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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AP News reports the United States condemned Russia’s recent actions in Ukraine as a “dangerous and inexplicable escalation.” Specifically, the U.S. criticized the launch of a nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile near the Polish border and intensifying attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure. This occurred amidst ongoing peace negotiations and a backdrop of strained relations between Moscow and Washington. Both European and U.S. leaders see the recent Russian actions as unacceptable and a risk to further intensifying the war.
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The United Kingdom has initiated Project Nightfall, a competition to swiftly develop long-range ballistic missiles for Ukraine. This initiative follows a recent visit by U.K. officials to Ukraine, during which Russia launched an Oreshnik ballistic missile near the Polish border. The Nightfall missiles are designed to carry a 200 kg warhead with a range exceeding 500 kilometers, targeting high-value assets while allowing for rapid redeployment. The project seeks to award contracts in March 2026, with a production rate of 10 missiles per month and a maximum price of $1.07 million each.
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Analysis of videos from the US operation in Caracas, Venezuela in January 2026 reveals that several Russian-made Buk-M2 air defense systems were either disconnected from radar or stored at the time of the attack. These systems, stationed at locations like La Guaira and La Carlota air base, were unprepared for the US strikes, with some destroyed during deployment. The New York Times reports, based on US officials, that the systems may not have been operational for years, potentially due to lack of Russian maintenance, which may have been diverted to the war in Ukraine or part of a strategic agreement with the US. This suggests that Venezuela’s air defenses were caught off guard despite months of warnings.
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French President Emmanuel Macron has discussed the potential deployment of approximately 10,000 soldiers to Ukraine. The deployment would involve two multinational brigades, forming part of a European Union “deterrence force” with a command center near Paris. Discussions included the weapons these brigades would utilize, with parliament set to be involved in the decision-making process within the coming weeks. The composition is likely to lean toward mechanized infantry due to limited tank availability. This initiative is part of a broader coalition supporting Ukraine with logistics, weapons, military training, and air defense, including efforts to secure the Black Sea.
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Over the past week, Russia has launched a barrage of attacks against Ukraine, including nearly 1,100 attack drones, over 890 guided aerial bombs, and more than 50 missiles. President Zelenskyy stated that these attacks, which targeted energy facilities and residential buildings, have no military purpose and are acts of terrorism against civilians. He noted that the attacks were intentionally timed to coincide with freezing weather to exacerbate the suffering of the Ukrainian people. DTEK, Ukraine’s largest private energy company, has indicated that the current electricity supply situation is the most challenging so far this winter.
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According to sources within the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU), Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov’s health has significantly declined and he is reportedly undergoing dialysis for kidney failure. Kadyrov is currently being treated in his private hospital in Chechnya, where family members have gathered. The DIU has indicated that the process of selecting Kadyrov’s successor has intensified. This information aligns with previous reports from the DIU regarding Kadyrov’s deteriorating health.
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Following a visit to Kyiv, the UK has pledged £200 million to prepare British troops for deployment to Ukraine after a ceasefire with Russia. This funding will enhance vehicles, communications, and drone protection, ensuring troop readiness. The announcement came after Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s commitment to send troops as part of a coalition. Reports suggest the UK may provide a significant portion of a potential 15,000-personnel force.
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Recent Russian air strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure have left over a million people in the south-eastern region without heat and water, prompting President Zelensky to call for increased Western support. The attacks, targeting crucial infrastructure, are part of a broader strategy aimed at crippling power supplies during the harsh winter. DTEK, Ukraine’s largest private energy provider, has been struggling to recover from the frequent attacks, leading to lengthy power cuts. Zelensky has been on a diplomatic tour, seeking guarantees from allies, while also participating in ongoing peace negotiations which have included discussions on territorial concessions with Russia.
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John Q. Hosedrinker