Following a large-scale Russian attack on Kyiv, almost 6,000 apartment buildings, representing half of the city’s housing stock, are without heat, and the city is facing water supply disruptions. Critical infrastructure damage from the attack on January 8th and 9th, described as the most painful for the capital, has led to emergency conditions for city services. Municipal workers are prioritizing essential facilities like hospitals, while energy workers strive to restore electricity and heat. Kyiv’s mayor has urged residents with the means to temporarily relocate to areas with alternative power and heat sources due to the challenging weather forecast.
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Overnight attacks on Kyiv on January 8-9 resulted in at least four fatalities, including a paramedic, and 24 injuries, while also disrupting electricity and heat for hundreds of thousands of residents. Russian forces launched numerous missiles and drones, targeting critical energy and civilian infrastructure as temperatures plummeted. Damage was reported across multiple districts, affecting residential buildings, and causing disruptions to the metro system. The attacks, which damaged heat-generation and supply facilities, were aimed at destabilizing the social order.
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President Zelenskyy believes Russia is fabricating justifications for strikes on Kyiv, potentially targeting government buildings. He stated this following a successful Ukraine-US meeting in Florida, which seemingly displeased Russia. Zelenskyy cited Russia’s history of inventing pretexts, such as a drone strike claim, to justify military actions, referencing the prior missile attack on the Cabinet of Ministers building. He urged vigilance and called for international intervention to pressure Russia into ending the war.
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Ukrainian capital Kyiv under massive Russian attack, officials say | Reuters. The situation, as reported, is incredibly grim, isn’t it? The news outlets are consistently reporting on the ongoing barrage targeting Kyiv, and it’s clear this isn’t just a minor skirmish. We’re talking about a significant assault, one that’s causing widespread concern and, undeniably, a lot of fear.
Ukrainian capital Kyiv under massive Russian attack, officials say | Reuters. It’s difficult not to feel a sense of frustration when you consider the repetitive nature of these attacks. The reports of these attacks have become almost routine, with something similar happening frequently.… Continue reading
The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) thwarted a planned assassination of a Defence Intelligence of Ukraine officer in Kyiv and detained an alleged FSB agent during the operation. The suspect, a 28-year-old citizen of a Central Asian country, was apprehended while attempting to shoot the officer in the city center. Recruited via Telegram, the suspect was promised $50,000 and EU “legalization” for the murder after having obtained a pistol and ammunition. The detainee faces charges including attempted premeditated murder, aiding the aggressor state, and illegal weapons handling, potentially leading to life imprisonment.
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Russia bombards Kyiv hours after Trump voices hope for a Ukraine deal, and it’s almost as if the timing itself is a statement. It’s a cruel illustration of the reality that words, especially hopeful ones, often carry little weight in the face of brute force. The immediate response from the Russian side suggests a clear disregard for any diplomatic overtures, a brutal reminder of their approach to negotiations: actions speak louder, and often more destructively, than words. This is a pattern that’s unfortunately become all too familiar, a grim dance of pronouncements followed by the cold, hard facts on the ground.… Continue reading
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has reported thwarting a series of planned terrorist attacks in Kyiv allegedly orchestrated by Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB). These attacks were intended to destabilize the capital and included plans for explosions in public spaces and assassinations of prominent Ukrainians. The SBU identified a resident of Crimea, recruited by the FSB, as the organizer of the operation, who traveled to Kyiv to recruit individuals and carry out targeted killings. The alleged recruiter has been charged with high treason, terrorism, and illegal handling of weapons but remains at large in Russian-occupied territory.
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A British citizen, allegedly working as an FSB agent, has been detained in Kyiv by Ukraine’s Security Service. The individual arrived in early 2024 to train Ukrainian troops but later collaborated with Russian intelligence, offering sensitive information and preparing for terrorist attacks. The SBU claims the suspect was instructed to build an explosive device and was found in possession of a pistol before being apprehended. Now in custody, the British citizen faces up to 12 years in prison, with the investigation ongoing to determine further charges.
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Russian Officer Accused of Committing War Crimes in Kyiv Killed in Car Blast: It appears the news is out, and it’s certainly a headline that grabs your attention. We’re talking about a Russian lieutenant colonel, Veniamin Mazherin, who, according to reports, met his demise in a car explosion in Kemerovo Oblast, Russia. This isn’t just any officer; he was reportedly implicated in war crimes committed in the Kyiv region back in 2022. The timing of this, alongside the ongoing conflict and the increasing scrutiny of war crimes allegations, makes the story all the more captivating.
The core of the matter centers around Mazherin’s involvement with the OMON special unit “Obereg,” part of the Russian National Guard.… Continue reading
Early Friday, Russia launched a large-scale missile and drone attack on Ukraine, targeting energy infrastructure and residential areas. The assault resulted in casualties, including a child, and widespread power outages affecting over half of Kyiv, along with water supply issues. At least ten energy facilities were hit, prompting emergency crews to work to restore power, as emergency blackouts were implemented in the Kyiv region. Residential buildings in Kyiv also sustained damage from drone strikes, causing fires in a high-rise apartment block.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood