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

It’s worth watching for entertainment, pure batshittery!

I also couldn't bear to watch. There is another thread at the moment talking about Elon Musks salute...

So Trump is going to call Putin and tell him to end the war or he will “unleash the power of American energy”, transferring US energy to Europe in a bid to bankrupt Russia.

I'm limiting access too but have seen clips of Musk's salute - has this been taken out of context in anyway? I'm so shocked if that's what he intended - I honestly am just speechless.

I've had to have some surgery and am in recovery so popping on and off when I can but certainly monitoring from an admin perspective so I'm poised!

I’ve seen the full speech from Musk and wouldn’t say it was taken out of context at all.

@Igotjelly wtf?! I have no words

I've watched it. I think defensive hope plays a big role in its interpretation. But this is the slippery slope...whether intended as a facist salute or not, it was a global platform at the inauguration of the world's most powerful man. Not ok.

Did Trump say that? Sorry I could not bear to watch the circus.

Musk is out of line. Whether he intended to emulate Hitler or not, he apparently deleted the salute from the Twitter recording.

It is a real concern what the Trump administration is about to 'unleash'.

@MagicFox wishing you a smooth recovery on your surgery.

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-january-20-2025

Key Takeaways:

• Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief General Oleksandr Syrskyi reported on January 20 that Russian forces suffered more than 434,000 casualties in 2024 — 150,000 of which were personnel killed in action.
• Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated on January 20 that the Kremlin is willing to negotiate with the United States about the war in Ukraine but indicated that he maintains his demands for Ukraine's full capitulation.
• Ukrainian forces reportedly struck an aircraft production plant in Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan on January 20 as a part of an ongoing series of strikes aimed at degrading Russian military capacity.
• Ukrainian strikes against Russian defense industrial base (DIB) targets are reportedly affecting Russian forces' combat capabilities.
• Moldovan and Transnistrian authorities continue efforts to supply Transnistria with European gas.
• Russian forces recently advanced near Toretsk, Pokrovsk, and Kurakhove.
• A Russian milblogger and former Storm-Z instructor repeated on January 20 complaints that Russian milbloggers first issued in May 2024 about insufficient quality controls on Russian artillery shells.

Thank you @blueshoes ⭐️

@MagicFox my best wishes for a successful op and a quick recovery too!

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️Trump sworn in (https://kyivindependent.com/trump-sworn-in-as-47th-us-president/) as 47th US president.
Vice President J.D. Vance took the oath of office alongside the president.

⚡️'We're taking it back (kyivindependent.com/trump-sworn-in-as-47th-us-president/)' — Trump says US is taking back the Panama Canal.
"Golden age of America begins right now," Trump said during his inauguration speech.

⚡️ US Senate confirms Marco Rubio as new secretary of state. (https://kyivindependent.com/us-senate-confirms-marco-rubio-as-next-us-secretary-of-state/)

⚡️ Zelensky arrives in Davos (https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-arrives-in-davos-for-world-economic-forum/) to participate in World Economic Forum.

Massive Russian hack on government database shows cracks in Ukraine's digitalization drive (kyivindependent.com/massive-russian-hack-on-government-database-shows-cracks-in-ukraines-warp-speed-digitalization-drive/)
The Justice Ministry announced on Dec. 19 that a Russian hack had taken a laundry list of critical government databases offline, containing sensitive information from property ownership to biometric data to tax records.
The hack posed a major informational threat, highlighting how vulnerable government and Ukrainians’ personal data is to cyber attacks. Attacks of these kinds also erode public trust in the government, experts say.

⚡️Xi declares (kyivindependent.com/xi-declares-readiness-to-bring-china-russia-relations-to-new-height-together-with-putin/) readiness to bring China-Russia ties to 'new height' in call with Putin.
Xi Jinping stressed that bilateral cooperation between Beijing and Moscow is gradually expanding and that joint trade is trending upward.

⚡️China imports (kyivindependent.com/china-imports-record-amount-of-russian-crude-oil-in-2024-reuters-says/)record amount of Russian crude oil in 2024, Reuters reports.
In 2024, 108.5 million metric tons were imported from Russia, including through pipelines and sea deliveries.

⚡️China's support for Russia falls short (kyivindependent.com/chinas-support-for-russia-falls-short-in-replacing-western-materials-media-reports/)in replacing Western materials, media reports.
China has emerged as Russia's largest supplier of goods, but Chinese imports have failed to fully replace Western equipment, and raw materials lost due to sanctions, The Moscow Times reported on Jan. 20, citing data from the Gaidar Institute.

⚡️Macron warns of prolonged Ukraine war (kyivindependent.com/macron-warns-of-prolonged-ukraine-war-urges-stronger-european-defense-strategy/), urges stronger European defense strategy.

⚡️EU plans to eliminate Russian fossil fuels, aims to end gas imports (https://kyivindependent.com/eu-plans-to-eliminate-russian-fossil-fuels-aims-to-end-gas-imports/).

⚡️Erdogan intends (kyivindependent.com/erdogan-intends-to-discuss-ending-russias-war-in-ukraine-with-trump/) to discuss ending Russia’s war in Ukraine with Trump.

⚡️Putin congratulates Trump (kyivindependent.com/putin-congratulates-trump-amid-inauguration-signals-readiness-for-talks/), signals readiness for talks.
This comes as reported peace proposals, including freezing the front lines, have been publicly rejected by Russia. Putin stated that his country would begin peace negotiations if Kyiv agreed to withdraw from the four Ukrainian regions Russia partly controls.

⚡️Lithuania sends drones, thermal imagers, loaders in new Ukraine aid package, (kyivindependent.com/lithuania-sends-drones-thermal-imagers-loaders-in-new-ukraine-aid-defense-ministry-says/) Defense Ministry says.

Ukrainian forces struck the Liskinskaya oil depot in Russia's Voronezh Oblast, the Smolensk Aviation Plant, and a Russian command post in Donetsk Oblast overnight on Jan. 21, Ukraine's General Staff said. https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-strikes-russian-oil-depot-aviation-plant-military-confirms/

Russia's primitive glide bombs are still outmatching Ukraine's air defenses, killing more civilians.
According to HRMMU figures, Russian glide bombs killed 360 Ukrainian civilians in 2024, and injured 1,861, a threefold increase in fatalities, and a sixfold increase in injuries compared to 2023.

⚡️Trump also energized his audience with the promise to 'drill, baby, drill. (kyivindependent.com/trump-sworn-in-as-47th-us-president/)'
U.S. President Donald Trump declared that America would become a manufacturing powerhouse, boasting the world's largest oil and gas reserves.

⚡️ Trump pauses (kyivindependent.com/trump-pauses-all-us-foreign-aid-for-90-days-pending-review/) US foreign development aid for 90 days, orders review.
U.S. President Donald Trump said that "the United States foreign aid industry and bureaucracy are not aligned with American interests and in many cases antithetical to American values."

⚡️ Commander of scandal-hit Ukrainian brigade detained (kyivindependent.com/commander-of-scandal-hit-ukrainian-brigade-detained-accused-of-failing-to-report-desertions/), accused of failing to report desertions.
The State Bureau of Investigation launched an investigation into the 155th "Anne of Kyiv" Brigade on Jan. 3.

⚡️Arms procurement head should keep post (kyivindependent.com/arms-procurement-head-should-keep-post-supervisory-board-says/), supervisory board says.

⚡️ Ukraine's SBU detains (kyivindependent.com/ukraines-sbu-detains-chief-military-psychiatrist-over-suspected-illicit-enrichment/) chief military psychiatrist over suspected illicit enrichment.
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) detained the chief psychiatrist of the Armed Forces over suspected illicit enrichment in the amount of over $1 million, the agency reported on Jan. 21.

⚡️ Russian attacks against Ukraine injure 15 (kyivindependent.com/russian-attacks-against-ukraine-injure-15/) over past day.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬ ‪ - JAN 21, 2025
■ Fewer engagements but casualties stay above 7-day avg
■ 2nd highest vehicle losses of the war (and record 7-day losses), most land-based equipment losses of 2025 so far
■ Massive 🇺🇦 strikes - 2nd biggest day reported so far

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

Focus on Security and Investment Opportunities: Ukraine House in Davos Opens Today
This platform aims to foster discussions on critical topics such as heroism, security, defense, energy, rare earth minerals, military risk insurance, unblocking frozen assets, economic sustainability, and investment opportunities. A key focus will be Ukraine’s reconstruction, projected to require $1 trillion, and the broader potential for economic development.
The Ukraine House is designed to be a hub for establishing international partnerships, offering expert insights into Ukraine’s current events and future prospects. Organizers emphasize that achieving a stable and just peace in Ukraine—while preserving its sovereignty and aligning closely with the West—is essential for global security and prosperity.
Yaroslava Johnson, President of the Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund and a member of the organizing committee, highlighted Ukraine's immense investment potential. Despite the ongoing war, the country boasts natural resources valued at $26 trillion. These include significant uranium reserves, Europe’s second-largest natural gas reserves, and approximately 20,000 other mineral deposits, making Ukraine a compelling destination for investors worldwide.

Caroline Leavitt, the press secretary for US President Donald Trump, announced that the United States will withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement.

Trump Announces U.S. Withdrawal from WHO on First Day of New Term
President Donald Trump has officially announced the United States' withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO), CNN reports.

President Trump Suspends U.S. Foreign Aid Programs for 90-Day Review
Aid to major recipients such as Israel ($3.3 billion annually), Egypt ($1.5 billion), and Jordan ($1.7 billion) is unlikely to be significantly reduced due to long-term agreements and contractual obligations. Conversely, funding for United Nations agencies, including peacekeeping and human rights programs, may be targeted, as Republican administrations have historically sought to cut such contributions.
The U.S. has already withdrawn from the UN Human Rights Council, and legislation prohibits funding the UN Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) starting in March 2024, according to the report.

North Korean soldiers executed Ukrainian soldiers who attempted to surrender in the Kursk region, according to The Wall Street Journal.
The report references a document allegedly found on a North Korean officer. The document reportedly details that, after suffering losses within their own ranks, North Korean forces decided to execute the surrendering Ukrainian soldiers.
Further details about the document and the circumstances remain unclear.

A North Korean soldier captured by Ukraine's Special Operations Forces in the Kursk region revealed that he served in a reconnaissance battalion and was unaware of who he would be fighting against.
He stated that he, along with about a hundred other compatriots, was transported to Russia by ship and later by train.
When asked about his family, he said his mother does not know where he is now. Regarding his knowledge of the outside world, the soldier admitted, "Not much."

Donald Trump outlined his key priorities in his inaugural address as the 47th President of the United States:
• Ending wars: Trump vowed to stop “all wars” but did not directly mention Ukraine.
• Immigration crackdown: A “national emergency” will be declared at the US-Mexico border to curb illegal immigration and deport millions of “criminals.”
• Cartels targeted: Drug cartels will be classified as foreign terrorist organizations.
• Energy independence: A state of emergency will be declared in the energy sector to boost oil and gas production, lower global prices, and ensure energy security.
• Military strength: Trump pledged to build the strongest military in history.
• Paris Agreement withdrawal: The US will exit the Paris Climate Agreement, focusing on domestic energy policies.
• Renaming landmarks: Trump announced plans to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of the Americas” and Mount Denali to McKinley.
• Panama Canal: He promised to regain control of the Panama Canal, claiming it would not go to “China.”
• Quotas and gender: Trump intends to abolish quotas for racial and gender inclusion, asserting, “There are only two genders: male and female.”
• Mars mission: Trump aims to send American astronauts to Mars and plant the US flag there.

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Ukraine has lost 700,000 soldiers killed, and Russia nearly a million,” — Trump
“Nearly a million Russians have been killed, and 700,000 Ukrainian soldiers have also been killed. The Russians have more soldiers to lose, but you can’t run a country like that.”

Ukrainian director Mstislav Chernov, who made history with Ukraine’s first Oscar for 20 Days in Mariupol, returns to Sundance with 2000 Meters to Andriivka — a gripping tale from the frontlines.
www.kyivpost.com/post/45765

A massive convoy of Russian military gear, including T-72B3M tanks & BMP-3 vehicles, spotted near Bamako. Officials claim it’s for Mali’s army, but Russian experts say it’s headed to Wagner PMC’s successor, African Corps.
www.kyivpost.com/post/45764

Trump has reinstated the death penalty by executive order — AP
The United States is now required to ensure an adequate supply of lethal injections.

Trump has signed an executive order postponing the shutdown of TikTok in the US for 75 days — Reuters

Russia kills families.
Olexiy and Svitlana Davydovych were killed in their car during another missile strike on Kyiv this month.
Two innocent children left orphaned and alone.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

Donald Trump did not invite Kremlin representatives to his inauguration but extended invitations to members of the "Russian opposition."
At least two Russian opposition figures were invited to Trump’s inauguration: politician Mikhail Khodorkovsky and economist Andrei Illarionov, a member of the “Congress of People’s Deputies.” Illarionov shared a photo of the invitation card on his Facebook page, while Khodorkovsky announced the news on Telegram, noting that he would attend “out of curiosity and to reconnect.”
Meanwhile, the Kremlin reported that they did not receive an official invitation to the ceremony.

❗️The Defense Forces struck the Smolensk Aviation Plant, a facility responsible for modernizing and producing combat aircraft, according to the General Staff of Ukraine
Additionally, drones attacked the “Liskinskaya” oil depot in Russia’s Voronezh oblast for the second time this week, igniting fuel and lubricant storage tanks.
An attack was also carried out on the command post of Russia’s 29th Combined Arms Army in the temporarily occupied city of Volnovakha, Donetsk oblast. The results of these strikes are currently being clarified.

The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) has detained three former commanders who defended the Kharkiv oblast, suspecting them of negligence during the Russian offensive.
The case involves the former commanders of the Kharkiv Operational-Tactical Group, the 125th Separate Territorial Defense Brigade, and the 415th Separate Rifle Battalion of the 23rd Separate Mechanized Brigade.
According to the investigation, “their actions led to the capture of part of the eastern region of Ukraine, where battles are currently ongoing.” They face up to 10 years in prison.

The identities of 22 victims from the mass burial site in Izium, Kharkiv region, discovered in September 2022, remain unknown.
All of them have been recorded as “unknown woman” or “unknown man” due to the lack of any information about their relatives or acquaintances who could help identify the bodies. As a result, completing forensic examinations is currently impossible.

I'd worked hard to avoid any information on the inaugural speech but oh dear oh dear. Withdrawing from the UN HCR, WHO, the Paris Climate Accords, 'regaining' the Panama Canal, etc.

From the Times of India:

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/us/elon-musks-biographer-warns-the-billionaire-is-going-mad-and-could-endanger-us-all-says-he-is-deeply-unwell/articleshow/117130551.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst

Elon Musk's biographer warns the billionaire is "going mad" and could "endanger us all", says he is "deeply unwell"

It was Robert Wilkie, head of the transition team in the Pentagon this morning. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/ce8jy9j91y5t?post=asset%3A205c9890-da42-4390-93dd-f68f783a8b9c#post

Energy independence: A state of emergency will be declared in the energy sector to boost oil and gas production, lower global prices, and ensure energy security.

It’s almost as if he doesn’t understand that oil and gas conglomerates sell on a global open market. If he tried to enact laws to restrict exports that won’t support his apparent plan to stop the Ukraine war. God. We’re all doomed.

A seriously stupid man with ruthless (and also stupid) minders/enablers has become president of the United States, and after his term of office life on earth is likely to be just a bit (or just a lot) nastier for every one of the global population, even the obscenely rich ones who are using him. We may not all be doomed full stop, but we are all doomed to suffer for his stupidity.

I’m quite surprised he hasn’t rescinded the use of deeper strike weapons yet to be honest.

I thought @MissConductUS hae mentioned Biden and Congress taking steps to protect Ukraine from trump’s craziness before he took office? Wonder how that’ll play out.

https://x.com/PhillipsPOBrien/status/1881608673518289291

“As of now, the USA is no longer a material supporter of Ukraine. The US is neutral in the war between Russia and Ukraine. Face facts.”

I am extremely glad Biden issued a total pardon to Anthony Fauci before he left office, so that Trump and his thugs can't persecute that hero. It's a small but important thing, I feel.

I was listening to something today about the death threats that he gets and the fact he has a constant armed guard. He joked that he can’t so much as nip to the shops safely.