Overnight on January 4th, drones attacked Russia’s Ust-Luga seaport in Leningrad Oblast, a significant distance from the Ukrainian border. While most drones were intercepted, resulting in minor damage and no casualties, the attack targeted the Novotrans terminal, a key logistical hub. This incident follows a similar attack on a gas-condensate plant at the same port in late January, highlighting continued Ukrainian efforts to disrupt Russian supply lines deep within its territory. The scale of the port makes it a high-value target.
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A North Korean offensive toward Kruglenke, utilizing a narrow forest corridor, was decisively repelled by Ukrainian forces. Ukrainian drone strikes and automatic grenade launchers inflicted heavy casualties on the densely packed North Korean troops. Despite suffering significant losses, North Korean forces persist in their attacks on Kruglenkoe, viewing it as the only remaining feasible avenue for achieving any offensive gains. The village’s buildings offer much-needed cover from Ukrainian fire, making it a crucial objective. This continued assault, however, is proving exceptionally costly for the North Koreans.
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Russia has rejected proposed plans from President-elect Trump’s team to end the war in Ukraine, deeming them uninteresting. These plans, reportedly including delaying Ukraine’s NATO membership, have been dismissed by both the Russian UN ambassador and Foreign Minister Lavrov. Moscow maintains its previously stated conditions for ending the conflict, which include the full occupation of four Ukrainian regions and Ukraine’s rejection of NATO membership. Experts suggest that Russia’s unwillingness to negotiate over its core objectives casts doubt on the feasibility of a swift resolution, even with a new U.S. administration.
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President Duda’s New Year’s address emphasized Poland’s unwavering commitment to its security, highlighting a strong military and robust alliances, particularly with the U.S., as crucial pillars. He advocated for increased NATO defense spending and prioritized strengthening EU-U.S. cooperation during Poland’s upcoming EU presidency. With 2025’s presidential elections approaching, Duda urged citizens to elect a successor prioritizing national security and upholding Poland’s sovereignty. He concluded by reflecting on Poland’s recent progress and expressing optimism for the future.
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A Moscow court ordered Yandex to remove or alter images of the Ryazan Oil Refinery from its maps and photo services within one month. This action, prompted by a supervisory authority citing national security concerns, follows multiple Ukrainian drone attacks on the refinery in 2024. The court determined that publicly accessible imagery compromised Russia’s defense capabilities and fuel supply to the military. Yandex was fined, and the ruling reflects broader concerns about the vulnerability of Russia’s energy infrastructure to Ukrainian attacks.
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Ukraine’s military announced a successful high-precision strike targeting a Russian command post situated in Maryino, within the Kursk region, on Thursday. This action, according to the Ukrainian statement released via Telegram, aims to disrupt Russia’s capacity to inflict harm on innocent Ukrainian civilians. The statement emphasized that precautions were taken to minimize the risk to civilians in the area. This targeted strike underscores the ongoing conflict and the Ukrainian military’s strategy of proactively targeting key Russian infrastructure and personnel.
The choice of Maryino as a target likely holds strategic significance. While details remain scarce, striking a command post can significantly cripple Russian operational capabilities within the region.… Continue reading
Following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced plans to restore diplomatic relations and economic cooperation with Syria, including the provision of Ukrainian grain through the “Grain from Ukraine” program. An initial shipment of 500 tonnes of wheat flour has already been delivered, with the initiative aiming to stabilize the situation and contribute to broader Middle Eastern peace. This aid is part of a larger effort that has already delivered over 221,000 tonnes of agricultural products to various countries. The move reflects Ukraine’s commitment to expanding its global trade partnerships while countering Russia’s influence in the region.
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Poland assumed the six-month rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union, succeeding Hungary, with a focus on strengthening European security across multiple dimensions—external, internal, and economic. This presidency, occurring amidst the Ukrainian war and border tensions, will involve numerous meetings and cultural events. The Polish presidency contrasts sharply with its predecessor’s controversial stance on Russia, and it comes at a pivotal moment in Poland’s domestic politics ahead of national elections. Prime Minister Tusk emphasized Poland’s commitment to European collaboration and addressing inherited challenges.
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Ukraine halted Russian gas transit through its pipelines to Europe, ending a pre-war agreement and citing national security concerns. This decision, which follows Russia’s drastic reduction of gas supplies to Europe since the war began, deprives Russia of a key market and aligns with Europe’s plan to phase out Russian gas entirely. While impacting countries like Moldova and potentially causing further hardship in Transnistria, the move is seen by some as a victory against Russian energy blackmail. The cessation of transit comes amid ongoing conflict and accusations that Russia uses energy as a weapon.
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Putin’s recent declaration that “everything will be fine” rings remarkably hollow in the face of Russia’s escalating challenges. The assertion feels jarringly detached from the grim reality on the ground, a reality painted in the stark hues of significant military setbacks and mounting economic woes. The ongoing war in Ukraine, a self-inflicted wound of immense proportions, continues to drain Russia’s resources and manpower, costing the country a generation of young men. The loss of allies, such as in Syria, further isolates Russia on the global stage, compounding the already precarious geopolitical situation.
The economic consequences are equally troubling. The loss of significant gas revenue due to severed pipelines to the European Union represents a substantial blow to the Russian economy, adding to existing strains caused by sanctions and the war effort.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood