Overnight on January 21st, Ukrainian forces launched a series of attacks targeting key Russian infrastructure. These strikes included the Liskinskaya oil depot (hit for a second time in a week), the Smolensk Aviation Plant, and a Russian command post in Donetsk Oblast. The Russian Defense Ministry reported intercepting numerous drones, while Ukraine’s General Staff confirmed successful strikes, causing fires and explosions at targeted locations. These actions underscore Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to disrupt Russia’s war effort through long-range drone attacks.
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Russia’s rapid rearmament, exceeding initial predictions, is fueling concerns about a potential attack on NATO. This accelerated military buildup, however, presents a complex picture, raising questions about the feasibility and likelihood of such a drastic escalation.
The claim that Russia is rearming faster than anticipated, potentially for a NATO attack, rests largely on reports citing increased weapons production and the acquisition of additional supplies from countries like Iran and North Korea. While these actions undeniably bolster Russia’s military capabilities, it’s crucial to consider the context. Russia’s current struggle in Ukraine, characterized by significant losses of personnel and equipment, suggests a considerable strain on its resources.… Continue reading
Amidst intensified Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi announced Ukraine’s development of its own air defense system, leveraging existing Soviet-era expertise. This domestically produced system aims to rival the capabilities of U.S. Patriot defenses and counter the threat posed by Russia’s new Oreshnik missile. The initiative is driven by the limited availability of systems capable of intercepting the Oreshnik, motivating both domestic development and continued negotiations with allies for advanced technology. This development aligns with Ukraine’s planned record $35 billion investment in weapons production in 2025, partially supported by international partners like the U.K.
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In 2024 alone, Russia suffered over 150,000 military personnel killed, significantly exceeding losses from 2022 and 2023. Total Russian losses for 2024 surpassed 434,000, according to Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. This represents a dramatic increase in casualties compared to previous years of the conflict. Syrskyi emphasized that Russian losses vastly outnumber those of Ukraine.
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On January 19th, President Zelensky enacted new sanctions against eighteen pro-Russian politicians and propagandists, including Yuriy Boyko, Nestor Shufrych, and Yevhen Muraiev. This action, based on a National Security and Defense Council decision, targets individuals aiding Russia’s war effort through propaganda and subversive activities. The decree also initiates efforts to revoke state awards, such as the Hero of Ukraine title, from these figures. Notable among those sanctioned are individuals previously involved in pro-Russian parties and accused of treason or collaboration with Russian forces.
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In December 2024 alone, Russian forces deployed chemical weapons in 434 separate battlefield incidents, according to a January 18th report from Ukraine’s General Staff. This brings the total recorded instances since February 2023 to 5,389, including the use of prohibited munitions like K-51 and RG-VO. These actions constitute a systemic violation of warfare rules, resulting in over 2,000 Ukrainian soldier hospitalizations and three deaths from chemical poisoning. Ukraine responded to these attacks by assassinating the head of Russia’s chemical defense troops, Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov.
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The Biden administration secretly funneled $1.5 billion to Ukraine’s drone program in September 2024, a previously undisclosed effort to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities against Russia. This support included funding for drone manufacturing and facilitated collaborations between American and Ukrainian tech firms, significantly enhancing Ukrainian drone production and effectiveness. The initiative, accelerated in response to Russia’s extensive drone use and Ukraine’s 2023 counteroffensive setbacks, yielded over 200,000 domestically produced drones by year’s end. These drones, crucial in reconnaissance, combat, and naval operations, have demonstrably impacted the conflict, contributing to significant losses for the Russian military.
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Building on prior £12.8bn in aid and a yearly £3bn military commitment, the UK announced further support for Ukraine amidst a renewed Russian offensive. Russia’s recent advances in eastern Ukraine, particularly around Pokrovsk, Toretsk, and Chasiv Yar, mark their fastest territorial gains since the invasion began. This intensified conflict comes as the war enters its third year, with devastating human costs. The UK’s continued support includes supplying Storm Shadow missiles, and a new UK-Ukraine partnership agreement will soon be presented to Parliament.
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Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Vladimir Putin will finalize a comprehensive 20-year partnership agreement during a Moscow meeting on January 17th. The agreement, developed over several years through numerous negotiation rounds, encompasses 47 articles covering diverse sectors. Significantly, the pact emphasizes territorial integrity, a key concern for Iran given its own territorial disputes, but notably omits recognition of Russia’s annexation of Ukrainian territories. This strategic partnership aims to solidify bilateral relations for the next two decades.
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A nationwide air-raid alert was triggered across all Ukrainian regions on January 15th due to an imminent missile threat. The attack involved Kh-101 missiles launched from Tu-95MS bombers, Kalibr missiles fired from the Black Sea via Kherson Oblast, and Kinzhal missiles and ballistic weapons. Russian Tu-95MS bombers originating from the Olenya air base in Murmansk Oblast launched the initial barrage. This multi-pronged missile assault prompted the urgent alert.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood