Emirates for their support in organizing this mutual repatriation.

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Russia planned aerial terror targeting Poland and airlines worldwide — Polish PM Tusk
Western intelligence previously revealed that Russia attempted to organize attacks on civilian aircraft globally using small incendiary devices.

In 10 days, the Russians occupied 10 Ukraine’s settlements.
Occupied:
Lozova, Ivanivka, Petropavlivka, Vozdvyzhenka, Solone, Kurakhove, Zelene, Novoivanivka, Leonidove, Oleksandriya.

Russia Confirms Strikes on Ukrainian Gas Storage
Moscow claims it targeted Lviv gas storage as "retaliation" for an alleged Ukrainian attempt to disrupt the TurkStream pipeline. Over 40 missiles fired, Kyiv says key infrastructure remains operational.
www.kyivpost.com/post/45517

EU & NATO membership, massive arms deals, potential deployment of foreign military contingents on Ukrainian territory — these are the security guarantees Ukraine is striving for. Anything less is a green light for Russian aggression — Zelensky

Ukrainian POW’s Wife Resists Russian Blackmail Attempts
A Russian “agent provocateur” promised a Ukrainian POW’s wife that he would get preferential treatment if she carried
out acts of sabotage on Moscow’s behalf - she declined and informed the SBU
https://www.kyivpost.com/post/45

Nord Stream Mystery: Finland, NATO, and the Hybrid War with Russia
Chuck Pfarrer, former squadron leader of SEAL Team 6, on Russia’s Baltic plot.
www.kyivpost.com/videos/45491

▪️A ceasefire will take effect in Gaza, allowing civilians to return to the north, with partial withdrawal of Israeli forces.
▪️600 humanitarian aid trucks will be delivered daily, including 50 with fuel and 300 designated for northern Gaza.
▪️Hamas will release 33 Israeli hostages, including women, children, and men over 50.
▪️Israel will release 30 Palestinians for each hostage and 50 for each female soldier, along with all Palestinian women and children under 19 detained since October 7.
▪️The total number of released Palestinians could range from 990 to 1,650.

French Special Forces Prepare to Prevent Belarus Attack on
Ukraine
A secret French exercise using 3,000 special forces commandos supported
a whole range of technological support held over several weeks towards the end of 2024 was to prepare to intervene if Belarus invaded Ukraine.
www.kyivpost.com/post/45513

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, selected by Donald Trump to serve as Secretary of State, stated during Senate hearings on Wednesday that concessions will be necessary from both Ukraine and Russia for the war to come to an end.

Trump may propose space collaboration to Putin in exchange for peace in Ukraine, writes The Hill. (thehill.com/opinion/technology/5079232-russian-space-program-decline/)
Russia is struggling to advance its space program due to sanctions, embargoes on equipment supply, and financial shortages.
Thus, Trump might have the opportunity to offer Moscow a role in NASA’s Artemis program in return for ending the war in Ukraine.
This deal would allow Russia to participate in lunar exploration, gain access to modern technologies, and collaborate with partners like SpaceX. Whether this idea materializes depends on Putin’s response.

❗️Russia planned terrorist attacks on planes of various airlines around the world, said Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk
▪️Earlier, The New York Times reported that U.S. intelligence had warned the White House about Russian intelligence agencies’ plans to place explosive devices on cargo planes bound for the United States. The publication noted that the White House had then warned the Kremlin to stop the operation.
▪️Additionally, Moscow had previously been accused of sabotaging European transportation infrastructure and jamming GPS signals. For example, in April 2024, the Czech Minister of Transport reported that since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia had made “thousands of attempts” to attack European railways.

In Vyborg, Russia, a warehouse belonging to a fund providing aid for “participants of the special military operation” burned down, with losses estimated at 1.7 million rubles
The warehouse contained construction materials for bunkers, armor sets, tactical headsets, clothing, and other equipment.
Preliminary reports suggest the fire was caused by arson. On January 9th, the warehouse was completely destroyed by the blaze.

Air defense forces shot down 34 out of 55 enemy drones
Another 18 drones were lost locationally.
Several UAVs hit a farming enterprise in the Chernihiv oblast, and the fall of intercepted enemy drones caused damage to private houses in the Kharkiv and Poltava oblasts.

Russia carrying out drone attacks on Kyiv whilst the PM is there seems decidedly risky….

Trigger warning - torture and sexual assault

https://usun.usmission.gov/remarks-at-a-un-security-council-arria-formula-meeting-on-violations-of-international-humanitarian-law-against-ukrainian-prisoners-of-war-and-civilia/ A sobering report from the UN on the systemic torture of Ukrainian prisoners in Russian detention.

Blimey, it's genuinely amateur hour in Kursk. The Russians have destroyed a North Korean air defense radar system.

https://www.kyivpost.com/post/45347

I can't imagine that the Great Leader is very pleased about that.

“Hope” is the thing with feathers -
That perches in the soul -
And sings the tune without the words -
And never stops - at all -

And sweetest - in the Gale - is heard -
And sore must be the storm -
That could abash the little Bird
That kept so many warm -

I’ve heard it in the chillest land -
And on the strangest Sea -
Yet - never - in Extremity,
It asked a crumb - of me.

—Emily Dickinson

Oh dear

@Igotjelly beautiful poem. There is always hope.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️Ukrainian forces repel (kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-forces-repel-russian-assault-on-border-with-russias-kursk-oblast-military-says/) Russian assault on border with Russia's Kursk Oblast, military says.

Partners, not allies: What to expect from Russia-Iran agreement (kyivindependent.com/for-moscow-iranian-president-masoud-pezeshkians-visit-to-russia-on-jan-17-is-a-diplomatic-victory/) set to be signed on Jan. 17

⚡️Russian hackers target WhatsApp (kyivindependent.com/russian-hackers-target-whatsapp-in-new-tactic-microsoft-warns/)in new tactic, Microsoft warns.
The Russian hacker group Star Blizzard impersonated U.S. government officials in attempts to gain access to WhatsApp accounts and sensitive information, Microsoft said.

⚡️UK pledges (kyivindependent.com/uk-to-send-ukraine-artillery-barrels-air-defense-system-as-part-of-2-6b-package-funded-by-russian-assets/) $3.6 billion in military support for Ukraine, to deliver artillery barrels, mobile air defense.
The U.K. will also provide new military aid for Ukraine, including 150 artillery barrels, a mobile air defense system, and an expanded training initiative with allied nations, the government announced on Jan. 16.

⚡️Netherlands announces (kyivindependent.com/netherlands-announces-27-million-in-aid-for-ukraine-following-dutch-foreign-ministers-visit-to-kyiv/) $27 million in aid for Ukraine following Dutch Foreign Minister's visit to Kyiv.
The package announced on Jan. 16 includes 7 million euros ($7.2 million) towards fuel, medical supplies, winter equipment, and electronic warfare systems.
An additional 20 million euros ($20.6 million) is being allocated to assist with critical infrastructure needs.

⚡️Zelensky, Italian Defense Minister discuss security guarantees (kyivindependent.com/zelensky-italian-defense-minister-discuss-security-guarantees-at-meeting-in-kyiv/) at meeting in Kyiv.

⚡️NATO deploys (kyivindependent.com/nato-deploys-norwegian-f-35-fighters-for-1st-time-during-russian-jan-15-attack-on-ukraine/) Norwegian F-35 fighters for 1st time during Russian Jan. 15 attack on Ukraine.

⚡️Fico may meet (kyivindependent.com/fico-may-meet-with-zelensky-in-next-few-days/) with Zelensky in 'next few days'.

⚡️Trump advisers draft sanctions plan (kyivindependent.com/trump-advisers-draft-sanctions-plan-to-pressure-moscow-toward-peace-bloomberg-reports/) to pressure Moscow toward peace, Bloomberg reports.
Advisers to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump are developing a comprehensive sanctions strategy aimed at facilitating a diplomatic resolution to the Russia-Ukraine war, Bloomberg reported on Jan. 16, citing anonymous sources familiar with the discussions.

North Korean troops deployed to fight for Russia learn modern warfare — albeit at heavy cost (kyivindependent.com/north-koreas-troops-learn-the-lessons-of-russias-war-albeit-at-heavy-cost/)
Despite gaps in knowledge and experience, observers acknowledge that the North Koreans have proven to be committed, even fanatical fighters.

⚡️Ukraine extends (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-extends-cooperation-with-norwegian-nasams-systems-supplier/) cooperation with Norwegian NASAMS systems supplier.
Ukraine and Norway discussed the possibility of integrating Ukrainian-made air defense systems into the NASAMS systems "to increase its effectiveness," Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said.

⚡️Ukrainian drones hit (kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-drones-hit-russian-oil-depot-in-voronezh-oblast-military-claims/) Russian oil depot in Voronezh Oblast, military claims

⚡️Russian drone flew over (kyivindependent.com/russian-drone-flew-over-presidential-palace-during-zelensky-starmer-meeting-guardian-reports/) presidential palace during Zelensky-Starmer meeting, Guardian reports.

⚡️Russia discusses buying gas (https://kyivindependent.com/russia-discusses-buying-gas-for-transnistria-in-europe-media-reports/) for Transnistria in Europe, media reports.
Moscow and local authorities in Transnistria are discussing the possibility of purchasing gas for Moldova's Russian-occupied region on the European spot market via an intermediary company, the Russian state-controlled media outlet Kommersant reported on Jan. 15, citing unnamed sources.
The costs are likely to be compensated by the Russian budget, the newspaper reported.

⚡️ Russia claims it struck (https://kyivindependent.com/gas-storage-facilities-attack/) Lviv Oblast gas storage facilities; Ukraine reports no disruptions.
Russia claimed it had damaged ground facilities at one of Ukraine's largest natural gas storage sites in Lviv Oblast during a wave of missile and drone attacks on Jan. 15.

⚡️ Ukraine’s Emergency Service denies claims of mass mobilization, says 90% of staff are exempt. (https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-emergency-service-denies-claims-of-mass-mobilization-says-90-of-staff-are-exempt/)

⚡️ Ukrainian families of war victims can now seek compensation through The Hague's Register of Damage. (kyivindependent.com/families-of-war-victims-can-now-seek-compensation-through-ukraines-register-of-damage/)
The International Register of Damage for Ukraine has begun accepting applications for compensation from families who lost close relatives due to Russia's full-scale invasion, Ukraine's Presidential Office announced on Jan. 16.

⚡️ North Korean troops to join Russia’s Victory Day for the first time, media reports. (kyivindependent.com/north-korean-troops-to-join-russias-victory-day-parade/)

How Ukraine captured a North Korean POW (kyivindependent.com/they-are-better-prepared-than-russians-ukrainian-soldiers-on-capturing-north-korean-pows/), told by the soldiers who took part

⚡️ Russian officer jailed (kyivindependent.com/russian-officer-jailed-over-helicopter-downing/) for accidentally shooting down own helicopter in Crimea.

Russian air defense officer Igor Pashkov was sentenced to two years and 10 months in prison after he shot down a Russian Mi-8 helicopter in December 2023, mistaking it for a drone. [ @MissConductUS indeed, amateur hour]

⚡️ 'You were shot. Why didn't you forgive?' Zelensky tells Fico (kyivindependent.com/you-were-shot-at-why-didnt-you-forgive-zelensky-tells-fico/), drawing parallels to Russian aggression.
The Slovak government is playing very dangerous game by criticizing military support for Ukraine and getting closer to Russia, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview with the Polish media on Jan. 16.

'Absurd phenomenon' — The manpower issue (kyivindependent.com/absurd-phenomenon-the-manpower-issue-threatening-to-weaken-ukraines-air-force/) threatening to weaken Ukraine's Air Force
Critically lacking manpower on the front lines where Russia continues to use its vast manpower advantage to make grinding advances, Ukraine has been scrambling specialists into the infantry in an effort to replenish losses.
Criticized widely by soldiers and experts for a “wasteful” use of specialist troops that have spent years honing their skills, the short-term solution has frequently led to their death or injury, according to soldiers interviewed by the Kyiv Independent over 2024.

‪Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬- JAN 17, 2025
■ Casualties above the 7-day average while engagements stay below it
■ Record 7-day vehicle losses & 5 air defence systems destroyed in the last 7 days
■ Fewer strikes on both sides, strike ratio could be better