A newly announced 100-year UK-Ukraine partnership agreement, including military cooperation in the Azov Sea, has drawn sharp criticism from Russia. Moscow views the Azov Sea as its internal water and considers the agreement a publicity stunt, vowing firm resistance to any joint UK-Ukraine activity there. The Kremlin specifically expressed concern over potential British military deployment in the region. This rejection underscores persistent tensions over the strategically vital Azov Sea and foreshadows potential obstacles to the strengthened UK-Ukraine cooperation.
Read More
Following its liberation in November 2022, Kherson, Ukraine, has faced relentless Russian attacks. These attacks include indiscriminate shelling and, since June, daily drone strikes targeting civilians, creating a terrifying environment described as a “safari” by residents. The destruction of the Kakhovka dam further compounded the city’s suffering, flooding low-lying areas. Consequently, Kherson’s population has plummeted to 80,000, a fraction of its pre-war size, as its citizens endure a new wave of hardship.
Read More
Amidst discussions of a potential Ukraine ceasefire, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated Germany’s openness to contributing troops to a subsequent European peacekeeping mission. This follows similar considerations by the U.K. and France, who are also exploring troop deployments. While Germany’s role would be significant given its NATO standing, the deployment is contingent upon future discussions and has elicited varied opinions among German politicians, including conditions such as Russian consent. Ukraine’s acceptance hinges on a clear NATO membership timeline.
Read More
In a joint meeting, Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov urged the Ministry of Defense to prepare for potential military conflict with NATO within the next ten years. This preparedness is deemed necessary alongside the ongoing war in Ukraine. Belousov’s statement follows President Putin’s warning about Western aid to Ukraine nearing a “red line.” The comments contrast with President-elect Trump’s call for a swift end to the Ukraine conflict.
Read More
In December 2024 alone, Russian forces deployed chemical weapons in 434 separate battlefield incidents, according to a January 18th report from Ukraine’s General Staff. This brings the total recorded instances since February 2023 to 5,389, including the use of prohibited munitions like K-51 and RG-VO. These actions constitute a systemic violation of warfare rules, resulting in over 2,000 Ukrainian soldier hospitalizations and three deaths from chemical poisoning. Ukraine responded to these attacks by assassinating the head of Russia’s chemical defense troops, Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov.
Read More
A Russian court sentenced three lawyers—Vadim Kobzev, Alexei Liptser, and Igor Sergunin—to lengthy prison terms for allegedly relaying messages from Alexei Navalny to the outside world. This action, part of a broader crackdown on dissent, has alarmed human rights groups and sparked international condemnation. The lawyers, who had near-exclusive access to Navalny while he served a 19-year sentence, were convicted of participating in an “extremist organization,” a charge that has been widely criticized as politically motivated. The sentences mark a significant escalation in Russia’s suppression of opposition voices and legal representation.
Read More
Over the past three years, Russian coal exports have significantly decreased, falling to 195 million tonnes in 2024—a 17.5 million tonne drop from 2023 and a 26.2 million tonne decrease from 2022. This decline is attributed to a confluence of factors including Western sanctions, a European embargo on Russian coal, and severe logistical bottlenecks within the Russian railway system. These issues, coupled with historically low export prices, resulted in an overall loss of RUB 81 billion (US$810 million) for Russian coal companies. Consequently, Kemerovo Oblast, Russia’s primary coal-producing region, also saw production decline by 15.8 million tonnes.
Read More
Former Ukrainian lawmaker and businessman Vadym Novynskyi, a wealthy individual and sponsor of a Moscow-backed church, has been charged in absentia with high treason and incitement to religious hatred by Ukrainian authorities. The State Bureau of Investigation alleges Novynskyi, a member of the banned Opposition Bloc, promoted pro-Russian narratives and acted as a handler for the Russian Orthodox Church in Ukraine, following the instructions of Patriarch Kirill. He fled Ukraine after the full-scale invasion began and continues to engage in subversive activities abroad. A conviction could result in a prison sentence of up to 15 years.
Read More
Ukraine’s inexpensive, heavy bomber drones, nicknamed “Baba Yagas,” are proving highly effective against Russian forces, inflicting substantial casualties despite underreporting due to verification challenges. These drones, including models like the Vampire and Kazhan, carry significant payloads and operate at ranges up to 12 miles, posing a significant threat despite facing countermeasures. Their success is evidenced by Russia’s repurposing of captured drones and the creation of a supply chain for their maintenance. The psychological impact on Russian soldiers is also considerable, with folklore surrounding the drones adding to their fearsome reputation.
Read More
The Biden administration secretly funneled $1.5 billion to Ukraine’s drone program in September 2024, a previously undisclosed effort to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities against Russia. This support included funding for drone manufacturing and facilitated collaborations between American and Ukrainian tech firms, significantly enhancing Ukrainian drone production and effectiveness. The initiative, accelerated in response to Russia’s extensive drone use and Ukraine’s 2023 counteroffensive setbacks, yielded over 200,000 domestically produced drones by year’s end. These drones, crucial in reconnaissance, combat, and naval operations, have demonstrably impacted the conflict, contributing to significant losses for the Russian military.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker