Russian occupying forces are attempting to hold their positions in the northern districts of Kupiansk, Kharkiv region, while Ukrainian units are actively conducting counterattacks to dislodge the enemy. According to Viktor Tregubov, head of the communications department of the Joint Forces group, the fighting is ongoing, with urban combat occurring. Logistics for accessing Kupiansk is difficult for both sides, with drones and assault infantry playing a significant role in the battles. The proximity of the region to the Russian border complicates the situation due to the use of guided aerial bombs.
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The German government plans to increase its defense support for Ukraine to over €11.5 billion in the upcoming year, according to a submission from the Ministry of Finance. These additional funds are earmarked for critical military equipment like artillery, drones, armored vehicles, and replacing Patriot missile systems. The decision comes as the Bundestag’s Budget Committee prepares to finalize the 2026 budget draft, with government sources suggesting the government intends to continue its support despite some opposition. This commitment remains despite ongoing investigations into alleged Ukrainian involvement in the Nord Stream pipeline explosions.
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President Zelenskyy has voiced his support for the ongoing investigation into corruption within Ukraine’s energy sector, conducted by NABU and SAPO. He emphasized the importance of accountability and convictions to address corrupt schemes within the sector, specifically highlighting the significance of integrity within Energoatom, Ukraine’s largest power generator. While not naming specific individuals, Zelenskyy stressed the need for government officials to collaborate with law enforcement agencies to achieve tangible results.
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The Czech fundraising campaign “Gift for Putin,” initially aimed at financing one Ukrainian-made “Flamingo” cruise missile, will now result in the production of two due to the missile manufacturer’s pledge to match the public donations. The campaign successfully raised 16 million Czech korunas, exceeding its target, prompting the manufacturer to double the value of the public contribution. The two missiles, named DANA 1 and DANA 2, will honor the late Czech nuclear physicist Dana Drábová. The remaining funds will be used to purchase additional equipment for Ukraine, with a public poll determining whether to buy ambulances, plastic explosives, or contribute to a training aircraft. The “Flamingo” is a ground-launched cruise missile with a 1,150-kilogram warhead and a range of up to 3,000 kilometers, intended for long-range precision strikes.
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Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk believes the country’s geopolitical future is optimistic, contingent on Ukraine’s victory in its war against Russia. Tusk emphasized that a Ukrainian loss would significantly worsen Poland’s situation. He stressed the importance of Poland strategically utilizing its regional position and maintaining support for Ukraine, as friendly relations with a sovereign Ukraine are crucial. Furthermore, Tusk referenced the recent incident involving Russian drones in Polish airspace as a turning point, highlighting the difficult decisions regarding national security.
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Overnight, Ukrainian forces launched coordinated strikes against targets in southwestern Russia, including a key oil tanker loading terminal in Tuapse via kamikaze drones and robot boats. The attack resulted in explosions and fires within the port area, despite Russian claims of interception and minimal damage. Simultaneously, Ukrainian drones targeted railroad infrastructure in Rostov, prompting air travel disruptions and reports of damage, alongside an extensive drone campaign against Russian energy infrastructure. These attacks are part of a broader strategy aimed at disrupting Russian oil exports and retaliating for Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure, with a notable increase in strikes against power grids and heating plants.
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A recent investigative report reveals the Russian Ministry of Defense has recruited convicted murderers and violent offenders for combat operations in Ukraine, offering early release in exchange for service. The report details the cases of Vagan Safaryan and Yuriy Hrytsenko, both convicted of multiple murders, who were deployed to the “Special Military Operation” zone after signing military contracts. These individuals, despite their violent histories and, in Hrytsenko’s case, a history of mental instability, were released from prison under this controversial program. The practice, which began with the full-scale invasion, has prompted concerns about public safety and a potential surge in violent crimes committed by returning ex-convicts.
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President Zelenskyy warned that Russia may initiate attacks on other European countries before the war in Ukraine concludes, citing a “stalemate” for Putin. He believes Putin is capable of opening a second front simultaneously while the war in Ukraine continues. Zelenskyy linked the rise in European criminal activity to Russia’s lack of progress on the front lines. He stated Putin seeks a major external enemy to unite Russia and views the United States and the West as adversaries.
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Ukraine is seeking to procure 27 Patriot air defense systems from the U.S. to protect against intensified Russian strikes on its energy infrastructure, and is also requesting temporary loans of the systems from its European allies. President Zelensky emphasized the continued need for aid, asserting that support is only “enough when the war ends,” as attacks in regions like Donetsk and Kherson resulted in casualties. Despite existing support from allies, it hasn’t stopped Russia, and Zelensky expressed a positive relationship with U.S. President Trump despite the latter’s previous and planned communications with Putin that have spurred controversy.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warns that Russia, facing a stalemate in Ukraine, may initiate a second front against another European country. The Kremlin is currently testing NATO’s boundaries through hybrid warfare, and a need for an external enemy could drive further aggression. Zelenskyy believes Putin could pursue multiple fronts simultaneously due to his failures in Ukraine, despite the country’s defense efforts. He also emphasizes that the US should not consider friendship with Russia, especially as the current regime needs an external enemy to stay united.
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John Q. Hosedrinker