Former U.S. envoy on Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, has transitioned to a think tank to speak more freely about the war, a move he states is unrelated to disagreements within the administration. Despite leaving government, Kellogg remains a strong advocate for Ukraine, asserting that Russia has failed in its objectives. He plans to continue visiting Ukraine to assess conditions firsthand, signaling his ongoing commitment to the country.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russia exploited de-escalation steps proposed by the United States, viewing them as a tactical pause to amass missiles and drones for a substantial winter offensive. While Russia officially ceased strikes on energy infrastructure, it continued attacks on railways and other critical facilities, contradicting the spirit of the agreement. This pause, according to Zelensky, was not for reducing tensions but for intensifying preparations for a larger-scale strike, resulting in a significantly larger attack package deployed during the coldest days.
It’s quite an interesting, if grim, way to approach peace talks, isn’t it? Russia has launched a record-breaking barrage, deploying approximately 450 drones and 70 missiles, specifically targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, all seemingly just as peace discussions are on the horizon. This isn’t the first time we’ve seen these surges in aggression coinciding with diplomatic efforts, and it begs the question of what exactly Russia hopes to achieve with such a dramatic display of force.
The pattern here is concerning; these aren’t brief energy “truces” that offer genuine respite. Instead, it appears Russia uses any perceived lull or diplomatic overture as a strategic advantage, a chance to re-arm and prepare for larger, more devastating strikes like this recent one.… Continue reading
U.S. President Donald Trump stated on February 3, 2026, that Russian President Vladimir Putin had honored his commitment to a temporary truce concerning strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. This pause, intended to last for one week, concluded as Russia launched a significant overnight assault on Ukraine’s power plants, deploying numerous missiles and drones amidst a severe cold snap. This extensive attack coincided with upcoming peace talks in Abu Dhabi, where Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky indicated the necessity of adjusting negotiation strategies due to Russia’s perceived disregard for diplomacy.
Estonia’s Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna has warned that Russia, under Vladimir Putin, is preparing to deploy hundreds of thousands of former soldiers to Europe following a potential ceasefire in Ukraine, aiming to destabilize the continent through hybrid warfare. To counter this imminent security risk, Tsahkna has proposed a blanket ban on Russian soldiers who fought in Ukraine from entering the European Union’s Schengen free-travel zone, a proposal extended to the UK for enhanced collaboration. This initiative stems from concerns that these combatants, including former prisoners and individuals with histories of violence, will be weaponized by Russia for malicious purposes against European societies.
A Russian drone strike on a bus in the southeastern city of Dnipro resulted in the deaths of at least 12 people, and injured several others. The attack, which targeted mineworkers, caused a fire that was later extinguished by firefighters. This incident occurred amidst reports of a “massive terrorist attack” by Russian forces on a company mine in the region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed trilateral talks between Ukraine, the US, and Russia would proceed in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.
SpaceX’s initial efforts to prevent Russia from utilizing Starlink for drone control in Ukraine are yielding “real results,” according to Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. The company is disabling unverified terminals, with the goal of ensuring only authorized terminals operate within Ukraine. Ukraine is working closely with SpaceX on further steps to enhance security, while acknowledging the importance of Starlink for its military communications. Although SpaceX has stated it does not sell or supply Starlink terminals to Russia, Ukraine has relied heavily on Starlink since the beginning of the full-scale invasion.
Elon Musk, responding to a post by Ukraine’s Minister of Defense, Mykhailo Fedorov, confirmed that measures have been taken to halt the unauthorized use of Starlink satellite internet by Russian forces. Fedorov acknowledged that these initial actions are showing positive results and that Ukraine is actively collaborating with SpaceX on further steps. This follows reports that Russian forces have been utilizing Starlink for drone strikes, prompting Ukraine to request intervention from SpaceX. Notably, Starlink service has faced interruptions along the front lines in recent months.
Following an illegal border crossing by Russian border guards, Estonia is considering a full closure of its eastern border as a potential response, though no immediate security threat necessitates such action. Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna stated that while a border closure remains an option for applying pressure, the government is still deliberating on specific countermeasures. Estonia has already filed a formal protest and increased surveillance in response to the incident, which Russia denies. Additionally, Estonia has tightened border rules for Russian diplomats and their families, aligning with EU sanctions.
Russia threatens Ukraine to use “retaliation weapons” next week, hinting on Nazi V-1, V-2 bombs that bombed London, which begs the immediate question: why even make such threats, especially when they’re already dropping bombs and missiles on Ukrainian civilian structures? It feels like a twisted irony, especially considering the “denazification” narrative Russia pushes. It’s hard to reconcile that with fielding neo-Nazi mercenary groups and threatening to repeat the actions of the Nazis. Are they planning to bomb more playgrounds and hospitals? This talk of V-1 and V-2 bombs from the Nazi era suggests they may be running out of effective options, a sign of weakness in their military capabilities.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood