Newly appointed Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov reported that approximately two million Ukrainians are evading mobilization and 200,000 soldiers are absent without leave, highlighting critical manpower shortages. Fedorov emphasized the need for army reforms, including addressing bureaucracy and outdated command structures, to improve efficiency and foster a culture of trust. These reforms aim to address the significant challenges facing Ukrainian forces, with many soldiers struggling due to exhaustion and the difficulties of navigating bureaucratic processes. Punishments for evading mobilization and going AWOL include imprisonment during wartime.
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Overnight on January 14, Russian forces launched a significant attack on infrastructure in Kryvyi Rih, impacting over 45,000 electricity subscribers and leaving over 700 buildings without heat. The attack prompted the city’s water utility pumps to switch to emergency generators, resulting in lower water pressure. Despite the challenges, emergency crews were able to restore power to all affected customers by 7:30 a.m. local time, and the city’s municipal services were quickly brought back online. This attack follows similar strikes on energy facilities across Ukraine, including in Kyiv, where thousands have been left without heat amidst a severe cold front.
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President Zelensky has stated that Ukraine has yet to receive new air defense systems from the United States, although missile deliveries for existing systems are gradually arriving. He emphasized the need for an accelerated supply of these resources and expressed gratitude to European partners, particularly Norway. Zelensky highlighted air defense as a critical priority, discussing the matter during meetings in December 2025 and at the recent Coalition of the Willing meeting in Paris. Furthermore, the Ukrainian delegation noted “concrete results” from the January 6th meeting in Paris, according to Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov.
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President Zelenskyy criticized certain EU leaders for attempting to reintegrate Vladimir Putin and justify his actions, expressing regret that some European politicians are siding with Moscow. He emphasized that these individuals are perceived as outsiders, contrasting them with the majority of Europeans who blame Russia for the war. Zelenskyy highlighted the daily atrocities committed by Russian forces and asserted that attempts to ignore these realities are unacceptable. In his address, he alluded to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, condemning any efforts to shield Putin from accountability.
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Ukraine’s counteroffensive turns Kupiansk into a symbol of defiance. It’s truly something, isn’t it? To see a city like Kupiansk, a place of such strategic importance, become a focal point in this ongoing conflict. It’s not just about the rail lines, the logistics, or the military maneuvers anymore. It’s about something far more profound: defiance.
The fact that Ukraine is still standing, still fighting, against all odds, is the most powerful symbol of defiance imaginable. Think about it: they’ve been publicly humiliated, seen aid come and go in fits and starts, been told to give up, and yet, they persevere. The world has watched as they’ve faced immense challenges, but Kupiansk embodies their resolve.… Continue reading
As of December 13, 2023, the General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces reported that Russia has suffered approximately 1,187,780 troop losses since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022, including 1,300 casualties in the last day. The report also detailed significant equipment losses, citing the destruction of thousands of tanks, armored vehicles, artillery systems, and other military assets. These figures underscore the considerable human and material costs Russia has incurred during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
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The Ukrainian General Staff reported that on December 5th, a drone strike on Russia’s Temryuk Seaport in Krasnodar Krai resulted in the destruction of 20 fuel tanks, representing 70% of the facility’s capacity, and ignited a significant fire. The Krasnodar Krai Operational Headquarters confirmed the damage to the port, particularly at the liquefied gas loading rack. In addition to the port attack, overnight on December 8th, Ukrainian forces targeted multiple sites within Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories, including ammunition and drone depots, as well as fuel depots and air defense systems, with damage assessments ongoing. These strikes are part of Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to disrupt Russian military logistics and supply lines.
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It seems we have another incident to add to the growing list of “interesting developments” at sea, involving vessels with links to Russia. This time, it’s an oil tanker carrying diesel that has suffered four external explosions near Dakar, Senegal. The ship’s manager, Besiktas Shipping, confirmed the event, stating that seawater entered the engine room of the “Mersin,” but thankfully, the crew is safe, and there’s been no reported pollution. This is particularly noteworthy because it marks the third such incident in just a few days, all involving ships that have been involved in the movement of Russian petroleum.
The previous incidents, occurring late last week, took place in the Black Sea and involved empty tankers.… Continue reading
Following the targeting of Russia’s largest oil firms, a US group, Dekleptocracy, has identified crucial, yet obscure, sanctions that could disrupt Russia’s war effort. These sanctions focus on chemicals used in mechanical lubricants and military-grade tires, areas where Russia lacks domestic production capabilities. Xinxiang Richful, a Chinese company, is a key supplier of lubricant additives and should be blocked. This action, along with targeting other suppliers, would create shortages.
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White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated the United States cannot indefinitely supply weapons to Ukraine. Leavitt explained that former President Trump has dedicated considerable effort to ending the war and seeks to stop the killings. Although no longer providing funding directly, the US continues to provide significant amounts of weapons through NATO. Leavitt emphasized that the president wants the war to end, reflecting the sentiment of a frustrated American society.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood