Ukraine Invasion: Part 60

[MagicFox]

We have got to thread 60. So many thanks as always to regular contributors and to those providing updates. For the 60th time, Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦

**
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@ReleaseTheDucksOfWar Oh no! That does not sound nice. Hope it is not too serious

Let me know if you need me to step in on the round ups. I am generally around (except for a couple of weeks in March) and can do the usual ISW/Def Int and Kyiv Independent Telegram.

https://understandingwar.org/research/russia-ukraine/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-january-23-2026/

Key Takeaways

1. Russian President Vladimir Putin met with a US delegation in Moscow on the night of January 22 to 23 and agreed to trilateral US, Russian, and Ukrainian working group meetings in Abu Dhabi on January 23 and 24.
2. The Kremlin is trying to push Trump to abandon the negotiation process with Ukraine and Europe that he has been leading and to concede to the demands Russia made at the August 2025 US-Russia summit in Alaska.
3. The Kremlin is engaged in an informational campaign aimed at Ukraine’s partners that attempts to present control over Donbas as the main issue left to discuss in peace talks, but Russian officials’ statements for domestic audiences have repeatedly confirmed that Russia’s demands go beyond eastern Ukraine.
4. Long-term support for Ukraine’s economy and reconstruction is essential for Ukraine’s security, but is not a substitute for robust security guarantees that deter future Russian aggression.
5. Kremlin officials indicated that Russia wants to use its assets frozen in the United States to benefit the Russian economy and offset the cost of Russia’s full-scale invasion, as ISW recently assessed.
6. The Kremlin is likely preparing to carefully manage the succession plan for Chechen Republic Head Ramzan Kadyrov in order to avoid a tumultuous transfer of power that may result in unrest in Chechnya and divert Chechen resources from the war in Ukraine.
7. Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov appointed Serhiy Sternenko to advise the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense (MoD) on scaling up the use of drones on the front.
8. Russian forces recently advanced near Slovyansk and Novopavlivka.

It was actually partly a joke as the red dress is rather unmissable once you see it !

Thank you that's very kind - this is actually an excellent suggestion by the eye doc, as I've got corneal scarring. It's been stable for a long time but it is irritating. Been referred to the university medical centre, and it'll be a good conversation to cover all options as there are risks. Regaining a better level of sight would be wonderful.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️ Update: Ukraine talks with US, Russia unfold in multiple formats (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-holds-trilateral-talks-with-us-russia/), Zelensky's adviser says.
The talks are taking place in multiple formats, with participants alternating between joint sessions, separate bilateral discussions, and smaller groups divided by specific issues, Ukraine's presidential adviser Dmytro Lytvyn said.

⚡️ Update: Ukraine, Russia, US hold 'productive' talks (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-holds-trilateral-talks-with-us-russia/) in UAE, set to resume tomorrow, source says.

⚡️Update: Explosions, fires reported (kyivindependent.com/explosions-heard-in-kyiv-as-russia-launches-mass-attack/) in Kyiv as Russia launches mass attack following peace talks.
A fire broke out in the Holosiivskyi district after a building was hit, officials reported. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko called for medical personnel to assist in the area.
Russia's latest attack comes amid the ongoing energy crisis in Ukraine, and just hours after trilateral peace talks involving Kyiv, Moscow, and Washington.

⚡️'Without a million Ukrainians (kyivindependent.com/without-a-million-ukrainians-you-wont-manage-zelensky-wants-ukraine-to-form-core-of-envisioned-european-army/), you won't manage' — Zelensky wants Ukraine to form core of envisioned European army.
"(Russian) army will number 2.5-3 million. They want to reach all of this by 2030, and, based on their speed, we see that this is possible," Volodymyr Zelensky said.

Zelensky optimistic $800 billion US prosperity plan will be signed after Davos delay (kyivindependent.com/zelensky-optimistic-800-billion-us-prosperity-plan-will-be-signed-after-davos-delay/)
Kyiv and Washington still have work to do before signing a so-called “prosperity plan” to help Ukraine’s economic recovery initially expected to be signed at Davos, President Volodymyr Zelensky told reporters on Jan. 23.

⚡️EU plan envisages (kyivindependent.com/eu-plan-envisages-ukraines-accession-by-2027-up-to-1-5-trillion-in-funding-for-kyiv-orban-claims/) Ukraine's accession by 2027, up to $1.6 trillion in funding for Kyiv, Orban claims.
Ukraine is expected to join the European Union by 2027 and may receive $1.6 trillion in funding by 2040, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban claimed on Jan. 23.
He cited a confidential document on Ukraine's accession allegedly presented at an EU summit in Brussels on the previous day.

⚡️Update: Ukraine strikes (kyivindependent.com/fire-burns-through-oil-depot-in-russian-city-of-penza-following-ukrainian-drone-strike/) oil depot in Russia's Penza Oblast, other military sites, General Staff confirms.
Ukrainian forces also struck a "Podlyot" radio-location station in Russian-occupied Crimea near the settlement of Frunze, as well as groupings of Russian soldiers.

⚡️Russian shadow fleet vessel adrift (kyivindependent.com/russian-shadow-fleet-adrift-in-mediterranean-sea-bloomberg-reports/) in Mediterranean Sea, Bloomberg reports.

⚡️Mass attack that plunged Kyiv into darkness cost (kyivindependent.com/mass-air-attack-that-plunged-kyiv-into-darkness-cost-russia-131-million-ukrainian-intelligence/) Russia over $130 million, Ukrainian intelligence says.
Kyiv, home to more than 3 million people, is still reeling from the Jan. 20 attack in which Russia launched 33 missiles and 339 drones against Ukraine.

Competing camps inside Trump’s Ukraine peace process ()
The Kyiv Independent’s Chris York speaks with Adam Entous, an investigative reporter at The New York Times, about his new investigation into the first year of U.S. President Donald Trump administration’s peace efforts to end Russia’s war against Ukraine. Entous describes how competing camps inside the administration pulled negotiations in different directions, why early plans quickly unraveled into “chaos,” and what that volatility has meant for Ukraine as Russia continues its relentless attacks.

A million-dollar parking fee: Canada’s high-stakes battle over a stranded Russian plane (kyivindependent.com/a-million-dollar-parking-fee-canadas-high-stakes-battle-over-a-stranded-russian-plane/)
In a potentially world’s most expensive parking ticket, a Russian-registered Antonov An-124 has remained locked in a frozen embrace with the tarmac at Toronto Pearson Airport.
Stranded for almost four years, the aircraft has racked up over $1.5 million Canadian dollars ($1.1 million) in parking fees. Parked so long, in fact, that it has found its way onto the infrequently updated satellite views of the airport in both Apple Maps and Google Maps.

⚡️Russia attacks (kyivindependent.com/explosions-heard-in-kyiv-as-russia-launches-mass-attack/) Ukraine with 21 missiles, 375 drones, Air Force says.
Russia attacked Ukraine with 21 missiles and 375 drones overnight on Jan. 24, Ukraine's Air Force said.

The Air Force mentioned hypersonic Tsirkon missiles, ballistic Iskander missiles and Kh-22/Kh-32 cruise missiles.

⚡️Update: 1 killed, 4 injured in Kyiv as Russia launches mass attack (kyivindependent.com/explosions-heard-in-kyiv-as-russia-launches-mass-attack/) following peace talks.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦
‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
⚡️ RUSSIA'S WAR AGAINST UKRAINE — JAN 24, 2026
■ Engagements and casualties below the 7-day average; no area change confirmed
■ Equipment losses also below average, with drone losses close to it
■ Major 🇷🇺 attack wave: 375 drones and 21 missiles; 94% intercepted, but 29 locations hit or affected by debris
■ Nine 🇺🇦 strikes reported; the 30-day strike ratio remains below 2

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

Photo from today’s meeting of Ukraine, the US, and the Russian Federation in Abu Dhabi. The footage shows the President of the UAE hosting the heads of the delegations.

The Council of Europe, the European Commission, and the European External Action Service (EEAS) have signed an agreement to establish a preparatory group for the future Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine, Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset said.

Russian forces near Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad may be exhausted by spring, which could slow the pace of their advance, — said the commander of the 7th Rapid Reaction Corps of the Ukrainian Defense Forces, Yevhen Lasiychuk, in an interview with the BBC.
According to the general, the Defense Forces fully control the northern part of Pokrovsk and the northern part of Myrnohrad.
The enemy is more active around Pokrovsk, trying to apply pressure to the northwest to gain access to Hryshyn.
In Myrnohrad, enemy advances are recorded in the southern part of the city. There, the occupiers are attempting to accumulate personnel and equipment.
“We have intelligence indicating that the enemy plans to continue attempts to advance toward the northern part of Myrnohrad.
But today the enemy is bogged down in urban fighting — now in one city, now in another. He is not acting effectively and is suffering colossal losses for every meter of territory.
Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad are currently holding the enemy back from further advance.
If the enemy succeeds in these cities, they could later serve as a reservoir of personnel and equipment for a breakout into the operational space.
This could mean the Sloviansk–Kramatorsk agglomeration, or even the Kharkiv or Dnipropetrovsk regions.
That is why it is so important for us to keep the enemy pinned in these settlements and not allow him to break deeper into our defenses,” he stressed.

The United States has officially withdrawn from the World Health Organization (WHO) — Bloomberg.
The withdrawal process was completed on January 22, 2026. US President Donald Trump ordered the withdrawal immediately after taking office in January 2025, citing, among other reasons, what he called “errors in the response” to the COVID-19 pandemic. [,,,]According to Bloomberg, the US has not repaid approximately $260 million in debt to the organization. [...]

❗️As a result of the Russian attack on Kyiv, almost 6,000 homes were left without heating — Mayor Klitschko.
Most of them are buildings that had already been repaired twice or were being reconnected to the heating system after the shelling on January 9 and 20.

🕯🥀 Kyiv bids farewell to former Ukrenergo head Oleksii Brecht, who died from an electric shock
He died on January 21 from an electric shock at one of the attacked substations, where he personally coordinated restoration work for two days in a row.
Oleksiy Brecht worked in Ukraine’s energy system for over 25 years, including 23 years at Ukrenergo.

Every day Russia attacks residential buildings and energy infrastructure. Due to the ensuing lack of power, elevators are out of service. This poses a significant challenge and risk to families with children, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

Estonia was stripped of the right to host the 2026 European Fencing Championships due to visa denials to Russian and Belarusian citizens, Delfi reports.
The International Fencing Federation has reportedly moved the championship to France.
The tournament will take place from June 16 to 21. Athletes from Russia and Belarus will be allowed to compete as neutrals.

Ukrainian tennis star and UNITED24 ambassador, Elina Svitolina, showcased her extraordinary skill at the Australian Open, defeating so-called 'neutral' Russian Diana Shnaider in straight sets in a thrilling match.

🇺🇦🥇 Ukrainians Taras and Tetiana Tarasiuk won gold at the European Junior Biathlon Championships

❗️Russia attacked Ukraine with 396 targets — the capital region was hit the hardest. Missiles from Tu-22M3 bombers were used in the Kyiv region for the first time, — Air Force reports.
• 2 anti-ship missiles 3M22 Zircon
• 12 cruise missiles Kh-22/Kh-32
• 6 ballistic missiles Iskander-M / S-300
• 1 guided air missile Kh-59/69
• 375 strike UAVs of the Shahed, Gerbera, Italmas types and other drones, about 250 of them Shaheds
A total of 372 targets were shot down or suppressed — 15 missiles and 357 drones of various types.
Hits by 2 missiles and 18 strike UAVs were recorded at 17 locations. Falls of downed UAVs (debris) were recorded at 12 locations.

The number of victims of the nighttime enemy attack on Kharkiv has risen to 27 people, the regional military administration reported.

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

No signs of compromise were reached at yesterday’s meeting between representatives of Ukraine, the United States and Russia in Abu Dhabi, Reuters reported.

Putin’s closest ally in the EU, Orbán, fired back at Zelensky (www.kyivpost.com/post/68640) after his criticism of Europe at the World Economic Forum in Davos, accusing him of personally targeting Hungary and other European leaders while demanding more aid.

A long-standing partner and close ally of Ukraine, Lithuania draws on its own experience of overcoming the Soviet legacy (www.kyivpost.com/interviews/68443) to help Ukraine build a modern future.

The Kremlin narrative is that the cruiser Moskva went down with heavy loss (www.kyivpost.com/post/68643) of life because of on-board fires in rough seas and that Ukrainian anti-ship missiles never hit anything.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

🇹🇼🇺🇦Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te proposed negotiations to Ukraine to stop violations of sanctions against the Russian Federation.
Yesterday while speaking in Davos Volodymyr Zelenskyy mentioned Taiwan among the countries from which Russia receives critical components for its missiles.

Ukraine will receive new energy support packages from partner countries. Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko announced this following an emergency meeting of the G7+ coordination group.
This refers to more than 6,000 generators, transformers, and cogeneration units as well as contributions to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund.
Specifically the EU will provide 447 generators, Germany will contribute 60 million euros and comprehensive equipment, and the USA will provide over 400 million dollars for humanitarian projects. Italy, Great Britain, France, Lithuania, and Japan have also joined the assistance financially and technically.
The Prime Minister invited the partners to visit Ukraine to see the consequences of Russian attacks with their own eyes.

Americans consider Budanov to be Ukraine's trump card at the negotiations, Sky News reports.
The Head of the President's Office Kyrylo Budanov may become Ukraine's key trump card at the trilateral negotiations in Abu Dhabi according to Sky News.
Sources of the publication who consult the American military and intelligence emphasize that Budanov's presence at the talks is assessed extremely positively.
"Budanov is the only member of the Zelenskyy administration who is taken seriously. The American military and intelligence respect him. The US loves Budanov. The fact that Budanov is there is a positive factor," Sky News quotes its source.

Orban stated that Hungary will not let Ukraine into the EU for the next 100 years.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Sybiha replied: "This plan is doomed to failure Mr. Prime Minister. Your master in Moscow will not last 100 years even if you were ready to sacrifice all your organs to him.
And on the day of Ukraine's accession to the EU we will frame this headline in the Ukrainian parliament as a reminder of your lies for the next 100 years."

[yesterday] Four people were killed in a Russian attack on Cherkaske in the Donetsk region, including a 5 year old boy and his father.
Another 5 people including three children were injured. Two houses were completely destroyed in the village and cars were damaged.
Also during the day Russians attacked an agricultural enterprise in Vertiivka in the Chernihiv region with drones. Four civilians were injured.

Allegedly.

He's never dared sue anyone who says he does, so clearly doesn't want to go through Discovery.

"The Kremlin narrative is that the cruiser Moskva went down with heavy loss of life because of on-board fires in rough seas and that Ukrainian anti-ship missiles never hit anything."

Funny how very few fatal fires and sunk ships in rough seas are suffered by ships of other navies, really. I can't remember when the last one happened to a Royal Navy vessel in peacetime, ie not as a result of enemy action.

https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/royal-navy-reports-minor-fires-all-quickly-extinguished/

seems to indicate that recently at least, fires on board get put out without loss of life. I asked my son, and he said that on ships he was on, nobody had died as the result of a fire during all the years he was serving in the RN.

(The last submarine we lost at all was in 1951. Gosh.)

@AskingQuestionsAllTheTime

seems to indicate that recently at least, fires on board get put out without loss of life.

As far as the RN goes I suspect that's at least in part a lesson that came out of the Falklands conflict

I know the losses there were fundamentally down to enemy action but if I recall things correctly fire fighting and surviability were rumoured to have been hampered by design features/materials used, I think especially in the type 42's...lessons were learnt.

Poorly maintained ships do get lost due to accidents of course (the Argentinians had one sink at its moorings). Particularly if the competence of the crew is questionable - I doubt that Russian crews are well trained and it wouldn't surprise me if there is a drinking culture.

Royal Navy has had one or two close calls, HMS Endurance was nearly lost to flooding in 2008 when a short-handed crew made mistakes with a valve. The thing with firefighting at sea is that using too much water makes the ship very unstable.

As for the Russian claims about Moskva though, a picture speaks a thousand words:

As for the Russian claims about Moskva though, a picture speaks a thousand words:

This reminds me of an old joke.

"How can you tell when a Russian is lying?"

"His lips move."

There are serious concerns that the US Navy is not providing sufficient training.

https://www.stripes.com/branches/navy/2024-09-10/navy-gao-fleet-readiness-report-15128703.html

And that the culture is too administrative and risk averse.

https://news.usni.org/2021/07/12/lawmakers-survey-94-of-sailors-say-damaging-operational-failures-related-to-navy-culture-leadership-problems

I've heard a former Navy officer (a relative of mine) say that the admirals who won the war in the Pacific during WWII would never have been promoted above the rank of Lieutenant Commander today.

That sounds about right. The Falklands war was in 1982, lawks and eek.

That sounds worrying, @MissConductUS .

Hope you're still doing OK, by the way.

I met Commodore Miller a few times before he retired. Brilliant bloke, mad as a box of frogs, the sort of officer who liked to say "hurrah!" a lot.

Used to advise us not to go to sea with him as he was too unlucky - got sank twice on the same day. He was on HMS Coventry when that was hit, and then the listing ship punctured his life raft.

https://understandingwar.org/research/russia-ukraine/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-january-24-2026/

Key Takeaways

1. US, Ukrainian, and Russian delegations concluded a second day of trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) on January 24.
2. Kremlin officials continue to respond to ongoing negotiations by reiterating Russia’s commitment to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s original maximalist war aims in Ukraine while attempting to rhetorically shift the blame for the Kremlin’s own reticence onto Ukraine.
3. Russia launched another combined missile and drone strike overnight on January 23 to 24 primarily targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure throughout Ukraine, particularly Kyiv City.
4. Russia’s intensified long-range strike campaign targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure throughout Fall 2025 and Winter 2025-2026 has significantly degraded Ukraine’s energy grid, disproportionately effecting Ukrainian civilians.
5. Russia’s continued devastating strike campaign against Ukrainian energy infrastructure emphasizes Ukraine’s urgent need for additional air defense systems and munitions for a holistic and well-rounded air defense umbrella.
6. Independent reporting continues to indicate that Russian forces and authorities continue systematically abusing Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) in Russian detention in violation of international law.
7. Thousands of Ukrainians remain in Russian detention and are subject to this abuse.
8. Russian milbloggers continue to highlight the inconsistency between the Russian military command’s claims of advances and the reality on the battlefield particularly in the Kupyansk direction.
9. Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov appointed former Deputy Digital Transformation Minister Valeria Ionan as a Ukrainian Ministry of Defense (MoD) advisor on international projects.
10. Ukrainian forces recently advanced in the Kostyantynivka-Druzhkivka tactical area. Russian forces recently advanced in the Kostyantynivka-Druzhkivka tactical area and near Slovyansk.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights (shortest ever Kyiv Indep't roundup)

⚡️Update: Ukraine, Russia, US delegations to reconvene (https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-holds-trilateral-talks-with-us-russia/) in Abu Dhabi for talks on Feb. 1.
After two days of negotiations in the UAE, the next round of trilateral talks between Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S. is scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi on Feb. 1.

⚡️Belgorod under heavy fire in 'most massive (https://kyivindependent.com/belgorod-under-heavy-fire-in-most-massive-attack-russian-governor-claims/)' attack, Russian governor claims.
The Russian city of Belgorod was hit on Jan. 24 by what regional Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov described as “the most massive” strike on the city, allegedly involving HIMARS.

⚡️15% of Kyiv residential buildings remain without heat (https://kyivindependent.com/around-15-of-kyivs-residential-buildings-remain-without-heating-after-russian-attacks-mayor-klitschko-says/) after Russia's attacks, Mayor Klitschko says
About 1,676 residential buildings in Kyiv - roughly 15% of the city’s housing stock - remain without heat after Russia’s attacks on critical infrastructure, Mayor Vitali Klitschko said on Jan. 25.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦
‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
⚡️ RUSSIA'S WAR AGAINST UKRAINE — JAN 25, 2026
■ Engagements and casualties remain below the 7-day average; no area change confirmed
■ Drone losses drive equipment losses; three air defence systems hit
■ Overnight 🇷🇺 attacks: 102 drones, 2 missiles; 84% intercepted, with 11 locations hit or affected by debris
■ 5 🇺🇦 strikes reported; considerable 🇷🇺 MLRS activity; the 30-day strike ratio remains below 20

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

Over the next two years, NATO plans to carry out large-scale rearmament along its border with Russia and Belarus, significantly increasing weapons stockpiles and creating a robotic no-man’s land.
The alliance intends to rely not only on conventional forces, but also on obstacles and technologies to establish a robotic or automated zone along the border with the enemy, which would have to be overcome first.

Russia has begun escorting its shadow fleet with warships, the UK’s Royal Navy said.
The Royal Navy carried out a two-day operation in the English Channel, tracking the Russian corvette Boykiy, which was accompanying the oil tanker MT General Skobelev.
London said the presence of a warship near the tanker indicates a new tactic by Moscow—providing military cover for shadow fleet vessels carrying sanctioned oil. The British military added that all Russian ships near the UK are under constant surveillance.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the First Lady arrived in Vilnius on an official visit.

❗️Russia used Kh-22 anti-ship missiles against Kyiv, with a warhead weighing up to 950 kg — Ihnat
Ahead of the latest massive strike, Russia redeployed Tu-22M3 bombers from the Far East closer to Ukraine and launched 12 Kh-22 missiles at Kyiv, which is atypical for such attacks.
It was these missiles that Russian forces used to strike a high-rise building in Dnipro in January 2023, killing 46 people, noted Colonel Yurii Ihnat.

🪦 Last year, Russia allocated a record amount for the funerals of its military personnel.
In 2025, contracts worth 17.8 million rubles (≈ $231,000) were awarded through state procurement for funerals in various regions — the highest amount in three years. In 2022, no such procurement was conducted, but 5.2 million rubles (≈ $68,000) were allocated in 2023, and 11.8 million rubles (≈ $153,000) in 2024.
The cost of funerals varies by region. For example, in the Novosibirsk Region, 77,000 rubles (≈ $1,000) were spent on the funeral of one occupier, while in Kuzbass — 60,000 rubles (≈ $780).
In addition, the authorities allocated 111 million rubles (≈ $1.44 million) for monuments, despite the fact that only a portion of the funds allocated by the Russian Federation and other organizations for funerals and memorials are channeled through state procurement.

Dozens of Kyiv residents organized a real Saturday party, having fun on the ice of a reservoir. https://t.me/United24media/39317

Elina Svitolina reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open 2026, defeating the “neutral” Russian and Russia’s top-ranked player Mirra Andreeva.

🗻🇺🇦 Ukrainian conquers the highest point of Antarctica
24-year-old Mykhailo Perehanya from Transcarpathia, together with a group of climbers, became the first to climb the Vinson Massif in Antarctica in 2026. Its height is 4,892 meters. [...] At the summit, Mykhailo raised the flags of Ukraine and his hometown, Tiachiv. After conquering the massif, he also climbed the highest volcano in Antarctica — Mount Sidley, at 4,181 meters.

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

In the UAE, there were not only trilateral talks, but also direct bilateral negotiations between the delegations of Ukraine and Russia without the presence of the US side — Axios
Next round of trilateral talks between the US, Ukraine, and Russia will take place on Feb.1 in Abu Dhabi.

A meeting between Volodymyr Zelensky and Vladimir Putin could allegedly take place in the near future, after recent talks were said to have exceeded Washington’s expectations, as reported by Axios.

Ukraine struck a thermal power plant in Russia’s Belgorod region (www.kyivpost.com/post/68730) overnight.
With Kyiv and Moscow failing to reach an energy truce in Abu Dhabi as some proposed, Kyiv has responded in kind to Moscow’s targeting of energy infrastructure in subzero temperatures.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

❗️Russia wants to share electricity from the Zaporizhzhia NPP between Ukraine and the Russian Federation, Politico reports citing sources.
This proposal was put forward during negotiations between the USA Russia and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi. However no agreements were reached.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has already stated that such an idea looks unrealistic. Instead he proposed that the ZNPP be operated by Ukraine and the USA.
Another topic of negotiations is the deployment of a military contingent of EU countries in Ukraine after the war ends. France and Germany are the most active proponents of this. At the same time the USA says it will only provide intelligence and logistical support.

The Office of the President showed the missiles used by Russia to attack Ukraine.
The President's Commissioner for Sanctions Policy Vladyslav Vlasiuk stated that Russia used these weapons this week including during today's overnight attack:
🔴"Zircon" — large anti-ship cruise missiles;
🔴Kh-101 — cruise missiles manufactured as recently as 2026;
🔴Kh-32 — new cruise missiles based on the Kh-22 used against Kyiv for the first time;
🔴RM-48U — ballistic missiles from S-400 systems created on the basis of training target missiles.
Vlasiuk emphasized that the choice of missile types is not accidental and often indicates Russia's limited capabilities.
The released photos show a Kh-101 missile manufactured in 2026. Details regarding its components are promised to be reported in the near future.

The Russians attacked Ukraine with two missiles and 102 drones and air defense shot down 87 UAVs. Here is what is known about the consequences.
🔴Dnipropetrovsk region. The Russians struck the Nikopol district with drones damaging houses and power lines. There were no casualties.
🔴Kharkiv region. The Russians attacked the village of Burluk in the Kupiansk district with drones. As a result of one of the hits a residential building caught fire but there were no casualties.
🔴Kyiv. As a result of the Russian strike on January 24 another 1,676 high rise buildings remain without heating.

Olena Yanchuk a former preschool teacher has been unable to leave her 19th floor apartment in Kyiv for weeks. She has severe rheumatoid arthritis and the elevator does not work due to constant power outages.
There is frost on the windows inside the apartment because of the sub zero temperatures. Olena keeps warm using candles under a brick, charges her phone from a power bank, and cooks on a gas burner. There are 650 steps up and down every day in the darkness with a phone in hand.
This is how all of Kyiv lives now: according to the electricity schedule, with buckets of water, USB lamps, and the hope that the war will end someday.
https://t.me/liveukraine_media/37428

https://understandingwar.org/research/russia-ukraine/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-january-25-2026/

Key Takeaways

1. Kremlin officials continue to reiterate Russia’s commitment to its original war aims and reject Western security guarantees for Ukraine, amid continued reporting that negotiations will resume in the coming days.
2. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov made a statement suggesting that the Kremlin is using its participation in ongoing negotiations with the United States to stave off a significant increase in US pressure against Russia that could impede its war effort.
3. Russia continues to intensify recruitment efforts for the Russian Unmanned Systems Forces (USF) that may also staff the conventional Russian ground forces.
4. Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov appointed Serhiy “Flash” Beskrestnov as a Ministry of Defense (MoD) advisor on defense technology on January 25.
5. Ukrainian forces recently advanced in western Zaporizhia Oblast. Russian forces recently advanced near Borova, in the Kostyantynivka-Druzhkivka tactical area, and near Novopavlivka.

Live:Ukraine

🔹The captain of a Russian shadow fleet tanker intercepted by France on January 22 has been taken into custody.

According to the investigation he is a 54 year old citizen of India. He was detained on January 24 when the vessel Grinch arrived at the anchorage in the Gulf of Fos-sur-Mer. Other crew members remain on board.

The oil tanker was sailing under the flag of the Comoros from a port in Murmansk Russia. It was intercepted in the Mediterranean Sea by the French Navy with the support of allies.

🔸President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the trilateral negotiations in Abu Dhabi: "There are fewer problematic issues."

At a press conference in Lithuania he emphasized that Ukraine will not give up its territories under any circumstances despite Russia's insistence. Therefore Ukraine Russia and the USA need to find a compromise.

According to the President the document on security guarantees with the USA is completely ready. Ukraine is waiting for a notification from partners regarding where and when it can be signed. Afterwards the document must be ratified by the US Congress and the Verkhovna Rada.

Separately Zelenskyy named membership in the European Union as an economic guarantee. In the first half of 2026 Ukraine will be technically ready to open all clusters of accession negotiations with the EU and fully ready in 2027.

🇫🇷🇺🇦 Ukraine has received several Rodeur 330 strike drones from France which can fly up to 500 km, France 24 reports.

The drones are capable of performing both reconnaissance missions and "kamikaze" attacks. They can stay in the air for up to five hours.

The president of the company that developed this model says that for Western manufacturers transferring drones to Ukraine is an opportunity to test them in combat conditions.

🇨🇿 Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš has finally rejected the possibility of selling Czech L-159 aircraft to Ukraine calling it a "closed issue."

"There are no L-159s and there will be no L-159s. This is a closed issue."

🔹 The situation in Kyiv remains extremely difficult. The State Emergency Service is working at full capacity with additional forces brought in from other regions. More than 90 SES heating points are operating across the city.

Minister of Internal Affairs Klymenko emphasized during an inspection of the points that the authorities should have resolved basic issues in advance. For example snow and ice in courtyards hinder access for special equipment and slow down assistance to people, and at critical moments the Ministry of Internal Affairs has to compensate for this.

Rescuers, police, volunteers and self organized residents demonstrate a high level of responsibility and interaction. Everyone expects the same level of practical action from the city authorities.

In crisis conditions we need specific decisions and daily work for results for the people rather than reports on social media, Klymenko noted.

🔸 Explosions were heard overnight in the Krasnodar Krai.

Locals report damage to an oil refinery in Slavyansk-on-Kuban. A fire was also spotted in temporarily occupied Luhansk with reports of an attack on a substation.

🇪🇺The Council of the EU has finaly banned the import of Russian pipeline gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG).

The ban will take effect six weeks after the regulation enters into force. Current contracts will have a transitional period. The EU states that such a phased approach will limit the impact on prices and markets.

A complete ban on LNG imports will take effect from the beginning of 2027 and for pipeline gas from the autumn of 2027.

EU countries must prepare plans to replace Russian gas and report on existing contracts by March 1. The same plans must be submitted by countries that still import oil from the Russian Federation.

Heavy fines are threatened for violating the rules: from €2.5 million for individuals and from €40 million for companies or up to 3.5% of annual turnover or 300% of the deal amount.

United 24 Media:

🔹 Lithuania has already decided to support Ukrainian cities and communities and transfer almost a hundred generators. Thank you for your support, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

“During the meeting with President Gitanas Nausėda, we primarily discussed support for the Ukrainian energy system. Russia attacks our energy sector every day. I informed Gitanas about this and about Ukraine’s needs for energy resilience and strengthening air defense.

We also discussed military cooperation, joint defense projects, and Lithuania’s proposals to open an arms export platform in Vilnius, support for the PURL initiative, and cooperation within the SAFE program.

Diplomacy was another key topic. I shared the latest details of diplomatic efforts for peace, including the meetings in Abu Dhabi between the Ukrainian, American, and Russian delegations. Ukraine, as always, is doing everything possible on its part to end the war,” the president said.

🌍 Ukraine ranked 20th among the world’s strongest militaries, according to Global Firepower analysts.

The assessment considered more than 60 indicators, including not only troop numbers and equipment, but also economic and demographic potential.

Ukraine’s strengths include personnel levels, naval capabilities (including naval drones), a developed railway network, and defense spending.

Weaknesses include the lack of submarines and large warships.

Ukraine’s neighbors in the ranking are Spain, Egypt, Poland, and Taiwan. The top positions were taken by the United States, Russia, and China. (UK somehow ranked 8th!)

🔸 “The ongoing Russian attacks on Ukraine leave civilians defenseless against the winter cold. The prolonged fighting has increasingly serious consequences for the civilian population. I call on everyone to immediately intensify efforts to end this war,” Pope Leo XIV said during a Sunday homily at the Vatican.

⚡️ Ukraine will not give up its territory. We need to find a compromise, President Zelenskyy said.

During a joint press conference with the presidents of Lithuania and Poland, the President of Ukraine also stated that the document on security guarantees with the US is already 100% ready.

In addition, he reported that as a result of the meeting in Abu Dhabi, there are fewer problematic issues regarding the 20-point peace plan.

🇺🇦🇱🇹 Lithuania wants Ukraine to become a member of the European Union by 2030 — this is the country’s strategic interest, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda said.

🔹 Lukashenko’s white spitz (his dog) has more rights than the people of Belarus — President Zelenskyy.

Speaking at Vilnius Cathedral, the President of Ukraine recalled Shahed drone operators working from Belarus and the country’s industry fulfilling Russian military orders.

He expressed hope that one day the people of Belarus will be freed from Lukashenko’s dictatorship and become part of a free Europe. Zelenskyy also thanked Belarusian volunteers and voiced support for the opposition.

🔸 The French company EOS Technologies has transferred Veloce 330 and Rodeur 330 strike UAVs to Ukraine for testing — France24.

The company announced plans to deliver the drones in December 2025. The publication has now confirmed that the transfer has taken place.

Basic specifications:

Rodeur 330 — range up to 500 km, 4 kg warhead, speed 120 km/h.
Veloce 330 — range up to 100 km, 4 kg warhead, speed up to 400 km/h.

The number of UAVs was not disclosed. Most likely, this is a small batch for combat testing.

In addition to strike missions, the Veloce 330 is expected in the future to be used as an interceptor against Shahed-136-type UAVs.

🔹 France has detained the captain of the tanker Grinch, which was transporting sanctioned Russian oil — BFM TV, citing Marseille prosecutor Nicolas Besson.

“After the tanker Grinch arrived at a berth in the Bay of Fos-sur-Mer, the vessel’s captain was handed over to the judicial authorities of the French Navy and taken into custody. Other crew members were detained on board the vessel. Both the captain and the crew are of Indian origin,” the report says.

On January 22, the Toulon Maritime Gendarmerie, together with the Marseille Ship Security Center, launched an investigation into possible violations of flag-use regulations (the vessel sails under the flag of the Comoros) and alleged document forgery.

🇵🇱 Russia has not changed: Polish president warns Europe of the danger

According to Nawrocki, Russia’s aggressive nature has not changed over time.

“Russia’s nature has remained the same — it continues to pose a threat to Central and Eastern Europe,” the Polish president stressed.

🔸 The EU has introduced new restrictions on the movement of Russian diplomats, as part of the 19th package of sanctions against Russia.

According to the new requirements published on the EU website, Russian diplomats, consular staff, as well as administrative, technical, and service personnel of diplomatic missions, along with their family members, must notify authorities at least 24 hours in advance of any travel or transit through an EU country where they are not accredited.

The notification must include the type of transport, the point and date of entry, as well as the point and date of departure.

The European Union stressed that hostile intelligence activities include espionage and the spread of disinformation about Russia’s war against Ukraine aimed at influencing public opinion. The measures were introduced specifically to prevent such actions.

🔹 The combat losses of the enemy from February 24, 2022 to January 26, 2026.

Kyiv Independent:

🔹 Ukraine war latest: 80% of Ukraine faces emergency power cuts, 15% of Kyiv residential buildings remain without heat after Russian attack

Russia launched a mass aerial attack on Ukraine overnight Jan. 24, killing at least one person and injuring others, while causing widespread damage to energy infrastructure. As a result, 80% of the country experienced emergency power outages, and roughly 15% of residential buildings in Kyiv remain without heating.

Russia continued its attacks the following day, killing at least one person and injuring nine others on Jan. 25.

Developments in the EU included accusations by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban that Ukraine was meddling in Hungary’s upcoming parliamentary elections, claiming Kyiv had “gone on the offensive.” Separately, President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Vilnius to meet Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda, who pledged nearly 100 generators for Ukraine amid the ongoing energy crisis.

⚡️US security guarantees document is 100% ready, Zelensky says.

"For us, security guarantees are first and foremost guarantees from the United States. The document is 100% ready, and we are waiting for our partners to confirm the date and place for its signing," President Volodymyr Zelensky said during a press conference in Vilnius on Jan. 25.

⚡️Ukrainian parliamentarian Orest Salamakha killed in quad bike accident.

Ukrainian Member of Parliament Orest Salamakha, a member of the ruling Servant of the People party, has died after a quad bike he was driving collided with a minibus on Jan. 25, state investigators reported.

⚡️Zelensky, Belarusian opposition leader Tsikhanouskaya meet for first time in Vilnius.

President Volodymyr Zelensky and exiled Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya held their first bilateral meeting on Jan. 25 in Vilnius, the two leaders said.

🔸 These are the indicative estimates of Russia’s combat losses as of Jan. 26, according to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.