The Third Army Corps deployed the DevDroid TW 12.7, an unmanned ground vehicle armed with a .50-calibre machine gun, to hold off Russian advances for 45 days. This remote-controlled vehicle, capable of traversing rugged terrain, was operated from up to 15 miles away and provided relentless firepower, deterring enemy attacks without endangering soldiers. The UGV was crucial in the fight, with Russia unable to detect its presence, highlighting the increasing role of unmanned systems in modern warfare. The NC-13 Strike Company, specializing in UGVs, is expanding its deployment of these systems in both defensive and offensive operations, with other drone versions, including those with grenade launchers, recently approved for frontline use.
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As of January 1, 2026, China ceased all electricity imports from Russia, including the minimum contractual obligation. This decision was primarily due to the high export prices, which exceeded domestic Chinese rates, rendering further purchases economically unfavorable. The supply contract, signed in 2012 with Russia’s Inter RAO, was slated to run until 2037 and encompassed roughly 4 billion kWh annually. While exports are unlikely to resume in 2026, the Russian Ministry of Energy has not completely ruled out a future resumption if China expresses interest.
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The coalition of willing countries currently provides all international support for Ukrainian military resistance. French President Emmanuel Macron stated that this coalition, comprising 34 nations, finances 100% of Ukraine’s war efforts. France is a key contributor, supplying two-thirds of Ukraine’s intelligence capabilities. The coalition is committed to deterring aggression and supporting Ukrainian resistance, as demonstrated by the recent declaration following a meeting in Paris.
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Newly appointed Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov reported that approximately two million Ukrainians are evading mobilization and 200,000 soldiers are absent without leave, highlighting critical manpower shortages. Fedorov emphasized the need for army reforms, including addressing bureaucracy and outdated command structures, to improve efficiency and foster a culture of trust. These reforms aim to address the significant challenges facing Ukrainian forces, with many soldiers struggling due to exhaustion and the difficulties of navigating bureaucratic processes. Punishments for evading mobilization and going AWOL include imprisonment during wartime.
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Ukraine’s new defense minister revealed several significant challenges facing the military, including widespread desertions and approximately 2 million draft dodgers, as the war with Russia continues. Mykhailo Fedorov highlighted issues such as bureaucratic inefficiencies and supply chain disruptions. Despite these hurdles, Ukraine’s defense sector has experienced substantial growth in drone, electronic warfare, missile, and robotics manufacturing since the full-scale invasion began. Fedorov also announced a funding shortfall of 300 billion hryvnia, while the European Union pledged financial support to help fund Ukraine’s military and economy.
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Overnight on January 14, Russian forces launched a significant attack on infrastructure in Kryvyi Rih, impacting over 45,000 electricity subscribers and leaving over 700 buildings without heat. The attack prompted the city’s water utility pumps to switch to emergency generators, resulting in lower water pressure. Despite the challenges, emergency crews were able to restore power to all affected customers by 7:30 a.m. local time, and the city’s municipal services were quickly brought back online. This attack follows similar strikes on energy facilities across Ukraine, including in Kyiv, where thousands have been left without heat amidst a severe cold front.
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On January 13th, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) claimed to have struck the Atlant Aero plant in Taganrog, a key Russian factory involved in drone production, resulting in a large fire and explosions. The plant manufactures Orion drones and components for FPV drones and loitering munitions. This strike is expected to reduce the production of UAVs and weaken Russia’s reconnaissance and strike capabilities. This attack is part of a growing Ukrainian campaign of deep strikes against Russian military targets, which is possible due to the increasing domestic production of long-range attack drones.
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On January 14, reports emerged of a residential building in Rostov-on-Don being struck by a Russian air defense missile, as indicated by eyewitness accounts and social media footage. Russian authorities attributed the incident to a Ukrainian drone attack, with the Defense Ministry claiming to have downed numerous drones overnight, including several in the Rostov Oblast. While the Rostov-on-Don Mayor and Oblast Governor confirmed a fire at an apartment building, the Governor reported a fatality, injuries, and damage to an industrial enterprise. The Kyiv Independent cannot independently verify these reports or the claims made by Russian officials, and the circumstances surrounding the strike remain unclear.
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On January 12th, Ukrainian troops, spearheaded by the Khartia Brigade of the 2nd Corps of the National Guard, successfully recaptured the Kupiansk City Council building and raised the Ukrainian flag, marking a significant strategic victory in the Kharkiv region. The operation, led by the 4th Battalion’s Reconnaissance and Strike Group, resulted in the securing of the city center, with remaining Russian units being cleared. Commander Colonel Ihor Obolenskyi highlighted the success of the operation, demonstrating Ukraine’s capability to halt and eliminate enemy forces with effective planning and well-trained units. The liberation of Kupiansk, a city previously claimed by Russia, reinforces Ukraine’s ability to reclaim strategically vital territories.
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Cyprus has accused Russia of orchestrating a disinformation campaign, which includes a social media video alleging corruption within the government, specifically targeting the president and other political figures. According to initial analysis, the video’s format and style mirror previous Russian disinformation operations, utilizing editing and narration to suggest influence peddling. The video’s release, coinciding with Cyprus’s assumption of the EU presidency and support for Ukraine, has sparked a domestic uproar and calls for investigation. This incident marks the latest in a series of accusations against Russia for engaging in disinformation campaigns across various nations.
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John Q. Hosedrinker