Ukrainian Special Operations Forces (SSO) recently reported eliminating 13 North Korean soldiers in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, employing both ground combat and drone strikes. The operation, part of ongoing SSO activity in the region since August 2024, involved multiple regiments and resulted in the recovery of weapons and documents suggesting the presence of North Korean officers. These actions are a response to Russia’s deployment of North Korean troops to bolster its forces facing Ukrainian offensives. The SSO’s actions have resulted in significant losses for both Russian and North Korean forces in the Kursk Oblast.
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Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement responding to Hungary’s accusations regarding Ukraine’s decision to not renew a Russian gas transit agreement. The statement, delivered via X, sarcastically offered to replace Hungary in the EU and NATO should Budapest choose to join Russian-led blocs like the CIS or CSTO. Kyiv dismissed Hungary’s claims of increased gas prices as a politically motivated campaign, highlighting Hungary’s continued support for Moscow’s narratives and obstruction of Western aid to Ukraine. Ukraine urged Hungary to prioritize ending the war by fostering EU unity and strengthening its own energy independence.
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President-elect Trump expressed understanding of Russia’s concerns regarding Ukraine’s NATO aspirations, blaming the Biden administration for provoking the conflict. He aims to meet with Vladimir Putin within six months to negotiate an end to the war, a goal he believes he could achieve swiftly. Trump’s approach reportedly favors a peace deal involving Ukrainian territorial concessions, a stance potentially contributing to the resignation of a senior Pentagon official overseeing Ukraine aid. This policy shift prioritizes a rapid resolution, even if it necessitates significant Ukrainian territorial losses.
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President-elect Trump, during a January 7th press conference, attributed the Russian invasion of Ukraine to President Biden’s support of Ukraine’s NATO aspirations, a long-standing Russian concern. He contrasted this with his own reported plan to delay Ukraine’s NATO membership for at least two decades in exchange for Western aid and ceasefire monitoring. Trump further criticized Biden’s foreign policy, deferring negotiations with Putin until after his inauguration despite Putin’s expressed willingness to engage. While Trump promised a swift end to the war, his proposed solutions have been met with rejection from Russia and cautious optimism from Ukraine.
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With the war in Ukraine approaching its fourth year and a potential Trump presidency looming, the conflict’s endgame is highly uncertain. Latvia, a significant military aid provider to Ukraine, emphasizes the importance of a Ukrainian-defined victory and continued support from allies. While NATO membership for Ukraine is considered non-negotiable, the specifics of security guarantees during and after a potential ceasefire remain under discussion. Latvia stresses the need for a strong Ukrainian position in negotiations, supported by continued Western aid and a unified stance against further Russian aggression.
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In a recent interview, President Zelensky revealed that Belarusian President Lukashenko apologized for Belarus’ involvement in the war, claiming he was not responsible for Russian missile launches from Belarusian territory. Zelensky rejected this apology, calling Lukashenko a murderer for allowing such attacks. Despite this apology and lack of direct military involvement in the full-scale invasion, Belarus continues to allow Russia to station troops and missiles on its soil, including the recently deployed Oreshnik missile systems. This complicity comes as Lukashenko faces an upcoming presidential election, expected to secure him a seventh term.
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Ukraine launched a counteroffensive in Russia’s Kursk region, resulting in clashes near the border village of Berdin. While Russia claims to have repelled the attack, Ukrainian sources report ongoing fighting and significant Russian losses, including a potential battalion of North Korean and Russian troops. The offensive, which began in August, has seen fluctuating control of territory, with Ukraine holding some areas despite Russian and North Korean reinforcements. Heavy fighting and civilian casualties are reported in the region’s towns, including Sudzha.
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On January 5th, 2025, over 160 prominent Ukrainian figures released an open appeal, “Do Not Appease Evil,” to global leaders. The appeal argues that Russia’s war aims extend beyond territorial gains, seeking to dismantle the existing world order. It warns against a negotiated peace that cedes Ukrainian territory, asserting this would embolden aggressors and destabilize global security. Conversely, a decisive defeat of Russia’s aggression is presented as crucial for restoring global stability and averting wider conflict.
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President Aliyev, meeting with families of victims and survivors of the Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 crash, stated that the investigation’s initial findings place blame for the tragedy on Russian Federation representatives. He asserted Azerbaijan’s demand for justice, punishment of those responsible, and full transparency in the process. While withholding full details of the ongoing criminal case, the president emphasized the Azerbaijani government’s commitment to accountability. This demand for justice stems from the loss of Azerbaijani lives in this disaster.
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Russia’s recent attacks on Ukraine utilized over 630 drones, guided bombs, and missiles containing more than 50,000 foreign-made components. These attacks resulted in significant infrastructure damage and civilian casualties. President Zelensky highlighted the inadequacy of current sanctions in preventing Russia’s acquisition of these components, emphasizing the need for stronger sanctions and increased support for Ukraine’s air defenses. He specifically called for bolstering Ukraine’s long-range capabilities. The attacks demonstrate Russia’s continued reliance on global supply chains for weapons production.
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John Q. Hosedrinker