Ukraine Invasion: Part 59

[MagicFox]

Well, it’s thread 59.

Thanks to all regular contributors, especially those doing the daily hard work. 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

D. Please keep on topic

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

On the night of January 10, the Ukrainian military struck key targets within the Russian rear and among its troops using drones.
In the Volgograd region, the target was the "Zhutovskaya" oil depot, which supplied fuel to Russian units.
Other targets under attack included:
🔴A UAV warehouse of the 19th Motorized Rifle Division in the Zaporizhzhia region;
🔴A drone command center near Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region;
🔴Military bases and command posts in Kurakhivka and Hirnyk.

In the Bukovyna region, a Range Rover driver ran over a border guard while attempting to smuggle six individuals into Romania, according to the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine (SBGS).
The driver ignored a demand to stop during an attempted breakthrough at the border.
The serviceman sustained severe multiple physical injuries; he was hospitalized and underwent surgery. Currently, his life is not in danger.
The vehicle was later found abandoned on the outskirts of one of the settlements.
Law enforcement officers dtained the six individuals who were in the car; the search for the driver is ongoing.

Interesting about Kadyrov's kidneys failing and the future power struggle.

Yes indeed.

Power struggles for outgoing dictators' mantles are usually bad for the people of a country, at least in the short term. So I hope things don't get much worse for ordinary Chechens.

https://understandingwar.org/research/russia-ukraine/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-january-10-2026/

Key Takeaways

1. Available visual evidence indicates that the Russian Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) strike on the night of January 8 to 9 struck a Ukrainian defense industrial enterprise in Lviv City.
2. Russian officials are explicitly using the recent Oreshnik strike to deter Western states from deploying troops to post-war Ukraine, in line with ISW’s assessment about the purpose of the strike.
3. The United Kingdom (UK) is preparing for the possible deployment of troops to Ukraine as part of security guarantees in a future peace agreement.
4. Ukraine continues to collaborate with its Western partners to expand the production of the interceptor drones that are crucial to Ukraine’s ability to down Russian long-range drones on the front and in the rear.
5. Ukrainian forces recently advanced in the Kostyantynivka-Druzhkivka tactical area.

https://understandingwar.org/research/russia-ukraine/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-january-11-2026/

Key Takeaways

1. Russian forces are reportedly fielding a new Geran long-range strike drone variant, the Geran-5, a drone derived from an Iranian interceptor drone design.
2. Ukrainian forces continued their long-range strike campaign against Russian oil infrastructure overnight on January 10 to 11.
3. Russian forces recently advanced in the Borova, Kostyantynivka-Druzhkivka, and Hulyaipole directions and in western Zaporizhia Oblast.

UK 🇬🇧 to develop new deep strike ballistic missile for Ukraine 🇺🇦

Called Nightfall, the ground-launched ballistic missiles could carry a 200kg warhead over a range of more than 500km, even with heavy electromagnetic interference.

It gives Ukraine with a long option to counter Russian aggression

The project will boost the UK defence industry, supporting innovation and growth while stepping up support for Ukraine.

Whilst aimed at supporting Ukraine, Nightfall will also inform future UK Armed Forces’ long range strike projects.

2/2

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-to-develop-new-deep-strike-ballistic-missile-for-ukraine

I had a bit of a chuckle when I heard that because it's a funny old world...

I'm not saying Nightfall is a bad idea at all but for years now the UK Army has been rightly complaining about a long term complete lack.of deep fire capability...HMG not interested..(money).

Then Ukraine pops up to support the idea and suddenly such a capability is jolly important, is a boost to the UK defence industry and will "inform "🤔, possibly, "UK Armed Forces' long range strike projects".........

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️ Russia seeks to set stage for new offensive, potentially threatening Sumy (kyivindependent.com/russia-setting-stage-for-new-offensive-potentially-threatening-sumy-military-says/), Ukraine warns.
Russian forces are attempting to create a beachhead for new offensive operations in Ukraine's northeast, potentially setting the stage for an "advance toward the city of Sumy," the Ukrainian military reported on Jan. 11.
"All such attempts are promptly detected and thwarted," the 7th Corps of Ukraine's Airborne Assault Forces said.

⚡️Ukraine brings US-made Tempest air defense (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-deploys-us-made-tempest-air-defense-system-for-first-time-footage-suggests/) system into combat, footage suggests.
The Tempest surface-to-air missile system is designed to engage drones, helicopters, and low-flying aircraft in all weather conditions. Its transfer to Ukraine was not publicly announced.

⚡️Update: Kyiv facing prolonged blackouts (kyivindependent.com/zaporizhzhia-oblast-loses-power-overnight-for-second-time-in-a-week/) amid Russian attacks and freezing temperatures.
Ukraine's largest private energy company, DTEK, said it has received over 200 reports of localized outages as of 5 p.m. on Jan. 11. Nearly 60 repair crews are at work around the city restoring power to the capital.

⚡️ Ukraine hits Russian drilling platforms (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-hits-lukoil-drilling-platforms-and-and-russian-buk-air-defense-system/) in Caspian Sea, military reports.
Separately, Ukraine also hit a Russian Buk-M3 anti-aircraft missile system in the occupied parts of Ukraine's Luhansk Oblast, according to Ukraine's General Staff.

⚡️UK developing ballistic missiles for Ukraine (kyivindependent.com/uk-developing-ballistic-missiles-for-ukraine-capable-of-striking-deep-within-russia/) capable of striking deep within Russia.
The U.K. has launched Project Nightfall, a competition to rapidly develop new long-range ballistic missiles for Ukraine. The missiles will be able to travel 500 km (310 miles) and come equipped with a 200 kg (440 lb) warhead.
"We are determined to put leading-edge weapons into the hands of Ukrainians as they fight back," U.K. Defense Secretary John Healey said.

⚡️ Fire breaks out (kyivindependent.com/power-plant-in-russias-rostov-oblast-attacked-astra-reported/) at power plant in Russia's Rostov Oblast, Astra reports.
Emergency services arrived at the scene to extinguish a fire following an alleged attack, according to local residents.

⚡️Russia strikes ambulance (kyivindependent.com/russia-strikes-ambulance-in-chernihiv-oblast-injuring-2-medics/) in Chernihiv Oblast, injuring 2 medics.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦
‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
⚡️ RUSSIA'S WAR AGAINST UKRAINE — JAN 12, 2026
■ Engagements above average, casualties close to it; no confirmed area change; freezing temperatures
■ Drone usage and losses down from the previous day; land-based equipment losses below average
■ Overnight 🇷🇺 attacks: triple-digit, all drones; good interception rate; three days since the last major missile attack
■ Eight 🇺🇦 strikes reported; 🇷🇺/🇺🇦 strike ratio improves

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

Slovak President Peter Pellegrini, Parliament Speaker Richard Raši, and Prime Minister Robert Fico have unanimously announced the end of military support for Ukraine, — Aktuality reports.

🇺🇦🇦🇷 Argentine President Javier Milei has announced his readiness to visit Ukraine.
“I would be happy to do so as a sign of support for President Zelenskyy,” — he said in an interview with CNN.

President Zelenskyy stressed that Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine has lasted as long as Nazi Germany’s war against the Soviet Union (the so-called Great Patriotic War), yet Moscow has failed to achieve any significant results.
He said that Russia is losing at least 1,000 soldiers killed every day, noting that since December these losses have amounted to no fewer than 1,000 killed daily.
Zelenskyy also emphasized that air defense missiles are currently stored in partner countries’ warehouses and should be transferred to Ukraine.

🇺🇦🇳🇴 Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide arrived in Ukraine on a visit.
Norway allocates a four billion kroner aid package to Ukraine.
The funds, nearly $400 million, will be directed to urgent needs, including the restoration and repair of energy facilities. This was announced by Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide during a press conference in Kyiv.

Ukrainian drones are intercepting Russian reconnaissance UAVs using fishing rods. https://t.me/United24media/38933

[more info]
The UK Ministry of Defence plans to arm Ukraine with tactical ballistic missiles with a range of up to 500 km, the BBC reports.
A British government press release published on Sunday refers to ballistic missiles with a warhead of about 200 kg. Their development was announced last year under Project Nightfall.
According to the report, Nightfall missiles will be launched from a range of ground vehicles, fire several missiles in rapid succession, and withdraw within minutes. This will allow Ukrainian forces to strike key military targets before Russian forces can respond.
In December, the UK Ministry of Defence announced a competition to develop and produce the first samples of these weapons.
Applications are open until early February. In March, three selected companies will each receive £9 million to prepare missiles for testing within a year.
The UK then plans to produce up to 10 missiles per month. The projected cost per missile is not expected to exceed £800,000, or about $1.07 million at the current exchange rate.

Russia Brought Children to Soldiers on Front Lines as Props for Christmas Propaganda (united24media.com/latest-news/russia-brought-children-to-soldiers-on-front-lines-as-props-for-christmas-propaganda-14903)
Children from Russian-occupied areas of Luhansk region were transported to the combat zone to participate in Christmas-themed religious events organized by Russian military units, according to Ukraine’s Center of National Resistance (CNS).
The CNS reported (sprotyv.org.ua/rf-vtiahnula-ditei-luhanshchyny-do-relihiinykh-zakhodiv-u-zoni-boiovykh-dii/) that the gatherings were held near the line of contact and involved soldiers from Russia’s 3rd Combined Arms Army. Minors were brought in organized groups from nearby occupied settlements to stand alongside Russian servicemen during religious services and video recordings.
According to the report, the events were designed to produce a visual narrative involving children, soldiers, and religious symbols. “The main objective is to create a propaganda-friendly image of children alongside military personnel and church attributes, despite the real risk of artillery and drone attacks in the area,” CNS stated.

🎾 Elina Svitolina wins the WTA 250 tournament in Auckland.
In the final, Ukraine’s top-ranked player defeated Wang Xinyu. Svitolina took the first set 6:3, and in the second made a comeback from 0:3 to win 7:6.
This is the 19th WTA title of her professional career.

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Russia has developed a new Geran-2 drone variant (www.kyivpost.com/post/67880) that carries a Verba MANPADS alongside a thermobaric warhead, allowing it to target both air and ground threats — Ukraine’s military intelligence

Russian forces unleashed overnight strikes on Odesa and Kyiv on Monday, smashing homes and hitting critical infrastructure as Moscow presses its brutal winter assault on Ukrainian cities.

Finnish police said they had lifted the seizure of a ship suspected (www.kyivpost.com/post/67893) of sabotaging an undersea telecommunications cable between Finland and Estonia, though the investigation is still ongoing.

Trump (www.kyivpost.com/) claims progress on Ukraine peace (www.kyivpost.com/post/67868) as allies hedge bets, Europe steels itself for postwar order.
As the US President talks peace, Europe debates troops, doubts NATO’s future and braces for a settlement shaped by uncertainty over US power and commitment.

Trump escalated his public warnings to Iran, (www.kyivpost.com/post/67865) saying the US military is actively weighing “very strong options” as the Iranian regime cracks down on nationwide protests – even as Tehran quietly seeks talks with Washington.

“European Security Council now!” — EU Defense Chief renews calls for common army. (www.kyivpost.com/post/67863)
Reviving a discussion that has been around for decades, but gaining momentum after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Kubilius floats Idea of a 100K-soldier-strong European military.

Stefan Korshak, Kyiv Post’s military correspondent, (www.kyivpost.com/post/67839) shares his perspective on recent developments in Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Teenage pupil stabbed a teacher and a classmate at a Kyiv school, (www.kyivpost.com/post/67888) sparking a police investigation into a possible Russian intelligence link.

“He [Zelensky] doesn't have the cards. He didn't - he didn't have the cards from Day 1. He's only got one thing. Donald Trump,” Trump said.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

The health of the Head of the Chechen Republic, Ramzan Kadyrov, has deteriorated – due to kidney failure, he is undergoing dialysis, media outlets reported, citing sources in the Main Directorate of Intelligence (HUR).
Reports claim that Kadyrov is allegedly in his private hospital in Chechnya – family members, including those from other countries, have reportedly gathered there to be with him.

🇸🇪Sweden is investing $1.6 billion in ground-based air defense systems.
According to the Swedish Minister of Defense, it is "the experience of the war in Ukraine that clearly shows how vital a strong and resilient air defense is."
He also stated that Sweden will purchase short-range air defense systems to protect cities, bridges, power plants, and other critical infrastructure.

Air Defense forces shot down 135 out of 156 Russian drones tonight.
Here is what is known about the consequences.
🔴In Odesa, two people were injured as a result of the Russian attack. Infrastructure and houses were damaged, and one district is currently without power, according to the City Military Administration.
🔴In Kyiv, the attack caused a fire in the Solomyanskyi district, which has already been extinguished. In another location within the same district, debris fell near a residential building, stated Mayor Vitali Klitschko.
🔴In the Dnipropetrovsk region, a 59-year-old man was injured during a Russian strike. Nine houses and a power line were damaged, reported the Regional Military Administration.
Photos: Odesa City Military Administration / Telegram

I have just spent the weekend reading Live, Fight, Survive. I don't really hate anyone but I will make an exception for Russia

I will always make an exception for the members of the Russian regime, but I cannot bring myself to hate all Russians. Some are worse than the worst animals that have ever existed, but some are ordinary people who not only don't want to commit rape or murder, or torture anyone, they don't want to be involved in Putin's ego-war at all. For them, I feel deep pity. They didn't vote for this horror, because their votes were and are irrelevant to Putin's power-play.

Some have gone out of their way to try to help Ukrainians who have been deported to Russia, and some have paid a high price in terms of family, ostracization, having passports removed, being threatened with prison, being sent to prison, having children removed.

There was a pianist early in the war who put on his tiny Youtube channel, all of six subscribers, that he was against the invasion. He was sent to prison and died there. All he did was play the piano, live harmlessly and say he was against the war. And for that he was killed.

https://understandingwar.org/research/russia-ukraine/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-january-12-2026/

Key Takeaways

1. The Russian people are increasingly feeling the effects of the Kremlin’s continued prioritization of the Russian defense industrial base (DIB).
2. The Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) stated that the Russian Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) launched on the night of January 8 to 9 struck a Ukrainian defense industrial enterprise in Lviv City, which is consistent with the available visual evidence.
3. Dozens of shadow fleet tankers off the coast of Venezuela have reportedly switched to using Russian flags in recent months.
4. Ukraine’s Western partners continue to provide weapons and military equipment to Ukraine.
5. Neither Russian nor Ukrainian forces advanced on January 12.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️Republican Congressman introduces Greenland annexation bill (kyivindependent.com/republican-congressman-introduces-greenland-annexation-bill-amid-white-house-threats/) amid White House threats.
Republican Representative Randy Fine introduced a bill in the U.S. Congress on Jan. 12 that aims to authorize the annexation of Greenland and grant the territory statehood amid White House threats to seize the autonomous Danish territory.

⚡️ 70% of Kyiv without electricity (kyivindependent.com/russian-ballistic-missiles-rock-kyiv-target-energy-infrastructure-across-ukraine/) after Russia hammers Ukraine once again with drones, missiles.
"We have information that Russia is ready to start the next wave of attacks with cruise missiles," Ukrenergo CEO Vitaliy Zaichenko, said.

⚡️ Russian region vows crackdown on 'provocateurs' as claimed Ukrainian strikes cause 'catastrophic' outages, tensions. (kyivindependent.com/russian-region-to-crack-down-on-provocateurs-as-claimed-ukrainian-strikes-cause-outages-tensions/)
Belgorod Oblast Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said the energy supply situation in the region is "extremely dire," noting that the "energy capacity losses are reaching practically catastrophic scale.

⚡️ Ukraine war latest live (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-update-2026-01-12/): Khartiia Brigade raises flag over Kupiansk city council building, releases video. [What used to be the building, at least]

⚡️US imposes 25% tariffs (kyivindependent.com/us-imposes-25-tariffs-on-countries-that-do-business-with-iran-as-anti-government-protests-continue/) on countries that do business with Iran as anti-government protests continue.
The U.S. has imposed 25% tariffs on countries that continue to do business with Iran as anti-government protests continue, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Jan. 12.

⚡️Drone factory in Russia’s Rostov Oblast struck (kyivindependent.com/drone-factory-in-russias-rostov-oblast-struck-in-overnight-attack-fire-reported/) in overnight attack, fire reported.
Unidentified drones struck the Russian city of Taganrog early on Jan. 13, with reports indicating that a drone manufacturing facility was targeted.
Monitoring groups identified the targeted facility as Atlant Aero, a company that produces components for combat drones, control systems, and electronic warfare equipment.

⚡️ Ukraine war latest live (https://kyivindependent.com/https-kyivindependent-com-ukraine-war-latest-update-2026-01-12/): Kyiv to receive five German Lynx KF41 infantry fighting vehicles soon.

⚡️ UK reportedly finds legal basis (kyivindependent.com/uk-reportedly-finds-legal-basis-to-board-shadow-fleet-tankers-evading-oil-sanctions/) to board shadow fleet tankers evading oil sanctions.
The move comes as London looks for stronger tools to disrupt illicit oil shipments that help fund Russia's war against Ukraine, as well as sanctioned exports linked to Iran and Venezuela.

Project Nightfall — Everything we know about the UK’s ballistic missile program for Ukraine (https://kyivindependent.com/everything-we-know-about-project-nightfall-the-uks-ballistic-missile-program-for-ukraine/)

‘They don’t know it’s war’ — How Ukraine’s pets endure sirens and explosions (kyivindependent.com/they-dont-know-its-the-sound-of-war-how-ukraines-pets-react-to-explosions-and-sirens/)
Across Ukraine, animals have become silent witnesses to war. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion, pets have been running from rocket blasts, hiding during drone attacks, and slipping out of carriers during evacuations. Some never make it back home.
“They don’t understand that these are the sounds of war. They just know they’re scared and act on instinct,” said Irena Skakun, chief manager of Zoopatrul Ukraine, a Ukrainian animal rescue organization.

⚡️Nova Poshta terminal and children's medical facility damaged (kyivindependent.com/nova-poshta-terminal-and-childrens-medical-facility-damaged-as-russian-attack-kills-4-injures-6-in-kharkiv-outskirts/) as Russian attack kills 4, injures 6 in Kharkiv outskirts.
Russian forces carried out a combined missile and drone attack on the outskirts of Kharkiv, killing at least four people and injuring six others, regional authorities reported on Jan. 13.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦
‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
⚡️ RUSSIA'S WAR AGAINST UKRAINE — JAN 13, 2026
■ Major 🇷🇺 attack wave w/ 293 drones & 25 missiles; 78% intercepted, but 24 locations hit
■ Record kamikaze drone usage w/ the 2nd-highest drone losses to date; land-based equipment losses also robust
■ Visually confirmed batch: 35 🇷🇺 : 37 🇺🇦 — 0.9x over the last 90 days, but 1.1x in 2026 so far
■ 12 🇺🇦 strikes reported; 🇷🇺/🇺🇦 strike ratio continues to improve (decline)
■ Engagements and casualties below the 7-day average; no confirmed area change; freezing temperatures on the frontlines

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

🇦🇲 “Spit on international law.” Propagandist Solovyov threatens an “SVO” (Special Military Operation) in Armenia; Yerevan summons Russian ambassador.
“This is an unacceptable encroachment on the sovereignty of the Republic of Armenia, a hostile manifestation, and a gross violation of the fundamental principles of friendly relations between Armenia and Russia,” Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Ani Badalyan said.

The UK wants to follow the US example of seizing “shadow fleet” tankers — legal basis prepared — BBC News.
According to journalists, one of the key drivers of the decision is Defence Secretary John Healey.
The British government believes the Sanctions and Money Laundering Act 2018 allows for the use of military force against offending tankers.
The UK has already imposed sanctions on more than 500 vessels linked to criminal activities, including financing Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Under the existing legal mechanism, any vessel operating without a legal flag may be detained.
British authorities consider the tanker Bella 1 (Marinera) to fall under this category.
Healey confirmed the involvement of Royal Air Force aircraft and Royal Navy ships in the US-led operation to seize the tanker, stressing that the action was fully in line with international law.
“The UK will not stand by as malicious activity increases on the high seas,” he said.

Ukraine appreciates Norway’s decision to allocate a $400 million aid package, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during a meeting with Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide.
In addition to the $400 million energy package, Norway will provide another $7 billion in aid to Ukraine this year for military projects and ensuring social stability, Suspilne reports.
Norway also plays a leading role in air defense within the PURL initiative and has transferred a significant number of NASAMS systems to Ukraine.

Ukraine and Moldova have “neutralized” Russian-occupied Transnistria without firing a single shot — Euromaidan Press.
As of midnight on January 1, both countries significantly tightened customs procedures on the border with the occupied region. Strict checks now apply to all goods and people entering Transnistria.
“Together, these steps are turning Transnistria from a gray zone quietly controlled by Russia into a regulated space where external support becomes clearly visible. The strategic goal is to isolate Russian troops without firing a single shot. About 1,500 Russian soldiers are now cut off from steady access to fuel, equipment, and daily supplies that for years flowed through informal trade routes and Russia-friendly businesses under lax customs controls.
Coordinated customs rules, border controls, and airspace management are effectively turning Transnistria into a closed zone without the use of force. Both countries have the legal right to apply such measures without provoking conflict. From now on, the movement of people and goods requires consent from both sides, closing previous loopholes.
Moldova’s control of its airspace blocks any air deliveries to Transnistria, while rail and road supplies are subject to strict new customs rules,” the article says.
At the same time, Russia’s ability to respond is extremely limited. There is no secure route for supplies or troop rotations that bypasses Ukraine or Moldova.
Any covert attempts to break the blockade would carry serious political risks if exposed, while open actions would immediately draw international attention.

Every decent person on this planet sincerely wishes that the people of Iran will finally be free from the current regime, which has brought so much evil to Ukraine and other countries, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, voicing support for protesters in Iran in a post published in Farsi on X.

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Zelensky said he had ordered Ukraine’s negotiating team to finalize a document on US security guarantees (www.kyivpost.com/post/67935) — to be reviewed “at the highest level.”

Putin’s forces launched a massive barrage across Ukraine (www.kyivpost.com/post/67949) early Tuesday, striking Kyiv and its region, Odesa, Dnipro, and the outskirts of Kharkiv in a renewed attempt to cripple the country’s energy system as brutal winter cold grips the nation.

Steve Witkoff and Iran’s foreign minister discussed protests in the country and the possibility of holding a meeting in the coming days, sources told Axios.

Irakli Garibashvili, the former Georgian Prime Minister and ex-leader of the ruling Georgian Dream party, has been sentenced to five years in prison (www.kyivpost.com/post/67925) under a plea bargain reached on Jan. 12 following corruption-related charges filed in October.

Russia on Monday attacked two more civilian ships (www.kyivpost.com/post/67932) in the Black Sea transporting food products.
The attacks hit one tanker approaching the port carrying vegetable oil, causing a fire and wounding one crew member, and a second vessel leaving the port with a cargo of corn.

NATO scrambles jets (www.kyivpost.com/post/67939) as rogue Russian warplanes fly over the Baltics.
Kremlin’s Su-30 and An-26 were flying in international airspace between Kaliningrad and mainland Russia without activated radar transporters nor flight plans amid high tensions in the region. @notimagain

Ukraine launched a pilot program for 5G connection (www.kyivpost.com/post/67926) in the city center of Lviv on Monday.
The program will expand to a few cities this month, though the government previously said full rollout won’t happen until after the war.

Britain’s former MI6 chief says Putin “certainly” uses body doubles for security, (https://www.kyivpost.com/post/67908) citing assassination risks, drone threats and intelligence assessments backed by Ukrainian and Western officials.

Kyiv Post Senior Defence Correspondent, Stefan Korshak, takes part in a vital discussion on the “unseen damage” of war – the psychological trauma affecting Ukraine’s children.
https://www.kyivpost.com/videos/67894

Russia’s winter offensive is dead.
15:1 casualties in Pokrovsk are just the beginning. With the Iranian regime teetering, Putin faces a total cutoff of drones & missiles. The entire strategic balance of the war has shifted.
Full SITREP on the collapse👇

Thank you for your support — together, we raised $9,000 for the Children of Heroes 🎁
There is currently a critical need to provide children with additional education support, as many of them are falling behind in school due to loss and trauma.
These funds will be used to cover English language classes until the end of the academic year for 79 children.
This support will help them regain confidence, keep up with their studies, and continue learning despite the challenges they face.
Every donation, message, and share made this possible.
Thank you for standing with the Children of Heroes — and for showing what our community can achieve together.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

🇲🇩Moldovan President Maia Sandu supports the unification of Moldova with Romania
She stated that if a referendum were to be held, she would vote for the merger of the two countries, as "it is becoming increasingly difficult for Moldova to survive, and the global situation is very dangerous."

Last year saw the highest number of civilian casualties in Ukraine since 2022, according to the UN Monitoring Mission report.
🔴2,514 civilians were killed, and 12,142 were injured. This is 31% more than in 2024 and 70% more than in 2023.
🔴63% of victims (9,253 people) in 2025 were affected in frontline areas. 45% (742) of civilians killed in these areas were over the age of 60.
🔴Casualties from short-range drone attacks increased by 120%: 577 civilians killed and 3,288 injured.
🔴Missiles and KABs (guided bombs) caused 35% of civilian casualties: 682 killed and 4,443 injured. This is a 65% increase compared to the previous year.
🔴The deadliest attack was the strike on Ternopil on November 19 — a strike on a high-rise building killed 38 civilians, including nine children.

🇻🇪 Russian air defense systems in Venezuela were not connected to radars, and some components remained in warehouses, reports The NYT, citing sources among U.S. officials and satellite imagery analysis.
The S-300 and "Buk-M2" air defense systems were intended to be a powerful symbol of close ties between the two nations. Venezuela purchased them in 2009 due to tensions with Washington. However, data suggests the country failed to maintain them and was unprepared for a potential U.S. invasion.
Two former U.S. officials told The NYT that Russia might have quietly allowed this military hardware to decay to avoid a larger conflict with Washington.

Well that's extremely worrying about Greenland.

I swear Trump wants his title to evolve to Emperor. He'd love to be addressed as Your Highness.

I thought Moldova's handling of the Russian problem seems excellent (if perhaps belated) but that's an extraordinary comment to make for a leader - to support unification with another country.

Vance is hosting a meeting on Greenland tomorrow, Greenland and Denmark's foreign ministers will be present

ReleaseTheDucksOfWar
Well that's extremely worrying about Greenland.
I swear Trump wants his title to evolve to Emperor. He'd love to be addressed as Your Highness.

There is a Hornblower story in which a petty dictator, whom (for some reason I forget) it is necessary for Hornblower to butter up, demands a 22-gun salute, that being one more than the British monarch would ever get. Hornblower gives it to him on the grounds that it is completely meaningless.

Since America doesn't have home-grown "Highnesses", the same applies.

Grim

https://www.lbc.co.uk/article/russia-africans-cannon-fodder-war-5HjdQbJ_2/

Russia using Africans as cannon fodder - as video emerges of solider with landmine strapped to chest

Footage shows African mercenaries being lured to the frontline with promises of hefty salaries, only to be sent on suicide missions

That's good news on the borders of Transnistria being brought under control.

Thank you for your support — together, we raised $9,000 for the Children of Heroes 🎁
There is currently a critical need to provide children with additional education support, as many of them are falling behind in school due to loss and trauma.
These funds will be used to cover English language classes until the end of the academic year for 79 children.
This support will help them regain confidence, keep up with their studies, and continue learning despite the challenges they face.
Every donation, message, and share made this possible.
Thank you for standing with the Children of Heroes — and for showing what our community can achieve together.

I am happy to see this update. This was one of the charities we considered as a beneficiary of my fundraiser product idea. Which is launching next month in Ukraine and in March in the UK and Europe, finally. I will be able to tell you more once it’s launched but I just need to be careful as my name and job will be exposed.