Russia reported a large-scale Ukrainian drone and missile attack involving U.S. and UK-supplied weaponry, targeting multiple locations including the Bryansk and Saratov regions. Moscow claimed to have intercepted all missiles and drones, vowing retaliation for what it deemed an escalation supported by Western powers. The attack caused damage to industrial sites and prompted flight restrictions in several Russian regions. A Ukrainian source claimed responsibility, targeting an airbase and other key facilities.
Read More
Facing its first annual loss in 24 years, due largely to Western sanctions stemming from the war in Ukraine, Gazprom is considering a significant restructuring. A board member’s proposal suggests a 40% reduction in its St. Petersburg headquarters staff, decreasing the headcount from 4,100 to 2,500. This measure, aiming to align Gazprom’s management-to-employee ratio with Rosatom’s, is driven by a need to reduce management costs, currently at approximately $486.5 million annually. The savings would potentially fund performance bonuses for retained employees, and increased reliance on automation and digitalization.
Read More
In 2025, Denmark and Norway will collectively invest €178 million in Ukrainian arms, expanding on a successful model of direct purchases from Ukrainian manufacturers. This follows almost €538 million in previous arms purchases funded by a combination of frozen Russian assets, and contributions from Denmark, Sweden, and Iceland. Denmark, the originator of this “Danish model,” has committed substantial further investment, including joint production of weapons systems. This initiative marks a significant expansion of international support for Ukraine’s defense industry, with Lithuania also now participating.
Read More
South Korea’s intelligence agency reported that two captured North Korean soldiers fighting in Ukraine with Russian forces have not requested asylum in South Korea, despite President Zelenskyy’s offer to facilitate an exchange for Ukrainian POWs. The agency confirmed its involvement in questioning the soldiers and stated its willingness to cooperate with Ukrainian authorities should a request for asylum arise. Approximately 300 North Korean soldiers are estimated to have died fighting in Ukraine, highlighting their struggles adapting to modern warfare and unfamiliar terrain. Concerns remain in Seoul regarding the potential for North Korea to gain valuable combat experience and technological advancements through this conflict.
Read More
Three tankers carrying over 2 million barrels of Russian ESPO crude are idling off the coast of eastern China, unable to unload their cargo. This delay follows the US imposition of new sanctions on major Russian oil companies and associated entities, including ship insurers. The impacted vessels, Huihai Pacific, Mermar, and Olia, were scheduled to offload at Shandong ports but were refused entry following a directive from Shandong Port Group. These actions represent a significant escalation in efforts to restrict Russian oil exports since the Ukraine invasion.
Read More
The mass resignation of detailees at 12:01 AM on January 20th, orchestrated by a White House official, aims to remove personnel perceived as obstacles to the incoming administration’s agenda. This action targets individuals who might oppose controversial policies or report White House activities, potentially hindering future investigations. The strategy is exemplified by the previous experience with Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Vindman, whose testimony about a Trump phone call with the Ukrainian president resulted in his dismissal. The planned resignations aim to prevent similar situations by preemptively removing potentially problematic officials.
Read More
At a presidential palace awards ceremony, mathematics olympiad medalist Simon Omaník declined to shake hands with President Peter Pellegrini, despite the president’s offer. Omaník’s refusal followed Pellegrini’s recent controversial statements regarding Ukraine, including his opposition to an official Kyiv visit and suggestion of territorial concessions. A Ukrainian flag ribbon on Omaník’s jacket suggests a possible connection between his actions and his views on the ongoing conflict. The incident concluded with a group photo featuring all three individuals.
Read More
In a briefing to lawmakers, South Korea’s National Intelligence Service reported that over 300 North Korean soldiers have perished and more than 2,700 have been wounded while fighting in Ukraine alongside Russia. These troops have reportedly received orders to commit suicide rather than be captured. The assessment suggests significant North Korean casualties in the conflict.
Read More
South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) reported that at least 300 North Korean soldiers have died and 2,700 have been wounded fighting in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, largely due to their inexperience in modern warfare. These casualties align with President Zelensky’s earlier claim of 4,000 total North Korean casualties. The NIS also alleges that North Korean soldiers have been forced to commit suicide to evade capture by Ukrainian forces, a claim corroborated by the White House. Recently, Ukraine captured two North Korean soldiers, highlighting the ongoing conflict’s impact on North Korean troops deployed to support Russia.
Read More
South Korean intelligence estimates that at least 3,000 North Korean soldiers have suffered casualties—300 dead and 2,700 wounded—while fighting alongside Russian forces in Kursk. These losses are attributed to the North Korean troops’ inexperience with modern warfare, evidenced by their reported inability to counter long-range drones and a policy encouraging suicide to avoid capture. Two captured North Korean soldiers are now potentially subject to a prisoner exchange. The deployment, part of a mutual defense pact between North Korea and Russia, has caused concern among the families of the soldiers who fear they are being treated as expendable.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker