From January 8th to 31st, Belarusian territorial defense forces, reservists, and military reserves will participate in military exercises in the Gomel district. These exercises, led by the Gomel district executive committee, will focus on personnel management and logistical support utilizing local mobilization resources. The training will involve collaboration with Belarusian Armed Forces engineering units, preparing conscripts for potential operational tasks. Notably, Gomel’s proximity to Ukraine’s Chernihiv Oblast highlights the strategic significance of these drills. This follows previous Belarusian military exercises near Poland and Lithuania, and participation in Russian nuclear weapons drills.
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During a recent interview, President Zelensky revealed that Belarusian President Lukashenko called to apologize for missile launches from Belarusian territory, claiming that Russian President Putin was responsible. Lukashenko reportedly stated, “It’s not me, it’s Putin,” according to Zelensky. Zelensky expressed frustration with the international community’s inability to hold Lukashenko accountable for his actions. He firmly stated that forgiveness for Russia’s actions is impossible.
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On January 5th, 2025, over 160 prominent Ukrainian figures released an open appeal, “Do Not Appease Evil,” to global leaders. The appeal argues that Russia’s war aims extend beyond territorial gains, seeking to dismantle the existing world order. It warns against a negotiated peace that cedes Ukrainian territory, asserting this would embolden aggressors and destabilize global security. Conversely, a decisive defeat of Russia’s aggression is presented as crucial for restoring global stability and averting wider conflict.
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Zelenskyy asserts that Putin is unresponsive to dialogue, likening him to a destructive force rather than a rational actor. He contrasts Putin’s focus on violence with figures like Elon Musk, emphasizing the futility of attempting appeasement. Instead, Zelenskyy advocates for a position of strength, arguing that only demonstrable power can influence Putin’s actions and achieve peace. This approach, he suggests, aligns with the principle of “peace through strength,” rejecting attempts to engage with Putin on a subjective or personal level.
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Russia’s recent attacks on Ukraine utilized over 630 drones, guided bombs, and missiles containing more than 50,000 foreign-made components. These attacks resulted in significant infrastructure damage and civilian casualties. President Zelensky highlighted the inadequacy of current sanctions in preventing Russia’s acquisition of these components, emphasizing the need for stronger sanctions and increased support for Ukraine’s air defenses. He specifically called for bolstering Ukraine’s long-range capabilities. The attacks demonstrate Russia’s continued reliance on global supply chains for weapons production.
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Intense fighting continues across the Ukrainian front, particularly near Pokrovsk. In recent battles near Makhnovka, Kursk Oblast, Ukrainian forces inflicted significant losses on the Russian army. These losses included up to a full battalion of infantry, comprised of both Russian paratroopers and North Korean soldiers. Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi confirmed this substantial defeat to President Zelenskyy. The report highlights the heavy toll the conflict is taking on Russian forces.
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Zelenskiy’s recent report of significant losses suffered by both Russian and North Korean troops in the Kursk region deserves careful consideration. The claim of heavy North Korean casualties, specifically highlighting a lack of protection from their Russian counterparts and desperate measures taken by North Korean soldiers to avoid capture, paints a grim picture. This suggests a potential breakdown in coordination and morale among the allied forces.
The assertion that North Korean soldiers are facing execution for surrendering further underscores the high-stakes environment and the brutal realities these soldiers are enduring. This also points to a possible strategy employed by North Korea to ensure unwavering obedience, further emphasizing the gravity of the situation.… Continue reading
In 2024, Ukrainian forces lost over 3,600 sq km of territory, significantly exceeding the 540 sq km lost in 2023. The most substantial losses occurred in Donetsk and Kharkiv oblasts, with daily losses exceeding 20 sq km in November. Russian gains included significant advances in the Velyka Novosilka-Ocheretyne and Lyman-Kupiansk areas, as well as territory in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia oblasts. Despite some Ukrainian territorial gains elsewhere, including a brief incursion into Kursk Oblast, Militarnyi forecasts continued Russian pressure along multiple fronts.
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Intense fighting continued across multiple fronts in Ukraine, with 138 combat clashes reported in a single day. Russian forces launched 89 assaults primarily focused on the Pokrovsk, Kurakhove, and Vremivka fronts, while also engaging in 10 battles within Russia’s Kursk Oblast. Ukrainian forces successfully repelled numerous attacks across various sectors, inflicting significant losses on Russian personnel and equipment. The ongoing conflict remains highly active and concentrated along the eastern and southern fronts.
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A Russian drone strike on Kyiv on January 1, 2024, tragically killed prominent neurobiologist Ihor Zyma and his wife, biologist Olesia Sokur, both affiliated with Taras Shevchenko National University. The attack, which also resulted in injuries and further civilian deaths in other regions, underscores the devastating impact of the ongoing conflict. Ukrainian authorities reported numerous casualties across the country following a barrage of Russian drone attacks. The deaths of Zyma and Sokur represent a significant loss to the Ukrainian scientific community.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood